About Leicester
With a history going back at least two millennia, Leicester is a city rich in diversity and culture, which you can explore while staying in a Best Western hotel.
As one of the most diverse cities in the UK, people of all backgrounds and lifestyles have made Leicester the vibrant and welcoming place it is today. Visit the Golden Mile to witness the huge marketplace of Indian food, fashion, and spices on Belgrave Road, or uncover the city’s history by touring museums and ancient buildings.
If you’re a football fan, you’ll probably want to stop by the King Power Stadium, or if you just want to enjoy some good food with a fun atmosphere, there’s plenty of places for you to visit. Whatever you want to do, Leicester has you covered.
Things to do in Leicester
Things to do in Leicester
There’s plenty for you to do in this busy city if you’re with family, friends, or even travelling by yourself.
An out of world experience at the National Space Centre
Journey through the solar system, come face to face with astronauts, and explore the universe like never before at the National Space Centre. As the UK’s largest planetarium, with an iconic 42m high Rocket Tower, the award-winning National Space Centre is one of the top attractions in Leicester and is a perfect day out for you and your family (but just remember you must book in advance).
Take a walk in Abbey Park
Escape the city centre and take some time to enjoy nature with a walk in Abbey Park. Sit by the River Soar and have a picnic if the weather allows, or just enjoy a stroll through the park. Walk the western side of the river to see the fascinating Abbey Grounds with the remains of the 12th century Leicester Abbey, and the ruins of Cavendish House, a 17th century mansion.
Tour King Power Stadium
Do you remember the history-making moment when Leicester won the 2015–16 Premier League? For football fans, the answer is most likely yes. If you enjoy your sports, or if you want to learn more about Leicester’s culture, book a tour of the King Power Stadium, the home of Leicester City Football Club. Make your way down the tunnel, walk pitch side, and see some impressive club memorabilia.Eating and drinking in Leicester
Eating and drinking in Leicester
Taste the variety of cultures in Leicester through some delicious food and drink.
Cosy Club
If your weekend plans include brunch or drinks in the evening, Leicester Cosy Club is the place to be. This restaurant bar is set in a former knitwear factory from the 1800s and the original industrial feel of the site has been retained, making it a place like no other. Order yourself a raspberry & vanilla martini, a no booze cherry Bakewell mocktail, and for food, why not try the crispy duck salad or the 28-day aged 10oz ribeye steak?
Veeno Leicester
Stop by Veeno, an Italian wine bar and restaurant, and enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting or book yourself and your loved ones in for an Italian afternoon tea. Enjoy tasty and authentic sharing boards of meats, cheeses and other appetisers imported from Italian producers, or, if you want some warm, hearty food, you can never go wrong with pasta and pizza.
Satisfy your sweet tooth at Heavenly Desserts
If you’re someone who loves desserts, you have to pop into Heavenly Desserts and indulge in a range of luxury treats. Order the signature milk cake, a tiramisu tarte, a caramel chocolate brownie or all three if you want (we won’t judge!). There’s also a vegan and gluten-free menu available – all you need to do is ask a member of the team.
Shopping in Leicester
Shopping in Leicester
Want to treat yourself or a loved one? Leicester’s modern shopping centre and its independent shops can help you out.
Highcross Leicester
Spend a day at Highcross shopping centre in the heart of Leicester – home to over 80 shops. Buy some new outfits in Zara, get your hands on the latest tech in the Apple store, and grab a bite to eat after a long day of shopping in one of many restaurants, including Wagamama, Bill’s, and Yo! Sushi.
Life on Leicester’s Lanes
Get your hands on some one-off pieces by shopping in the impressive independent shops on Leicester’s Lanes. Spend an afternoon walking the cobbled streets like a local, stop by Jellyrolls Luxury Ladieswear to get unique pieces of jewellery, or buy some tasty handmade chocolate treats from Cocoa Amore.
Culture and history in Leicester
Culture and history in Leicester
Uncover the history of one of the oldest cities in England.
King Richard III Visitor Centre
In 1485, King Richard III was killed at the Battle of Bosworth, and in August 2012, Leicester City Council, the University of Leicester, and the Richard III Society came together to uncover his remains. Today, at the King Richard III Visitor Centre – which stands at the site where the king’s remains were buried over 500 years ago – you can learn more about one of the greatest archaeological detective stories ever told.
Newarke Houses Museum & Gardens
Discover what life was like in the Tudor times by visiting two of Leicester’s historic houses – Wygston's Chantry House and Skeffington House. These houses, which were built around 1511, are home to many historical objects in the museum. See what a 1950s street scene looked like with its shops and pubs, find out more about the toys children used to play with in the past, and put yourself in the shoes of past soldiers at a recreation of a First World War trench.
Explore 600-year history at Leicester Guildhall
Are you brave enough to enter one of the most haunted places in Leicester? Leicester Guildhall is a historic building from the year 1390 and has been used as a court, town hall, venue for Shakespeare, a prison, and now a museum. Tour the timber-framed hall and transport yourself back in time.