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Ashby Castle courtesy Stephen Lamb Images

History & Heritage in Leicester & Leicestershire

Bosworth Battle Re-enactment

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

Leicester is well known as an important Roman settlement, and evidence of this can be seen at the Jewry Wall Museum in the city. Take a guided walk around Castle Park, Leicester's old town and see the medieval Guildhall and the Great Hall of Leicester Castle.

In the west of Leicestershire, visit the Battle of Bosworth Visitor 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 17th century Stanford Hall, 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.

Heritage Tours

Grace Dieu Priory copyright Stephen Lamb Here are a few ideas for walks and trails in the city.  See where Thomas Cook lived and worked, spot the blue plaques that mark places of historical interest.
 

Guided Walks

Leicester Guildhall

Leicestershire's Blue Badge Guides will take you back in time on a variety of informative guided walks around the city and county.

 
 

Historic Sites

Search for Historic sites in Leicestershire

History and heritage sites in Leicester and Leicestershire.

 

People from History

Lady Jane Grey Find out which famous characters made history in Leicester and Leicestershire.