- The King Richard III Visitor Centre tells the incredible story of the king under the car park.
- The National Space Centre is huge—great for kids and space nerds.
- The Golden Mile (Belgrave Road) has the best Indian food and jewelry shops in the UK.
- Leicester Cathedral is where the King was reburied.
- It has Roman ruins (Jewry Wall) right in the center.
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When to go: Diwali or Summer
Diwali (October/November) in Leicester is the biggest celebration outside India. The lights on the Golden Mile are spectacular.
Summer is good for parks and the Space Centre. The Comedy Festival in February is also big.
- Diwali: Huge festival.
- Summer: Outdoor exploring.
- February: Comedy.
Getting there: Train
East Midlands Airport (EMA) is nearby (30 mins bus). But trains from London St Pancras (1 hour) are the most common way to arrive.
The station is a short walk from the center.
- Train: Fast from London.
- Bus (Skylink): From EMA airport.
- Car: M1 motorway access.
Where to stay: City Centre
Stay in the City Centre to be close to the King Richard III centre and shops.
St. Martin's Square area is nice with independent restaurants.
- City Centre: Convenient.
- St. Martin's: Historic vibe.
- Belgrave: For curry lovers.
What to see: A King and Space
Visit the King Richard III Visitor Centre and his tomb in the Cathedral. It's a modern, fascinating exhibit.
Take a bus/drive to the National Space Centre (look for the giant rocket tower). Visit the Jewry Wall Museum for Roman history.
- Richard III: The main draw.
- Space Centre: Rockets and planetarium.
- Jewry Wall: Roman ruins.
- Bradgate Park: Deer park nearby.
Food: Curry and Cheese
You must have a curry. Go to Belgrave Road (Golden Mile) or London Road. Bobby's is famous for vegetarian Gujarati food.
Red Leicester cheese and Melton Mowbray pork pies are local delicacies (from the county).
- Curry: World-class.
- Red Leicester: The cheese.
- Pork Pie: The snack.
- Market: Fresh produce.
Getting around: Walk and Bus
The center is walkable. You need a bus or car to get to the Space Centre or the Golden Mile.
Leicester has a good park-and-ride system.
- Walk: Historic core.
- Bus: To Space Centre.
- Car: Good for county trips.
Budget: Affordable
Leicester is very affordable. Food is cheap and high quality. Museums are reasonably priced.
Accommodation is cheaper than Birmingham or London.
- Food: Excellent value.
- Hotels: Good rates.
- Sights: Moderate.
1-2 Days in Leicester
Day 1: The King. Richard III Visitor Centre and Cathedral. Lunch in St Martin's Square. Visit the Guildhall. Dinner: Curry on London Road.
Day 2: Space and Spice. Morning at the National Space Centre. Afternoon shopping on the Golden Mile (saris and sweets). Walk in Bradgate Park if sunny.
- Day 1: Medieval mystery.
- Day 2: Science and culture.
- Evening: Diwali lights (in season).
FAQ
Was he really under a car park?
Yes. A council car park. The letter 'R' was painted on the tarmac (for 'Reserved'), coincidentally marking the spot.
Is the Space Centre just for kids?
No, it's great for adults too. It has real rockets and a massive planetarium.
Is it diverse?
Yes, it's one of the most diverse cities in Europe. The Diwali celebrations are legendary.