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Introduction
Did you know Leicester has been named the best place to live and work in the East Midlands?
The 2022 Good Growth for Cities Index ranked Leicester as top in the East Midlands and 14th out of 50 UK cities, using indicators such as wellbeing, work-life balance and environment, as well as economic growth.
We can’t say we’re surprised of course. As one of the longest established estate agents in the area, we’ve been helping people create new lives in Leicester since 1935, so we know full well how amazing it is and just how many attractions it has to offer.
But not everyone knows all its hidden secrets, so we thought we’d put together this ULTIMATE guide of fun things to do in Leicester in 2023, including places to visit, family activities, the great outdoors and some culture and education too. There really is something for everyone in Leicester.
Whether you’ve lived in the county for years, are planning a visit, or looking to move to the area, you’ll want to check out our top 20 list of things to do.
And if you are thinking about making a move, feel free to give us a call and tap into all that inside local knowledge we’ve got!
The great outdoors of Leicester
It may be a bustling, vibrant centre of economic growth and innovation, but there’s so much countryside in Leicestershire too! Given the central location and the easy access to major motorway routes, it’s easy to forget just how much open space there is to explore right here on our doorstep.
Many of the Readings team love nothing more than to get out and explore at the weekends, whether it’s walking the dog, picnicking with friends, strolling among the herds of deer, birdwatching, fishing, or something a little more adventurous – it can all be found, right here in Leicestershire.
Bradgate Park
Did you know we have a herd of deer in Leicester? Bradgate Park is the only enclosed Medieval deer park in Leicestershire and is home to some 550 Red and Fallow deer who roam freely among the visitors.
If deer aren’t enough of a draw, there’s the oldest rocks in England, ruins of one of the earliest country houses built for royalty and lived in by a Queen, ancient oak trees, monkey puzzle trees, hills, stunning views, a cafe, visitor centre, more than 830 acres of parkland, hills, tarmac carriageways and much more!
The park is one of the three locations in Charity Link’s annual three peaks challenge, so it’s a favourite stomping ground of the Readings team.
[Photo credit: @mh80photos via Instagram]
Botanical Gardens
Sixteen acres of lovingly cultivated gardens and greenhouses await visitors, set around four Edwardian houses. Attractions include herb gardens, woodland and herbaceous borders, rock gardens, a water garden, tropical plants and alpines.
There’s also a koi carp pond, sculptures, picnic spots and benches, all perfect for walks and relaxing with the family. Together with the affiliated Attenborough Arboretum, the Botanical Gardens offer endless opportunities to learn about plants and global biodiversity.
Everards Meadows
Another beautiful location to explore with your family and four-legged friends, Everards Meadows provides 70 acres of green space with cycling routes and pedestrian walkways, meandering through a haven for wildlife, birds and bugs.
Bikes can be hired on site for easy access to Jenno’s coffee house, the Beer Hall brewery and the nearby Fosse Shopping Park.
Foxton Locks
This Grade II listed site is home to the longest, steepest flight of locks in Britain, nestled in 34 acres of natural green spaces with a variety of wildlife and birds to be discovered. There’s also an inclined plane, two pubs, two cafes, a museum and day boat hire, providing all the ingredients for a lovely and unique day out.
Nature lovers can enjoy pond-dipping, look out for bat boxes and spot herons, swans, swallows and even kingfishers, while exploring the local scenery on two wheels or on foot at Foxton Locks.
Wistow Maze
If you’ve never been to the famous Wistow Maize Maze, it’s well worth a visit! Winner of Leicestershire’s Best Visitor Attraction and one of the country’s largest maize mazes, these eight acres offer hours of perfect exercise for the body and mind!
A wonderful activity for youngsters, there are quiz boards hidden among three miles of paths, while high level bridges and viewing towers offer stunning panoramic views. To continue the day out, there’s more fun on offer at the Activity Funyard.
While the maze is seasonal, the Wistow Rural Centre is open year-round, with a charming selection of shops in beautiful rural surroundings.
Rutland Water
There’s not much you can’t do at Rutland Water when it comes to outdoor pursuits, whether it’s an adrenaline-fuelled adventure, or a relaxing afternoon stroll. These 4,200 acres of countryside include a nature reserve, cycle hire, walks and all manner of watersports, such as sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing and stand up paddle boarding.
Thrills, fun and laughter for the whole family are also on offer at the inflatable Aqua Park, which is bigger and better than ever for 2023, and available throughout the summer, come rain or shine.
Learning in Leicester
Who said learning has to be dull? As a city with a rich heritage, combined with cutting-edge innovation and enterprise, Leicester has educational entertainment in abundance.
Whether you’re interested in the history of the Royal family, world famous artists or deepest space exploration, you can easily find fun and immersive experiences in which to expand your knowledge or bring learning to life for inquisitive minds.
National Space Centre
With six interactive rooms, the UK’s largest planetarium and the iconic 42m high rocket tower, this award-winning attraction really is an out-of-this-world experience!
As a Travellers’ Choice Winner, the National Space Centre is among the top 10% of attractions in the world. Fun for all the family, but especially great for curious youngsters to get inspired about spaceships, astronauts and outer space.
[Photo credit: @NationalSpaceCentre via Instagram]
Van Gogh Immersive Experience
State-of-the-art virtual projection allows visitors to discover the life of this famous artist in a new way, including his time at a convent and secrets he wrote in letters. This is a unique sound and light show that will bring to life the works of Vincent Van Gogh to breath-taking effect.
Whether you’re an art lover or not, this edge-of-city 360-degree experience promises to inspire all ages.
Abbey Pumping Station
Leicester City’s Museum of Science & Technology is home to an impressive collection of industrial, technological and scientific exhibits which showcase the area’s history, including working rotative beam engines.
The museum is free to attend, but charges may apply to the variety of special events which are held throughout the year. It’s a great time to visit in 2023 as the museum celebrates 50 years of events with a bumper programme. Keep an eye on the website for upcoming open days.
Retro Computer Museum
If you love computer games, this is the place for you! Remember playing classics like Space Invaders, Break Out and Pac-Man, or more recent favourites such as Sonic and Super Mario? Well at this brimming building of fun, you can play loads of retro games on retro consoles.
The museum houses classic systems such as the Sinclair Spectrum, Commodore 64, Atari 2600, the Nintendo NES, Sega MegaDrive and more. This is a great day out for big and little kids – even your teenagers are guaranteed to enjoy it!
King Richard III Visitor Centre
One of the greatest detective tales in history, the legendary story of King Richard III made the headlines around the world after his lost grave site was found 500 years later under a car park in Leicester.
That story is now brought to life at the Richard III Visitor Centre, where you can travel from the battlefield of Bosworth to his final resting place, and discover how traditional archaeology and modern science combined to identify his remains.
The centre is a stone’s throw from Leicester Cathedral which has housed the tomb of King Richard III since 2015. The Cathedral is currently closed for refurbishment until autumn 2023.
Tropical Birdland
If you love birds, you want to get yourself to Tropical Birdland. This delightful visitor attraction is home to over 250 birds, including beautiful free-flying parrots from around the world to walk among, admire, feed – and they might even perch on your head!
You can also view flamingos, military macaws and more. A fun day out for the whole family, fill up at The Real Macaw cafe and then let the kids burn off some energy at the wooden adventure playground.
Fun and entertainment in Leicester
If all that wasn’t enough – there’s plenty more fun and entertainment to keep you busy. As well as the traditional activities such as bowling and soft play, Leicester also boasts a wider variety of different activities for families, couples, mates and more.
Whether you’re looking for a cheap night out, a unique stag or hen do experience, or a new activity for the children, Leicester really does have it all.
Social Climbing
If you love climbing, you’ll love Leicestershire’s largest bouldering climbing centre. No booking is needed at Social Climbing, you can just ‘rock up’ and get going.
There are sessions for first timers, kids and adults, including coaching for anyone who wants to gain more skills in the art of climbing. This includes the National Indoor Bouldering Award Scheme which allows young climbers to progress from novices through to experienced indoor boulderers.
There are kids clubs and parties available to book too for a real fun activity with a difference.
Outdoor Pursuits Centre
This adventurous outdoor activity centre is designed to stimulate, educate and motivate young people with fun and interesting activities at affordable prices.
There’s a jam-packed programme of activities for individuals, families and clubs to try, including kayaking, paddling, canoeing and climbing – all set in 15 acres of parkland right in the heart of Leicester.
LCB Depo’s Last Friday
Last Friday offers a unique social gathering experience. Held on the last Friday of every month at the LCB Depot, this is a creative event managed by local independent businesses working together to curate a monthly evening of street food, arts, comedy and music.
Sixes Social Cricket
If you’re looking for a fun night out with friends in Leicester’s Cultural Quarter, look no further than the new Sixes Social Cricket venue, which has recently opened. The city was only the fourth in the UK to welcome the hugely popular Sixes brand.
Cricket is re-imagined for the modern socialite, with adrenaline-fuelled batting in the nets placed throughout the venue. Combine a bit of friendly competition with great food, cocktails and hospitality at the large bar and you’ll be quickly bowled over!
Lane 7
Everyone loves a good game of bowling and crazy golf, but Lane7 is a whole lot more besides. As well as ten-pin bowling, you’ll also be able to try your hand at ping pong, pool and karaoke. Plus there’s a great bar and an unrivalled atmosphere.
Lane 7 is great for the whole family in the day, and then it’s the turn of the adults to let their hair down from 7pm when it becomes an over-18s only venue.
Treetop Adventure Golf
It’s crazy golf, in a lush rainforest with ancient temples and spirits, and it’s in the Highcross Shopping Centre in Leicester City Centre!
You’ll soon forget you’re in a city when you step inside this new world, where you can take on the various challenges posed by the two 18-hole golf courses – the Tropical Trail and the Ancient Explorer. This one’s great fun for families, mates, mini putters and senior masters alike!
The Curve Theatre
This is an impressive state-of-the-art theatre set in the heart of Leicester’s vibrant Cultural Quarter, with a full calendar of shows including top musicals, plays, stand up comedy, children’s shows, festivals, workshops and a whole lot more.
The really unique thing about this theatre is that there’s no backstage. Audiences can enjoy the full theatrical process, peek behind the scenes and probably spot the actor dashing between dressing rooms.
Thinking of moving to Leicester?
If after reading our ultimate guide, you’re thinking about making a move to Leicester, Readings can help! As long-established Leicestershire estate agents, we can advise you on the most popular locations to move to, talk to you about the local market and help you on every step of your buying journey.
Feel free to browse the Leicester properties for sale on our website, and of course get in touch if there’s anything else our friendly and knowledgeable team members can help with.
