Things to do in Leicester

Richard III

Find out about the search for King Richard III in Leicester, including information about the King Richard III Visitor Centre and the reinternment of King Richard III in March 2015.

http://www.visitleicester.info/things-to-see-and-do/richard-iii/

 

National Space Centre

Your Journey Starts Here - With six interactive galleries, the UK’s largest planetarium, unique 3D Simulator experience and the iconic 42m high Rocket Tower, the award-winning National Space Centre is an out of this world experience.

http://spacecentre.co.uk/

 

Great Central Railway

The Great Central Railway is the UK's only double track, main line heritage railway. It’s the only place in the world where full size steam engines can be seen passing each other – just as it was when steam ruled the rails.

Trains run every weekend of the year, bank holidays and selected week days through the summer. In addition, First Class Restaurant Car Services provide five course meals whilst travelling between Loughborough and Leicester. Childhood dreams can come true with a Drive a Locomotive Experience when you can take the regulator on a mighty steam locomotive or notch up on a powerful diesel. We also run many special events, including Steam Galas, Peppa Pig, Bonfire Night, 1940s Wartime Weekend and Santa Specials.

http://www.gcrailway.co.uk/

 

Leicester Museums & Historic House

Abbey Pumping Station:

Abbey Pumping Station is Leicester's Museum of Science and Technology, displaying the city's industrial, technological and scientific heritage. The museum houses exhibitions on light and optics, historic transport and public health.

 

Belgrave Hall & Gardens:

Belgrave Hall provides an oasis of peace and quiet in a busy city. The historic house is in the midst of two acres of serene walled gardens that are open to the public during special events.

 

The Guildhall:

Leicester is very privileged in having one of the best preserved timber framed halls in the country, dating back 600 years. The Guildhall hosts a regular events programme including comedy, music, theatre and seasonal children's events.

 

Jewry Wall:

Discover the archaeology of Leicester’s past and find out about the people of Leicester from prehistoric times to the medieval period. Complementing our Roman archaeology collections, there are fascinating artefacts from other eras. From ancient stone tools to striking medieval decorated tiles from Leicester Abbey, there's something to interest the whole family.

 

Museums & Art Gallery:

Leicester City Museums offer a rich resource for every interest; the collections cover a large number of objects and artefacts across a wide range of subjects and disciplines. From the internationally famous Charnia fossil to rare Victorian beam steam engines, the five museums across the city offer something for everyone.

Attenborough Arts Centre is University of Leicester’s multi-use inclusive arts centre, with a programme of fine art and craft exhibitions and an active events programme. The centre has also now opened an exciting new gallery space to showcase the best in contemporary visual art and sculpture.

 

Cinemas and Theatres

From the latest releases and blockbusters to the best in world and independent cinema and Bollywood, Leicester has a venue to cater for every type of film-goer. 

Phoenix is an independent cinema, art centre and café bar, and is the home of digital arts in Leicester. A registered charity, Phoenix aims to engage audiences and practitioners in the creation, understanding, and appreciation of digital art and the creative possibilities of new technologies. Phoenix hosts a programme of exhibitions, courses and events in its Cube Gallery and across the venue.

The city is also home to an Odeon cinema, a Showcase cinema situated in Highcross shopping complex and Piccadilly Bollywood cinema.

Theatre fans can enjoy exceptional shows direct from the West End and world class productions as well as community theatre and dance performances in the city.

At the heart of Leicester's Cultural Quarter is the ultra-modern Curve, designed by international architect Rafael Vinoly. Curve has a growing reputation and is now one of the country's leading producing theatres, including world premieres alongside shows direct from the West End.

De Montfort Hall is Leicester's largest entertainment venue and has been serving the city with quality live acts since 1913. The programme ranges from jazz, ballet, comedy and opera to world and roots music and West End musicals.

The Little Theatre  established itself as home of the Leicester Drama Society (LDS), having run for 90 years in the heart of the city centre. Proudly boasting patrons such as Sir Anthony Hopkins and Honorary Life President Lord Richard Attenborough, the society produces twelve main-house shows each year and a consistently popular pantomime.

Upstairs at the Western is Leicester’s first pub theatre, situated near Narborough Road and Bede Park.

The Y Theatre is a bustling live performance venue in Leicester city centre. The eclectic programme includes music, comedy, theatre, dance and spoken word. The 300-seat theatre also comfortably hosts candle-lit cabaret style events and standing gigs. Built in 1900, The Y is the oldest surviving theatre in Leicester.

Situated in the heart of Leicester, just minutes from the city centre, Peepul Enterprise is a unique and inspirational multi-purpose venue offering excellent facilities, including theatre space which can be hired. 

http://www.visitleicester.info/things-to-see-and-do/arts-museums/culture-in-leicester/