Leicester City Information Guide

With a population of 280,000, Leicester is the largest city in the East Midlands and the tenth largest in the country. Its importance was first recognised by the Romans and later by the Danes, who used it as a strategic stronghold to control the Midlands. Since then it has developed into a major commercial and manufacturing centre, known better for the diversity of its trade than for its dependence on a single industry. It is also a historic meeting place. For centuries people of different races and cultures have gathered in Leicester, creating a rich and unique heritage. This diversity continues today: the city's thriving ethnic minority community accounts for more than a third of Leicester's population and continues to enrich city life.

The area of Leicester is: 28.22 square miles OR 18,060 acres. The perimeter of the City is 51.73 kilometres or 32.14 miles, and the City can be contained within a circle of radius 6.4 kilometres. The geographical centre of Leicester is just off Humberstone Gate, about 143 metres from the Clock Tower.

History: If history is an interest, then Leicestershire will delight and inspire you! Discover Roman ruins, majestic castles, haunted medieval buildings, historic events and much more. Leicester itself is well known as an important Roman settlement, and evidence of this can be seen at the Jewry Wall Museum near the city centre. Take a guided walk around Castle Park, Leicester’s old town, and see the medieval Guildhall, and the Great Hall of Leicester Castle. In the west of Leicestershire, visit the Battle of Bosworth Visitor Centre, to find out all about the battle that claimed the life of King Richard III. Battle re-enactments and other historic events regularly take place here. The county boasts many splendid stately homes including the 17th century Stanford Hall and the majestic Belvoir Castle. Medieval jousting festivals are often held at Belvoir, and also at Rockingham Castle near Market Harborough.

Entertainment: With vibrant festivals, live gigs, contemporary theatre and unusual rural events, Leicestershire has lots to entertain you! Leicester boasts a diverse range of entertainment. From live music and performances at De Montfort Hall and Phoenix Arts Centre and Curve Theatre to city festivals with the Big Session and Summer Sundae to the vibrant Caribbean Carnival and Diwali. If you need some laughter in your life then visit the Leicester Comedy Festival or Jongleurs. But it's not all about big festivals and performing arts productions, visit The Musician for intimate performances from live bands or, as you are walking around the city centre look out for street performances. If you're a film buff, watch in style at Leicester's new Cinema de Lux. In the county of Leicestershire experience quirky and traditional rural festivals and live music performances. From food festivals, outdoor amphitheatres, concerts in castles to the bizarre Hallaton Bottle Kicking Contest. Loughborough Town Hall is the place to be if you enjoy live performances and panto's or visit Conkers or Belvoir Castle for live musical performances in magnificent surroundings.

Shopping: Leicestershire offers a wide variety of unique shopping experiences. From designer labels and chic interiors to antiques, crafts, and markets, there's plenty to keep shopaholics amused! Leicester’s city centre has undergone a style revolution in more ways than one, offering aspirational shopping and unique boutiques. With Highcross Leicester opening to offer a completely new, modern way of shopping and the trendy boutiques and independent shops of the Leicester Lanes and St Martins Square, even the most discerning label junkie won't know where to start! North of the city, Belgrave road’s famous for its Asian shops, selling beautiful sarees and spices, and to the south, Stoneygate is a cluster of independent shops and galleries offering exclusive products and designer names. Meanwhile, Fosse Park, near the M1 is home to many big chain stores, which boast larger ranges than you may find elsewhere. Around the county Leicestershire's market town’s reveal many surprises. From traditional butchers and bakeries to small specialist stores selling antiques, clothes and gifts, there are many opportunities for browsing. Weekly markets also take place, and several towns have regular farmer's markets too.

Sport & Leisure: Sports fans are in for a treat in Leicestershire, home to some of the country’s best sporting teams. There are lots of opportunities to watch great sport, or to take part in it yourself! Rugby Union fans should head for Leicester’s Welford Road to see the mighty Leicester Tigers, led by England captain Martin Corry. Meanwhile, football enthusiasts will be more interested in the impressive Walkers Stadium, home to Leicester City Football Club. You can also visit Leicestershire County Cricket Club - current 20/20 Champions, at Grace Road and relax to the sound of leather on willow, or watch the Leicester Riders play basketball at the John Sandford Sports Centre (De Montfort University, Leicester). Leicestershire is also well known for its links with motor racing. With two prominent circuits at Donington Park and Mallory Park, there are lots of opportunities to watch all sorts of motor sports. Both circuits offer racing experiences for the public too. Donington is also home to the largest collection of Formula One cars in the world.