As the nights draw in and the leaves start to turn, we enter one of the most exciting
periods of the year in Leicester. With events, activities and loads of ways to spend
your time indoors and outdoors, Autumn is the perfect time to ‘fall’ in love with
Leicester…
Green spaces and turning leaves
Not only is the city absolutely packed with green spaces, which will be turning all the
shades of the rainbow, we have a number of fantastic parks including the historic Abbey
Park and Castle Gardens and the nature sanctuary of Watermead Park. You can also
take a long walk up Leicester’s tree-lined Georgian promenade New Walk and
experience the changing season.
Museums and attractions
Along New Walk you can find Leicester Museum and Art Gallery, which is open for free
all year round and has static exhibitions including Egyptian mummies and dinosaurs,
plus always changing exhibits. The King Richard III Visitor Centre tells the story of the
lost king, then you can pop across to see his tomb in Leicester Cathedral, before
learning about Leicester’s Roman History at the newly opened Jewry Wall Museum. To
bring you up to date, the National Space Centre is just outside the city centre and
takes you to the solar system and beyond.
Theatre, cinema and indoor fun
Leicester’s theatres come into their own in autumn, with the acclaimed Curve Theatre offering
west end shows – including Matilda The Musical – and homegrown hits and the Little Theatre and Y Theatre showing locally produced works. If you’re in the mood for arts cinema then the Phoenix has four screens showing the latest blockbusters, plus art house, classics and themed film festivals. If the kids need to burn off some energy then indoor activities at Social Climbing Leicester, Lane 7 indoor entertainment or the city’s official Ninja Warrior park are ideal.
Amazing independent cafés
Once you’re done with all that you can settle down in one of Leicester’s many independent cafes or coffee houses, Bitsy’s Emporium offers cakes and bakes you wouldn’t believe, you can find the very best coffee at Bread and Honey, Leicester Coffee House or Saints of Mokka, or grab delicious treats in the pretty surroundings of Bryter Moon Deli, Chloe Gourmet, La Foret Café or the Merchant of Venice. Check out the new Cafe guide for all the info on where to eat and drink!
Experience England’s Curry Capital
And as the weather gets cooler it’s the perfect time to grab a curry in England’s Curry Capital. Head up the Golden Mile as the lights come on for the city’s internationally renowned Diwali celebrations. Cuisine from 11 different South Asian countries will leave you warm, satisfied and ready to do it all again!
Upcoming events
- Sample fantastic deals from some of the city’s best restaurants with Leicester Restaurant Week, running from 20 October until 2 November.
- The sporting season starts again. Come and see top class rugby with last season’s Premiership finalists Leicester Tigers and watch Leicester City Football Club fight for promotion from the Championship.
- Celebrate Diwali with the community along the Golden Mile and experience the
city’s diverse culture - The city’s biggest Firework display is back at Abbey Park on the 2nd November
- And of course don’t forget to check out our comprehensive live music listings!
For more information, take a look at the official Tourism Organisation for Leicester and Leicestershire, VisitLeicester for guidance on places to see, things to do and where to stay.
