There’s More to Leicester than a Dead King in a Car Park

Roman baths, the tomb of King Richard III, world-class Indian cuisine and the National Space Centre are just some of Leicester’s many attractions, all easily explored on an E-bike. The post There’s More to Leicester than a Dead King in a Car Park appeared first on The Travel Magazine.

May 24, 2026 - 10:20

There’s More to Leicester than a Dead King in a Car Park

Leicester is one of those English cities that quietly defies expectations. At first glance, it has that typical Midlands vibe, but scratch the surface and you uncover more than 2,000 years of layered history, a globally significant archaeological discovery, and one of the most vibrant cultural streets in Britain.

It’s also nice and compact, perfect for exploring by e-bike along the city’s many cycle trails. As well as dedicated tracks besides roads, they take you along old railway lines and through an extensive network of canals and rivers

Leicester was ranked as one of the top 100 cities in Europe 2025 and, unlike many of its UK counterparts, the centre feels very much alive with a thriving local market. Forget empty storefronts and charity shops, this is a place where you can easily spend time window shopping and people watching.

King Richard III

Leicester’s global fame surged in 2012 with one of the most extraordinary archaeological discoveries in modern British history: the remains of King Richard III were found beneath a city centre car park.

The king, who died at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485, had long been thought lost to history. Yet DNA testing confirmed that a skeleton discovered at the site of the former Greyfriars church was indeed his. Today, the King Richard III Visitor Centre stands on that very spot, offering a compelling, interactive journey through medieval intrigue, warfare, and the science behind the discovery.

Inside, visitors can stand above the original grave site and explore the myths and realities surrounding one of England’s most controversial monarchs. It’s a rare opportunity to see history rewritten in real time—and to witness how a quiet Midlands city became the focus of worldwide attention.

Just a short walk away stands the Leicester Cathedral, where Richard III was reinterred in 2015. The cathedral itself is a peaceful and elegant space, blending medieval origins with modern design elements. The king’s tomb, carved from Swaledale fossil stone, is both simple and striking, offering a reflective contrast to the dramatic story of his life and rediscovery.

Roman City

Long before Leicester became a modern multicultural city, it was known as Ratae Corieltauvorum, an important Roman settlement. Its legacy is still visible today at the remarkable Jewry Wall, one of the largest surviving pieces of Roman masonry in Britain.

Standing over nine metres high, this imposing wall once formed part of a grand public bath complex built around AD 160. Visitors today can wander among the excavated foundations of the baths and imagine a time when Leicester was a bustling Roman town complete with forums, temples, and heated bathing rooms.

The adjacent museum, recently reopened after major renovation, uses immersive multimedia to tell the story of Roman Leicester. It’s set around the remains of a 2nd-century Roman bathhouse and a 10 minute film sets the scene. The museum features over 130 Roman artefacts discovered here.

The Golden Mile

If Leicester’s past is rooted in Rome and medieval England, its present is unmistakably global. Nowhere is this more evident than along the Golden Mile, a vibrant stretch of Belgrave Road that offers one of the most immersive cultural experiences in the UK.

Famed for having the highest concentration of gold jewellery shops in Europe, the Golden Mile dazzles visitors with its shimmering storefronts, colourful sari boutiques, and enticing aromas of Indian cuisine. It has often been described as Britain’s closest equivalent to an Indian bazaar- and that feels entirely accurate as you wander past sweet shops, spice merchants, and vegetarian restaurants.

Mirch Masala Thali

Leicester is the current England Curry Capital and hopes to retain its title later this year. Try Mirch Masala which celebrates over 30 years of serving bold, authentic Indian flavours with a fully vegetarian and vegan menu. It champions the vibrant tastes of India’s roadside cuisine, from chaat and dosas to rich, spice-led curries.

Outdoor Adventures

Leicester isn’t just about history and culture, it also offers plenty for those seeking fresh air and activity. On the outskirts of the city lies the Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre, a hub for adventure set along a scenic stretch of the River Soar

Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre Kayaks

Here, visitors can try kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, and even rafting, making it an ideal destination for families, groups, or solo travellers looking to break up a city trip with something more active. The centre provides equipment and instruction, so beginners are just as welcome as experienced adventurers.

Leicester

Dry land activities include archery and axe throwing, and there’s also a popular high ropes course. Within a short distance, you can move from Roman ruins and medieval history to splashing through rapids or gliding across calm water.

Reaching for the Stars

Leicester’s story doesn’t end on Earth. The city is also home to the National Space Centre, one of the UK’s leading science and education attractions. Recognisable by its futuristic rocket tower, the centre offers interactive galleries, real spacecraft, and the UK’s largest planetarium

Immersive exhibitions explore everything from the origins of the universe to the future of space travel. Visitors can experience simulated missions, learn about British contributions to space science, and even see genuine satellites developed in Leicester.

What ties Leicester together is its sense of continuity. The same streets that follow ancient Roman routes now lead to modern cultural hotspots. The Golden Mile itself traces the line of the old Fosse Way, a Roman road that once connected Exeter to Lincoln.

Leicester

This layering of history is part of Leicester’s charm. You might start your day exploring Roman baths, spend your afternoon uncovering the story of a medieval king, and end the evening enjoying world-class Indian cuisine – all easily accessible on your bike.