East Midlands News

Bring your group to the birthplace of UK tourism

Travel pioneer, Thomas Cook ran his first railway excursion in Leicester and Leicestershire in 1841, positioning the destination as the birthplace of modern tourism. The destination has continued to attract visitors from all over the UK and beyond. By bringing your group to Leicester and Leicestershire, you can uncover the story of a city and county with over 2,000 years of history, a traditional ‘taste’ of England and a landscape of woodland and waterways perfect for gentle adventures.

Leicester and Leicestershire tell some of England’s most unique and unusual stories. The area is famous for its connection with one of the bloodiest battles in English history and the gravesite where, over 500 years later, King Richard III’s remains were discovered beneath a city car park.

Leicestershire also offers an authentic taste of England with the ancient market town of Melton Mowbray claiming the title of Rural Capital of Food through its association with the pork pie and Stilton cheese. You can experience the best of the region’s food and drink, and discover a little of its fascinating history, through tours and activities like traditional pork pie making.

With over 70 miles of waterways and a vast National Forest to explore, there are plenty of opportunities to have gentle adventures and enjoy the fresh air.

Here’s what you could pack into a short break in Leicester and Leicestershire…

DAY ONE

Morning

Leicester can claim to be the UK’s Space city and an out of this world experience awaits at the multi-award-winning National Space Centre. Visitors can explore six galleries crammed full of rockets, satellites and meteorites, take in a show at the UK’s largest domed planetarium, and ascend the iconic rocket tower.

Your group can enjoy lunch at the National Space Centre’s Booster’s Café before heading off for the afternoon’s activities.

Afternoon

Travel into the city of Leicester to visit the King Richard III Visitor Centre where Richard III’s grave site and the multi-award-winning exhibition about his life, death and rediscovery, use stunning 21st century technology and beautiful design to tell one of the greatest archaeological detective stories ever told. This includes the first king to be DNA tested, the last king to die in battle, the last of the Royal Plantagenets, the end of the Medieval period and the start of the Tudor period.

Opposite the King Richard III Visitor Centre is Leicester Cathedral, one of the few places outside of Westminster or Windsor to see the tomb of a British monarch. After the incredible story of the discovery of the remains of King Richard III gripped the world, 600 million people worldwide saw the last English King to die in battle be laid to rest in dignity here. From the fine stained glass to the story and tomb of King Richard III, you can explore over 900 years of history in this peaceful and beautiful building.

A very short walk from Leicester Cathedral is the Grade I listed, timber-framed Guildhall, which has been at the centre of Leicester history for 630 years. Over the years, it has been used as a court, town hall, venue for Shakespeare, prison, and now a museum and venue. It is one of the best-preserved timber framed halls in the country and is believed to be one of the ‘most haunted’ places in Leicester.

Evening meal

Wine and dine your group at one of Leicester’s fantastic restaurants with a wide choice of British and international cuisines.

Overnight accommodation

Retire to your accommodation at the nearby beautiful and historical St Martin's Lodge, a luxury bed and breakfast in the heart of Leicester.

This Grade ll Listed Georgian building has been fully renovated, with many original features being retained including the hallway with its chandelier and elegant staircase. Each room is individually styled in sympathy with the historic architecture and character of the original building.

For something more modern there are fantastic rooms and studios available at The Gresham Aparthotel that offers in room catering and a rooftop bar.


DAY TWO – option 1

Take your group on an incredible journey along the Great Central Railway, Europe’s only double track heritage railway and the only line where steam trains can be seen passing each other at speed in a historical mainline setting. Running for eight miles through the Leicestershire Countryside, the Railway has four stations charmingly restored to reflect different periods in railway history. For lunch, why not treat your group to first class afternoon tea on-board the train!

In Loughborough you will also find John Taylor & Co, bell founders with a tradition that can be traced back to the 14th century. Bells made here can be heard all over the world. Some of the more well-known bells can be found at St Paul’s Cathedral or more locally they can be heard at Loughborough’s Carillon in Queen’s Park.

A group tour of the only remaining bell foundry in the UK and its museum will give even more insight into the incredible sounds that resonate around the globe, but come straight out of Loughborough.


DAY TWO – option 2

Travel to Belvoir Castle, a majestic spectacle set on a high hill with panoramic views across several English counties. It is regarded as one of the finest examples of Regency architecture in the country and its most opulent rooms, regularly featured in films and TV series including Netflix’s The Crown, can be enjoyed on a guided tour. The estate surrounding the castle contains formal gardens and woodland, with the latest garden restoration programme bringing to life the lost plans of Capability Brown.

You can enjoy afternoon tea at Belvoir Castle – the place where it was first served in the mid 1840’s for the Duchess of Bedford. Once you finish at the castle make your way to The Engine Yard for a relaxing browse around the artisan shopping village.

It is the first retail village of its kind in the local area and has been carefully restored from Victorian buildings. Championing local businesses and great British brands, visitors will be spoilt for choice with food and drink and shopping.

Depart

For more group-friendly ideas and inspiration in Leicester and Leicestershire, including accommodation choices if you’re staying overnight as part of your visit, ranging from smart city centre aparthotels to opulent country house retreats, go to www.visitleicester.info

For coach operators visiting Leicester, go to www.visitleicester.info/good-to-know/coachparking  

To request a copy of the Group Travel Guide for Leicester and Leicestershire, contact the Visit Leicester Information Centre on 0116 299 4444 or email info@visitleicester.info