With Thomas Cook offering excisions from Loughborough to Leicester train station costing just one shilling in 1841, Leicester is known as the “birthplace of tourism”, so what are you waiting for? There is no better place to visit than the UK’s original tourist destination, especially when a host of nationally acclaimed museums, vast and verdant parks, and a street shopping experience which has existed in Leicestershire for over 700 years. Whether you are visiting the city for its indisputably beautiful natural assets, vintage shopping haven, or unexpected culture fix, you can find a holiday rental which is perfect for your group size, duration of stay and budget through TripAdvisor or Airbnb today.
Book a holiday apartment in Leicester
The East Midland city of Leicester has risen to fame in recent years for being the site of King Richard III's before the football club shockingly became Premier League champions in the 2015-16 football season. Among these royal artefacts and historical football games, this city is bursting with countless attractions which cater to the interests of all who visit. Discover a holiday home or a bed and breakfast, which is as unique as the vibrant destination it stands in, and reserve accommodation in Leicester which caters to all of your holiday needs.
When to visit?
If you want to maximise your chances of visiting Leicester in the sun, we recommend visiting between June, through to late August, when climates peak. With this hotter weather, however, come busier attractions especially those which are popular with families who are away on their summer break. The summertime is also a popular time for some of the biggest festivals, including Leicester Caribbean Carnival which turns these historic streets into a party. Holiday rentals in Leicester are also likely to book up during the annual Comedy Festival which takes place every February.
How to get there
Located in the East Midlands, Leicester is relatively accessible from all corners of the UK, by road, rail or air, in no more than a few hours. Travel from St Pancras International to Leicester train station in only one hour, while trains from Sheffield take just over an hour and a half, and services from Leeds can place you in the heart of the city in less than two hours. If you are already staying in a holiday apartment in Birmingham then you can visit Leicester as little as 45 minutes, while a holiday rental in Nottingham is only 25 minutes away from the city, meaning it is the ideal destination for a day trip with a difference. Travellers from further afield may find it quicker to fly to East Midlands Airport, which is a 30 minute ‘Skylink' ride away from the centre. Fly from Glasgow, Belfast or Jersey in only an hour, directly into the East Midlands Airport with Flybe or LoganAir, then get out there, and enjoy this dynamic city in almost no time at all!
Where to stay?
Leicester City Centre
Whether it is your first time in the city or you are a Leicester lover who just can't keep away, there is no better place to choose a holiday apartment rental than in the focal point of this city. Wake up in a room which is nestled alongside the iconic Clock Tower which marks the heart of this commercial district. Take a stroll down The Lanes, a network of cobbled streets which boasts a range of independent stores and retro hangouts, where you are guaranteed to discover the ultimate souvenir from this historic haven.
Oadby
Secure a luxury holiday rental in the affluent area of Oadby, which is located only 3 miles south-east of the centre. Though with its Botanic Garden, the verdant Victoria Park and the organic utopia of Brocks Hill Country Park, Oadby feels as though it is hundreds of miles away from the bustling cobbled city centre.
Westcotes
Known as the student hub of this university city, Westcotes boasts a selection of affordable eateries and bars which alongside their cost-effective rentals and hostels, make Westcotes, the perfect location for travellers on a budget. If you are looking for a holiday rental with a difference, browse the selection of Victorian townhouses and guesthouses in Westcotes, which offers the perfect hub to explore this academically acclaimed area, whether you are visiting old friends, or want to discover the local area on a university open day, there is no better place to choose accommodation than in Westcotes.
Wolsey Island
Tucked away in the north of the city, Wolsey Island is a picturesque district which lays alongside the River Soar. Wake up in a contemporary apartment which is big enough for the whole family, then enjoy a bedroom with a view of the water, before heading out to the National Space Centre, which is guaranteed to be enjoyed by space lovers young and old.
Braunstone Park & Rowley Fields
If you are looking for a peaceful retreat which is removed from the buzz of the city centre, you could do far worse than the residential area of Braunstone Park & Rowley Fields. This organic district is the ideal place to choose a holiday home with a garden, where you can rest and rejuvenate in private after a day of shopping, eating and exploring. If you are a history buff who is visiting Leicester to delve into its relations with Richard III, then Braunstone Park could be of particular interest to you, as this area in itself is bathed in medieval history, and was even referred to in the Domesday book back in 1086.
Humberstone
If you consider yourself a bit of a sports fan, then look no further than a bed and breakfast in Humberstone, Leicesters golfing paradise. Rent a room in this peaceful neighbourhood where you can enjoy a room with a view of the green, before heading out with your clubs for the day. If you are visiting for the football, accommodation in Humberstone is within easy reach to King Power Stadium, by hopping on one of the local bus services for around 40 minutes.
What to do
Visit the National Space Centre
Visit Leicester's most famous attraction, for a family-friendly day out, which is, quite literally out of this world! Bursting with exhibitions, in everything from space science and travel, to the fascinating world of astronomy, there is a reason why this space centre is so nationally acclaimed, so get out here and see it for yourself!
Walk around Bradgate Park
Nestled among the rich landscape of Charnwood Forest, Bradgate Park stretches across an impressive 850 acres, whose beauty is made up of rivers, reservoirs, striking oak trees, and rocky structures, which make this location a geology lovers dream.
Gaze upon Leicester Cathedral
Leicester Cathedral has become famous across the country as the final resting place of King Richard III after his remains were discovered in foundations of the nearby chapel. The roots of this landmark date back to the 11th century, when construction began on the monument, whose spire continues to tower above Leicester today.
Vintage shop on The Lanes
With a selection of vintage boutiques, pre-loved stores and independent fashion hangouts, there is nowhere quite a dreamy as Leicesters central cobbled maze, otherwise known as The Lanes. These stores are bursting with pieces which exclusive cannot be found anywhere else, and many of these gems are selling at bargain prices, so splurge out your accommodation savings on a new wardrobe, and take a piece of Leicester with you, wherever you go.
Explore the University of Leicester Botanic Garden
This beautiful botanic garden is one of Leicester's best-loved treasures, with admirers including the likes of the father of nature, David Attenborough, who has an Arboretum in the gardens named in his honour. This Edwardian paradise is bursting with both British flowers and tropical plants, which can transport you to any part of the world, all without leaving The Midlands!
Dine on the Golden Mile
The Golden Mile is as magnificent as it sounds, as it has been labelled as the UK's answer to a traditional Indian bazaar. This road is home to a vibrant range of jewellery shops, though the tastiest jewels of this street are found in its rich collection of curry shops. Choose a self-catered apartment rental and treat your tastebuds to some of the best curry experiences in the city.
