Car Hire Leicester - Mini guide to Leicester

The historic city of Leicester is a bustling university town and is renowned for its Roman remains, ancient churches, wonderful museums and beautiful gardens.

Known as the ‘Jewel of Leicester’s Churches,’ St. Mary de Castro Church is one of the finest and largest in England. Founded in 1107 as the chapel of a royal castle, its superb Norman architecture and stunning 15th century timber roof make it one of Leicester’s best attractions.

Other places of interest can be visited on a walking tour of the city. Leicester Cathedral was originally a medieval church that was rebuilt externally in the 19th century and now boasts a 220ft spire. The City Gallery showcases contemporary arts and crafts, while the New Walk Museum and Art Gallery houses dinosaur fossils, Victorian paintings, decorative arts and Egyptian mummies.

Leicester’s nightlife and entertainment is impressive with a wide choice of theatres, cinemas, nightclubs, live music venues and bars for a town of this size. There is also a vast selection of restaurants to suit everyone’s tastes, including British, Italian, Indian and Middle Eastern food.

There are many attractions to discover outside the town centre as well. The Botanic Gardens at the University of Leicester comprises 16 acres of rock gardens, roses, rhododendrons, trees, formal and herb gardens. The Whitemoor’s Antiques and Crafts Centre in nearby Narborough is well worth a visit, while Kirby Muxloe Castle is only 4 miles away in Kirby Fields.

Leicester offers excellent coach and rail services, with trains hourly to and from London St. Pancras station. By road, the city is conveniently located at junction 22 of the M1 where it meets the M69.

The major suburbs in Leicester are: Aylestone, Beaumont Leys, Braunstone, Evington, Glenfields, Knighton, Oadby, Scraptoft, Stoneygate and Thurmaston.