DON'T MISS THE BUS

 Free travel for concessionary bus pass holders on popular Discover Leicester and Heart of the Forest open top bus sightseeing tours

This summer, people who hold concessionary travel passes will have the opportunity to travel on the popular Discover Leicester Tour and the Heart of the Forest Tour completely free-of-charge - saving up to £7 per trip. For the first time, national as well as local concessionary bus passes will be accepted on both tour routes.                

Complete with insightful on-board commentary, both tours take place on open-top sightseeing tour buses and take in the inspiring views and ever-changing surroundings of the city of Leicester, and the beautiful area of North West Leicestershire, visiting some of the areas' most iconic attractions along the way. The tours represent an ideal day out for both visitors to and residents wanting to explore the areas from a truly unique perspective.    

The Discover Leicester Tour 2008 will run from 12 July to 27 September. It is timed to coincide with the launch of the new £350 million Highcross Leicester shopping and leisure development on 4 September and will celebrate the completion of the first phase of major projects in the city's £3 billion regeneration programme. The tour, which is sponsored by the National Space Centre, Great Central Railway, Dominoes toys and the Highcross Leicester-supported One Rhythm Dance Festival, will visit Leicester's transformed areas, as well as the city's key attractions - such as New Walk Museum & Art Gallery, the Jewry Wall Museum, Belgrave Road, Belgrave Hall & Gardens, Great Central Railway, National Space Centre and Abbey Park.

The Heart of the Forest Tour will run every Saturday from 19 July to 30 August 2008, and will visit some of the area's most picturesque attractions including the award-winning Conkers, Sence Valley Forest Park, Moira Furnace , Donington-le-Heath Manor house and the brand new National Forest Youth Hostel. The tour is sponsored by Conkers, Leicestershire County Council Road Safety, The National Forest, The National Forest Youth Hostel, Donington-le-Heath Manor House, Moira Furnace and Snibston. Passengers can stay on board for a full tour, hop off at any of these attractions or enjoy a leisurely stroll in the growing National Forest, and hop back on a later bus.

Information and advance concessionary/non-concessionary tickets for both tours can be obtained by calling 0116 299 4444 or by visiting the Leicester Tourist Information Centre in Town Hall Square, or from the Ashby Tourist Information Centre in Ashby, North Street or calling 01530 411 767. Concessionary/non-concessionary tickets for both tours can also be obtained on-board the buses themselves on the day of travel although due to popular demand, this is not advised.

Note that the first Heart of the Forest Tour bus leaves Leicester in the morning from St Margaret's Bus Station on each day of operation and returns at the end of the day at around 17:30. Concessionary Tickets for travel from and to Leicester will need to be booked in advance from the Leicester Tourist Information Centre or by calling 0116 299 4444.   

Information on the new routes, timings, tickets prices and none concessionary tickets for both tours are available on the official online visitor guide to Leicester and Leicestershire at http://www.goleicestershire.com/.

The Discover Leicester Tour and the Heart of the Forest Tour 2008 have been brought to you by Leicester Shire Promotions, in partnership with North West Leicestershire District Council, Gold Events Management Ltd and Roberts Coaches.  

About Leicester Shire Promotions:

Leicester Shire Promotions is a private, not-for-profit company formed in July 2003 as a partnership between Leicester City Council, Leicestershire County Council and the Leicester Shire Economic Partnership. The company is the Destination Management Organisation (DMO) responsible for promoting Leicester and Leicestershire to visitors and investors, based on a coordinated place marketing strategy that focuses on destination leadership and coordination, attracting investors and visitors, services for investors and visitors, and services for the tourism industry. For more information, please visit http://www.goleicestershire.com/

For further media information, please contact: