Things to See & Do

Leicester and Leicestershire is a destination packed with things to see and do ... whatever the weather.

Leicestershire cannot fail to inspire you. From great family attractions to top class restaurants, there's plenty to discover.  You might prefer to visit a museum or gallery, or hire a barge on the Grand Union Canal or travel back in time on a steam train at the Great Central Railway. You could enjoy a unique local festival, or explore a Leicestershire stately home.

Experience contemporary, inspirational shopping in Leicester or browse the markets in our market towns, and once you're all shopped out, why not relax in a stylish city bar or restaurant. Alternatively, take life at a more leisurely pace and relax with friends over a pub lunch, or jump on a bike and explore the countryside.

Places to Visit

The whole family can enjoy a world of discovery at one of our fantastic, award-winning, family attractions. Head to Conkers in the heart of The National Forest, where you can enjoy indoor and outdoor exploration. Take a step back in time at Snibston where you find fashion galleries and a transport and engineering museum, or venture into outer space at the National Space Centre. Enjoy monkeying around at Twycross Zoo where you will see one of the world's largest primate collections. Or why not head to Twinlakes Park or Wistow Maze and have a fun-packed day out?

History and Heritage

Step back in time and delve into Leicestershire's interesting history and heritage. Discover Roman ruins, majestic castles and historic events.

Leicester is well known as an important Roman settlement, and evidence of this can be seen at the Jewry Wall Museum in the city.

Visit the Battle of Bosworth Heritage Centre, and find out all about the battle that claimed the life of King Richard III. Re-enactments and historic events regularly take place here.

Shopping

Leicester's city centre offers aspirational shopping with unique boutiques and independent shops.

Belgrave Road is famous for its Asian shops, selling beautiful sarees and spices, and Stoneygate is a cluster of independent shops and galleries offering exclusive products.

County market towns hold weekly markets, and farmer's markets also take place regularly.

The Great Outdoors

Explore Leicestershire's countryside where you can enjoy picturesque waterways, country parks, cycle paths and lots more!

Walking is a great way to experience the varied landscape of Leicestershire, with miles of well signposted footpaths. Head for the flourishing National Forest, or discover some of England's most quaint villages on the Leicestershire Round - a 100-mile circular walk around the entire county.

Sport and Leisure

Leicestershire has an enviable sporting history, not only with the sporting stars of today but in developing sporting stars of the future at Loughborough University.

With so much sporting activity going on in Leicester and Leicestershire, it's no wonder there's plenty to keep you all active!

Take a look at other activities taking place in Leicester and Leicestershire, from paintballing to go-karting and tobogganing to skateboarding.

Faith Sites

Visit historic churches set in the rolling countryside of Leicestershire - some date to Anglo-Saxon times. St Mary de Castro Church is thought to date back to 1070.

Visit the Old Rectory Museum with its fascinating archeological and historical finds.

The unique Jain Centre is a magnificent piece of architecture and contains hand carved pillars sandstone dome and ceiling, white marble shrines and mirror tiled walls.

Arts and Culture

Soak up the atmosphere of an exciting performance at Curve theatre and experience the visually awe-inspiring surroundings of this state of the art theatre. Head to De Montfort Hall, Loughborough Town Hall or Hinckley's Concordia Theatre where you can enjoy live music, comedy and dance – ideal for the whole family!