Now that Britons are exploring the UK more ‘thanks to Covid’ I’m going to spotlight the historic towns. First up is Leicester in Leicestershire. Whether you are a history buff, foodie or naturalist, it’s the English town to visit. The county Leicestershire marked 2022 ‘Uncover the story’. After all, what brings a people together more than stories and memories. Leicester and Leicestershire’s ‘Uncover the Story’ tourism campaign promotes the city and county as a fascinating UK destination to both national and international visitors. ‘Uncover the Story’ capitalizes on region’s captivating history and future to promote it as a distinctive destination to visitors.
Brief History of Leicester and Leicestershire
Leicestershire is a landlocked county in the East Midlands of England. Nestled between Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Rutland, Northamptonshire, Warwickshire, Shropshire and Derbyshire. Leicester is a city in the county. The area has 2000 years of history dating back to Saxon times. It was at there at The Battle of Bosworth Field that the War of the Roses came to a bloody end. Richard III the last Plantagenet king was killed and buried in an unmarked tomb at Greyfriars in Leicester. He was then forgotten about, until it was rediscovered under a car park by archaeologists in September 2012. Upon his death, it was dawn of the Tudor Dynasty with Henry Tudor crowned King VIII of England, in 1485.
Uncover the Story
Leicester City is under three hours from London. The M1 which connects London to Leeds passing through. The train station there is said to be the busiest in the country. Due to these good train connections, Leicester is ideal for a daycation and long city break. As part of the ‘Uncover The Story Campaign’, firstly let’s look at its focus; cookery, dining out, historical attractions, nature trails and adventure parks.
Cookery
Introducing the Melton Mowbray School of Rural Food – improve your baking skills in the Rural Capital of Food, home of the Melton Mowbray Pork Pie and the king of all cheeses, Stilton, under the expert guidance of a celebrity baker
Drinks and Dinning Out
Head out to the Brentingby’s brand new gin bar, located in the Melton Cattle Market. You can sample their award-winning liquor at the longest gin bar outside of London!
Explore the world of Everards beer with a guided brewery tour. After your tour, take a seat in the Beer Hall where you can try a fantastic selection of beers, including limited-edition brews, and sample local produce from the varied menu.
Looking for top knot nosh? For instance, you can dine at the stylish Black Iron Social, a new bar and restaurant set in the extraordinary surroundings of The Gresham Hotel the boutique hotel in the iconic building of Fenwick department store. Lets’ not forget Leicester’s the Golden Mile for curry lovers. You can find traditional thali’s, Indo-Chinese, Kerala seafood and more.
Historical Attractions
Leicester Museum was revamped. You can an expected augmented reality experience in the Leicester’s King Richard III Visitor Centre detailing the evolution of the now infamous Greyfriars courtyard – the original burial site of King Richard III. Visitors can view the embroidered coffin pall created for the reinterment of King Richard III in March 2015, which has been installed close to the King’s original burial site, alongside a short video display of the tomb.
Leicester Cathedral is currently undergoing restoration as part of the Leicester Cathedral Revealed project, which is scheduled to end in autumn 2023. History buffs and budding archaeologist (all visitors in fact!) would be excited to know they join Leicester Cathedral’s Site Excavation Tours to discover archaeological and historical interest around the excavation site of this massive redevelopment project.
If you enjoy the theatre, you must visit Century Theatre in Coalville Leicestershire, Britain’s oldest surviving travelling theatre. 2023 marks its 70th anniversary! Visit their website to see what’s on.
Nature Trails and Adventure Parks
Walkers of all levels of fitness and experience are being invited to pull on their hiking boots and take on the National Forest Trek (75 mile annual walking challenge) that starts at Beacon Hill and finishes at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.
Bring your inner ninja to life, visit the Ninja Warrior adventure park; climb, balance, jump and swing across different obstacles.
One for little kids AND big kids, Belvoir Castle! Along with the gardens and lakes there’s now an adventure playground which featuring a giant timber castle, along with a ship and towers, it is perfect for children and teenagers of all ages to explore! It’s inclusive so that parents and grandparents can join their children in play. No excuses, let your inner child run free.
There so much more to see and do. Leicester and Leicestershire is ideal for families, lads, girls or romantic getaways.
Lastly and by no means least, for inspiration go to Visit Leicester site for more details on events.
Photo Credit: all images from Visit Leicester
