Leicester

Great Shopping and Greater Nightlife

Multicultural Leicester has a vibrant feel, partly due to the large student population of De Montfort and Leicester universities. The latter lines Victoria Park, whereas Abbey Park covers both banks of the River Soar and houses ruins of a 12th-century abbey that was the burial site of Cardinal Wolsey.

Richard III was also buried in the city and a commemorative statue sits in Castle Gardens, by the Newarke Houses Museum and St Mary de Castro Church. St Nicholas Church overlooks the Jewry Wall Roman bath remains, while the tall-spired cathedral is next to the half-timbered, medieval guildhall.

Nearby are the Highcross and Haymarket shopping centres, as well as Leicester Market – Europe’s largest outdoor covered market. The city centre is packed with restaurants and bars, and the Golden Mile of Belgrave Road has a wealth of curry houses and jewellery stores. It also hosts the largest Diwali celebrations outside India.

Other entertainment venues are Upper Brown Street and the futuristic-looking Curve Theatre. Equally modern in design is the National Space Centre, while the National Gas Museum is near King Power Stadium, home of Leicester City FC. Leicestershire Golf Course is one of 8 surrounding the city.

The Leicester accommodation on Booking.com includes luxury hotels with spas, guest houses near the train station and cheap inns with parking.