Clustered around The Newarke and De Montfort University campus, just minutes from the city centre, are remarkable buildings that tell the story of Leicester from its Roman origins to its manufacturing heyday.
On the last Sunday of month, May-Oct (excl. Sept), you can explore some of these historic places free of charge.
You can also discover lovely outdoor spaces, including Castle Gardens Park and the tranquillity of some of the city’s beautiful secret gardens.
Why not find out even more about these fascinating buildings and book on to the tours of the Magazine, Castle Great Hall and St Mary de Castro Church, led by local tour guide experts for a small fee.
For more information and to book tour guides: on 0116 299 4444, or in person at Visit Leicester (King Richard III Visitor Centre), 4A St Martins, Leicester, LE1 5DB.
The season will pause in September for Heritage Open Days Festival events, for more information please visit heritageopendays.org.uk
THE NEWARKE & CASTLE PRECINCTS
LEICESTER CASTLE GREAT HALL Built in the 12th century, the timber-framed Great Hall has hosted many illustrious visitors including Richard III and other kings. It hosted Parliament in the 14th and 15th centuries and today features an original Victorian criminal courtroom. Expert local guide tour available - £4
DMU MUSEUM Showcasing the only remaining ruins of the medieval Church of Annunciation, the university’s Museum also hosts temporary exhibitions featuring DMU art and archive collections as well as themes of local history. Please visit library.dmu.ac.uk/dmumuseum for more information.
TRINITY HOSPITAL CHAPEL Inside the university’s Trinity House building can be found a stone chapel that originally served the medieval Trinity Hospital, founded in 1330 to care for the poor and infirm.
TRINITY HERB GARDEN Recently refurbished to resemble an Elizabethan style garden, this tranquil space was once used to grow medicinal herbs for patients at Trinity Hospital. The DMU Green Futures project regenerated the colourful garden to improve biodiversity, provide cooking herbs and attract wildlife to campus. Entrance on Castle View.
ST MARY DE CASTRO (12pm-3pm) This historic church was founded as a chapel to serve the medieval castle. Henry IV was knighted here as a boy and Chaucer married here in the 1360s. Although much altered since medieval times, the church still retains many of its early features. Expert local guide tour available - £4
THE MAGAZINE Originally a 15th century gateway into the former Newarke religious precinct, this striking stone building was later used as a munitions store during the English Civil War. Interesting features of this three-storey building include graffiti dating back to the 16th century. Expert local guide tour available - £4
NEWARKE HOUSES MUSEUM Created from two historic houses that date from the 16th century, this museum tells the story of Leicester. Discover how we used to live in the recreated street and find out about the industries that made Leicester wealthy. The museum incorporates the Royal Leicestershire Regimental Museum. Open 11am-4pm for information on regular opening times go to visitleicester.info
NEWARKE HOUSES GARDEN The herb garden at Newarke Houses Museum is one of the oldest gardens in Leicester. Together with a later Regency style garden, they provide a beautiful haven for rare plants and wildlife. The Newarke wall can be seen in the garden, complete with gun loops used to defend the area during the English Civil War.
OTHER HISTORIC SITES & GARDENS
ROMAN & MEDIEVAL LEICESTER Visit our oldest church, St Nicholas, and experience Roman and Medieval Leicester, open until 3:30pm. Walk around this ancient building, see displays of pottery, weapons, arms and armour, on your own or with a guide. Take a free map with a self-guided tour of the streets of Roman Leicester and learn about our ancient town. Children and adults can enjoy craft activities and refreshments as well as talk with members of the church and Friends of Jewry Wall Museum to learn about the progress of our new museum. For any queries please email: jewrywallfriends@outlook.com. The church will also be open Sunday Sep 24th.
CASTLE MOTTE In 1068, just after the Norman Conquest of 1066, Leicester Castle would have consisted of an earth mound (or motte) with a timber tower (or keep) on top. Climb to the top of the motte for views over Castle Yard, The Newarke and Castle Gardens.
TURRET GATEWAY Built in 1423, the Turret Gateway separated the Newarke religious precinct from Leicester Castle. Locally it is also known as Rupert’s Gateway, as Prince Rupert and King Charles I commanded the royalist army that captured Leicester Castle in 1645 during the English Civil War.
BLUE BADGE GUIDED TOURS The following guided tours from local history experts are available (excluding September). 11:00am - The Magazine - £4 12:30pm - Leicester Castle Great Hall - £4 2:00pm - St Mary de Castro Church - £4 Or visit all three sites for £10 Each tour lasts approx one hour. You can book by phone on 0116 299 4444, or in person at: Visit Leicester (King Richard III Visitor Centre), 4A St Martins, Leicester, LE1 5DB. Unsold tickets may be available on the day.
DMU Museum, Hawthorn Building 00.34, The Gateway, Leicester, LE1 9BH
UK T: +44 (0)116 207 8729 E: museum@dmu.ac.uk W: library.dmu.ac.uk/dmumuseum