Explore the heritage of Leicester and Leicestershire
In the west of Leicestershire, visit the Battle of Bosworth Heritage Centre, and find out all about the battle that claimed the life of King Richard III. Battle re-enactments and other historic events regularly take place here.
The county boasts many splendid stately homes including the majestic Belvoir Castle and the unique Calke Abbey. Medieval jousting festivals are often held at Belvoir, and also at Rockingham Castle near Market Harborough.
Leicestershire is also home to Foxton Locks, a remarkable piece of Victorian engineering, where you can walk along the inclined plane of locks, enjoy a family day of orienteering or hire a narrowboat and enjoy the scenery from the water.
Top ten heritage sites to visit in Leicester and Leicestershire
Bosworth Battlefield
Heritage Centre
Bradgate Park
Richard III Visitor Centre
Ashby de la Zouch Castle
Foxton Locks
Rockingham Castle
Belvoir Castle
Great Central Railway
Abbey Park
Stoneywell Cottage
Explore heritage sites in Leicester and Leicestershire
Coalville
The 1620s House and Gardens at Donington le Heath – formally Donington le Heath Manor House, has undergone a stunning refurbishment in order to tell the story of its former owners and residents.
Melton Mowbray
Belvoir Brewery was established in 1995 and has been growing and expanding as a company ever since.
Melton Mowbray
Enjoy a visit to Belvoir Castle where you can find out about the fascinating history of this Regency period castle and its picturesque gardens.
Leicester
Enjoy peace and tranquility in the magical surroundings of this medieval deer park, the childhood home of Nine Day Queen Lady Jane Grey. Take along a picnic or buy a cup of tea or lunch at one of our two tearooms.
Castle Donington
The lock-up was once a common site in English towns and villages where wrongdoers and drunkards could be detained until the authorities could deal with them.
Loughborough
Charnwood Museum is situated in the beautiful Victorian surroundings of Queen's Park in Loughborough. The museum is open all year round, with free admission, both temporary and permanent exhibitions.
Lutterworth
Cotesbach Educational Trust is a registered charity centred around a unique Marriott family Archive, full to bursting with 400 years of maps, deeds, receipts, letters and diaries.
Market Harborough
Foxton Locks is a series of 10 locks on the Grand Union Canal. There is lots to explore including watching the boats, visiting the museum and eating in one of the pubs on site.
Walks and tours
Take a guided walk to explore more of our city and county. Explore more about King Richard III and the sites that can tell a part of his story.
Experienced guides organise walks throughout the year across the destination.
Themed heritage trails
- Wings, wheels and waterways
- Industrial heritage
- Fashion heritage
- Castles and battles
- Melton town heritage trail
- Great Central Railway corridor
- Leicestershire churches
See all heritage trails
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