Things to Do in Leicester
Leicester is a lively, varied Midlands city with a compact centre, a river and canal running through it and a large South Asian community whose food and shops are a big part of the place.
A small, flat centre
Leicester's centre is small and mostly level, with pedestrian shopping streets, older lanes tucked between them and an old style covered market. Crossing it on foot is simple, and the railway station lies to the south east, a short walk from the middle. Allow an hour or two to take it all in at an easy pace.
Leicester's centre is small and mostly level, with pedestrian shopping streets, older lanes tucked between them and an old style covered market.
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Belgrave Road for food and colour
Belgrave Road, a short bus ride north of the centre, is where the city's South Asian shops and restaurants gather. Sari shops, sweet counters and jewellers line the street, and the smell of cooking carries a long way. Come hungry and come in daylight to see it at its busiest, and take your time rather than aiming for a fixed route.
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Somewhere to book a room or a table for the evening, in Leicester itself.
Real events in Leicester, from onthedoor.uk.
The river and the canal
The river and the canal run side by side through the western part of the city, with a flat towpath that is good for walking or cycling. Old warehouses and newer flats sit along the water, and you can follow it north or south until you want to turn back. It is calm, and there is nearly always somewhere to sit. Early evening is the calmest time on the water.
The river and the canal run side by side through the western part of the city, with a flat towpath that is good for walking or cycling.
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Museums and a wet afternoon
Museums and galleries of different sizes are close enough together to walk between in the central streets, and the covered shopping centres mean a downpour need not end the day. The city has plenty of cafes, so a break is never far off, and a couple of hours indoors still leaves time for an evening meal. It is worth checking opening arrangements before you set out.
Museums and galleries of different sizes are close enough together to walk between in the central streets, and the covered shopping centres mean a downpour need not end the day.
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Trains to other cities
Leicester is on a busy rail corridor, with direct trains to larger cities in the Midlands and to London. That makes it practical to combine the city with a visit somewhere else for the day, or to arrive from elsewhere without changing. Find the final train home first, then decide how late to stay.
Leicester is on a busy rail corridor, with direct trains to larger cities in the Midlands and to London.
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Buses, taxis and the age rule
Buses fan out from the centre to the neighbourhoods above, and taxis queue by the railway station and in the busy shopping streets. TheDirectory is built for adults, so readers need to have turned eighteen, and the listings reflect that. Visiting for a single day? A small bag and comfortable shoes will serve you better than a plan.
Buses fan out from the centre to the neighbourhoods above, and taxis queue by the railway station and in the busy shopping streets.
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Frequently asked questions
Food is the main draw, especially along Belgrave Road, where there is a long run of restaurants. The centre also has places to eat and drink, though it is a smaller scene than a big city.
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