Leicester

Leicester - cosmopolitan and cultured

Cosmopolitan and cultured, historic but futuristic, buzzing yet relaxed. Unusual shops, fine restaurants, a vibrant nightlife and a strong cultural diversity have all contributed to Leicester's recent style revolution.

A great city break

Leicester is everything you would expect from a truly multicultural metropolis - vibrant, thriving and ultra cosmopolitan. From the heart of the regenerated city centre with its new world-class theatre, fine restaurants and superb new £350 million Highcross Leicester retail development, to award-winning family attractions like the out-of-this world National Space Centre and ancient Roman ruins at the Jewry Wall Museum, Leicester is a diverse melting pot of new, old, fun and bold!   

Culture & heritage

The city has many fine buildings to discover, ranging from the New Walk Museum and Art Gallery - home to a fine collection of German Expressionist art, through to the ancient Roman ruins at the Jewry Wall Museum, one of the largest pieces of Roman architecture in Britain. A visit to the Castle Park area of the city is also a must. Here you can explore the beautiful buildings, churches and gateways of old Leicester and of course the haunted medieval Guildhall and St. Mary de Castro church where Geoffrey Chaucer was married.  

Attractions

The city’s impressive multi-million pound Curve theatre (www.curveonline.co.uk) finally opened its doors in November 2008. Described as ‘Europe’s most exciting cultural project’, the ground-breaking theatre runs a year-round calendar of exciting productions.  

For inspiration of a different kind, pay a visit to the awe-inspiring National Space Centre. With interactive challenges and the most advanced space theatre in the world, you’re guaranteed to be taken where you’ve never been before. For animal lovers, a visit to Twycross Zoo in nearby Atherstone is a must. Or keep the kids’ minds engaged throughout the summer months at spectacular annual family events like The Spark children’s arts festival taking place in May/June.

Food and drink

The choice of places to eat in Leicester includes stylish, contemporary restaurants with modern interiors and imaginative menus, such as the exceptionally chic Maiyango and The Quarter restaurants in the city centre.     

Officially the Curry Capital of Britain, Leicester is the home to some of the best Asian curry houses in Britain, mainly along the famous Belgrave Road, also known as ‘The Golden Mile’.  Notable Indian cuisine restaurants include Feast India restaurant which features six open theatre kitchen or, for a good old fashioned tandoori, head for The Curry House located in the city centre.

Shopping

The spectacular £350 million Highcross Leicester (www.highcrossleicester.com) shopping mall is the new home to 120 fabulous shops including Ghost, Apple and the second largest John Lewis store in the county. Or, for something a little more unique, head for Leicester’s oh-so-chic Leicester Lanes for a quirky cluster of independent shops. 

Leicester also happens to have the best Indian shopping experience this side of the Punjab. Known locally as ‘The Golden Mile’, the area north of the city is the home to fabulous saree and silk boutiques, glitzy jewellery shops and sweet marts selling exceedingly good Indian treats. 

Sport

Leicester and Leicestershire are also home to some of the country's best sports teams and venues, including the word-famous Leicester Tigers, Leicestershire County Cricket Club and Leicester City Football Club, based at the famous Walkers Stadium. You can also watch motor sports at the superb Donington Park, soon to be the new home of the British Grand Prix.

Music & nightlife

End your day in style with Leicester’s renowned evening entertainment. You can watch live shows at the city’s new Curve theatre (www.curveonline.co.uk) or at De Montfort Hall, laugh your socks off at Jongleurs comedy club or savour a cocktail (or two) at one of the city’s many stylish bars. Leicester is also the home to a fantastic array of music venues, from legendary rock gigs at The Charlotte – where bands such as Oasis and Stone Roses have played, to touring musicals, opera and orchestral music at De Montfort Hall. Festival fanatics should go to the city during the summer months for Leicester’s two hugely popular outdoor music festivals, Summer Sundae and the Big Session.          

Buy before you fly

There are many things to see and do in Leicester, so don’t waste you time in queues – buy your travel and attraction tickets online! For more great offers, go to VisitBritain Direct.com (www.visitbritaindirect.com).