Leicester has all the excitement and activities of a large city, but still keeps a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The city is one of the most vibrant and diverse in the UK with a varied city life to explore and enjoy.
Leicester is located right at the heart of the UK - making travel to other parts of the country easy. There are direct rail links to London, Birmingham, Nottingham, Sheffield, and Cambridge. East Midlands International Airport is only a short distance away and there are bus and train connections from the airport to Leicester city centre.
Culture and the Arts
Leicester has undergone a cultural renaissance in the last ten years.
The opening of the state-of-the-art Curve theatre has brought national theatre productions and other performances to the city as well as providing a new home for local and regional performance groups. Nearby Phoenix Square is a base for alternative arts including cinema and new media performances.
Leicester hosts a number of festivals, including the annual Diwali celebrations which attract over 35,000 people and are the largest outside India.
Shopping and Entertainment
Leicester city centre has everything for the dedicated shopper from large department stores to independent boutiques.
Highcross shopping centre features a huge range of stores, cafes, restaurants, and a twelve-screen cinema. Fosse Park has many larger retail outlet stores while for bargains and fresh produce, Leicester market is one of the UK's largest.
Further afield Belgrave Road is at the heart of Leicester's south Asian community and is known for its Asian jewellers and stylish curry houses.
Parks and Open Spaces
Despite its size, Leicester is a remarkably green city.
There are a huge number of parks and open spaces throughout the city and these are popular throughout the year with walkers, joggers, and families. The surrounding countryside is also within easy reach with local sights including Foxton Locks and Rutland Water.
For those looking for some serenity, the University Botanic Gardens are a green oasis close to the main student village.
One of the UK's Most Historic Cities
Leicester has been an important urban centre since Roman times.
The Jewry Wall Museum is built around the remains of the Roman bath house while nearby you will find the city's cathedral and the Guildhall which dates back to the 1300s and is one of the country's best preserved timber-framed halls.
The New Walk Museum and Gallery is close to the University and its dinosaur collection is always popular with children.
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