The Cathedral

Church of Saint Martin, commonly known as Leicester Cathedral. It’s said that every city needs a cathedral, and the site that hosts Leicester Cathedral has been used as a religious venue for over 900 years, but it was only designated as a cathedral in 1927. It’s claimed that over one hundred thousand people visit Leicester Cathedral every year, many of them to see the tomb of King Richard III, the last English monarch to die in battle. It’s located in the heart of Leicester and close to the Guild Hall (another tourist destination), and the St. Martins’ zone full of shops and restaurants is worth a wander.

However please note that the Cathedral building is currently closed for building repair works; it’s planned to re-open in Autumn 2023.

For more information: https://www.visitleicester.info/ see-and-do/leicester-cathedral-p696411

Leicester’s Golden Mile.

The term “Golden Mile” refers to a section of what was once the Roman road to Lincoln, and is now known as Belgrave Road. It experienced years of decline when the Industrial Revolution petered out, but thanks to an influx of Asian immigration it is now famous for its Indian food, fashion spices and jewellery shops. Go down to gaze at the gold and jewels on display, sample some of Britain’s best curry restaurants and specialist Indian sweets. https://storyofleicester.info/a-place-to-live/thegolden-mile/

Did you know that Leicester claims to be the UK’s Space City? If you’re interested in space science and astronomy, and perhaps are tempted by the Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium, then a visit to Leicester’s National Space Centre is a must. It has six interactive galleries, a planetarium, and a 42m high rocket tower. If you want to find out how you go to the toilet in space, or see a display of spacesuits worn by astronauts over the years, this is the venue for you. Booking in advance is deemed essential, and they often sell out at weekends and on Bank Holidays. The Space centre is located on Exploration Drive, Leicester LE4 5NS

Find out more here: https://spacecentre.co.uk/

The first modern day travel excursion is widely held to be the steam train Thomas Cook chartered in 1841 to take passengers from Leicester to Loughborough and back. You can relive that journey by taking a trip on the Great Central Railway, a main line heritage railway run by volunteers and enthusiasts.

The Leicester North station is located at LE4 3BR, and you can take a train that takes you via Rothley and Quorn stations through to Loughborough Central Station. It’s alleged that it’s the only place in the world where full size steam engines can be seen passing each other.

According to their website, trains run every weekend of the year, bank holidays and selected weekdays through the summer.

To check their timetable look here: https://www.gcrailway.co.uk/timetables-and-fares/

Find out more: https://www.gcrailway.co.uk/

In short, you can have a great experience in Leicester, even before you arrive at the King Power stadium. And if time is tight and you don’t have too many hours to spare, our recommendation is to walk along New Walk.

A preserved Georgian walkway which is lined with elegant buildings and culminates in a cluster of bars, cafes and restaurants close to its city centre junction. And of course there is the free museum we already mentioned, Leicester Museum and Art Gallery that offers dinosaurs, Egyptians, Romans and various artworks including ceramics by Picasso.

For more information: Attractions - Visit Leicester

Enjoy!

Mark Nessfield

Leicester City Fan Quiz

How big a Foxes fan are you? You will sppn find out...

1. Which 1 When was the last time that Leicester City were crowned Champions of England, before they won it in the 2015-16 season?

2 When was the club, which was originally called 'Leicester Fosse', first established?

3 What year was Leicester City founded?

4 Which 'fans favorite' did Peter Taylor sell to Wolves?

5 Which former Leicester & England player said this about Steve Walsh: 'He's always been renowned for his trmendous spirit and single minded aproach.Everytime he goes out onto the field of play, he gives it everything?'

6 Who replaced Brian Little as manager of Leicester?

7 IWhen did Leicester Fosse first get promoted to the top division in England, then known as 'English Division One'?

8 The best match I saw under O'Neill had to be the only game with Heskey and Collymore, playing up front together against Sunderland, but what was the score?

9 At the beginning of the 2002-03 season, Leicester City moved from their old home at Filbert Street into their new stadium, named ?

10 What were the odds on Leicester winning the Premier League before the start of the season, as made by Ladbrokes?

Answers can ge found on the last page... Good Luck