Leicester

Home to the remarkable Richard III discovery and the stunning Leicester Cathedral, this city blends Roman heritage with modern culture. The vibrant multicultural character makes it ideal for exploring diverse cuisine, museums, and the historic Jewry Wall.

Things to do

• Leicester Cathedral — Visit the stunning medieval cathedral where Richard III was reinterred in 2015, featuring intricate Gothic architecture and a fascinating visitor centre documenting the king's discovery.
• Richard III Visitor Centre — Explore the interactive museum dedicated to the discovery of Richard III's remains beneath a medieval car park, with engaging exhibits about Tudor history and forensic archaeology.
• Jewry Wall — Examine the impressive 2nd-century Roman wall standing nearly 30 feet high, one of the tallest surviving Roman structures in Britain and a testament to Leicester's ancient heritage.
• Leicester Museum & Art Gallery — Discover extensive collections spanning ancient Egyptian mummies, medieval artifacts, and contemporary art housed in a Victorian building in the city's cultural quarter.
• National Space Centre — Experience interactive space exhibits and the UK's largest planetarium, making it an engaging attraction for understanding Britain's role in space exploration.
• High Cross Leicester — Walk through the restored historic market square where the High Cross stands as the symbolic heart of Leicester's medieval town centre.
• Belgrave Road — Stroll down the vibrant 'Golden Mile' lined with colourful sari shops, jewellers, and temples representing Leicester's thriving Indian and South Asian community.

Food to try

• Balti curry — Savour Leicester's signature curry dish, a thick, spiced meat and vegetable curry served sizzling in a steel bowl, which originated in the city's Bangladeshi restaurants.
• Samosas from Belgrave Road — Taste crispy fried pastries filled with spiced potatoes and peas from specialist sweet shops along the Golden Mile, best enjoyed freshly made.
• Pork pie from Ye Olde Pork Pie Shoppe — Try the traditional British pork pie, a local specialty sold in Leicester's historic pie shops, with hot jelly-filled pastry crust encasing seasoned pork.
• Leicester curry house experience — Dine in one of the many authentic Bangladeshi and Indian restaurants clustered around Belgrave Road, where the balti was perfected in the 1970s.
• Indian sweets from traditional mithai shops — Indulge in barfi, laddu, and jalebis from specialist sweet shops on Belgrave Road, crafted using traditional recipes and vibrant colours.

Local customs & good to know

• Diwali celebrations — Experience one of Europe's largest Diwali festivals held annually in Leicester, with spectacular light displays, parades, and cultural performances across the city.
• Multicultural respect — Leicester is exceptionally diverse with thriving Hindu, Muslim, Christian, and Sikh communities; dress modestly when visiting religious sites and remove shoes where requested.
• Market day tradition — Visit the city centre on market days when the High Cross area fills with traditional stalls selling fresh produce and local goods, reflecting Leicester's historic trading heritage.
• Temple and place of worship etiquette — When visiting temples, mosques, or gurdwaras in Belgrave, ask permission before photographing, cover your head and shoulders, and remove footwear as a sign of respect.