Things to do in Leicester

Moving to a new city is an exciting experience and one that you should make the most of. There is so much to explore across Leicester and it's good to break outside of the student bubble every once in a while!

Here's our guide to Leicester to help you on your way, you can also check out our interactive map of things to do!

A breath of fresh air 

One of the great things about living in Leicester is the amount of greenery, even though you're in a city.

• Victoria Park
  Right next door to the main University campus, Vicky Park is a great place for a walk, run or even just chilling out with friends.
• Abbey Park
  Near to the city centre, Abbey Park features the remains of Leicester Abbey and is known for hosting a spectacular bonfire and fireworks display for bonfire night.
• Bradgate Park
  If you fancy venturing further afield, Bradgate Park is another popular destination where you are sure to spot a few deer.
• Botanic Gardens
  If you live in the The Village you also have the Botanic Gardens right on your doorstep!

Cinemas and theatres 

You don't have to travel far to find great entertainment in Leicester.

• De Montfort Hall 
  As well as being the venue for your graduation, DMH offers a variety of entertainment from music and theatre to comedy. It's also really easy to get to as it's right next to campus!
• Curve theatre 
  You can find the Curve theatre in the Cultural Quarter at the heart of Leicester city centre. They show a wide variety of productions so keep a look out for your favourite shows.
• The Phoenix
  Also in Leicester's Cultural Quarter, The Phoenix is an independent cinema which screens alternative films.  

Festivals 

You'll have loads of opportunities to join in one of Leicester's many festivals, which include:

• Diwali celebrations (the biggest outside of India!)
• Leicester Comedy Festival
• Riverside Festival
• Caribbean Carnival 
• Leicester Pride

Museums 

• The National Space Centre
  One of Leicester's most famous attractions and well worth a visit!
• New Walk Museum and Art Gallery
  Here you can find dinosaur skeletons, fossils and loads of art and photography. It's also only a 10-minute walk from campus. 
• Richard III Visitors Centre
  A must for anyone studying at the University of Leicester! The Visitors Centre holds proud links to the University after the discovery of Richard III in 2012. 

Shopping 

Whatever your shopping tastes, there are plenty of shops to explore in Leicester! 

• Highcross
  The Highcross shopping centre has a huge selection of high-street shops as well as a range of restaurants and a 12 screen cinema. 
• Leicester Market
  This is the largest outdoor covered market in Europe, selling a wide range of items- you can buy almost anything here!
• The Lanes
  Also in the centre of town, The Lanes offer more independent shops with plenty of quirky gift shops and independent cafés.
• Queens Road
  Just across Victoria Park is Queens Road which runs through the centre of the popular student area, Clarendon Park. Here you can find great independent cafés, restaurants, bars and shops. 

Sport - home to the Foxes and the Tigers 

In 2016 Leicester City Football Club made global headlines by winning the English Premier League. The underdog story has been celebrated across Leicester, including here at the university and has certainly put Leicester on the map!  

The Leicester Tigers are Leicester's infamous rugby union club who have won the championship ten times since league rugby was introduced in 1987. 

Be sure to check out a match!