Home to the largest Diwali celebrations outside India, Premier League champions in 2015–16, afternoon tea, and even modern tourism itself (as the birthplace of Thomas Cook), Leicester has plenty of history and culture to boast. This makes Leicester the ideal spot for a great day trip, or maybe even a weekend away.
Sitting along the River Soar, this is a city full of gems, both hidden and in plain sight. Discover them today by catching a train to Leicester with CrossCountry.
Train tickets to Leicester
You can reach Leicester station with CrossCountry, making it easy to visit some of the city’s top attractions, such as the Leicester Museum & Art Gallery. We recommend booking an Advance Ticket before the day of travel so you can find the best prices.
There are plenty of ways to save on rail travel, but one of the best is investing in a Railcard. Most offer a third off train tickets, while some, like the 16–17 Saver, give even bigger discounts.
Experience Leicester
Places to eat in Leicester
As the UK’s first super-diverse city with over seventy languages and more than fourteen distinct faiths, one thing you can rely on in Leicester is a genuinely global food scene. To fuel your morning, head straight to KAI, where you’ll be greeted with sky-high stacks of fluffy American pancakes, gloriously loaded tater tots, and eggs cooked whichever way you like best.
For a caffeine pitstop, Bread & Honey is a local favourite. This adorable red café serves expertly brewed coffee alongside beautifully baked cakes and pastries, the perfect place to pause and recharge between adventures.
When dinner rolls around, book a table at The Frame. Its Mediterranean-inspired menu is designed for sharing, with small plates that allow you to try a bit of everything…and a bit of everyone else's! Choose from calamari, feta filo parcels, halloumi, Padron peppers and more mezze classics.
Places to stay in Leicester
If you’re planning an overnight stay, Leicester’s hotels promise character and comfort. The Pocklington is one of our favourite luxury options within walking distance of Leicester station. Located in an ornate 19th-century former school building, there’s a range of rooms at different budgets, all offering a great night’s sleep.
The Grand Hotel is another great choice for a city centre stay. Set within a beautiful Victorian building, it’s a great base to have when exploring some of Leicester’s best attractions. You can rely on a comfortable bed, a delicious continental breakfast, and high-speed Wi-Fi.
Please note: CrossCountry is unable to support with any hotel related queries or booking requests. For further information, please contact the hotels mentioned directly.
Heritage & culture in Leicester
Leicester is a city where heritage, creativity, and inclusivity run deep, and its cultural scene is accentuated by its amazing people. Curve Theatre is one of the UK’s most respected theatres, creating world-class productions for audiences in Leicester and far beyond. You can also experience the Let’s Dance International Frontiers festival annually. You’ll be treated to a variety of performances that celebrate Leicester’s diversity and uplift new talent.
For a bizarre history unique to Leicester, pay a visit to the King Richard III Visitor Centre and learn about the monarch's life, death, and the rediscovery of his tomb. Or, if you’d prefer to look ahead, go to the National Space Centre and enjoy immersive galleries, rockets, and an unforgettable planetarium.
Finally, Leicester’s Golden Mile, or Belgrave Road, is worth visiting, once named after the golden glow the road was bathed in when sequences of traffic lights turned amber at the same time. Today, the term ‘Golden Mile’ has taken on a new meaning, referring to the abundance of fine gold jewellery you can find there.
In fact, Belgrave Road is responsible for the most sales of gold in all of Europe. The Golden Mile is about as close as you can get to the vibrant atmosphere of an Indian bazaar without getting on a plane. Explore the best of South Asian cuisine and heritage, and be sure to come back for Diwali.
Shopping in Leicester
When it comes to a shopping spree, Leicester caters to every style and budget. Highcross Shopping Centre should be your first stop, it’s right in the city centre and has all the high street names and big brands you’ll need, alongside plenty of places for a food break. Beyond the centre, there are independent shops and boutique fashion shops dotted throughout St. Martin's Square, including premium men's clothing and bridal boutiques.
For even more retail therapy, head to Leicester Market, one of the largest outdoor covered markets in Europe, for fresh produce, street food, fabrics, and handmade treasures. It’s the perfect spot to people-watch.
FAQs
There is just one main train station in the city - Leicester Station.
Leicester station sits directly on the edge of the city centre, in easy reach of Highcross Shopping centre, both universities and numerous dining options.
The nearest airport to Leicester is East Midlands Airport. There is a direct bus service - Skylink - that you can take from the coach station which will drop you at the terminal in approximately 1hr30. Another option is taking a taxi that while much faster, will cost more.
Taking a train to Leicester for a cheaper price can be done. Our cheap tickets page has loads of options, but typically booking in advance, travelling off-peak and comparing singles can help you save money. It also helps if you’re eligible for a railcard or student offers.
If you have any further questions about Leicester station, check out our station guide.
