Leicester City Centre blends medieval history with vibrant cultural diversity. Explore centuries-old landmarks like Leicester Cathedral and the King Richard III Visitor Centre alongside the 700-year-old Leicester Market. Wander through narrow cobbled lanes connecting Tudor timber-framed buildings and Georgian architecture. The neighborhood's multicultural heart beats through its exceptional South Asian restaurants and colourful market stalls. Pedestrian-friendly streets make exploring easy while historic pubs offer traditional British hospitality. Visit the Curve Theatre or browse Highcross Shopping Centre for a taste of local life.
Leicester's Cultural Quarter blends historic Victorian architecture with vibrant artistic energy. Red-brick textile factories now house the stunning Curve Theatre, Phoenix Cinema, and numerous art galleries. Cobblestone courtyards buzz with creative conversations from café terraces and performance venues. The area sits just minutes from Leicester railway station. Visitors can easily explore the beautifully restored industrial buildings housing boutique shops and exhibition spaces. Evening entertainment options abound with theatres, wine bars, and restaurants creating a lively yet sophisticated atmosphere.
Experience Leicester's vibrant Belgrave district, known as the Golden Mile. This cultural enclave offers authentic Indian restaurants, jewellery shops, and colourful sari stores along bustling Belgrave Road. Hindu temples like Shree Sanatan Mandir feature intricate carved spires that punctuate the skyline. Beyond shopping and dining, visitors can explore nearby attractions including Abbey Pumping Station and the National Space Centre. The area maintains its residential charm with red-brick Victorian terraces. During Diwali celebrations, the area transforms with spectacular lights and festivities that showcase its rich South Asian heritage.
Glenfield offers a peaceful retreat from Leicester's urban buzz in this authentic British suburb. Tree-lined streets wind through quiet areas of brick homes with tidy gardens. Travellers seeking a budget-friendly base will appreciate the slower pace and genuine local experience. Just minutes from Leicester by bus, Glenfield provides easy access to city attractions while maintaining its residential charm. The nearby Groby Pool nature reserve and Parish Council Recreation Ground offer green spaces for pleasant walks. Local pubs serve traditional fare for travellers wanting to experience everyday British suburban life.
Earl Shilton offers a genuine slice of English market town life just outside Leicester. Historic buildings like St. Simon and St. Jude Church stand alongside Victorian-era boot factories, creating a charming small-town atmosphere. The compact high street features traditional shopfronts and a market square where locals gather. Traditional pubs serve hearty comfort food while tree-lined residential streets provide peaceful walking routes. The surrounding countryside is easily accessible for day trips. With its welcoming locals and authentic character, Earl Shilton provides visitors a refreshing break from urban bustle.
Discover the most popular places to visit in Leicester
National Space Centre
8.8/10 (147 reviews)
The UK's largest space attraction offers six interactive galleries and a 42-metre Rocket Tower. Explore real space artefacts in the Planetarium or get up close with historic rockets in this cosmic journey.
Curve Theatre
8.8/10 (63 reviews)
Curve Theatre's innovative open design lets you glimpse the magic of theatre-making while enjoying diverse performances. Book ahead for the best seats to acclaimed musicals, plays, and dance in this architectural marvel.
Leicester Cathedral
8.6/10 (154 reviews)
This 900-year-old cathedral became King Richard III's final resting place after his 2012 discovery. Marvel at the Gothic architecture, stained glass, and the solemn royal tomb in peaceful surroundings.
University of Leicester
9.0/10 (138 reviews)
The University of Leicester gained worldwide fame for discovering King Richard III's remains in 2012. Explore the Attenborough Arts Centre's exhibitions and the iconic Engineering Building during your campus visit.
Mallory Park
7.8/10 (8 reviews)
This historic motorsport venue offers an intimate racing experience with its compact 1.35-mile track. Enjoy unparalleled views from the natural amphitheatre setting where you can see the entire circuit's action.
De Montford Hall
9.2/10 (56 reviews)
This historic entertainment venue hosts diverse performances with exceptional acoustics in Leicester. Experience world-class concerts, comedy, or opera while enjoying the beautiful surrounding gardens before your show.
King Power Stadium
8.8/10 (71 reviews)
Home to Leicester City's historic Premier League title win, King Power Stadium offers a spine-tingling matchday experience. Stadium tours reveal the players' tunnel and pitchside areas where football history was made.
Highcross Shopping Centre
8.4/10 (304 reviews)
This premier shopping destination offers over 100 stores including John Lewis, Apple, and Zara. Explore the modern complex with its mix of covered malls and open-air spaces, plus a luxury cinema.
"Parking can be difficult and CCTV in operation. Staff could have been better, kept being locked out of our room. Unfortunately 1 breakfast was poor no eggs and mushrooms not cooked. Not sure if we shall return "
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
You'll find cheap prices on Expedia for your Leicester escape. However, factors like the length of stay, the season and your choice of hotel will influence how much your holiday to Leicester costs.
What are the cheapest months to go to Leicester?
March, November and December are great times to search for cheap Leicester holiday packages. Choosing to travel in less busy periods means you can usually find reduced prices on accommodation and flights.
How many days is enough for Leicester?
With around 2 days, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy popular neighbourhoods such as Leicester City Centre and Braunstone Town during your Leicester holiday. Remember to also add New Walk Museum and Belvoir Castle to your must-do list. Searching for more adventures? Consider exploring outside of Leicester on tours and day trips.
Is it worth booking a holiday package to Leicester?
Popular for its nature, views and walking trails, a Leicester holiday offers something for everyone. Be sure to check out key sights like National Space Centre and Victoria Park, and consider renting some wheels for day trips to experience even more.
How to find the best Leicester package deals?
Bagging a cheap Leicester package deal is easy with Expedia. After you've entered your preferred dates and destination under our "Packages" tab, set your budget range, add a couple of filters and browse what's available. You can tweak your search by "Area," "Amenities," "Property type" and more. Sort the results by "Price: low to high" to view the most affordable Leicester package deals. Want a simple trick to score the biggest savings? Have some flexibility with your departure dates and consider travelling on a weekday, when prices are often lower.
Is it cheaper to book a Leicester holiday as a package?
An Expedia holiday package could land you significant savings when compared to booking accommodation and flights separately. Better still, you can customise your Leicester getaway to fit your exact needs. Choose your preferred flight time, select the hotel type and add a rental car. Browse our great deals to see how much you can save.
When to book a holiday package to Leicester?
If you're planning a spontaneous Leicester getaway, browse our last-minute deals that can be booked up to one week before you take off. Prefer not to wait until the last minute? You can score sensational deals on your flights and hotels by booking ahead.
How to plan a trip to Leicester?
Choose your travel dates: What you plan to do in Leicester and your preferred season will help you decide when to travel.
Figure out your budget: Make sure you have enough money to cover everything from meals and transportation to experiences and flights. Your hotel will probably be the largest expense during your trip to Leicester.
Decide how long to go for: Now that you're more familiar with Leicester, you can work out the right length of your holiday. Pull together a draft itinerary and allocate enough time to cover everything you want to see.
Bundle your flights and hotel: Awesome destination, check. Length of stay, check. All that's left now is to find a Leicester holiday package that brings all your bookings together.
Discover Leicester Market, a vibrant hub for local produce and unique souvenirs, perfect for an authentic shopping experience. If you're up for a drive, Sweet Memory Lane offers delightful gifts, located 25.7km away. For a more extensive shopping trip, visit Highcross Shopping Centre, featuring a variety of shops and entertainment in Leicester.
Recreation
Curve Theatre offers a captivating cultural experience with its diverse performances, perfect for entertainment seekers. For tranquility, Bradgate Park, just 8.0km from Leicester, provides stunning landscapes and a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for relaxation. Bosworth Water Trust, located 20.9km away, invites you to unwind by its serene waters.
Adventure
Explore the Wistow Maize Maze, a fun-filled family adventure where you weave through towering corn stalks, testing your navigation skills. Experience the thrill of speed at Mallory Park, a motor racing venue that promises adrenaline-pumping excitement. For karting enthusiasts, the Stretton Circuit offers a thrilling track for all ages.
Nightlife
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Leicester with a visit to Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem or The Hemlock Stone, both offering a romantic pub atmosphere and lively entertainment vibes. For something different, enjoy a fun night at Tenpin, perfect for bowling and socialising.
Find the best attractions in and around Leicester
Leicester is an excellent destination for families seeking outdoor and entertainment-themed holidays. Visitors can explore a variety of attractions, including historic colleges, museums, and conference venues, all offering a rich cultural experience. Whether you're interested in history or outdoor adventures, Leicester has something to cater to every traveler's interests, making it a perfect spot for a memorable vacation.
National Space Centre: Experience the wonders of space at the National Space Centre, where interactive exhibits and a stunning planetarium ignite curiosity and inspire all ages. This family-friendly attraction offers an entertaining journey through the cosmos, making it a captivating destination for space enthusiasts.
Athena Conference Centre: The Athena Conference Centre is a premier venue that blends modern amenities with a sophisticated atmosphere, ideal for business events and conferences. Its elegant design and versatile spaces create a professional environment, ensuring successful gatherings and networking opportunities.
Loughborough University: A short trip from Leicester, Loughborough University boasts a rich history and vibrant campus culture. With stunning architecture and beautiful green spaces, it's a perfect spot for leisurely strolls and soaking in the academic atmosphere while exploring its diverse offerings.
Best time to go to Leicester
The best time to visit Leicester can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Leicester falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Leicester falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.
Tips to save on your trip to Leicester
Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to Leicester.
Consider traveling during the off-peak season (typically January to February and August) for more affordable package holidays to Leicester.
Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.
* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.