Leicester is one of the largest cities in the East Midlands and has a history spanning more than two thousand years. The Romans established an important settlement here, while the medieval city later became associated with King Richard III. Leicester grew rapidly during the Industrial Revolution through textiles, engineering and manufacturing and has since developed into a diverse modern city. Its population includes communities from around the world, giving Leicester one of the most varied cultural and culinary scenes in the Midlands.
Leicester: Historical sights and information
Facts about Leicester
- Latitude:
- 52.634293
- Longitude:
- -1.133462
- GPS Coordinates:
- 52°38' N, 01°08' W
The historical and tourist significance of the city
The King Richard III Visitor Centre explores the discovery and identification of the king's remains beneath a modern car park. Leicester Cathedral and the nearby site of Greyfriars are central to this story, while the medieval Guildhall provides another insight into the city's past. The New Walk Museum and Art Gallery contains extensive collections covering archaeology, natural history and art. The National Space Centre is one of the city's most popular modern attractions, and the historic Leicester Market remains an important part of city life.
Food, shopping and leisure
Leicester is particularly well known for its multicultural food scene, with South Asian, Middle Eastern, Caribbean, African and European cuisines widely represented. Traditional British pubs and restaurants sit alongside specialist food shops and busy markets. The city centre offers extensive shopping, while the Cultural Quarter contains theatres, galleries and creative venues. Leicester is suitable for visits throughout the year, with spring and summer especially pleasant for exploring its parks and historic streets and autumn and winter offering a lively cultural and sporting calendar.
Locations & Tours
Discover famous landmarks, historical sites and tourist attractions in Leicester.