United Kingdom · Region
Leicester
Leicester is a city where 2,000 years of history collide with modern multicultural life, its Roman ruins and medieval cathedral sitting alongside one of Britain's most diverse communities and largest Diwali celebrations outside India. It shot to global attention in 2012 when archaeologists discovered the remains of King Richard III beneath a city centre car park, a find now explored at the King Richard III Visitor Centre opposite the cathedral where he was reinterred in 2015.
Top-rated things to do in Leicester
Booking links are affiliate links — booking through them supports our free guides at no extra cost to you.
Where to stay in Leicester
Compare Leicester hotels and stays at the lowest price — deals, ratings, and real traveler reviews.
Search hotels in Leicester →Booking links are affiliate links — booking through them supports our free guides at no extra cost to you.
Plan your trip to Leicester
United Kingdom eSIM & staying connected →
Some links above are affiliate links — if you book through them, Wander Atlas earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. It's how we keep every guide free.
When to visit United Kingdom: month-by-month weather, crowds and holidays →
Frequently asked questions about Leicester
How do I get to Leicester?
Leicester has its own railway station with direct trains to and from London St Pancras in about 70 minutes, making rail the simplest way in from the capital or connecting cities. The nearest airport is East Midlands Airport (EMA), roughly 15 miles away; from there travellers typically take a taxi or road transfer, since the airport has no direct rail link into the city.
How many days should I spend in Leicester?
Two to three days is enough to cover Leicester's compact city centre highlights, including the Cathedral Quarter, the Richard III sites and the Golden Mile, with an extra day if you want to venture out to nearby Bosworth Battlefield.
What is Leicester known for?
Leicester is a city where 2,000 years of history collide with modern multicultural life, its Roman ruins and medieval cathedral sitting alongside one of Britain's most diverse communities and largest Diwali celebrations outside India. It shot to global attention in 2012 when archaeologists discovered the remains of King Richard III beneath a city centre car park, a find now explored at the King Richard III Visitor Centre opposite the cathedral where he was reinterred in 2015.