VISITLEICESTER&LEICESTERSHIRE
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36 Market Street,
Leicester LE1 6DE
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2
VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE
www.visitleicester.info
VISITLEICESTER&LEICESTERSHIRE
WELCOME
O
n behalf of the people of Leicester, I’d like to
offer you a warm welcome to our historic city.
During your stay, I hope you find time to
explore some of the huge range of attractions we have
to offer in the city and across the county.
Leicester is a unique city and a wonderful place to visit
– a modern centre with a history stretching back over
2,000 years to before Roman times. Today, we are
proud to be one of the most diverse cities in Europe.
The story of Leicester has been in the spotlight since
the discovery of the grave of King Richard III in 2012.
In March, during a week of special services and
commemoration, his remains will be reinterred in
Leicester Cathedral. Everyone will be able to visit the
king’s final resting place from Friday, 27 March,
onwards.
I would highly recommend a trip to the King Richard III
Visitor Centre, close to the cathedral. Named by
Lonely Planet as one of the few “World’s Hottest New
Experiences” for 2015, the centre tells the story of
Richard’s life and times, his death in battle, and the
www.visitleicester.info
search for his grave more than 500 years later.
Leicester has a rich sporting heritage too: later in the
year we are a host city for Rugby World Cup 2015.
With superb shopping and leisure facilities,
exceptional museums and the National Space Centre,
Leicester offers something to people of all interests.
To discover the many different sides of the city, why
not shop and enjoy a curry along the Golden Mile? Or
stroll along New Walk – our beautiful, Georgian urban
walkway. While you’re there, drop in on the treasures
in New Walk Museum and Art Gallery. Where else
could you find dinosaurs, mummies and Picassos
under one roof?
You can find out more about the city and its
attractions at www.visitleicester.info or at the Visit
Leicester Information Centre on Gallowtree Gate.
My very best wishes for an enjoyable trip.
Sir Peter Soulsby
City Mayor
VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE
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contents
20
5
10
14
Shopping in the city
centre
Leicester past and
present
Eating out in the city
20
Night-time in the city
25
Hinckley and
Bosworth
30
34
112
36
The Story of Leicester
86
38
Unmissable events in
2015
Leicestershire: Food
capital
92
42
Arts & Culture in the city
Ashby, Coalville and The
National Forest
47
Special Insert:
Reinterment Programme
of Events
96
City Map
98
County Map
72
Melton Mowbray
Leicester’s thriving
theatre scene
78
Leicester’s unique
heritage
Foxton Locks
82
14
4
81
Loughborough and
Charnwood
38
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100
Getting here and getting
around
106
Market Harborough
112
Find the perfect
accommodation
12
www.visitleicester.info
VISITLEICESTER&LEICESTERSHIRE
TAKE SHOPPING
TO A NEW LEVEL
John Lewis leading into the Highcross
Highcross
The Lanes
The Highcross shopping centre is the heartbeat
of the city attracting millions of shoppers with its
high-end retailers from John Lewis, Hugo Boss,
Reiss and All Saints to the tried and tested
favourites such as Topshop, Next and H&M.
Male fashionistas can browse the likes of Jack
Jones, The North Face, Superdry and Moss
Bros.
In contrast to the Highcross is The Lanes – a quaint
shopping district offering quirky and independent
shops. From clothing and jewellery to gifts and unique
cards, as well as bespoke furniture and homewares,
The Lanes has plenty to offer. With cafes galore
spilling out onto its pavements, there’s a continental
feel to the place. There are also real ale inns, serving
good, honest pub food, with a generous dollop of
entertainment to boot.
You can take a break at one of the large number of
cafes and restaurants offering everything from
Spicy Caribbean (Turtle Bay) to Italian chic
(Carluccio's).
Highcross is easily accessible through its main
entrances on High Street, or directly from the
2,000 space multi-storey John Lewis car park or
rooftop parking.
Visit: www.highcrossleicester.com
www.visitleicester.info
St Martins
Connected to The Lanes, St Martins Square has
everything from vintage-style clothing, jewellery and
artwork, to artisan goodies, ethically-sourced gifts and
stylish clothing for children and adults, all centred
around a pretty courtyard. You can pick up a pizza,
head to St Martin’s Tea and Coffee Merchants, or
visit Gelato Village, with its amazing Italian ice cream.
VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE
5
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0116 255 4434
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VISITLEICESTER&LEICESTERSHIRE
High Street, Humberstone Gate
and Gallowtree Gate
Silver Arcade, Malcolm Arcade
and Odeon Arcade
The wide open spaces of High Street,
Humberstone Gate and Gallowtree Gate offer the
perfect backdrop to the cafes, big-name stores,
bars and restaurants.
The city's arcades operate as a network of
interconnecting thoroughfares peppered with
interesting and unique boutiques and shops.
On the High Street, you can relax and unwind at
the Cosy Club, or admire the neo-classical decor
of Cafe Bruxelles, while a wide range of shops
include Jellyrolls Kidswear, Amabis, that sells
unique gifts and Wellgosh, offering premium
contemporary clothing.
Gallowtree Gate is home to major high street
chains, including Boots, Marks & Spencer,
Dorothy Perkins and H Samuel, while nearby
Humberstone Gate includes shops like H&M, New
Look and popular jewelry store Pandora.
Between shopping you can relax at one of many
cafes and restaurants including Pret a Manger in
Gallowtree Gate and Costa Coffee, at the Clock
Tower.
Haymarket
The Haymarket Shopping Centre is situated
opposite the Highcross and has been a feature of the
city centre for more than three decades. You will find
great brands such as TK Maxx, H&M, Primark,
Bonmarche, Ann Summers and the Body Shop.
Aside from the big names and national chains, the
Haymarket is also home to a number of independent
shops where you’ll find selections to tempt individual
tastes.
Visit: www.haymarketshoppingcentre.com
Francis Street and Allandale Road
For a bit of boutique revelry visit Francis Street and
Allandale Road.
The area, in Stoneygate, has high-end gifts galore and
quaint coffee shops and bistros to help you unwind.
For designer fashion visit Valentina or Browns
Lingerie or for eclectic pieces for the home try
Powder Blue. You can be pampered at Bellissimo
Beauty or Beau Asthetica, while gadget lovers will
enjoy browsing Stewart’s Watches or Bang &
Olufsen.
www.visitleicester.info
Silver Arcade, one of the city's best-known and
best-loved features, was reopened just a little over a
year ago.
It has always been a champion of smaller independent
shops and quirky retailers.
Nearby is Malcolm Arcade, which is similar to its
Silver relation, and is home to an eclectic mix of shops
including a haberdashers, tattoo parlour and record
store.
Finally, you can pick up your antiques, holidays and
sportswear at Odeon Arcade – a cut through which
takes you to the famous Leicester Market.
Leicester Market
Leicester Market is celebrated for its fruit and
vegetables and anyone who's been anywhere near it
will remember the words “paandabananas” for a very
long time.
But there's much more to the largest market of its
type in Europe. Visit the new award-winning Food Hall
for quality food and atmosphere.
Here, you can also pick up cosmetic, flowers,
antiques, books, electricals, DVDs, computer games,
clothes, cards, toys and fabrics.
But it’s the atmosphere of the bustling and vibrant
market place that will reward you the most.
Golden Mile
Do you love gold? There aren't many that don't. Not
everyone can afford it, but let's face it, everybody has
a soft spot for a 24 carat bullion. Leicester's Golden
Mile – so called because of the enormous number of
jewellers – is a gold-lovers’ paradise.
Scores of independent stores sit side-by-side in the
city's Melton Road area selling every kind of ring,
necklace, tiara, brooch, chain and any number of
other items. The Golden Mile is also the focus of the
city's Diwali celebrations which attract more than
35,000 people from all over world each year.
VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE
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The Lanes –
Independent
shopping at its best
Narborough Road
Hinckley Road
This area of the city is heavily populated by students
and many of Leicester's eastern European population
which makes it an eclectic mix of cultures. Nestled in
among the bars and the takeaways are dozens of
international supermarkets, selling everything from
Polish to Caribbean food, and there are also a number
of decent Asian eateries and curry houses.
Close to Narborough Road is another collection
of independently-run shops, bars and
restaurants in Hinckley Road.
As for shopping there's a bargain to be had on things
like secondhand furniture, electronics and household
appliances.
Here you will find much the same in the way of
electricals and household goods, but you will
also find a large range of beauty salons, hair
dressers and places to pamper yourself - in just
a few hundred yards you'll find seven
hairdressers including the award-winning
Malcolm Murphy Hair.
2015
Ractael
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VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE
www.visitleicester.info
VISITLEICESTER&LEICESTERSHIRE
www.visitleicester.info
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Choose from over 110 shops, over 30 restaurants and cafés,
a 12-screen Cinema de Lux, and 3,000 parking spaces
VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE
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VISITLEICESTER&LEICESTERSHIRE
The 15-metre long marine
dinosaur discovered in a Rutland
quarry in 1968 can now be
viewed at New Walk Museum
and Art Gallery, Leicester
LEICESTER — GLORIOUS
C
ontinuously inhabited for over 2,000 years,
Leicester truly is the beating heart of England.
Built on the site of two millennia of history,
Romans, Saxons, Tudors and Victorians among
others have all left their mark, helping to weave the
rich historical tapestry of the city. In the modern era
the regenerated city centre offers a vibrant and thriving
metropolis with everything from fine art to fine dining,
world class theatre to elite sport and experiences from
as far afield as the Indian subcontinent and outer
space.
The 2012 unearthing and identification of the remains
of King Richard III in a council car park has sparked a
revival of interest in the city’s heritage, including a new
visitor centre on the site of the world-renowned
discovery.
Named as one of Lonely Planet’s ‘hottest’ attractions
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VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE
in the world for 2015, the King Richard III Visitor
Centre has been created around the poignant place
where King Richard III’s remains were buried for more
than half a millennium – one of the most fascinating
and intriguing historic sites in England and only a few
paces from where the king’s final resting place can be
found in Leicester Cathedral.
In the surrounding area of Leicester’s Old Town,
once the centre of the gated medieval city, there are
numerous historical treasures waiting to be
discovered.
Just a stone’s throw from where the last Plantagenet
King was discovered stands the beautiful timberframed Guildhall, a building that dates back over 600
years. It has had many uses including being a venue
for theatrical performances by wandering dramatic
companies – it is believed that William Shakespeare
www.visitleicester.info
PAST TO GOLDEN FUTURE
and his company of players performed in the Great
Hall.
A few metres from this medieval gem, the breadth of
the city’s magnificent history is truly revealed with the
imposing Jewry Wall, one of the tallest surviving
pieces of Roman masonry in the country. The wall is a
remnant of the Roman baths that once stood in the
settlement of Ratae Corieltauvorum, a Roman military
garrison which was established on this land in AD 43.
One of Leicester’s premier attractions is family favourite
New Walk Museum & Art Gallery, named after the
tranquil, tree-lined promenade on which it is located.
The enormous Rutland dinosaur, a 15-metre long
marine dinosaur discovered in a Rutland quarry in
1968, dominates the fascinating dinosaur gallery. The
prehistoric beast is one of the most complete
examples of a dinosaur ever found in the UK.
www.visitleicester.info
Art lovers will be pleased to learn that New Walk is not
only home to dinosaurs, but is also the city’s flagship
art gallery. Amongst its impressive galleries is the
largest collection of German Expressionist artwork in
the UK as well as the Arts & Crafts gallery, celebrating
Leicester-born architect and designer Ernest Gimson.
In a more intimate corner, a permanent exhibition of
Picasso Ceramics shows a changing display of
around forty works selected from the unique collection
of Lord and Lady Attenborough.
For those who like their culture a little louder,
Leicester’s music and sports scenes will not
disappoint.
The city’s most famous musical export, Kasabian,
began their journey to stardom in Leicester’s buzzing
live music bars. The Musician, The Shed, The
Donkey, The Soundhouse, Firebug… all potential
VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE
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VISITLEICESTER&LEICESTERSHIRE
stepping stones on the way to glory – not just for the
local boys, but acts as big as Oasis, the Arctic
Monkeys, Radiohead and the Libertines who have all
honed their craft on Leicester’s vibrant live music
scene.
Sports fans will be spoilt for choice in Leicester; the city
is proud of its prestigious and enviable sporting history.
The football club, which has been home to many of the
sport’s greats such as local hero Gary Lineker and
England legend Gordon Banks, is enjoying life back in
the Premier League after a 10-year absence. The
formidable Leicester Tigers continue from strength to
strength as the best supported and most successful
club in English rugby and the Leicester Riders, the
oldest professional club in British Basketball and
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founder members of the British Basketball League, are
advancing plans with partners for the creation of a new
2,300-seat arena in the city.
And it’s not just the sporting theatres that are grabbing
the headlines in this city. The ground-breaking
architectural masterpiece Curve Theatre provides
engaging first-class theatrical experiences from world
premieres to its own sell-out Curve productions.
If revolutionary theatre fails to transport you to another
world, perhaps the National Space Centre can
provide an out-of-this-world experience. The striking
rocket tower, interactive galleries and the UK’s largest
planetarium will sate even the most imaginative
interstellar curiosities.
www.visitleicester.info
VISITLEICESTER&LEICESTERSHIRE
Leicester skyline.
Photograph by
James Brown
Back on planet Earth, the city most famous for its
cosmopolitan population delivers in spectacular style
in the form of the Golden Mile – a shopping area that
will transport visitors to an exotic world of spices,
jewellery, clothing, interesting gifts and fantastic food
and drink. The area truly comes to life during Diwali;
the festival of lights has imprinted itself on the rhythm
of the city, embraced by all and now so popular
Leicester is illuminated each autumn with some of the
largest celebrations outside of India.
The heart of the city is Leicester’s shopping core.
From the 800-year-old market which is one of the
biggest in Europe to the independent boutiques,
arcades and eateries of The Lanes and the multitude
of stores and restaurants in the Highcross shopping
www.visitleicester.info
complex, Leicester’s sterling retail offers sprawls out in
all directions from the landmark 146-year-old Clock
Tower.
Perhaps the most recognisable of Leicester’s
landmarks, the Clock Tower was built as a lasting
memorial to four of the city’s famous benefactors.
Although not at the geographical centre, the monument
has long been a focal point for local people – it was one
of only three locations at which the town crier would
read out proclamations on important occasions.
In the heart of the country, this dynamic city offers both
historical charm and futuristic experiences, as well as
being cultured, cosmopolitan and – above all –
welcoming to all.
VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE
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The White Peacock
A WORLD OF FLAVOUR
Marco Pierre White
A
n Italian American cuisine is on the menu for
the latest in Marco Pierre White's succession of
quality, yet reasonably-priced, eateries.
Set in the Mercure Leicester The Grand Hotel,
Granby Street, in the heart of the city, this
contemporary restaurant will offer everything from
pasta and pizza to hotdogs, ribs, burgers and steaks.
Marco Pierre White was, at the time, the youngest
chef to be awarded three Michelin stars and has
trained the likes of Gordon Ramsey and Curtis Stone.
Chutney Ivy
If you're after some classic Indian hospitality and a mix
of traditional and contemporary Asian cuisine then
Chutney Ivy is for you.
Award-winning and always highly recommended,
Chutney Ivy can be found in the heart of the Cultural
Quarter feeding theatre-goers and hungry diners with
a large variety of spice-laden dished crafted for every
kind of palette.
Prepared and cooked in an open plan kitchen the
setting is just as impressive as the food.
www.mercureleicester.co.uk
www.chutneyivy.com
The Smokehouse
White Peacock
Hidden away above a bar in Braunstone Gate is a real
treat for anyone who likes their meat to have a bit of
southern American soul.
A beautifully balanced collection of European and
international cuisine makes the White Peacock
The Smokehouse, so called because it smokes all its
own ribs, steaks and meat, is a barbecue-lovers
paradise located above the O Bar.
There's no fancy eatin' here – just good old get-yourfingers-dirty ribs, burgers, pulled pork and sides.
www.orangetree.co.uk/theobar/smokehouse
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VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE
The affordable yet luxurious menu offers diners a wide
variety of food, wines and cocktails.
The restaurant can be found on New Walk, in a grade
II-listed building
The White Peacock offers pre-theatre meals, six and
eight course taster menus (from £32.50), a la carte
and Sunday lunch.
www.visitleicester.info
VISITLEICESTER&LEICESTERSHIRE
THE LUXURY INDIAN
BUFFET EXPERIENCE
With the largest variety
of Indian dishes in the UK,
our Master Chefs from India
hand craft the finest
cuisine in our live theatre
kitchens to create an
incredible dining experience.
TRY IT ALL FOR JUST ONE SET PRICE
£15.95 / CHILDREN £7.95
411 MELTON ROAD, LEICESTER, LE4 7PA
LARGE CAR PARK ONSITE,
TEL (0116) 2582590
www.feastindia.co.uk
FACEBOOK.COM/FEASTINDIA
Chutney Ivy
WWW.FEASTINDIA.CO.UK
www.visitleicester.info
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VISITLEICESTER&LEICESTERSHIRE
The Cosy Club
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VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE
www.visitleicester.info
VISITLEICESTER&LEICESTERSHIRE
The White Peacock
The atmosphere and feel of the place combines
unique food and drink, great location and expressive
décor and local artistry, with exceptional guest
service.
www.the-white-peacock.co.uk
Maiyango
Overlooking the newly created Jubilee Square –
commemorating the recent visit of Queen Elizabeth II –
and just a short walk from the King Richard III
Visitor Centre, Hotel Maiyango mixes comfortable
contemporary accommodation with a vibrant, modern
menu.
A two-course dinner will cost £29.50 and includes
specialities such as slow braised pork cheeks,
poached langoustine, watercress and sweet potato.
Chutney Ivy
The restaurant features in the Michelin guide as one of
the stand out eateries in the city – and is a real
favourite for those who love fine dining.
www.maiyango.com
www.visitleicester.info
VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE
17
Maiyango
Cedars Lebanese
Cosy Club
If it’s something different you’re after then look no
further than Cedars Lebanese. The authentic MiddleEastern restaurant offers everything from small plate
banquets to traditional Lebanese mains.
Accompanying the jam-packed menu there is live
entertainment every Saturday evening, usually bellydancing.
Set in a former 19th-century knitwear factory, this
quaint, trendy bar and restaurant has only been
open for a few months but has already established a
name for itself as somewhere to relax and unwind in
style.
www.cedarslebaneserestaurant.co.uk
San Carlo
The San Carlo chain began in Birmingham in 1992
and has gone from strength to strength. Its Italianinspired menu is complemented by its continental
décor and atmosphere and it is an ideal setting for
large groups or intimate couples alike.
The chain has restaurants in numerous cities across
the country including Bristol, Leicester, Manchester,
Liverpool, Leeds and London. Its unique take on
authentic Italian cuisine is something which it prides
itself on.
Always a favourite with locals and visitors to the city,
San Carlo thrives thanks to its glamorous, up-market
atmosphere and crowd pleasing service.
www.sancarlo.co.uk
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VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE
The restaurant seats up to 130 people, but for those
who prefer a more private dining experience there's
the Loom Room – with its own bar – for parties of up
to 45 people.
Quirky, eccentric and stylish, the Cosy Club remains
true to its roots as a hosiery factory and there are a
number of brightly coloured cotton and spinning
wheels dotted around the place.
There are also some original textile pieces from
Leicester on the walls and there is still an industrial
feel to the décor.
Burgers, pulled pork and tapas make up some of
the menu items here.
But you can also try classics such as kedgeree and
chicken chassuer – so there's something for
everyone.
An extensive cocktail menu is also available.
www.cosyclub.co.uk
www.visitleicester.info
VISITLEICESTER&LEICESTERSHIRE
@Christopher Scotney
The Premier
designerwear store
25 Luxury Brands
Christopher Scotney
130 LONDON ROAD, LEICESTER
www.christopherscotney.co.uk
www.visitleicester.info
FREE
CARPA
RK
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O Bar on Braunstone Gate
is a popular meeting place,
and upstairs you’ll find The
Smokehouse, a great little
eaterie which produces its
own smoked meat
L
eicester nightlife is buzzing — you'll never be
stuck for things to do. The city centre is packed
with a wide variety of pubs, clubs and bars, from
champagne bars to real ale free houses offering
everything from bellinis to beers.
Camra (Campaign for Real Ale) has a big presence in
the city with numerous pubs dotted around the place
including the Ale Wagon, in Charles Street, and the
Criterion in Millstone Lane, which also does amazing
homemade pizzas.
Not far from the city centre – about a 20 minute walk –
is Braunstone Gate, a short strip filled with pubs, bars
and restaurants.
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VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE
WHY THE CITY
This compact collection of venues has everything from
traditional pubs (The Black Horse) to late night clubs
and bars (Mobius).
There's a varied choice of where to eat, too. Leicester
is home to some of the best Indian restaurants in the
country and is a former winner of the Curry Capital
award.
Whether you prefer south Asian food (Kayal, on
Granby Street) or a more traditional menu (The Curry
www.visitleicester.info
VISITLEICESTER
NEVER SLEEPS
(Chutney Ivy, which offers pre-theatre menus). The
perfect place for a night out with a partner or friends.
House, on London Road) then you’ll find something to
suit you along London Road and the area around the
train station.
And from the stage to the silver screen – there are no
less than three cinemas to choose from in Leicester,
two of which – the Showcase Cinema de Lux and
Phoenix Cinema – are in or near to the city centre.
More Restaurant, also on London Road, has a range
of world cuisine to choose from, so if you can’t decide
quite what you want, then head to the buffet.
Leicester is lucky to be blessed with a huge number of
exciting and diverse restaurants and eateries – which
cater for all tastes and budgets.
Curve can be found in the Cultural Quarter of the city
and is flanked by bars (including the Exchange, which
is popular with theatre-goers), and restaurants
The Parcel Yard bar and restaurant, next door to the
train station, has great cocktails and has fairly recently
been refurbished.
www.visitleicester.info
VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE
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VISITLEICESTER&LEICESTERSHIRE
The heart of the city’s
Cultural Quarter. Photo
by Stephanie Pantling
Firebug, in Millstone Lane, is another popular choice
for those looking for somewhere lively and
welcoming. It has regular comedy and music gigs
upstairs.
The centrally located Mix'd Café Bar in Churchgate
offers a variety of plush seating including a chill out
bean bag area and great outdoor space.
33 Cank Street, in St Martin’s Square, has jazz and
blues, classic cocktails from a vast menu and great
bartenders who clearly know and love their job. This
contemporary bar also offers a ‘Cocktail
Masterclass’, so why not pop along and put your
skills to the test?
The Cookie, a cafe, bar and music venue in High
Street, has lots to offer, as does The Donkey, in
Welford Road, renowned for its fine musical
reputation.
pineapples and the atmosphere is lively, to the upmarket Terrace Champagne and Cocktail Bar.
If you’re looking for a truly unique experience,
then head to the recently opened Gate 38, just off
Belvoir Street. The airport-themed bar aims to
recreate that pre-boarding buzz with décor which
includes aeronautical trimmings, offering a unique
and truly authentic experience.
There’s also the O2 Academy, based on the
University of Leicester’s campus, which has
recently hosted shows by the likes of UB40, the
Boomtown Rats and the Kooks. Among the big
names which have recently appeared are
Courteeners, Beardyman, the Enemy and the
Twang.
The Exchange Bar in the Cultural Quarter also has
regular appearances from musicians, artists, and
entertainers.
For those who like the clubbing scene then look
no further than Leicester city centre, which is full
of great spots including Liquid & Envy, in the
Church Gate area. For rock fans there’s Mosh, in
St Nicholas Place, or The Fan Club, in Abbey
Street, if you want to go a bit more retro.
Head right to the heart of the city centre and you will
also find some great bars, from the increasinglypopular Hakamou, where cocktails are served in
So there's no excuse not to find something to
tickle your fancy in Leicester – you just need to
know where to look.
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www.visitleicester.info
VISITLEICESTER&LEICESTERSHIRE
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It’s where #leicsismore
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Bosworth in Bloom
Hinckley
& Bosworth
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Battle of Bosworth re-enactment
Full of
charm &
history
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The market towns of Hinckley and
Market Bosworth are surrounded
by beautiful rolling countryside
and picturesque villages, many of
which have interesting stories to
tell, one of the most famous being
the Battle of Bosworth at Sutton
Cheney where King Richard III
lost his life.
The award winning Bosworth
Battlefield Heritage Centre,
just south of Market Bosworth
is a major tourist attraction which
tells the story of how the last
Plantagenet King fought for his
crown and lost his life.
Market Bosworth is a traditional
market town where regular
markets are still held every
Wednesday in the market square.
It’s the perfect place to spend
a few hours perusing the
selection of independent gift
shops, galleries and boutiques,
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See
history
Market Day
TOP FIVE THINGS
TO SEE & DO
1. Take a trip on the Ashby
Canal
2. Watch the annual soap box
derby in Hinckley Town
Centre
tearooms and bistros in the town
centre. To the south of the county
is Hinckley, home to the world
famous Triumph Motorcycles
and the Hansom Cab.
Hinckley is home to a huge range
of independent shops including
popular high street names and
smaller specialist shops and
boutiques. Hinckley’s historic
market takes place three times
a week in the market place with
a Farmers’ Market on the third
Thursday of every month.
3. Market Bosworth shopping
& market (Wednesdays)
4. On 22nd/23rd August, the
anniversary of the Battle of
Bosworth, you can relive
the last days of King
Richard III at Bosworth
Battlefield Heritage Centre
5. Hire a pedalo at Bosworth
Water Trust
Hinckley Events 2015
www.hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk/events
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VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE
www.visitleicester.info
Bosworth Water Trust
Something
for
everyone
There are plenty of attractions to
keep all the family happy in this
part of the county.
Market Bosworth Country Park
lies on the edge of the town and
is a beautiful park with fine mature
trees, lake, arboretum with exotic
species, wildflower meadow and
woodland.
Bosworth Water Trust is a
50 acre leisure park with lakes
for all kinds of water sports
including sailing, carp fishing,
canoeing, rowing, dinghies,
pedalos and wetsuits for hire.
For those who prefer the dry
land there are sandy beaches,
a children’s themed pirate
adventure playground as well
as facilities for camping,
caravanning and log cabins.
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Fun for the family at Twycross Zoo
TOP FIVE LEISURE ATTRACTIONS
1. Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre
2. Twycross Zoo
3. Market Bosworth Country Park
4. Bosworth Park Family Fireworks and Bonfire Extravaganza
5. Ride a steam train on the Bosworth Battlefield Line
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Bosworth Battlefield Line
Twycross Zoo is one of the top
ten zoos in Britain. The 80 acre
site is home to over 500 animals
of almost 150 species.
Twycross Zoo is world renowned
as a World Primate Centre and
has a wide variety of monkeys
and apes.
The Zoo has a breeding group
of species so babies are always
a big attraction.
Other animals include Asian
elephants, snow leopards,
penguins, meerkats, tapirs,
hyenas and the world’s rarest
big cat, the Amur leopard.
At the Ashby Boat Company at
Stoke Golding you can travel along
the longest stretch of canal in the
country without a lock, at Sutton
Cheney Warf you can enjoy tea
at the canal side tea room.
This beautiful stretch of water
runs through some of the most
picturesque countryside in
Leicestershire and also passes
by the Battle of Bosworth Field.
Stoke Golding is a picturesque
village offering three good pubs,
store, post office and 13th
Century church.
Cruise along the waterways
For more information on
places to visit, visit
goleicestershire.com/
hinckley
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www.visitleicester.info
MAKE
A DAY
OF IT!
P • EAT • ENJOY
SHO
60 STORES AND CAFÉS
ACROSS TWO FLOORS, RIGHT
IN THE HEART OF LEICESTER
CITY CENTRE
haymarketshopping
haymarketshoppingcentre.com
Leicester • LE1 3HP
VISITLEICESTER&LEICESTERSHIRE
Ilona Domnich in Puccini’s
La Boheme, coming to
Curve in April
30
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VISITLEICESTER&LEICESTERSHIRE
THE SHOW MUST GO ON
T
he city’s theatre scene could not be more
diverse. From the opulent grandeur of De
Montfort Hall to the intimate, contemporary
style of Upstairs at the Western, Leicester has every
aspect of the performing arts covered.
the venue to premiere his new musical Finding
Neverland. Audiences also got a first glimpse of the
stage adaptation of Charles Kingsley’s 1863 book,
Water Babies last May. Now, the theatre is looking
forward to another year of successful shows.
And let’s not forgot the £61m Curve which keeps
theatre lovers entertained with a mix of world
premieres, A-list performers and seasonal shows.
Notable among these is the world premiere of Sue
Townsend's The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged
13¾. Running From March 7 to April 4, this brand new
musical follows the daily dramas of Adrian's
adolescent life in 1980s Leicester.
So here is a round-up of Leicester’s theatres and
some info about what’s on in the near future…
De Montfort Hall
We’ll start with the largest venue Leicester has to offer.
De Montfort Hall, built in 1913 at a cost of just
£23,000.
It has an infectious score and a script which stays true
to the original novel written by one of Leicester's bestloved authors, the late Sue Townsend.
The 2,200 seater auditorium has played host to a
variety of performances, including rock concerts,
panto and full orchestral recitals.
In April, Puccini’s La Boheme – an opera about love in
19th century Paris – takes to the stage, while in late
July there will be a “dark, visceral and dynamic”
production of William Shakespeare’s Richard III – a
treasonous and diabolical tale of Leicester’s own ‘King
Under a Carpark’.
This year is no exception. In March the venue
welcomes the magic of the West End when The Full
Monty stage show comes to town. Taken from the hit
1997 British movie, it has been adapted for the stage
by Oscar-winning writer, Simon Beaufoy.
Curve theatre, which holds 800, and its studio, with
seats for 350 people, will also be the setting for
numerous other plays, musicals and performances.
These include the crowd pleasers Hairspray, Sister Act
and Calamity Jane.
Comedian Jimmy Carr also makes an appearance at
De Montfort Hall in May. Bringing his unique and
often close to the bone style of wit, the 8 out of 10
Cats presenter is in Leicester for one night only, on
May 5.
But Curve is one venue in the city’s Cultural Quarter.
Nearby there is also Phoenix Square – a
contemporary cinema and performance space, which
focuses more on the digital arts.
For a more cultural evening the Ellen Kent Opera and
Ballet will be staging Verdi’s Rigoletto and Puccini’s
Madame Butterfly in April. And for those with a more
contemporary ear, former X-Factor winner Alexandra
Burke will be taking the lead role in the Bodyguard,
The Musical.
The Y Theatre
Curve
The sleek-looking Curve theatre, in the heart of the
city’s Cultural Quarter, is Leicester’s flagship venue for
performance art. Opened by the Queen in 2008, it has
always strived to pioneer new and exciting shows.
In 2012, Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein chose
www.visitleicester.info
The Y Theatre is a bustling live performance venue in
Leicester city centre. The eclectic programme
includes music, comedy, theatre, dance and spoken
word.
The 300-seat theatre also comfortably hosts candle-lit
cabaret style events and standing gigs. Built in 1900,
The Y is the oldest surviving theatre in Leicester.
It prides itself on comedy and is an integral part of the
annual Dave’s Leicester Comedy Festival.
Throughout the year it also hosts stand up and
comedy nights, as well as music event, plays, dance
performances and an assortment of shows.
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The Little Theatre
Upstairs at the Western
The Theatre is the home of the Leicester Drama
Society (LDS), which has run for 90 years and proudly
boasts patrons such as Sir Anthony Hopkins and
honorary Life President the late Lord Richard
Attenborough.
For a more grassroots and contemporary venue,
Upstairs at the Western is the place to go.
The Little Theatre hosts some 200 productions
throughout the year, making it one of the most prolific
venues in the city.
In May, the theatre will put on the Joe Orton play, What
the Butler Saw – a chaotic story of cross-dressing,
Government inspectors and psychiatry. Also on the
agenda, in June, is Good People, a thought-provoking
comedy about Margie Walsh – a Boston cashier who
is fired from her job and seeks employment from a
former high school boyfriend.
The Little Theatre welcomes an average of 50,000
people through its doors each year, so it’s a
remarkably popular venue and won the Best Venue
award at the 2012 Dave’s Leicester Comedy Festival.
Held in a room above The Western pub in the city’s
West End, the venue has made a name for itself for
producing local plays and shows written by
Leicestershire talent.
The intimate space only holds about 50 people, but
it’s definitely worth a visit.
This year, the venue is putting on a variety of shows
including Lavender Junction, in March – a one-woman
show which recalls true-life memories of colonial India.
Also on the calendar is Altamont. The show captures
the famous Rolling Stones concert, which took place
in December 1969.
It premiered at last year’s Edinburgh Fringe festival,
but you can see it on your own doorstep and see for
yourself why the critics called it “compelling and highly
engaging.”
SAT 25 JUL – SUN 9 AUG
A
COMMUNITY PRODUCTION
DIRECTED BY NIKOLAI FOSTER
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VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE
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VISITLEICESTER&LEICESTERSHIRE
De Montfort Hall
Bringing the best live entertainment to Leicester
ONE MAN BREAKING BAD
SIMPLE MINDS
BLUE PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS
THE HOLLIES
MIKE AND THE MECHANICS
DARA O BRIAIN LIVE
JIMMY CARR FUNNY BUSINESS
YAMATO DRUMMERS OF JAPAN
JOSEPH
Wed 25 Mar // £18.50
Thu 16 Apr // £26 £28*
Tue 5 May // £25
Tue 31 Mar // £39.50 £49.50
Sun 19 Apr // £30 £35
Fri 8 May // £25 £27 * NUS £5
Thu 9 Apr // £25 in advance
Wed 22 & Thu 23 Apr // £21
Tue 26 to Sun 31 May // £15 - £31.50*
Box Office 0116 233 3111 | Web demontforthall.co.uk | Twitter @demont forthall
£3 transaction fee payable per booking. *Concessions and/or group booking discount available
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VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE
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Enjoy the
waterways
at fabulous
Foxton Locks
Foxton Locks
FREE
PARKING
after 5pm
in the bottom
car park
Foxton Locks is an idyllic
location at the heart of the
waterways network, near the
picturesque market town
of Market Harborough.
At Foxton Locks, you can enjoy
watching the colourful narrowboats
travel through the famous flight of
historic Grade II* Listed canal locks.
This impressive sight of 10 locks in
two staircases is one of the largest
flight of staircase locks in England,
taking an average of 45 minutes
for boats to travel the entire flight.
You can also wonder at the
remains of the Inclined Plane Boat
Lift, a remarkable feat of Victorian
engineering used for lifting boats in
order to speed up their journeys.
On site you can relax and recharge
with two pubs, a shop, boat trips,
café, ice cream kiosk, coffee shop
and picnic areas.
At Bridge 61, you can enjoy
a variety of award winning beers,
lunch and snacks whilst watching
the boats go by. The award
winning Foxton Locks Inn offers a
full bar and restaurant menu and is
the perfect place for all-season and
all weather dining in the magnificent
new heated and covered waterside
terrace restaurant.
Foxton Locks is owned and managed by the
Canal and River Trust. For more information
please visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk
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VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE
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The small shop is situated in the
old stable block for the horses that
pulled boats in years gone by.
It is well stocked with all the daily
essentials for residents, souvenirs,
maps, and canal books, gift-ware,
as well as an off licence.
From Bridge 61 you could take a
boat ride from Foxton Boat Services
(www.foxtonboats.co.uk) which
run most weekends from April to
October. Trips take approximately
30 minutes with no booking required,
just turn up and jump on board.
The network of footpaths and
towpaths provide ideal walking
and cycling with a choice of many
routes. The locks and surroundings
are freely open and accessible to
the public all year round. Picnic
benches can be found by the
top car park (Gumley Road)
with lots of open grassy areas
complemented with the Coffee
Shop and Ice Cream Kiosk.
For those wanting to stay at this
wonderful venue a little longer,
you can consider the luxury
of the Foxton Locks Lodges
(01858 545273). Three luxurious
log cabins have been finished to
the highest standards, offering
accommodation all year round
for short breaks. They are
located in the village of Foxton,
just 10 minutes walk away.
There is short stay parking at the
bottom of the locks and a long
stay car park at the top of the
locks. Both are pay and display
so make sure you have change
with you. Public toilets can be
found at both car parks.
Foxton Locks has something for
everyone and the resident ducks
and swans will give you a warm
welcome too!
Welcome to the Boilerhouse
From Easter 2015, visitors to
Foxton Locks can experience
the amazing inclined plane
in a remarkable new way.
At the Boilerhouse you can
step back in time and see in
breathtaking clarity how the
boats travelled in the boat lift.
Using the very latest in digital
technology you will also be able
to stand alongside the inclined
plane and use your smart phone
or tablet device and see the boat
lift magically appear in front of
your very eyes.
To make the most of your
experience at Foxton look out
for the exciting new app and
website and be one of the first
to experience what is set to
become one of the most exciting
new waterway attractions in the
country. Charges will apply, see
website for details.
For more information on Foxton Locks
please visit www.foxton-locks.co.uk
www.visitleicester.info
VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE
35
The Corn Exchange
2,000 YEARS
I
f walls could speak, Leicester’s historic buildings
could tell some fascinating stories. Tales of travel
pioneer Thomas Cook and his elegant coffee
houses, Richard III writing letters at Leicester Castle,
suffragette lock-ins and the arrival of Buffalo Bill’s Wild
West show at the railway station. Stories of a Civil War
bombardment of the Magazine in the 17th century,
visits by William Morris and George Bernard Shaw to
the Secular Society and even Ramsay MacDonald MP
addressing the crowds from the steps of the Corn
Exchange.
Leicester’s long history starts long before the Romans
settled here and built a forum and public baths. Later,
the city became world famous for its hosiery and
footwear industries.
Assembly
Rooms
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The remarkable story of Leicester is told through its
museums and heritage venues, but can also be
discovered on heritage panels on the city’s streets. As
you explore, you’ll discover a restaurant in one of the
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VISITLEICESTER&LEICESTERSHIRE
OF HISTORY
oldest schoolhouses in England, a Clock Tower that is
thought to have been the first traffic island in Britain,
and a row of terraces covered in images of Leicester’s
first private detective. Explore further and you’ll find a
residential apartment in one of the finest industrial
warehouses in the country and bars and shops
decorated with turkeys, kangaroos and elephants.
Take a walking trail to discover more about the city’s
many connections to King Richard III, or book onto a
themed Blue Badge Guided historical tour of the city.
On Heritage Sundays visit three of Leicester’s
remarkable medieval buildings: Leicester Castle,
the Magazine and Wygston’s House.
For more information on these events and activities
contact the Visit Leicester information centre
www.visitleicester.info 0116 299 4444
A wealth of local history can be found on the Story of
Leicester website, www.storyofleicester.info.
www.visitleicester.info
VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE
37
Caribbean Carnival
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VISITLEICESTER&LEICESTERSHIRE
UNMISSABLE EVENTS IN 2015
T
hrow yourself into the best of Leicester in 2015
with our bumper guide to the year’s highlights,
from the biggest festivals to the best exhibitions.
We’ve got inspiring theatre, thrilling art, essential sport
and much more…
The city’s theatre programme comes to life in spring
with the commemoration of Leicester author Sue
Townsend. Her most famous character will take centre
stage in a new musical, The Secret Diary of Adrian
Mole Aged 13 ¾. The Curve production follows the
daily dramas and misadventures of Adrian’s
adolescent life. Another highlight at Curve this
summer is The National Theatre’s award-winning ‘The
Curious Incident of Dog in the Night Time.’
Explore the city’s rich heritage in the new Medieval
Leicester Galleries, launching from Friday 20 March at
The Guildhall. Walk the streets of Medieval Leicester
that would have been known to King Richard III, and
uncover a world both familiar and very different to our
own. If history is your thing, be sure not to miss the
Secret Egypt: Unravelling Truth from Myth exhibition at
New Walk Museum & Art Gallery this summer,
which challenges some of the enduring myths about
ancient Egypt that are perpetuated through popular
media and invites you to look at the archaeological
evidence to truly understand this remarkable
civilisation.
There will be some exciting new additions to the visual
arts on offer in the city this autumn, with the opening
of a new 400 square metre gallery space at
Attenborough Arts Centre and the relocation of
Leicester Print Workshop to Leicester’s Cultural
Quarter. In the meantime, art lovers can enjoy the
annual Leicester and East Midlands Open Art
Exhibition. This year’s exhibition, running from 14
March-4 May, will be held for the first time in Newarke
Houses Museum & Gardens, launching the new
Garden Galleries. The ever popular and diverse Open
Exhibition presents a stunning array of artworks and
contemporary craft from young, emerging and
established artists from across the region.
Leicester’s music scene continues to go from strength
to strength in 2015 with the return of two summer
favourites for all music-lovers. First up is Simon Says.
This popular festival, presented in partnership with
some of Leicester's most loved music venues, is a
celebration of local talent with some more nationally-
www.visitleicester.info
recognised names complementing the line-up in De
Montfort Hall & Gardens. In September, world class
artists bring the best of classical, jazz and world music
to the city in the form of the Leicester International
Music Festival.
For 2015 only, Leicester will play host to the rugby elite
as the battle for the Rugby World Cup takes place in
England. As well as three games which will be played
in the King Power Stadium, the city of Leicester can
look forward to a dedicated fan zone in Victoria Park
with live matches on the big screen, food, drinks and
entertainment. It’s too big to miss.
As ever, the city’s festival calendar has exciting and
diverse offerings. The festival year kicks off with St
George’s Festival in April, celebrating the old and new,
and in May, The Spark Festival celebrates the
performing and visual arts for children and young
people. Make the most of Leicester’s beautiful
waterways in June with the Leicester Riverside
Festival, and join in the Caribbean Carnival this August
to sample the colours, fun, food and cultural traditions
of the Caribbean. The summer festival season will end
on a high with the City Festival — ten action packed
days celebrating arts, heritage and sport in the city
centre. As the year ends, the dark winter nights will be
illuminated, first with one of the largest Diwali
celebrations outside India on the Golden Mile, and
then with the magical Christmas lights.
For further details about all these events and more, go
to www.visitleicester.info
VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE
39
VISITLEICESTER&LEICESTERSHIRE
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VISITLEICESTER&LEICESTERSHIRE
Designs from Graeme Hawes.
www.thecitystudio.co.uk
JUST ADD IMAGINATION
M
uch of the city's creativity is focussed on
Leicester's Cultural Quarter – the area
around the Curve theatre.
In this creative hub are a number of businesses and
organisations which strive for ingenuity, inventiveness
and enterprise.
The Makers' Yard is an award-winning, dynamic and
inspiring workspace for creative entrepreneurs.
Located in Leicester's Cultural Quarter, this listed
building - the oldest surviving hosiery factory in the
East Midlands - has been transformed into 10 studios
which house a community of artists and designers.
Likewise, Creative Leicestershire, a County Council
led initiative, offers people in the city and county a
wide range of services stretching across a number of
platforms including economic and social agendas,
employment and improved access to employment
within the arts sector.
Continuing its drive to foster artist ability is the LCB
Depot.
In 2014, the centre celebrated a decade of nurturing
local talent in a plethora of creative disciplines –
photography, design, new media and much more.
www.visitleicester.info
Nearby is the Phoenix - Leicester’s centre for
independent cinema, art and digital culture.
It shows everything from micro-budget independent
films to the latest Hollywood blockbusters, as well as
hosting regular festivals and events and giving artists
and filmmakers a platform to convey their work.
Not far away is the Two Queens studio and gallery, a
complex which provides a place for experimental
modes of arts production, exhibition and exchange.
And in a similar style, the Leicester Print Workshop,
founded in 1986, is there to encourage talent in
printmaking and visual art forms.
It hosts exhibitions of work created by school,
community groups and artists.
And raising all this creativity is the city's two
universities.
Last year, De Montfort University embarked on a
£136 million creative and cultural centre focussing on
everything from Chinese dance to British fashion.
And it also home to the Institute of Creative
Technologies (IOCT) - a research institute that
focusses on the practice, theory and history of
creative technologies.
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VISITLEICESTER&LEICESTERSHIRE
The Philharmonia
Orchestra performing
at De Montfort Hall
C
ARTS AND
De Montfort Hall is home to one of the world's
greatest orchestras - the Philharmonia. The New
Walk Museum and Art Gallery holds the largest
collection of ceramic works by the famed Spanish
artist Pablo Picasso. And the city could not be
prouder of its literary pedigree with celebrated playwrite Joe Orton and creator of the iconic Adrian Mole,
the late Sue Townsend - both of whom made a huge
impression on stage and in printed word.
Opened in 1891, the Abbey Pumping Station
pumped Leicester's sewage to the treatment works at
Beaumont Leys and the grand Victorian building and
beautifully decorated beam engines were a cause of
great civic pride. The Pumping Station closed in 1964.
ulture and creativity are intertwined in the city
of Leicester. Classic culture in the form of
music, theatre and art is exemplified by
internationally renowned groups and individuals.
A contemporary world of creative appreciation is also
something close to the heart of the city.
Here we take a look at some of the events and places
which make Leicester a cultural haven…
Abbey pumping station
Abbey Pumping Station is Leicester's Museum of
Science and Technology, displaying the city's
industrial, technological and scientific heritage.
Situated adjacent to the National Space Centre, the
two attractions tell the story of over 200 years of
science and technology from the early days of steam
and industry, to space exploration of today.
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VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE
The beam engines were built in Leicester by Gimsons
and are rare examples of Woolf compound rotative
beam engines. With all four beam engines now
restored back to working condition and can be seen in
steam at one of our special events, the only place in
Britain this magnificent sight can be seen.
Attenborough Arts Centre
An award-winning multi-faceted arts centre whose
purpose it is to engage with audiences and
performers from all walks of life.
Attenborough Arts Centre is run by the University
of Leicester and has a history of diverse events and
programmes featuring everything from classical
music, jazz and dance to comedy, theatre, live art and
children’s theatre. The venue is also home to the
spoken word and visual arts.
Open to all, its award-winning building houses a 120-
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VISITLEICESTER
CULTURE
seater performance area, three studios, and an
exhibition gallery.
The city centre hub, championed by the late Lord
Richard Attenborough, is one of only two purposebuilt spaces in the East Midlands for the promotion of
arts and disability. It also runs a Music Scholarship
Programme in partnership with the Philharmonia
Orchestra to develop young talent.
Dave's Leicester Comedy Festival
Dave's Leicester Comedy Festival is the longestrunning and second largest event of its type in Europe.
Bringing in thousands of fans from across the country,
the event plays host to the biggest names in the
business – as well as giving some of the best up and
coming performers a leg-up to stardom.
From the first ever festival in 1994, which attracted a
humble but not unsubstantial 5,000 people and
featured Matt Lucas and Harry Hill, it has grown be
regarded as one of the top five comedy festivals in the
world, according to the Guardian.
The roll call alone is a who's who of stand up and
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includes Roseanne Barr, Jo Brand, Paul Merton, Jack
Dee, Dave Gorman, Rory Bremner, Barry Cryer, Alan
Davies, Bill Bailey, Garth Marenghi, Ross Noble, Lee
Hurst, Johnny Vegas, Rich Hall, Jimmy Carr, Frankie
Boyle, Russell Brand, The Mighty Boosh, Dara O'
Briain and Simon Pegg.
Hansom Hall
A beautiful example of the city's extravagant
architecture and culture. The aptly named Hansom
Hall, an 1845-built former baptist chapel, has recently
undergone a £250,000 refurbishment and is now up
and running as a conference, wedding and event
venue.
National Space Centre
The National Space Centre, located just two miles
from Leicester City Centre, is an all-weather attraction,
sure to keep the whole family entertained.
The Space Centre has plenty to offer, from the iconic
Rocket Tower, to the UK’s largest domed planetarium.
These must-see attractions are accompanied by six
further inspiring galleries to discover. Crammed full of
space suits, rockets, satellites, meteorites and
everything you would expect of a world class
attraction, these galleries will make sure you have a full
day of breathtaking discovery and interactive fun.
VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE
43
National
Space
Centre
44
VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE
www.visitleicester.info
VISITLEICESTER&LEICESTERSHIRE
New Walk Museum
The New Walk Museum is a city centre oasis of
culture. It houses the UK's largest exhibition of
German expressionist art, which tells the remarkable
story behind the movement. It reveals why and how
expressionist artists conveyed their innermost
emotions through art, dance, music and drama.
The collection is home to some 500 pieces and is just
one example of why New Walk is a haven of European
art and culture.
Also on display is Picasso: The Attenborough
Collection – a permanent exhibition of 150 ceramics
(plates, jugs and tiles) sculpted and illustrated by the
renowned Spanish artist.
Newarke Houses
Newarke Houses Museum and Gardens
incorporating the Museum of the Royal Leicestershire
Regiment.
www.visitleicester.info
Newarke Houses Museum is composed of two
historic houses, Wygston's Chantry House and
Skeffington House and tells the story of
contemporary Leicester and the history of the
Royal Leicestershire Regiment.
The museum displays include a cinema
experience, a collection of toys from Tudor to
present day and a play area for children to try
various games.
Find out more about Leicester’s famous son Daniel
Lambert and visit a 1950s street scene inspired by
Wharf Street that includes the Jolly Angler public
house, a grocer and a pawnbroker, with sounds
and conversations from the times.
Discover more about the story of Leicester at War.
Through personal stories find out about the home
front and the history of the Regiment, including a
recreation of a First World War trench.
Through oral histories, archive film, computer
interactives and collections discover the histories of
Newarke Houses, the surrounding historic area
and contemporary Leicester.
VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE
45
VISITLEICESTER&LEICESTERSHIRE
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Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre,
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Tel: 01455 290429 email: bosworth@leics.gov.uk
46
VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE
www.visitleicester.info
King Richard III Reinterment
21 – 29 March 2015
W: kingrichardinleicester.com
@KRIIILeicester
#richardreburied
King Richard III 1452-1485
Almost 532 years ago, Richard III was
crowned King of England. Few could have
predicted the events that would unfold
over half a millennium after his short reign
came to a catastrophic end.
If you want to find
out more about
Medieval Leicester
and sites connected
to King Richard III,
pick up a copy of
the King Richard
III Walking Trail.
Only £1 from
the King Richard
III Visitor Centre,
the Guildhall and
Visit Leicester, or
download a copy
for free from visitleicester.info/kriii
© Leicester Cathedral Chapter
King for only two years, Richard is a
complex and enigmatic figure who raises
debate and inspires curiosity in equal
measure. In a modern world, this
medieval monarch has taken on a unique
status - lost by the world and time,
Richard III was until 2012 one of only a
handful of English monarchs without a
marked grave. In the intervening centuries
the King’s character became surrounded
by myths and immortalised by
Shakespeare, but eventually Richard
became a symbol for revisionists who
fought to put right the wrongs he had
suffered. Since 1924 the Richard III
Society have been dedicated to uncovering
the truth from the speculation and
controversy that surround one of our
country’s most famous monarchs, and so
in this darkly mysterious tapestry woven
by history, new threads of light and hope
began to appear.
But who was King Richard III - and how
did his story come to captivate so many?
Richard III was born in October 1452
during the troubled reign of King Henry
VI. His childhood was overshadowed by
the Wars of the Roses.
When King Edward IV died, his eldest son
Edward (Richard’s nephew), was due to
inherit the throne. A dramatic period
followed, during which time Edward and
his brother were declared illegitimate and,
controversially, Richard was crowned King.
In August 1485, on learning Henry Tudor
had landed in Wales and intended to claim
the throne, Richard gathered his armies in
Leicester and rode out to fight in what
became known as the Battle of Bosworth the last battle of the Wars of the Roses.
After fighting bravely to defend his crown,
Richard was killed in battle and Henry
Tudor became King of England.
Richard III was 32 years old when he died
- he had been King for two years. He was
known to be a brilliant and courageous
soldier and a fair-minded administrator.
However, after his death, his reputation
suffered at the hands of the Tudors, whose
slender claim to the throne made it
necessary to blacken Richard’s character.
Richard’s story was once again unearthed
when, in August 2012, the University of
Leicester, Leicester City Council and the
Looking For Richard Project joined forces
in a search for the King’s grave. After
excavating an adult male skeleton from
the ruins of the medieval Greyfriars,
testing confirmed that the King had been
found, with the DNA of his remains
matching that of descendants of Richard’s
family alive today.
The identification of King Richard III was
just the beginning; there began a long
process from which, eventually, Leicester
Cathedral was identified as the final
resting place for the King. In March 2015,
King Richard III will finally be laid to rest
- less than 100 steps from where he had
been placed by history.
SUNDAY 22 MARCH
The Last Journey of the Last Plantagenet
Procession overview:
From 11am:
1.05pm:
1.20pm:
1.55pm:
2.15pm:
3.40pm:
Cortege departs
University of
Leicester
Start of reinterment
cortege in the
county
Arrival at Dadlington
Arrival at Sutton
Cheney
Arrival at Bosworth
Battlefield Heritage
Centre for service
- ticket holders only
Arrival at Market
Bosworth
4pm - 4.15pm:
Cortege passes
through Newbold
Verdon, Desford
and Leicester Forest
East
4.30pm:
Bow Bridge
ceremony
4.50pm:
St Nicholas Church
service - invitation
only
5.15pm - 5.30pm: City centre
procession
5.45pm:
Arrival at Leicester
Cathedral for 6pm
Service of Compline
- invitation only
Timings are approximate. Refer to the city and county maps to see the
procession route illustrated.
The procession and following service at
Leicester Cathedral will be shown on big screens in
Leicester at Jubilee Square and the Clock Tower.
Follow the procession and events throughout
reinterment week online at kingrichardinleicester.com
and on twitter @KRIIILeicester #richardreburied
The historic event of reinterring a King
will begin in Leicester and Leicestershire
on Sunday 22 March, when a cortege
transporting the mortal remains of King
Richard III will depart from the University
of Leicester through the county and city,
before arriving at Leicester Cathedral.
The university will hold a short public
ceremony to mark the departure of the
King from the campus after more than 2
years since the Archaeology Service led the
excavation on the medieval Greyfriars site.
The first stop for the cortege will be a
private event at Fenn Lane Farm. The area
around Fenn Lane Farm has produced a
number of archaeological finds suggesting
that soldiers were fighting in this area; it
was here that the Bosworth Boar was
found, a solid silver gilded badge which
would have been worn by someone of high
rank, such as a knight in the King's
household. The area is overlooked by
Crown Hill, Stoke Golding, where the
victorious Henry Tudor was unofficially
crowned after the battle.
From there the cortege will pause at
Dadlington, where many of those who fell
in the battle are buried, and Sutton
Cheney, where it is believed Richard’s
soldiers camped on the eve of battle.
After a service lead by the Bishop of
Leicester for invited guests and ticket
holders, the procession will proceed
towards the city, stopping at Market
Bosworth which, as the nearest substantial
town, gave its name to the battle.
The procession will carry on through
Newbold Verdon and Desford towards
Leicester where there will be a short public
ceremony at Bow Bridge to mark its
arrival in the city - it was over the old Bow
Bridge that Richard rode out to battle in
1485. A horse-drawn hearse will be used
to complete the final section of the journey
to Leicester Cathedral, where the coffin
will be officially received for an evening
service.
City Procession Route
Bow
Bridge
County Procession Route
If you need further information about the reinterment of King Richard III and
associated events, go to Visit Leicester or one of the information points in the city.
Information points are located at the railway station, BBC Radio Leicester
(Guildhall Lane), the Clock Tower, Jubilee Square and St Peter’s Square (Highcross).
Reburying Richard
with Dignity and Honour
Those behind the scenes at Leicester
Cathedral have been busy preparing for a
truly unique event: the reburial of a King.
Less than 100 steps from where the King
has rested for over 500 years and situated
in the middle of beautiful gardens, Leicester
Cathedral was constructed by Normans as
the Church of St Martin over 900 years ago.
King Richard III was recognised in the
cathedral long before the ground was
broken by the University of Leicester
diggers in 2012 - a memorial tablet for
Richard lay in the chancel of the cathedral
from 1982, and has only now been lifted to
make way for the King’s tomb.
The tomb has been designed to reflect key
Christian themes as well as the story of
King Richard. It will be situated in a place
of similar significance to the chancel
where the Greyfriars buried King Richard
in their church. This will be a peaceful
space for people to visit and reflect.
After a formal procession around the
county and city on Sunday 22 March, the
Cathedral will receive the remains of the
King for a Service of Compline, which will
formally acknowledge the remains into the
care of the Cathedral. The King will then
lie in repose for 3 days, when members of
the public will have the opportunity to
view the King’s coffin and pay their respects.
On Thursday 26 March the last
Plantagenet King of England will finally be
laid to rest; the Dean of Leicester and
Archbishop of Canterbury will preside at
the reinterment service and the Bishop of
Leicester will preach the sermon.
Following this historic event, Leicester
Cathedral will invite the city and county to
celebrate the reinterment
of King Richard III and reveal the
completed tomb in a special service
on Friday 27 March, after which the public
will be able to see the tomb of the King in
its full and final setting.
Leicester Cathedral
Reinterment Programme
Cathedral Morning Service - live on
BBC Radio 4
Sunday 22 March, 7.30am
Open for all who wish to attend but doors
close at 7.30am.
Prayer for King Richard III
Sunday 22 March
St Nicholas Church,
St Nicholas Circle, Leicester LE1 4LB
The coffin of King Richard III will be
carried into the church accompanied by
singing and a Litany of the Saints, and
short prayers. The coffin will leave on a
horse drawn carriage. Admittance is by
invitation only.
Service of Compline for the
Reception of the Remains of
King Richard III
Sunday 22 March, 6pm - 7pm
Attendance is by invitation only. The
service will be shown on big screens in
Jubilee Square and at the Clock Tower.
King Richard III in Repose
Monday 23 & Tuesday 24 March:
9.30am - 12.30pm & 2pm - 5pm,
Wednesday 25 March: 9.30am 12.30pm
This will be a queued event with no charge
for entry. If you are unable to queue for
medical reasons please make yourself
known to a welcomer.
Cathedral Eucharist*
Monday 23 & Tuesday 24 March, 1pm
A said Eucharist led by Bishop Tim
Stevens (Monday) and Bishop Christopher
Boyle (Tuesday).
Sung Vespers*
Tuesday 24 March, 5.30pm
Vespers sung by visiting Dominican clergy
and choir.
Cathedral Eucharist with Hymns*
Wednesday 25 March, 1pm
A Eucharist with hymns, Celebrant Sr
Beverley SSF, Homily Fr David Rocks OP.
Service of Reinterment of the
Remains of King Richard III
Thursday 26 March
Procession of guests: 10.45am
Service: 11.30am
Attendance is by invitation only. The
service will be shown on big screens in
Jubilee Square, at the Clock Tower and
broadcast live on Channel 4.
Service of Reveal of the Tomb of
King Richard III and Celebration
Friday 27 March, 12 noon
Attendance by invitation only.
The Tomb of King Richard III
Revealed
Friday 27 March, 3pm - 5.15pm
& 6.15pm - 9pm
This will be a free queued event. If you are
unable to queue for medical reasons please
make yourself known to a welcomer.
Bell Ringing – a special King Richard
III Peal
Friday 27 March, 6pm
A specially arranged peal will be rung from
the Cathedral bell tower.
*Admission is only for the specified service and not for
viewing of the coffin of King Richard III. These events
are open to all until the Cathedral capacity is reached.
W: leicestercathedral.org
Telling the Story of King Richard III
The city and county have two fantastic visitor attractions dedicated to telling the story of
the key moments in the life, death and discovery of King Richard III.
King Richard III Visitor Centre:
Dynasty Death and Discovery
Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre
Exhibition
Saturday 21 March: 10am - 5pm, Sunday
22 March: 10am - 7pm, Monday 23 &
Tuesday 24 March: 10am - 6pm,
Wednesday 25 March: 9am - 5pm,
Thursday 26 March: 9am - 7pm, Friday 27
March: 9am - 6pm, Saturday 28 March:
10am - 6pm, Sunday 29 March: 10am - 4pm
Saturday 21 & Monday 23 – Sunday 29
March: 10am – 5pm; Sunday 22 March:
10am – 6pm (event ticket holders only).
King Richard III Visitor Centre,
4A St. Martin’s, Leicester LE1 5DB
Standing on the site of the medieval friary
of the Greyfriars where the King’s remains
were buried over 500 years ago, the centre
tells the fascinating story of the King’s life
and death, and reveals one of the greatest
archaeological detective stories ever told.
With interactive, hands-on displays you
can discover how King Richard III’s
remains were discovered and identified.
T: 0300 300 0900 W: kriii.com
Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre,
Sutton Cheney, Nuneaton CV13 0AD
Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre tells
the dramatic story of the Battle of
Bosworth on 22 August 1485, which
marked a major turning point in English
history. With interactive, hands-on
displays you can find out more about
medieval warfare, how the battle unfolded
and the impact of the new and powerful
Tudor dynasty. The Tithe Barn café is
open daily 10am - 5pm.
T: 01455 290429
W: bosworthbattlefield.com
FRIDAY 20 - SUNDAY 29 MARCH
Reinterment Week Programme
Join in the many events and activities taking place during the King Richard III
reinterment week - learn about King Richard III, hear from those involved in this
remarkable story and discover Leicester’s heritage sites.
Recurring events are listed on their first occurrence. See adjacent page for King Richard
III Visitor Centre and Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre contact details. Unless
stated, see back page for all other venue address and contact details. All details are
correct at time of going to print; we apologise for any changes to the programme that
may be necessary.
Floral tribute to King Richard III
Sunday 22 – Sunday 29 March
St James the Greater Church, Sutton Cheney
There will be no charge but donations will be welcomed
for flowers and the church. The church is always open
during daylight hours.
Saturday 21 March
King Richard III Day
10am – 4pm (Hands-on Activities), 10am – 5pm
(Expert Talks)
University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester
LE1 7RH
A free day of family-friendly activities celebrating the
University of Leicester’s discovery, identification and
study of the last Plantagenet King. Free event, no
pre-booking required. Some events have limited capacity
with sign-up on arrival. W: le.ac.uk/kr3events
W: kingrichardinleicester.com
@KRIIILeicester #richardreburied
King Richard III Day
Medieval Leicester Galleries
Opens Friday 20 March
The Guildhall
Through objects, activities and digital technology, walk
the streets of Medieval Leicester and uncover a world
both familiar and very different to our own! Supported by
the DCMS/Wolfson Museums & Galleries Improvement
Fund. Free.
Medieval Leicester Galleries
Ongoing events
King Richard III Family Day
10.30am - 2.30pm
The Guildhall
Medieval inspired crafts in one of
Leicester’s oldest medieval buildings.
Free, drop-in event.
Guided walks at Bosworth Battlefield
Heritage Centre
Saturday 21 March, Monday 23 –
Wednesday 25 March & Friday 27
March: 11am, 1pm & 3pm; Thursday
26 March: 3pm; Saturday 28 &
Sunday 29 March: 11am & 2pm
Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre
A 2km guided walk exploring the battle of
Bosworth, the death of King Richard III
and the unlikely victory of Henry Tudor.
Tickets: Adults £4.50 Child £3.25 Family
tickets available. Book via telephone, in
person or via the website.
Wygston’s House Tours
Blue Badge Guide tours: Saturday
21, Monday 23 & Tuesday 24 March:
11am, 1pm & 3pm
Costumed tours: Friday 27 March:
11am, 1pm & 3pm
Wygston’s House
A fantastic opportunity to explore this
hidden treasure and find out more about
the building and its fascinating history.
Free event, pre-booking essential for tour.
King Richard III Art Exhibition
Saturday 21, Monday 23 – Wednesday
25 & Friday 27 March: 11am – 4.30pm
The Guildhall
Fine Art exhibition focused on the places
of significance to King Richard’s life and
other work by Kirsteen Thomson. Free,
drop-in event.
DMU Guided Heritage Tour
Saturday 21 – Monday 23 March,
Thursday 26 & Friday 27 March:
Hourly from 11am – 2pm
Trinity Hospital Chapel, Church of the
Annunciation, The Chantry Building
De Montfort University, The Gateway,
Leicester LE1 9BH
Located in the heart of the ancient
precinct of ‘The Newarke’, De Montfort
University is home to several hidden
heritage sites. Each tour will begin on the
hour and will meet at Trinity Hospital
Chapel. Free, drop-in event.
Leicester Castle Mini Tours
Saturday 21 – Saturday 28 March:
11.30am, 12 noon, 12.30pm, 1pm,
2pm, 2.30pm & 3pm
Leicester Castle
Included in our introductory tours are the
12th century Great Hall and the original
castle mound. Tours are not suitable for
small children who may need to be carried
and suitable footwear is advisable. Free,
drop-in event.
Magazine Gateway Mini Tours
Saturday 21 – Saturday 28 March:
11.30am, 12 noon, 12.30pm, 1pm,
2pm, 2.30pm & 3pm
Magazine Gateway
The 15th century Magazine Gateway has a
compelling and varied 600 year history. Tours
are not suitable for small children who may
need to be carried and suitable footwear is
advisable. Free, drop-in event.
By visiting The Magazine, Leicester Castle and
De Montfort University’s Heritage Centre,
visitors can undertake a self-guided tour of the
Newarke area. Please note that DMU’s Trinity
Hospital Chapel can only be accessed on a
guided tour.
W: kingrichardinleicester.com
@KRIIILeicester #richardreburied
Philippa Langley - The Looking for
Richard Project
3.30pm
The Guildhall
Screenwriter Philippa Langley, who led
the search for King Richard III, tells the
story of her seven-and-a-half year journey
to uncover the King’s grave through the
Looking for Richard Project. Free event,
pre-booking essential.
The Trial of King Richard III
7.30pm (Doors open at 7pm)
Jewry Wall Museum
The Tyrsby Players will seek to shed light
upon one of history’s most enduring
mysteries. The King stands accused of the
heinous murder of his young nephews, the
Princes in the Tower. You, the audience,
will act as jury. Bar available. Free event,
advanced booking recommended.
Candlelit Service of Holy Communion
7.30pm
St James the Greater Church,
Sutton Cheney
A service including King Richard III's
prayer and hymn. Free but voluntary
collection will be taken during Richard's
hymn.
Medieval Evening Banquet
7.30pm
Newbold Verdon Sports & Social
Club, Main Street, Newbold Verdon,
Leicester LE9 9NP
The evening will consist of a meal followed
by a sketch by Verdon Players and
medieval dancing by children from the
Primary School. Price TBC. For more
information contact Joyce Crooks on
01455 822027 / email
murielcrooks@sky.com
W: kingrichardinleicester.com
Sunday 22 March
Cathedral Morning Service - live on
BBC Radio 4
(for details see page7)
The Departure of King Richard III
from the University of Leicester
11am – 12 noon
University of Leicester, University
Road, Leicester LE1 7RH
A brief public ceremony to mark the
departure of the former King from the
campus.
W: le.ac.uk/kr3events
King Richard III in Dadlington
12pm – 5pm
Dadlington Village Green
King Richard III’s cortege will stop at St
James’ Church and The Green, Dadlington,
for a short service en route to Leicester.
A Guard of Honour from local schools will
form around the Green to welcome the
cortege to the village. Food and drink will
be available in the Village Hall. Free event,
donations to church welcome.
Cortege procession through
Sutton Cheney
St James the Greater Church,
Sutton Cheney
Mark Bennett's Recorder Group will be
playing medieval music prior to and after
the cortege stops for prayers outside the
church gates. Refreshments will be
available in the Village Hall before and
after cortege passes through village.
Market Bosworth Activities
Market Bosworth
Activities all day in the village centre
including a farmers market, community
choir, craft stalls, demonstrations and
activities by reenactors. In the afternoon
there will be a service to commemorate
the life of King Richard III in Market
Bosworth Square.
@KRIIILeicester #richardreburied
Service of Compline for the
Reception of the Remains of King
Richard III
(for details see Leicester Cathedral page)
Jewry Wall and St Nicholas Church
Medieval Leicester and King Richard III
11.30am – 3.30pm
Jewry Wall Museum
Join the Friends of Jewry Wall Museum
for an exploration of the life and times of
King Richard III. Free, drop-in event.
King Richard III service at Bosworth
Battlefield Heritage Centre
The site is open to ticket holders only
10am – 6pm
Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre
The commemorative ceremony, led by the
Rt Rev Tim Stevens, Bishop of Leicester,
will be held at the Battlefield Sundial in
the early afternoon. Access to the site will
be by shuttle bus from local park and ride
sites only, except for Blue Badge holders.
See website for details. This event is for
ticket holders only - tickets must be
applied for via the Bosworth Battlefield
website, by phone or in person at the
Battlefield Centre.
Cortege in Newbold Verdon
Newbold Verdon village
Members of the village in costumes of the
time will process to the recreation ground
on Dragon Lane to commemorate the
passing through of the cortege. This
event is free and open to all. For more
information contact Joyce Crooks on
01455 822027 / email
murielcrooks@sky.com
Prayer for King Richard III
St Nicholas Church, St Nicholas
Circle, Leicester LE1 4LB
The coffin of King Richard III will be
carried into St Nicholas Church
accompanied by singing from the St
Nicholas Singers. A Litany of the Saints
and short prayers will be said. The coffin
will leave the church to be placed on a
horse drawn carriage. Admittance is by
invitation only.
W: kingrichardinleicester.com
@KRIIILeicester #richardreburied
King Richard lll in Repose
(for details see Leicester Cathedral page)
Guided Trips to Fenn Lane Farm
Monday 23 – Wednesday 25 March &
Friday 27 – Sunday 29 March: 6 trips
per day 10am – 4pm
Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre
– Fenn Lane Farm
An exclusive chance to visit Fenn Lane
Farm, the likely site of King Richard III’s
death, with an experienced Battlefield
Guide. 45 minute tour including minibus
ride from the Battlefield Heritage Centre
to the site. £6pp (no concessions).
Pre-booking essential, book via telephone,
in person or via the website.
Medieval Games
Monday 23 – Wednesday 25 & Friday
27 March: 10.30am – 4pm
The Guildhall
Come and try your hand at a selection of
medieval games. A partnership event with
the University of Leicester. Free, drop-in
event.
King Richard III’s Pennants – Schools
Project
Monday 23 – Sunday 29 March:
11am – 4.30pm
The Guildhall
To commemorate the reinterment of King
Richard III, children from 10 city schools
have participated in artist led workshops
to create King Richard III pennants. Free,
drop-in event.
Cathedral Eucharist
(for details see Leicester Cathedral page)
Les Routiers – Arms & Armour Talk
Monday 23 – Wednesday 25 March:
1.30pm & 3.30pm
Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre,
Heritage Room
Learn about the arms and armour of the
15th century soldier. Adults £3 / child £2.
Book via telephone, in person or via the
website.
Leicester Castle – Meet Sir Robert
and Lady Chamberlain
Monday 23 & Thursday 26 – Sunday
29 March: 10.30am – 4pm
Leicester Castle
Sir Robert fought for King Richard III at
Bosworth and will talk about his allegiance
to the King. Talk to Lady Chamberlain
about medieval life and her life as a high
status noble. Tours are not suitable for
small children who may need to be carried
and suitable footwear is advisable. Free,
drop-in event.
W: kingrichardinleicester.com
@KRIIILeicester #richardreburied
Leicester Castle
Monday 23 March
The Road to Bosworth: a talk by
Eddie Smallwood
5pm
Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre,
Heritage Room
Join experienced Battlefield Guide Eddie
Smallwood in an exploration of what led
to the Battle of Bosworth, how the armies
made their way to the area and what
ultimately led to Richard's defeat and
death. £5 (no concessions), booking
advisable. Book via telephone, in person
or via the website.
Mass for the Repose of the Soul
of King Richard III
5pm
Holy Cross Church, 45 Wellington
Street, Leicester LE1 6HW
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the Archbishop
of Westminster, will celebrate Mass for the
Repose of the Soul of King Richard III.
The Mass is for ticket holders only.
W: holycrossleicester.org
Bloodline – The Descendants’ Stories
7pm – 8pm
The Guildhall
Join BBC Radio Leicester’s Ben Jackson in
conversation with Michael, Jeff and Leslie
Ibsen and Wendy Duldig. This is a
partnership event with the University of
Leicester and BBC Radio Leicester. Free
event, pre-booking essential.
Mathew Morris: Is this a King I see
before me?
7.30pm
King Richard III Visitor Centre
The University of Leicester’s Mathew
Morris discusses the discovery and
excavation of King Richard III’s remains.
Event includes an exclusive viewing of the
Visitor Centre and refreshments. £15.00
per person, book in advance online.
X Marks the Spot… The Search for
Richard III
7.30pm
The Dixie Grammar School - Station
Rd, Market Bosworth CV13 0LE
Richard Buckley from the University of
Leicester, lead archaeologist of the
Greyfriars project, talks about this major
discovery. Tickets £7.50.
W: bosworthfestival.co.uk
W: kingrichardinleicester.com
Hawkwise Flying Sessions
Hawkwise Flying Sessions
Monday 23 – Wednesday 25 March:
2pm & 3pm; Friday 27 March: 11am,
1pm & 3pm; Saturday 28 March: 11am
– 4pm; Sunday 29 March: 11am, 1pm
& 3pm
Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre
Get up close and personal with owls,
hawks and falcons with Hawkwise
Falconry. Adults £2.50 / child £1.50 (£2pp
on Saturday 28 March). Book via
telephone, in person or via the website for
23 - 25 March only.
@KRIIILeicester #richardreburied
Tuesday 24 March
King Richard lll in Repose
(for details see Leicester Cathedral page)
Sung Vespers
(for details see Leicester Cathedral page)
Finding Bosworth Battlefield by
Richard Mackinder
5pm
Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre,
Heritage Room
An illustrated talk on the exciting story of
a Battlefield lost to history and finally
rediscovered through painstaking research
and survey work. £5pp, booking essential.
Book via telephone, in person or via the
website.
X marks the Spot, Finding
Leicester’s Lost King
6pm – 7pm
The Guildhall
An exciting opportunity to hear the
University of Leicester’s Richard Buckley
and Mathew Morris discuss discovering
and excavating the mortal remains of King
Richard III. There will be an opportunity
for questions and answers. A partnership
event with the University of Leicester.
Free event, pre-booking essential.
Wednesday 25 March
King Richard III: Histories-Transformations--Afterlives
9am – 5pm
Trinity House, De Montfort University,
The Gateway, Leicester LE1 9BH
A one-day conference called "Richard III:
Histories--Transformations--Afterlives."
£30 for students, £55 standard rate.
Contact Deborah Cartmell
(djc@dmu.ac.uk) or Gabriel Egan
(gegan@dmu.ac.uk) for further
information. Book your place at
http://store.dmu.ac.uk or call
0116 250 6685.
Book signing with Richard Buckley
10am – 2pm
King Richard III Visitor Centre
The University of Leicester’s Richard
Buckley will be at the Visitor Centre to
sign copies of his best-selling book, ‘The
King Under The Car Park.’ Free, drop-in
event (does not include access to the
Visitor Centre).
Writing about Richard and His Times
– Literary Conference
1.30pm – 5pm
Leicester Adult Education College,
2 Wellington Street, Leicester LE1 6HL
Hosted by Historical Novel Society in
partnership with Leicester Libraries. Free
event. For more details contact Mark
Evans 01550 740139 or visit the website:
historicalnovelsociety.org
King Richard III in Repose
(for details see Leicester Cathedral page)
W: kingrichardinleicester.com
@KRIIILeicester #richardreburied
The King’s Speech
12.15pm – 12.45pm
Leicester Central Library,
Bishop Street, Leicester LE1 6AA
Join Dr Philip Shaw for an interesting
lunchtime talk and discussion on the
dialect and written practices of Richard
III. A partnership event with the
University of Leicester. Free event,
booking advisable.
Cathedral Eucharist with Hymns
(for details see Leicester Cathedral page)
The ‘Other’ Richards
1.15pm – 1.45pm
Leicester Central Library, Bishop
Street, Leicester LE1 6AA
Much has been written about King
Richard III. Without the constraints of the
need for historical ‘accuracy’ Dr Nicole
Fayard will uncover how King Richard III
is portrayed in performances of
Shakespeare’s play across Europe. A
partnership event with the University of
Leicester. Free event, booking advisable.
T: 0116 299 5401
Tell Tale Theatre presents
‘Uncle Richard’
Written by E.S Cooper, Directed
by Taresh Solanki
Wednesday 25 March: 4.30pm & 7pm
shows, Wygston’s House
Friday 27 March: 4.30pm & 7pm
shows, The Guildhall
World Premiere of a brand new history
play written and told by the awardwinning Tell Tale Theatre to mark the
reinterment of King Richard III. Running
time 1 hour. Free event, pre-booking
essential.
Arming King Richard III for Battle by
Dominic Smee & Richard Knox
5pm
Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre,
Heritage Room
Richard Knox, curator at Bosworth
Battlefield, and re-enactor Dominic Smee,
a Richard III body double who starred in a
Channel 4 documentary, provide an
illustrated talk on how the fallen monarch
would have fought in armour. £5pp,
booking essential. Book via telephone, in
person or via the website.
W: kingrichardinleicester.com
Launde Abbey
Wygston’s House Stained Glass Tours
11am, 1pm & 3pm
Wygston’s House
Costumed guided tours of Wygston’s
House with an emphasis on finding out
more about the beautiful stained glass that
is currently on display at Jewry Wall. Free
event; drop-in available but pre-booking
essential for tours.
@KRIIILeicester #richardreburied
King Richard III in Fact and Fiction –
Who should we believe?
6.30pm – 9pm
Leicester Central Library, Bishop
Street, Leicester LE1 6AA
A literary discussion chaired by Dr P T
Stone, Chairman of Richard III Society.
Featuring: David Baldwin, adviser to King
Richard III Visitor Centre; John AshdownHill, leader of genealogical research and
historical advisor to Looking For Richard
Project; Peter Hammond, President of the
Richard III Society, historian and author
of ‘Richard III and the Bosworth Campaign;’
and Joanna Hickson, broadcaster and
historical novelist, author of Red Rose
White Rose. Followed immediately by
'Richard III: the Man and the Myth’ (8pm
- 9pm). A presentation with images by
best-selling historian and novelist Alison
Weir followed by a book signing. This is a
free event but booking is essential.
Presented by Leicester Libraries in
partnership with the Historical Novel
Society. T: 0116 2995401
Dinner and Lecture at Launde Abbey
Wednesday 25 March: Victimised or
Victorious?: Launde Abbey, War and
the Reformation
Thursday 26 March: “For me,
Launde”: Ownership, Reputation and
the Cromwells of Launde Abbey
Dinner at 6.30pm followed by lecture
at 8pm
Launde Abbey, East Norton,
Leicestershire LE9 7XB
The speaker is Katie Bridger, a PhD
Student at the University of Leicester in
the Centre for English Local History. £30
for a three course dinner and lecture.
Overnight accommodation is available for
those who wish to attend both lectures at a
cost of £85 per room (£50 for single
rooms) per night. For information and to
book, please contact Launde Abbey on
01572 717254; email:
suzanne@launde.org.uk or visit:
www.laundeabbey.org.uk
W: kingrichardinleicester.com
Leicester and King Richard III
7pm
Newarke Houses Museum and
Gardens
Come and hear how the city and county of
Leicester featured in the life and death of
the controversial King Richard III.
Refreshments included. Talk by Robert
Gregory, Blue Badge Guide. Free event,
booking essential.
To the Point
7pm – 8pm
New Walk Museum and Art Gallery
A fascinating talk and Q&A session as
Professor Sarah Hainsworth from
University of Leicester examines the
evidence of King Richard III’s battle
wounds and explores the weapons that
were used to inflict these fatal injuries.
Free event, pre-booking essential.
Thursday 26 March
Service of Reinterment of the
Remains of King Richard III
(for details see Leicester Cathedral page)
A Moot Point
7pm – 8pm
Leicester Castle
A talk and Q&A session exploring the
legalities around the discovery of King
Richard III and the subsequent judicial
review. University of Leicester’s Dr Tracey
Elliot and Dr Sean Thomas will deliver this
interesting talk. Free event, booking
essential.
@KRIIILeicester #richardreburied
Film: Richard III (1995)
7.30pm
The Dixie Grammar School, Station
Rd, Market Bosworth CV13 0LE
An adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic
with Ian McKellen, Annette Bening and
Jim Broadbent. Tickets £5.
W: bosworthfestival.co.uk
Friday 27 March
Service of Reveal of the Tomb of
King Richard III and Celebration
(for details see Leicester Cathedral page)
The Troubadour, Damien Clarke
Friday 27 March: 3pm – 8pm,
The Guildhall
Saturday 28 March: 11am – 4pm,
Wygston’s House
The troubadour, Damien Clarke, will be
performing in the Guildhall on two
unusual and historical instruments: the
Hammer Dulcimer and the Hurdy Gurdy.
Free, drop-in event.
The Tomb of King Richard III
Revealed, Bell Ringing – a special
King Richard III Peal
(for details see Leicester Cathedral page)
credit: van Heyningen & Haward Architects
David Baldwin: Leicester’s Lost King
2pm – 4pm
King Richard III Visitor Centre
Former University of Leicester lecturer
David Baldwin, who wrote an article
anticipating the discovery of King Richard
III's remains in the 1980s, will discuss the
King's reign and character. David will be
signing copies of his book ‘Richard III’
after the talk (until 4pm). £15 per person
for talk, admission to the Visitor Centre
and refreshments – book in advance
online. Book signing is a free, drop-in
event (does not include access to the
Visitor Centre).
W: kingrichardinleicester.com
@KRIIILeicester #richardreburied
FRIDAY 27 MARCH
Leicester Glows
Big Difference Company, Fireworxx
and Bright Spark present…
Leicester Glows: Fire Garden
and Cathedral Illuminations
Friday 27 March
6pm - 10pm
Jubilee Square, Cathedral Gardens
& King Richard III Visitor Centre
Join with the people of Leicester and
Leicestershire for a unique and beautiful
experience, marking the end of an historic
week of events for the city and county.
W: kingrichardinleicester.com
Over 8,000 flames will be lit around
Jubilee Square and Cathedral Gardens,
illuminating the area together with a trail
of fire sculptures lighting the sky to mark
the reinterment of King Richard III.
You will be able to light your own flame to
honour the King and produce a crown of
flames at the King Richard III Visitor
Centre.
The evening will include a stunning
illumination of Leicester Cathedral
together with a pyrotechnic display.
Free event.
@KRIIILeicester #richardreburied
Saturday 28 March
Philippa’s Story
10am - 12 noon
King Richard III Visitor Centre
Join Philippa Langley as she recounts her
astonishing seven-and-a-half year journey
as she led the search for the king’s grave
through the Looking For Richard Project.
Philippa will be signing copies of her
books “The King’s Grave” and “Finding
Richard III: The Official Account” after the
talk (until 12 noon). £15 per person,
includes talk, admission to the Visitor
Centre and refreshments. Book in advance
online. Book signing is free, drop-in event.
Time Detectives
Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 March:
11am, 11.30am, 12 noon, 12.30pm, 1pm,
1.30pm & 2pm
Wygston’s House
Do you want to be a Time Detective? Come
and join in this four-part puzzling activity
that will take you through the stages of
research, excavation, and the post
excavation finds and bones. A partnership
event with the University of Leicester.
Free, drop-in event.
A weekend of Living History at the
Guildhall: ‘1480’s Leicester – Life in
the Guildhall.’
Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 March:
11am – 4pm
The Guildhall
A fantastic weekend of living history
celebrating and bringing to life Leicester’s
Guildhall. Visitors will be able to learn
about everyday life, observe and learn
much more from practical demonstrations
and talks. Free, drop-in event.
Matinee performance of ‘What
Remains of Richard?’
1pm
Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre,
Marquee
An exciting performance from drama
group Interact, performed at the
battlefield surroundings. Debuted at
Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the play
explores the myths that surround King
Richard III’s life and death. £10pp,
booking essential. Book via telephone, in
person or via the website.
Talk and Book Launch by John
Ashdown-Hill
11am & 2pm
Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre,
Heritage Room
Hear John Ashdown-Hill speak about his
new book, ‘The Dublin King - The True
Story of Edward, Earl of Warwick,
Lambert Simnel and the Princes in the
Tower.’ Cost £7.50 per person (no
concessions). Pre-booking advised.
Sunday 29 March
Heritage Sundays
Tours: 11am The Magazine, 1pm
Wygston’s House, 2.30pm Leicester
Castle
A wonderful opportunity to visit some of
Leicester’s beautiful historic buildings
with visitors invited to explore the
buildings on their own or book onto a tour
with an expert Blue Badge Guide. Free
event, pre-booking essential for tours.
Tours are not suitable for small children
who may need to be carried and suitable
footwear is advisable.
T: 0116 299 4444
W: goleicestershire.com
Jewry Wall Museum Drop in activities
11am – 3.30pm
Jewry Wall Museum
Find out more about Roman Leicester and
the bath house on one of our guided tours.
Plus trails and crafts for children. Free,
drop-in event; pre-booking for tours
advisable.
W: kingrichardinleicester.com
@KRIIILeicester #richardreburied
VENUE INFORMATION
Newarke Houses
Museum & Gardens
The Newarke
Leicester LE2 7BY
T: 0116 225 4980
Monday - Saturday:
10am - 5pm*
Sunday: 11am - 5pm*
Leicester Castle
Castle View
Leicester LE1 5WH
T: 0116 225 4980
Open daily 10:30am - 5pm*
The Guildhall
Guildhall Lane
Leicester LE1 5FQ
T: 0116 253 2569
February - October
Open daily: 10.30am - 8pm*
Wygston’s House
12 Applegate
Leicester LE1 5LD
T: 0116 253 2569
Open daily: 10.30am - 5pm*
Jewry Wall Museum
St Nicholas Circle
Leicester LE1 4LB
T: 0116 225 4971
February - October
Open daily: 11am - 4.30pm*
New Walk Museum
& Art Gallery
53 New Walk
Leicester LE1 7EA
T: 0116 225 4900
Monday - Saturday:
10am - 5pm*
Sunday: 11am - 5pm*
The Magazine
Oxford Street
Leicester
T: 0116 225 4980
Open daily: 10.30am - 5pm*
Leicester Cathedral
Peacock Lane
Leicester LE1 5PZ
T: 0116 261 5200
Please note that the Guildhall and Wygston’s House will be closed to the public on
Sunday 22 and Thursday 26 March. Venues may be open outside of these hours for
special events. *These opening times are specifically for the reinterment week 21 - 29
March 2015.
W: kingrichardinleicester.com
@KRIIILeicester #richardreburied
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" Melton Mowbray
Raising a pork pie
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/(,&(67(56+,5(
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me
A warm welcome
Rural
capital
of food
72
Melton Mowbray is a
quintessential English market
town built on a strong tradition
of farming and fox hunting.
Renowned for its fine food and
drink offer, the Borough has
become the centre of excellence
for local food producers.
Famous for its pork pies and
Stilton© Cheese, the town of
Melton Mowbray is now home to
the Melton Mowbray Food & Drink
VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE
Festival, Great British Pie Awards
and the largest Artisan Cheese Fair
in the country. It is no wonder that
Melton Mowbray is known as the
‘Rural Capital of Food’.
Melton has an abundance of
places to eat, drink and experience
food and drink. The town centre
is home to Dickinson & Morris
producers of iconic pork pie and
the Melton Cheeseboard where
you can taste and purchase local
www.visitleicester.info
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cheeses as well as quaint
cafes serving traditional cream
teas, bistros serving local produce,
pubs and restaurants. On the
outskirts of the town you can
discover the how your favourite
beer is produced before sampling
a pint or two on a brewery tour of
Belvoir Brewery or visit Brockleys
to pick up some Sloe Gin or
traditional Melton Hunt cake.
There was a time when Melton
Mowbray was one of the most
fashionable places in Europe with
royalty and aristocrats flocking
to the town to spend the winter
months hunting with hounds.
Belvoir Castle is the ancestral
home to the Duke & Duchess of
Rutland, and stands high on a hill
overlooking 16,000 acres of
woodland in the beautiful Vale of
Belvoir. It is home to the famous
Belvoir Shoot and hosts many
large events throughout the year.
www.visitleicester.info
TOP FIVE THINGS
TO SEE & DO
1. There’s so much to see, eat and drink in Melton it’ll take
more than just a day! So why not enjoy a Gourmet Taste
of Leicestershire Short Break where you can taste and
sample the town’s local pork pies, cheese and ales.
2. Melton Mowbray Food & Drink Festival, 3-4th October 2015
3. Artisan Cheese Fair – The UK’s largest Cheese Fair,
2-3rd May 2015
4. The Victorian Christmas Weekend 4th-6th December
5. UK’s largest remaining Livestock Market – includes local
farmers market, antiques market and speciality events
with rare breeds
VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE
73
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Fun and food
Artisan Cheese Fair
Fun for the whole family
Belvoir Ales
Melton’s impressive St Mary’s
Church is over 800 years old and
an architectural gem with parts
dating back to 1170. This rare
example of a parish church is
host to two of the town’s most
prestigious events; The British
Pie Awards and the hugely
popular Christmas Tree Festival.
The town now has a wealth of
history illustrated on buildings with
Blue Plaques and detailed in the
Heritage Trail. The free Carnegie
Museum explores the history and
food heritage of Melton Mowbray
and reveals the origins of the phase
‘Painting the Town Red’.
74
TOP FIVE LEISURE ATTRACTIONS
1. Twinlakes Family Theme Park. Fantastic fun for all the family,
whatever the weather. From rollercosters to waterparks,
Winterland Wonderland and Halloween frights, there’s plenty
of fun throughout the year.
2. Regal Cinema. Enjoy a wonderful cinematic experience
at the unique refurbished picture-house Regal Cinema
3. Health Spa: Indulge yourself with a spa experience
at the luxurious Ragdale Hall & Stapleford Park Hotel.
4. Belvoir Castle and the Vale of Belvoir
5. Heritage Trail. Pick up the free Melton Heritage Trail
or download the app to find all about the town’s fascinating
history.
VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE
www.visitleicester.info
Twinlakes Family Theme Park
9,6,7/(,&(67(5
Christmas Tree Festival
Belvoir Castle
Melton has an amazing range
of activities to suit all ages and
abilities from falconry to skate
boarding and sky diving to duck
herding – Melton has it all! All
weather family fun is guaranteed at
the 70 acre Twinlakes Theme Park
with fabulous events throughout
the year including its Winter
Wonderland at Christmas and
Xtreme Scream at Halloween.
Melton Mowbray certainly makes
the most of celebrating Christmas.
The annual Victorian Christmas
Market and Christmas Tree
Festival during the first weekend
of December attract visitors from
all over the country.
There’s also a huge selection
of independent, specialist shops
which sell a wide range of gifts
and treats.
For more information on places to visit,
stay, eat and drink in Melton please visit
goleicestershire.com/melton
www.visitleicester.info
Interesting Fact:
The origin of the phrase
‘Painting the Town Red’
comes from Melton.
In 1837 the Marquis
of Waterford known as the
Mad Marquis had been
to Croxton Park Races
with his friends. Early in
the morning they arrived
in Melton Mowbray and
literally painted the town
and a local constable red.
VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE
75
VISITLEICESTER&LEICESTERSHIRE
GOLDSMITHS YOUR
LOCAL JEWELLERS
Whether it’s a gift for yourself or someone special, visit your local
Goldsmiths jewellers for friendly expert advice and bespoke care and services.
Your local stores:
Goldsmiths Leicester (opposite Debenhams)
&
Goldsmiths Leicester (near John Lewis)
at the Highcross Shopping Centre, Leicester
www.goldsmiths.co.uk
76
VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE
www.visitleicester.info
Visit our website for travel information
in Leicester and Leicestershire
The Magazine Gateway
L
eicester grew from a late Iron Age settlement on
the banks of the River Soar more than 2000
years ago. The impact of the Romans, Normans
and Saxons who settled here can still be seen today.
Much of the city centre has kept its medieval street
layout and the story of Leicester can be traced
through its magnificent, historical buildings.
The Magazine Gateway
Built in 1410, the Magazine Gateway can be found
at the western end of Newarke Street. The building, a
medieval gateway added to Leicester Castle by the
Third Earl of Leicester, got its name during the English
Civil War when it was used to store munitions.
It is a Grade I Listed building, and is not within a
conservation area, and is officially included within the
Leicester Castle monument, but standing a few
hundred metres away. The three-storey sandstone
78
VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE
structure now stands within a pedestrianised area,
next to De Montfort University.
The gate has no portcullis as its main purpose was to
impress visitors rather than be defensive. It's unclear
what the rooms inside were used for during the Middle
Ages, but could have been rented to townsfolk or as
visitor accommodation. The interior includes an
octagonal stair turret and two large rooms, with a
huge fireplace on the left side.
Leicester Castle
If you are walking to the Castle from the city centre
then the Magazine still works as a gateway. The
two historical structures actually count as one
monument – but most of the site is within Castle
Gardens.
Once you get inside the grounds – a conservation
area – there are a number of significant buildings
www.visitleicester.info
VISITLEICESTER&LEICESTERSHIRE
STANDING
THE TEST
OF TIME
including Castle Hall, John of Gaunt's Cellar and the
beautiful St Mary de Castro church.
The church was founded in 1100 by the First Earl of
Leicester and still has part of the original nave and
north wall of the chancel – a remarkable example of
architecture considering more than 900 years have
passed since they were built.
More was added to the building between 1160 and
1813, and in 1850 extensive restoration began under
the auspicious eye of Sir George Gilbert Scott – a 19th
century gothic revivalist who throughout his career
designed, or altered, more than 800 buildings across
the country.
The Guildhall
The 14th century timber-framed Guildhall has played
a part in six centuries of Leicester's heritage and is still
making history.
www.visitleicester.info
It was recently the setting of worldwide media
attention when the University of Leicester and
Leicester City Council welcomed journalists from
across the globe when they announced the discovery
of remains believed to be those of King Richard III.
Although at the time the bones had not been
confirmed as those of the king, the excitement that a
skeleton with a curved spine and battle wounds had
been unearthed was enough to attract reporters and
television crews from around the world.
The Guildhall has had many uses and lives. The Great
Hall itself was built in about 1390 as a meeting place
for the Guild of Corpus Christi - a small but powerful
group of businessman and gentry.
Over the next hundred years the Great Hall was
extended and the two wings at either end added.
It has been used as the town library, the Mayor's
parlour, a courtroom and even a theatre.
VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE
79
Leicester Castle
The King Richard III Visitor
Centre: Dynasty, Death and
Discovery
A monument to everything the city has achieved in its
search for King Richard III, the visitor centre tells the
story of the last Plantagenet's life, death and
discovery.
Wygston's House
The oldest house in Leicester has stood since
medieval times on one of the busiest thoroughfares
in town.
The centre has been created in the former Alderman
Newton's Grammar School, a stunning Victorian
Gothic revival building which stands partly on the site
of the old Grey Friars Church.
Created by Leicester City Council with input from
those who were instrumental in the project, the
exhibition is housed opposite Leicester Cathedral –
and the final resting place of the King.
It is not clear why time has chosen to keep
Wygston's House in such fine fettle when other,
much grander buildings in the town have perished.
The story is set out in such a way that visitors will
travel through Richard's past, learning about his war
against the Tudors and his death at Bosworth
Battlefield, before the tone changes and they are
transported into a world of discovery.
But the 15th century home is one of the city's
historic gems and comprises a timber hall from
around 1490, a brick block of 1796 - which replaced
an earlier timber shop - and chamber and a Victorian
wing standing on the site of the medieval kitchen.
There, the science of how academics at the
University of Leicester discovered the identity of the
remains is explained in a series of interactive displays
and tactile, visual exhibits. The tour comes to a
poignant conclusion at the preserved grave which
housed Richard III's remains beneath the city of
Leicester for more than 500 years. Here visitors can
reflect on the King's life in a reflective and solemn
environment.
The oldest part of Wygston’s House, the timberframed part, comprises a ground floor hall and upper
chambers for sleeping and storage.
80
VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE
The front of the timber hall has a range of windows
which were once filled with panels of painted glass,
facing onto a courtyard. Four of these glass panels,
dated to 1495 to 1500 can be seen at Newarke
Houses Museum.
www.visitleicester.info
VISITLEICESTER&LEICESTERSHIRE
The King Richard III
Visitor Centre
www.visitleicester.info
VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE
81
Loughborough Carillon
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Loughborough
and Charnwood
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Loughborough Market Day
Come and
explore this
wonderful
Market
town
Loughborough is a thriving and
varied Market town in the heart of
Charnwood’s rolling countryside.
It offers a wide range of shopping,
diverse eating out experiences,
family attractions, exciting events
and plenty of places to explore.
It is home to the world renowned
Loughborough University and
its thousands of students create
a lively buzz during term times.
The main pedestrianised shopping
area has recently been extended
as part of a £19.3m regeneration
scheme. The work has brought
together two shopping areas which
are centred around a thriving and
varied market in the heart of the
town. As well as the specialist
independent shopping streets on
Church Gate, Baxter Gate, Wards
End, and Market Street there are
also three shopping centres - The
Rushes, Carillon Court and Regent
Place – which are home to many
top high street brands.
For details of shopping offers and events
visit: www.loveloughborough.co.uk
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VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE
www.visitleicester.info
9,6,7/(,&(67(5
The Market in the heart of the
town plays an important role
in the vitality of Loughborough.
The Weekly Market is held every
Thursday and Saturday with over
125 stall holders.
The Vintage Market is held every
Friday and offers over 40 traders
selling antiques, collectables, and
memorabilia. A Farmers’ Market
is held on the second Wednesday
of each month with producers
from across the area selling
a wide range of interesting
organic, healthy food and
drink with a wealth
of knowledge about their
specialised products.
During the summer months there’s
a range of family friendly activities
that take place in the town
including the transformation of the
Market Place into a virtual seaside
where children can play in the sand
and parents
can relax in the
dec
deckchairs!
Loughborough has
a llarge selection
of car parks
which are located around the main
shopping areas. They offer great
value and convenience and have
won Secured Car Park awards
so shoppers know they are safe
to use.
Loughborough Sock Gallery
TOP FIVE THINGS
TO SEE & DO
1. Climb to the top of the
Carillon to see the views
and its famous bells, and
then take a moment to view
the Great Paul Bell Case
from which the Great Paul
Bell was cast.
2. Take a selfie with Sock Man
3. Find out more about
Loughborough’s literary
heritage at the Festival
of Children’s Illustrated
Literature
4. Pick up a bargain at the
Loughborough Market
5. Enjoy views of three
counties at the top of
Beacon Hill Country Park
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If you’re looking for culture
then Loughborough Town Hall
is the place to go! The theatre
has a range of comedy, theatre
productions, events and the
annual pantomime.
The Town Hall is also home
to the Sock Art Gallery which
has an impressive range of local
and national artists work on sale.
VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE
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Children’s Illustrated Literature Festival
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A place to learn
Charnwood Museum
Charnwood Museum
Situated in the idyllic Queen’s
Park is the Carillon War Memorial,
where visitors can climb the
138 steps to the top of the bell
tower for breath-taking views
of Loughborough and the
surrounding countryside.
Also located in Queen’s Park
is the award winning Charnwood
Museum which has an
impressive range of exhibitions
including the history of
Loughborough and the wider
borough and Ladybird Corner
which depicts the town’s
connection with this well-loved
brand. This autumn, a new
Loughborough Festival of
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Children’s Illustrated Literature
will take place. The festival will
include workshops, author talks,
family activities, trails and events
taking place throughout the town.
TOP FIVE LEISURE ATTRACTIONS
1. Find out about Lady Jane Grey, the nine day Queen
at Bradgate Park
2. Step back in time on the Great Central Railway
3. Read all about Ladybird Books at Charnwood Museum
4. Explore Charnwood Forest and enjoy afternoon tea at one
of the many picturesque villages
5. Pet the animals at Stonehurst Farm
VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE
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Great Central Railway
On the outskirts of Loughborough,
people can enjoy fantastic
outstanding natural beauty with
miles of rolling countryside, forest
and national parks, where some
of the oldest rocks in Europe can
be discovered. There are many
picturesque villages and water
ways for exploring by boat, on
foot or by bicycle. There are lots
of other places to explore including
the Great Central Railway,
Britain’s only double track main
line steam railway which runs
from Loughborough to Leicester.
Family fun at Bradgate Park
Bradgate Park is Leicestershire’s
largest country park which has
840 acres where red and fallow
deer roam freely. The ruins of the
home of Lady Jane Grey, the tragic
nine day Queen, can be explored
in the middle of the park.
Explore the ruins of
Lady Jane Grey’s home
To find out more about Loughborough and Charnwood
visit www.goleicestershire.com/loughborough
Stoneywell Cottage ©James Dobson
www.visitleicester.info
Visit Stoneywell Cottage to
discover one of only a handful
of notable Arts and Crafts houses
in England and the only
remaining cottage of its kind
in Leicestershire. Located in the
heart of the Charnwood Forest,
the cottage still contains much of
its original purpose-built furniture
which is now cared for by the
National Trust for the nation as
a significant archive of historical
material. As well as the cottage,
the gardens and woodland and
on-site tea shop are open to
the public but visits must be
pre-booked and can be done by
visiting www.nationaltrust.org.uk
/stoneywell
VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE
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SAMPLING A TASTE
T
he culinary pedigree of Leicestershire's world
famous food can't really be explained, it needs
to be tasted. From Melton Mowbray's pork pies
to Everard's ales, food and drink is our specialty.
The city is lucky enough to have one of the country's
finest collections of Asian restaurants and is a former
Curry Capital winner. Spice lovers flock to the Golden
Mile for its fabulous Indian cuisine.
And Leicestershire and Rutland also has its share of
the pages in the latest Michelin Guide – the
benchmark of fine dining. But if fine dining isn't for
you, and let's be honest you can only have so much
foam and jus, the city is also home to internationally
renowned Walkers crisps.
So there really is something for everyone.
Curry
The Golden Mile is Leicester's window to Asia and a
colourful and vibrant example of a remarkable culture.
Along Melton Road, in the Belgrave area of the city,
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VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE
are scores of Asian eateries of all sizes, representing
all regions.
Feast India, a huge buffet-style restaurant sits at one
end of Belgrave Road and offers every type of Asian
cuisine you can think of.
Slightly smaller, yet no less delicious, is Bobby's – a
vegetarian restaurant which has really made a name
for itself as a quality eatery. If you think you need meat
for a decent curry then one meal at Bobby's will have
you thinking again.
Pork pies
Two things are popular in Melton – fox hunting and
pork pies. One is controversial. The other is a meat
and jelly-filled delicacy which has been around since
the 18th century. But both share their history.
The crusty pastry pork treat became popular among
fox hunters in the late 1700s and the tradition of the
hunt and its associated snack of choice have stuck
with Melton ever since. Melton Mowbray pork pies are
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VISITLEICESTER&LEICESTERSHIRE
OF LEICESTERSHIRE
protected under European law, which means if they're
made anywhere other than Melton, they can't be
associated with the town. The most famous of all of
Melton's pork pie makers is Dickens and Morris,
which has a shop in the town's high street.
Leicester recently welcomed back another muchloved pork pie retailer, with the opening of the Walkers'
shop on Cheapside.
Walker & Son was founded in Leicester in 1824 by
Mark Walker, who opened a butchers' shop on
Leicester High Street. At first their sausages were a
hit, and then they opened a bakery which is when the
Walkers' pork pie was born.
During meat rationing in World War ll they used
surplus fat from meat products and locally grown
potatoes to produce potato crisps, becoming the
original creators of the famous snack brand.
protected under European law which means it is
made in only three counties, Leicestershire,
Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, to a strict recipe – or
Stilton code – allowing it to be called Stilton.
Legend has it that Leicestershire's Stilton was
discovered in a small farm in Melton Mowbray in 1730
and taken back to Stilton, in Cambridgeshire – where
it got its name
There are a number of dairies producing Stilton in the
East Midlands including Long Clawson – a regular
award-winner.
Red Leicester
One of the most successful afterthoughts in culinary
creation history, Red Leicester was traditionally made
with all the surplus milk from the Stilton dairies.
Stilton cheese
It has gone on to be one of the greatest cheeses this
country has ever produced. Anyone who has had
cheese on toast with Red Leicester will testify to that.
Stilton cheese is another of Leicestershire's products
One of the best examples of Red Leicester is from
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87
Sparkenhoe Red
Leicester Cheese
Sparkenhoe Farm, in Upton, south west
Leicestershire, which has won awards for its
exceptional produce.
Everards
From cheese to ale... Leicestershire's brewing
expertise comes in the form of national beer giant
Everards as well the county's collection of awardwinning micro breweries.
Everards was founded in 1849 by William Everard
and Thomas Hull and produces cask ales as well as
holding a pub portfolio of more than 170 tenanted
pubs - mostly in the Leicestershire area.
Tiger is probably its probably best known product
and is named in honour of the Leicestershire
Regiment, the Tigers – an infantry regiment with a
history going back to 1688.
On a smaller yet equally tasty scale are the county's
micro breweries, which can found dotted across all
2,156km2 of Leicestershire.
In Market Harborough, there is the Langton
Brewery, which produces a variety of ales sold in
and around Harborough and Leicester City Centre –
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VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE
Curve theatre, for example.
Belvoir Brewery (pronounced 'beaver' – if you're not
from Leicester), also creates some golden full-bodied
beers, dark stouts and ruby ales.
The brewery provides 275 pubs in a 50 mile radius
with its amber – and some darker – nectar, and is a
fine example of local brewing. Well worth a try.
Pukka pies, Walkers Crisps, Hula
Hoops, Nik Naks and Space
Raiders (Wigston),
Leicester has to be the crisps capital of the UK.
Not only does the county hold claim to being the
home of Walkers Crisps, but childhood favourites (and
adult guilty secrets) Space Raiders, Nik Naks and Hula
Hoops are all made in the county.
Anyway, that is a small and tasty cross section of
Leicestershire's food pedigree – a taster, if you like.
But the only way to know for yourself is indulge for
yourself.
Bon appétit.
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VISITLEICESTER&LEICESTERSHIRE
Walkers Crisps factory
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North West
Leicestershire
Conkers
At the
heart of
The
National
Forest
92
North West Leicestershire is at the
heart of The National Forest and
home to East Midlands Airport
with easy links to the major road
network. The National Forest area
covers 200 square miles across
the counties of Leicestershire,
Derbyshire and Staffordshire.
Over eight million trees have already
been planted, more than trebling
woodland cover, creating new
habitats for wildlife and a beautiful
landscape for everyone to enjoy.
VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE
No multi-purpose forest on
this scale has been created
in the UK for one thousand years.
The National Forest provides
environmental, social and
economic benefits, including
landscape enhancement, creation
of new wildlife habitats and
major new access and leisure
opportunities. The Woodland Trust
flagship Queen Elizabeth Diamond
Jubilee Wood near Ravenstone,
is planted with 200,000 trees.
www.visitleicester.info
Formula-e testing
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Great
days
out
This part of the county is home
to an impressive amount of family
attractions, there’s plenty to keep
all the family entertained. The
award winning family attraction,
Conkers, situated in the heart of
the Forest in Moira is the perfect
day out for all the family. From
obstacle courses, barefoot walks,
treetop walks and an amazing
adventure playground, there’s
plenty to keep all the family
active!
Events are also very much
a feature of Coalville there is
entertainment a plenty with
various festivals including the
annual Food and Drink Festival,
www.coalvilletownteam.co.uk
and Picnic in the Park
www.nwleics.gov.uk.
Moira Furnace provides visitors
with a unique insight into the
industrial heritage of this area
and holds lots of themed events
throughout the year.
At Castle Donington you can
explore the East Midlands Aero
Park and at the world famous
Donington Park you can see
some of the greatest cars in
history at the Donington Grand
Prix Collection. There are lots
of race days that take place
at Donington Park including
formula-e testing.
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01509 672518
www.visitleicester.info
VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE
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History & Heritage
North West Leicestershire has
a fascinating past and you can
discover more about the heritage
of this area from the ruins of Ashby
Castle and Grace Dieu Priory,
to medieval Donington le Heath
Manor House. The industrial
heritage of this part of the county
is told through exhibitions at the
many independent museums.
Get active
Retail Therapy
Ashby de la Zouch is an ancient
market town with a variety of
locally owned and specialist shops
trading alongside famous high
street names, as well as the
award winning Mill Lane Mews.
Nearby Coalville has an indoor
market, high street names in the
Belvoir Shopping Centre, and
many independent retailers in the
town, niche shops and amazing
restaurants.
Ashby Castle
If you’re looking for something
more active, then Hood Park
Leisure Centre with its indoor
and outdoor pools at Ashby de la
Zouch is ideal. During the warmer
months, the outdoor pool is the
perfect place to entertain the kids.
Alternatively the many trails and
country parks like Sence Valley at
Ibstock are perfect for walkers and
cyclists. The National Forest Way
passes through the area and Hicks
Lodge Cycle Centre welcomes
all ages and abilities. Snibston
Discovery Museum is located in
Coalvile.
94
Moira Furnace
TOP FIVE LEISURE ATTRACTIONS
1. Hermitage and Hood Park Leisure Centres
2. Get on your bike at Hicks Lodge, The National Forest
Cycle Centre
3. Experience woodland crafts at Conkers
4. Feel the speed at Donington Park
5. Discover the secret passage at Ashby Castle
VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE
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Take a stroll around the tranquil Sence Valley
Local produce is available from
Farmers Markets which are held
in Ashby de la Zouch and Castle
Donington, Cattows Farm Shop
at Heather, and Hill Farm and The
Mushroom Basket at Packington.
A visit to the craft centres at Moira
Furnace, Breedon Priory and The
Ferrers Centre at Staunton Harold
are a must for art and craft lovers.
TOP FIVE THINGS TO SEE & DO
1. The National Forest Walking Festival 16-28th May
2. Strawberry Fields Music Festival, August 21st/22nd/23rd August
3. Download at Donington Park 12th -14th June
4. Moira Canal Festival 16th -17th May
5. Ashby Statues 18th -22nd September
For more information on North West Leicestershire
please call the Tourist Information Centre on
01530 411767 or visit www.somewherenicetogo.co.uk
£27.75 per month membership
SIMPLY BECOME A CORPORATE MEMBER
Join
now!
Membership includes access to:
Over 100 fitness classes a week 3 swimming pools Health Suite 2 Evolution fitness suites
at Hermitage Leisure Centre, Coalville and Hood Park Leisure Centre, Ashby de la Zouch
For more information visit www.nwleics.gov.uk/fitness_membership
*Terms and conditions apply
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95
Leicester Train Station
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VISITLEICESTER&LEICESTERSHIRE
MEANS OF TRAVEL
T
o find out about the many different ways to
travel around Leicester and Leicestershire, go to
choosehowyoumove.co.uk/everyday
This website has a journey planner that gives
information on all the different options, whether you’re
travelling by train, bus, car or on foot. Just put in
details of where you are and where you want to go,
and choose the best option for you. There is a map of
Leicester on page 96.
Trains
Leicester’s railway station is on London Road (A6)
in the city centre, LE2 0QB. You can walk to the
main shopping area in five minutes. From
Leicester you can get direct trains to London,
Birmingham, Nottingham, Derby, Sheffield and
Stansted Airport, as well as local towns. See:
nationalrail.co.uk
For enquiries contact:
National Rail: 08457 48 49 50
National Express:
Tel: 08717 81 81 81
National Express, Disabled Persons Travel Helpline:
Tel: 08717 81 81 79
Buses
All buses into the city, including the Leicester/shire
Park & Ride services, drop you within walking distance
of the shops, cathedral and King Richard III Visitor
Centre.
For bus information go to travelineeastmidlands.co.uk
Telephone: 0871 200 22 33
The Haymarket Bus Station is currently closed for
redevelopment. Bus services that use the station have
been temporally relocated to nearby stops. Details of
affected services are posted on boards around the
station.
For more information go to
leicester.gov.uk/haymarketbusstation
TrainTracker™: 0871 200 49 50
TrainTracker™: Text “Leicester” to: 8 49 50
Airports
The closest airport to Leicester is East Midlands – 18
miles north on the M1. Visitors travelling from East
Midlands Airport can travel to Leicester city centre on
the Skylink bus. Skylink operates every 30 minutes
during the day and hourly at night, 24 hours a day,
seven days a week. For a timetable and more
information, please visit skylink.co.uk
Travellers from Birmingham International Airport can
take the train to Birmingham New Street and change
to a direct train to Leicester. Leicester also has a direct
rail link to Stansted Airport in Essex.
Park and Ride
The Park and Ride Quicksilver shuttle offers users a
fast, frequent and hassle free journey into Leicester
city centre. The service operates six days a week,
Monday to Saturday, from 7am until 7pm, from three
sites.
North (for A6/A46)
Birstall: service 303
Opposite Leicester North Services, A6/A46 Junction,
Loughborough Road, Birstall, Leicester LE4 4NP.
Route stops at Haymarket and Causeway Lane.
West (for M1 J21a/A47)
Meynell’s Gorse: service 103
Coaches
Braunstone Crossroads, Leicester LE3 3LF. Route
stops at St Nicholas Circle.
Long distance coaches to Leicester arrive at St
Margaret’s Bus Station LE1 3AG, by the inner ring
road (A594) Burleys Way.
South west (for M1 J21/M69)
www.visitleicester.info
Enderby: service 203
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Leicester Lane, Leicester LE19 2AB. Route stops at
Leicester Royal Infirmary, Oxford Street and St
Nicholas Circle. Day tickets cost £3 per person. Group
ticket: £3.50 for a car with up to five occupants
travelling together in both directions. Children under
five travel free. Parking is free. Buy a ticket on the bus.
Phone: 0116 305 0002 (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm)
quicksilverbus.co.uk
Walking
Find your best walking route from door to door on
walkit.com or using the directions on
choosehowyoumove.co.uk/everyday
There is a map of the city centre on page 96.
Cycling
There are signed National Cycle Network Routes to
and from the city centre. Follow NCN 6 routes from
north and south. Follow NCN 63 from east and west.
You can find your cycling route at
102
VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE
choosehowyoumove.co.uk/everyday
Free bike maps for Leicester and Leicestershire are
also available at all good bike shops, the Visit
Leicester centre, libraries and sports centres. You can
download them from leicester.gov.uk/cycling
Cycle racks are provided on most city centre streets,
within Highcross shopping centre and the Cultural
Quarter. Secure bicycle parking is available at the Bike
Park in Town Hall Square (£1 per day) and at the
railway station (£10 for a year’s use).
Car parks
Follow the car park zone signs to find a space at one
of the city’s many car parks.
For more information and a map showing locations of
car parks, go to leicester.gov.uk/parking
Car sharing
LeicesterSHARE is our car sharing scheme. It is a free,
secure online service that puts people who are making
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VISITLEICESTER&LEICESTERSHIRE
the same journey in touch with each other. It is a way
of sharing a regular or one-off journey by either
offering people a lift or asking for a lift.
Car sharing allows you to benefit from the
convenience of making a journey by car, whilst cutting
the cost of travel by sharing petrol and parking costs,
and reducing traffic congestion and air pollution.
leicesterSHARE.com
Open Monday to Saturday: 9.30am - 3pm.
Traffic and travel information
0116 253 2596
Haymarket Shopmobility (Charles Street, at the side of
the Haymarket):
Find up to date travel information on the BBC
Leicester website: bbc.co.uk/leicester
Open Monday to Friday: 9.30am—4pm, Saturdays
9.30am—3.30pm.
Shopmobility
Shopmobility is a FREE loan service providing
scooters, powerchairs and wheelchairs, available to
anyone who struggles to walk around the city centre.
You will need to join to use the service. Membership is
free — please telephone: 0116 253 2596 for details.
Highcross Shopmobility (Rooftop car park level 2):
0116 253 7125
'Accessible Leicester' is our comprehensive city
centre guide and information booklet for disabled
people planning a trip into Leicester. It is available to
view online in an easy to view flip-book version, which
requires Flash Player plug-in software available from
the Adobe website.
College Court Conference Centre and Hotel
The venue that works for you!
Award winning excellence for all our guests.
 123 bedrooms including executive rooms & suites
 18 meeting rooms
 140 cover restaurant and private dining room
 Bar
 Inspirational catering
 -YLL ^PÄ
 Free on-site parking
 Free offsite gym facilities
 Private gardens to relax and think
 1 fantastic team
Call our team Tel: 0116 244 9669 Email: info@collegecourt.co.uk www.collegecourt.co.uk
www.visitleicester.info
VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE
103
Witness history
in the making
Be part of King Richard III reinterment events*
in Leicester and Leicestershire
Park & Ride
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City Centre Wedding Chic
St Martins House is the ideal backdrop to your
city centre wedding.
Providing the perfect mix of cosmopolitan chic
and historical charm, this top quality venue
ensures a bright, bustling, beautiful experience
on your special day.
The excellent transport links are the ultimate
perk for your guests!
www.stmartinshouse.com
0116 261 52223
7 Peacock Lane Leicester LE1 5PZ
Opening 16th March
New location looking out on
‘Towards Stillness’ scultpture
and Cathedral Gardens.
Find us next to Leicester Cathedral:
The final resting place of
King Richard III
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Market
Harborough
and Lutterworth
Hallaton Treasure
©Leicestershire County Council
Old Grammar School and church in Market Harborough town centre
A market
town full
of history
and iconic
landmarks
106
Market Harborough is one of the
‘jewels of the East Midlands’ with
its thriving mix of independent and
branded retailers, hotels, diverse
restaurants and welcoming pubs
along the High Street. It also has
off shoots to the pedestrianised St
Mary’s Shopping Centre where you
will find the indoor Harborough
Market. One of the town’s iconic
landmarks is the beautiful timber
framed Old Grammar School
which dates from 1614 and has
VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE
recently been restored to
commemorate its 400th birthday.
The Old Grammar School is
complemented by St. Dionysius
Parish Church – with its
towering steeple – which create
the picturesque heart of Market
Harborough. Whilst in Market
Harborough it is well worth
visiting Harborough Museum
and Library located in the
Symington Building, an attractive
Victorian era former corset factory.
www.visitleicester.info
The Symington Building
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The popular museum focuses
on local commerce, such as the
history of the Harboro Rubber
Company, Falkner’s boot and shoe
making workshop, railways, corset
factory and working in Harborough
during the wars.
The museum also features the
famous Hallaton Treasure, one
of the most significant Iron Age
finds in Britain. The recently
redeveloped Harborough Market
is where you will find local produce
sold in the indoor market, open
six days a week, with a retro and
vintage market on Wednesdays,
craft market on Thursdays and
antiques market on Sundays.
You can relax in Welland Park or
cycle along the Millennium Mile
which runs alongside the town’s
river.
Another major landmark of the
area is Foxton Locks and the
Boilerhouse in Foxton, near
Market Harborough. Foxton
Locks is one of the largest flights of
staircase locks on the English canal
system. The Boilerhouse tells the
fascinating story of the locks, the
inclined plane and the people who
worked on the canal.
It also features artefacts
and a state of the art digital
interpretation of how the inclined
plane worked in the past.
TOP FIVE THINGS
TO SEE & DO
1. Cycle or walk along the
Millennium Mile and other
routes
2. Attend the many cultural
events – including Arts
Fresco, Market Harborough
by the Sea
3. Find out all about Sir Frank
Whittle at the Lutterworth
Museum
4. Visit the Foxton Locks
Festival on Saturday
20th/Sunday 21st June
5. Explore the unique
independent shops in the
district
www.visitleicester.info
Union Wharf
There are miles of towpaths
to walk along, as well as
tearooms and pubs including
the award winning Foxton
Locks Inn. Foxton Locks is free to
visit, although there is a charge for
parking. It is pay and display
so bring some change, however
PARKING IS FREE AT BOTTOM
CAR PARK AFTER 5PM.
At the top of the town you will find
the Union Wharf, a picturesque
setting, comprising workshops,
a restaurant, studios and
apartments, residential moorings
and canal boats you can hire.
Wistow Maize Maze and
Activity Funyard is a fantastic
attraction, just 10 minutes drive
north of Market Harborough.
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Culture
and history
Sir Frank Whittle sculpture
Interesting Fact:
Foxton Locks
Follow the fun quiz trail through
8 acres of maize crop, find and
collect clues hidden amongst
3 miles of paths, with high level
bridges and viewing towers giving
panoramic views of the giant
maze and the beautiful surrounding
countryside.
The theme for 2015 is the Rugby
World Cup and visitors can collect
interesting facts whilst having
fun in the maze.
It’s open between 18th July
- Sunday 8th September 7 days
a week, and weekends until
20th September.
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It is believed that
Lutterworth is the place
where Canon John
Wycliffe produced the
first translation of the
Bible from Latin into
English.
TOP FIVE LEISURE ATTRACTIONS
1. Kilworth House Theatre
2. Foxton Locks
3. Harborough Museum and Hallaton Treasure
4. Wistow Maze
5. Welland Park
VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE
www.visitleicester.info
Wistow Maze
Opposite the maze is Wistow
Rural Centre home to independent
shops selling jewellery, art, toys,
clothing, furniture and gifts galore.
Visitors can enjoy lunch at the café
bistro and browse the well-stocked
garden centre.
Theatre goers will love the superb
location of Kilworth House
Theatre. The theatre is set in a
beautifully wooded glade in the
grounds of Kilworth House
Hotel situated between Market
Harborough and Lutterworth.
Lutterworth is a busy town with
a good range of places to shop,
eat and drink.
Lutterworth is best known for its
connection to Sir Frank Whittle,
inventor of the jet engine.
The town’s museum, situated
just 5 minutes walk from the heart
of Lutterworth on the Gilmorton
Road, houses many artefacts
including a large collection of
Sir Frank Whittle’s memorabilia.
A stunning aeroplane sculpture
stands proudly on the roundabout
approaching Lutterworth from
Junction 20 of the M1.
www.visitleicester.info
Enjoy an evening out at Kilworth House Theatre
Interesting Fact:
In 1841 Thomas Cook, a wood turner and cabinet maker
in Market Harborough organised the first group travel by rail
from Leicester to Loughborough founding the travel agency
bearing his name
To find out more about
Market Harborough visit
www.goleicestershire.com/
harborough
VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE
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VISITLEICESTER&LEICESTERSHIRE
Indian Fine Dining &
Champagne bar
HIGHCROSS I LEICESTER
Chef’s Table
Indulge in the
Chef’s
tasting menu with
all the drama of
a live kitchen
Private Dining
Exclusive areas ideal
for private, parties,
conferences and
stand-up receptions
Piano Lounge
Hosting live
music from
7.30pm every
Friday and
Saturday
2 course ‘Fast-Track’ Lunch £7.95 Everyday 11.30am-5.00pm
www.facebook.com/memsaableics
Thali Menu
coming early
next year
Champagne
Bar & Piano
Lounge
Ideal for
everyday and
special
occasions
59 - 59a Highcross Street, Leicester LE1 4PG.
Tel: 0116 253 0243 | E: contact@mem-saableics.com | www.mem-saableics.com
©LW
Mem-Saab offers the authentic
taste of an Indian home,
in an atmosphere conducive
to fine dining
St Nicholas Circle , Leicester, LE1 5LX (5 minute walk from the Cathedral)
0116 253 9327
www.hileicesterhotel.co.uk
Stay overnight at the Holiday Inn,
located within a 5 minute walk
from the Cathedral.
Enjoy all the facilities including on
site swimming pool, sauna & spa
Self Catering Events
The Leicestershire suite can
accommodate up to 250 guests,
fully air conditioned room, private
lobby & bar, discounted room rates
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VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE
www.visitleicester.info
VISITLEICESTER&LEICESTERSHIRE
LOVE MARCO
PIERRE WHITE?
THEN PAY A VISIT TO HIS NEW YORK ITALIAN RESTAURANT
ON GRANBY STREET
The restaurant opened early 2015 at The Grand Hotel and boasts an
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home-made pizza and pasta to New York favourites such as succulent
steaks, burgers and Marco’s tasty BBQ ribs and lazy fries.
It’s an all-day dining venue making it the perfect place to enjoy lunch,
dinner, a snack or drink. But don’t just take our word for it, come in and
see for yourself.
Marco’s New York Italian Leicester, The Grand Hotel, Granby Street, LE1 6ES
011625 75533
www.mpwrestaurants.co.uk
www.visitleicester.info
VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE
111
Mercure Leicester
The Grand Hotel
FIND THE PERFECT
W
hether you are travelling on a budget, or
want to treat yourself to city style, Leicester
and Leicestershire have an amazing
selection of accommodation to suit your every need.
Experience country living in converted barns on
working farms, enjoy the views of Leicestershire's
countryside from a hot tub or narrowboat. You can
even enjoy a night under the stars at one of our
campsites. Alternatively you can sit back and relax in
the grandeur of a country house, enjoy the glamour of
a chic city centre hotel, stay the green way at a youth
hostel, stay in campus accommodation or on a farm
Visitors can experience chic, city style while they relax
in the luxury of award-winning, boutique
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VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE
accommodation right in the heart of the newly
regenerated city centre. Enjoy all that this vibrant city
has to offer including out of this world attractions,
vibrant festivals, eclectic nightlife and inspirational
shopping experiences.
For those travellers on a budget there's the Ramada
Encore, conveniently situated near Curve in the
Cultural Quarter or if you're looking for a little more
luxury, there's the newly refurbished Mercure
Leicester, The Grand Hotel on Granby Street that
offers four star accommodation and a unique food
and drink experience at the newly opened Marco
Pierre White restaurant.
The award winning Maiyango Hotel and
www.visitleicester.info
VISITLEICESTER&LEICESTERSHIRE
ACCOMMODATION
Restaurant offers a boutique hotel experience in the
heart of the city. The Mediterranean inspired
restaurant has an award winning menu and an
impressive cocktail list and once you've have enough
to eat and drink, the luxurious hotel rooms offer a
perfect place for rest and recuperation before you
resume your city adventure.
Situated on the tree lined New Walk, approximately
five minutes walk from the railway station is The
Belmont Hotel. This family owned, town house hotel
is a unique retreat in the city centre. With family and
luxury rooms, the Belmont is ideal for visitors looking
for a warm and personal welcome.
The city also has a number of well know hotel brands
www.visitleicester.info
including the Ibis, Premier Inn and Travelodge as
well as the Holiday Inn which is perfectly located for
visitors to the new King Richard III Visitor Centre and
has leisure and spa facilities as well as convenient
parking.
Further out of the city centre at junction 21 of the M1
is the 4 star Marriott Hotel with excellent dining and
leisure facilities on site and the Hilton which offers a
good range of family rooms as well as leisure facilities.
Leicestershire offers a fantastic range of
accommodation from luxurious country houses to
timber lodges there’s plenty to choose from.
There’s over 39 campsites scattered around
VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE
113
The Wordsworth
Restaurant at
Kilworth House Hotel
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VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE
www.visitleicester.info
Dandelion
Hideaway
Leicestershire offering alternative accommodation to
visitors who enjoy the great outdoors.
If you’re looking for something entirely different then
take a look at the award winning Dandelion
Hideaway at Osbaston. They offer the finest
glamping holidays in luxurious canvas tents, which
even include roll top baths!
There’s plenty of self catering accommodation in
Leicestershire including Upper Rectory Farm
Cottages which are set amid the rolling cornfields of
Appleby Magna, or escape to the timber lodges of
Eye Kettleby Lakes near Melton Mowbray, where
you’ll find total luxury with four poster beds, double
ended baths and jacuzzis. Foxton Locks Lodges
are set in an idyllic retreat near Foxton Locks, Market
Harborough and offer the highest standards of luxury
and are available all year.
4 star luxury.
If you're looking for luxury, then Kilworth House
Hotel in the south of the county offers a unique 4 star
country house experience including its own award
winning outdoor theatre!
In the north of the county Stapleford Park is located
within parkland with a reputation for quality and its golf
course attracting many international and famous
visitors.
Best Western Ullesthorpe Court Hotel and Golf
Course offers 4 star accommodation with leisure
facilities including a full 18 hole golf course and in
Hinckley there are two 4 star hotels that provide
excellent facilities for families at Sketchley Grange
Hotel and Hinckley Island Hotel. Or enjoy the warm
family welcome at the award winning Badger’s
Mount Hotel.
Alternatively there’s a wide range of b&bs and guest
houses across the county. Horseshoe Cottage
Farm offers a warm welcome and is superbly located
opposite Bradgate Park or Holywell Guest House in
Loughborough, a handsome red brick Victorian
building just minutes away from the town centre.
Bybrook Barn Bed and Breakfast, just outside
Swithland is reputed for their freshly cooked
breakfasts and home from home welcome.
To the north of the county you can enjoy afternoon tea
on the lawn at Scalford Hall Hotel or enjoy views of
the rolling countryside at Best Western Sysonby
Hotel.
For visitors who prefer hotel accommodation there are
plenty to choose, from good quality budget through to
■ For more information all accommodation and short
break offers, visit www.goleicestershire.com
www.visitleicester.info
Whatever type of accommodation you’re looking for
you’re sure to find something to suit your
requirements and budget in Leicester and
Leicestershire.
VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE
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