Still wondering what to do in Leicester? Opodo has the top must-see plans so you won't miss a thing. Find everything you need to know before picking your stay in Leicester and book your hotel today!
Welcome to Leicester, a city that effortlessly blends a 2,000-year history with groundbreaking modern science and a colourful multicultural identity. It's a place famous across the globe for an astonishing discovery: the finding and reburial of King Richard III, a story beautifully told at the King Richard III Visitor Centre. Yet, this historical heart beats alongside a futuristic vision, most notably at the award-winning National Space Centre, complete with a massive domed planetarium and rockets.
As you wander the city, you can explore the remains of Roman Leicester at the Jewry Wall, or soak up the vibrant atmosphere of the Golden Mile (Belgrave Road), which hosts the largest Diwali celebrations outside of India. From medieval guilds to championship-winning sport, Leicester is a city of layers, waiting for you to uncover your next big adventure.
Leicester's hotels are ideally situated to provide easy access to culture, commerce, and sporting venues. The best area depends on whether you seek the central buzz, historical tranquillity, or access to major transport links.
The area around the City Centre and the Cultural Quarter is the most vibrant and convenient choice. Staying here puts you near the spectacular Curve Theatre, the historic Leicester Market, and the main retail and dining streets. You'll be right in the middle of the action, with a wide selection of global cuisine and entertainment options.
For a quieter, more historical stay, consider the area near New Walk. This historic, tree-lined thoroughfare is close to the Leicester Museum & Art Gallery and offers a more relaxed, almost village-like feel while still being minutes from the centre. Alternatively, the area near the King Power Stadium and Welford Road is ideal for sports fans, giving easy access to the homes of Leicester City Football Club and the Leicester Tigers rugby team, as well as the beautiful Abbey Park.
Leicester is served by Leicester railway station, which is very central, making it an excellent hub for regional and national travel. The city is highly walkable, so once you are settled in a central hotel, most key sites are accessible on foot. For destinations slightly further out, such as the National Space Centre, the local bus network is comprehensive and easy to use.
Hotel prices in Leicester are heavily influenced by the sporting calendar and major cultural events. Peak demand occurs during major match days for both Leicester City Football Club and the Leicester Tigers rugby team, particularly on weekends. The highest seasonal price surge happens around October/November due to the massive Diwali celebrations on the Golden Mile, which draws visitors from all over the country.
To find the best deals, aim for the quieter periods of January and February, or during the midweek outside of university term time. A unique tip is to check the fixture lists for both major sports teams; avoiding a weekend when both teams are playing at home will ensure you bypass the city's highest accommodation rates. A mid-week stay can often secure a significantly better rate than the busy Friday or Saturday nights.