Situated in the heart of England is the city of Leicester. Leicester is an old city dating back to before the time of Christ and has always been an important place of trade because of its location.Today Leicester is the largest city in East Midlands and one of the most multicultural cities in England and the United Kingdom.
Although Leicester is not a huge tourist destination it has grown in recent years to become a destination for shopping and night life.
History:
The history of Leicester dates back to before the Roman Empire when the city was a settlement for a Celtic and was the capital of the Celtic Corieltauvi. The settlement flourished because of its location next to the River Soar that still meanders through the city today.
During the time of the Roman Empire Leicester was renamed Ratae Corieltauvorum and was an important trade route for the Romans, this is evident today as many Roman roads converge in or close to the boundaries of Leicestershire.
History of the city disappears post Roman times and is sketchy during the times of Danelaw. The city does however come back to life historically after the conquest of William the Conquerer and the Normans. The Normans were the first to start calling Leicester of a variation of the name we call the city today and also were the first to call Leicester a city. The Normans built a castle in the city of which the church can still be seen today.
From the time of Norman invasion to today Leicester has played a pivotal role in the history of the UK through the invention of parliament, major battles, economic growth and much more.
Sights to visit:
Clock Tower: The Clock Tower is an nineteenth century clock tower built in the centre of the city and is an important symbol of the cities heritage. The clock tower has four statues, one adorning each corner. These four statues are of four great sons of Leicester from times of old.
St Mary De Castro Church: This church dates back to 1107 when it was built by Robert de Beaumont who was the Earl of Leicester. The Church was part of a castle that no longer exists and is a beautiful church to visit.
St Margaret’s Church: This is another eleventh century church and is an imposing yet beautiful vision to behold. Based in the centre of the city and still a working church St Margaret’s Church is definitely worth a visit.
Abbey Park: A sprawling park that used to be land owned by the Abbey that no longer exists Abbey Park has wonderful gardens, a pets corner, historical monuments including the tomb of Cardinal Wolsey, a lake, café and children’s railway among other delightful attractions.
New Walk: If you wish to be thrown back in time then a walk down the pedestrianised road of New Walk is a must. This road has been pedestrianised for 200 years and is part of an old Roman Road. When walking down New Walk you can enjoy small parks, old buildings, wild animals and enjoyable scenery.
Book a trip to the UK today and enjoy Leicester for yourself by booking at Expedia | Travelocity | Lastminute | Opodo
Restaurants and Shops:
Leicester hosts the Highcross shopping centre, a huge shopping centre offering 110,000 square metres of retail space with a massive John Lewis as its flagship store. The Highcross boasts many shops, restaurants, cafes and much more.
Leicester is also famous for its small boutique stores and its huge market where you can get bargains off all types from vegetables to clothing.
Leicester also has a second shopping centre called the Haymarket where you can find many other great shops.
Entertainment:
There are many great bars, restaurants, nightclubs and other evening entertainment in Leicester, below is a small number of the best choices:
Bars
Fat Cats
Time Bar
R Bar
JD Wetherspoons
Orange Tree
High Cross
Night Clubs
Life
Liquid/Envy
Zanzibar
Restaurants
San Carlos
La Tasca
Yo Sushi
Mem Saab
Zucherros
Hotels:
Ramada Jarvis
Hilton
Holiday Inn
Ibis
Premier Inn
Book a trip to the UK today and enjoy Leicester for yourself by booking at Expedia | Travelocity | Lastminute | Opodo
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