HOW TO SPEND 48 HOURS IN LEICESTER BY A LOCAL: A 2 DAY ITINERARY

If you’ve never visited the city of Leicester right in the heart of England, we think you need to! As locals of the city, we recommend this 48 hours in Leicester itinerary diving into the city’s Roman roots and medieval history that meet a vibrant, modern cultural scene. From uncovering ancient streets and historic landmarks to exploring its mouth-watering international food scene and diverse communities, we think Leicester offers an experience that’s both rich and welcoming. Add in its boutique hotels, green outdoor spaces, relaxed pace and sporting options, you’ve got the perfect 2 day weekend guide packed with character and discovery. Take things slow is what we recommend to get a real feel of the sights and sounds of Leicester!

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The Best Time To Visit Leicester

Leicester is a lively bustling city any time of year but if you love culture a great time to visit is when the city is holding one of its many diverse festivals. Here are a few notable ones to add to your list and as Leicester locals we would recommend a visit is extra special during some of these events:

• December: Christmas Lights and Markets throughout the city centre from November onwards.
• Autumn (varies each year) Diwali: The largest celebration for this Hindu festival outside of India.
• February: The Leicester Comedy Festival.
• Summer (dates vary each year); International Street Art Festival (Bring the Paint), Indian Summer, Summer in the City, Caribbean Carnival (August).
• June: The Riverside Festival: Waterside festival of the arts and crafts and food.

How To Get To Leicester

• Air: East Midlands is the closed airport to Leicester, and is approximately a half an hour by car to the city. Get the most convenient flight times and prices deals via Skyscanner.
• Train: Due to Leicester’s central location, it is served by a number of train lines including East Midlands Railways and is only 1 hour 3 mins to St. Pancras Station and also Cross Country Trains with links to many of the airports. We’d recommend searching on Omio for train times and rates.
• Car: Leicester can be accessed via the M1 (Junction 21) or the M69 from the north and south of the country. If you’re taking a flight and want to hire a car for flexibility, Discover Cars have some great options
• Bus: Leicester Coach Station is located right in the heart of the city with a frequent service run by National Express throughout England (direct and with connections). Megabus is also a great option if you have flexible travel times (also book train tickets through here).

How To Get Around Leicester

Leicester City Centre is very walkable so you’ll always only be a short walk away from the main landmarks and points of interest. Leicester also has a great bus network with electric vehicles should you not wish to walk. It’s possible to take a bus (First Bus service 54 from the Haymarket Centre) that stops by the National Space Centre and a direct service to the Golden Mile (Belgrave Road) No 22 from Charles Street Haymarket Centre. 

Car Parking In The City

Many hotels will be able to recommend parking options but here are some of city centre ones.

• The Highcross Shopping Centre – Close to the main shopping and restaurants in the heart of the city (we’ve included the John Lewis Car Park location but there is also the Highcross Rooftop Car Park.
• NCP Dover Street – Closer to the train station and a 10 minute walk to the historic parts of the city.

How Long To Stay In Leicester

If it’s your first visit, we think 48 hours or a weekend is the perfect length of time to get a real taste of the city, but we’re sure you’ll want to head back to explore the rest! 

Where to Stay

Leicester has quite a few beautiful hotels to choose from and there’s recently been a new addition in the form of the recently refurbished Grand Hotel. With a near perfect location, of only being a five minute walk from Leicester train station and walking distance to all the major attractions, restaurants and points of interest, there could be no better place to stay knowing the history of the building. 

Built by local architects between 1897 and 1898, the hotel was designed for its sheer luxury including it’s European Renaissance style frontage, which resembles a ‘wedding cake’ layer! It was known throughout the country and most prominently in the Midlands as the home of the elite English Society. 

Fast forward to present day, the hotel has seen a £900,000 refurbishment and is now managed by the Ascott Limited, under it’s ‘Unlimited Collection’ brand. 

GRAND HOTEL ENTRANCE & LOBBY AREA

From the moment we stepped in through the entrance with the Art Deco font signage above, and into the lobby, their signature scent hits you as does the contemporary, neutral decor with gold accents and a scattering of hues in sage green, peach and a muted maroon.

Check-in is a swift affair then it’s time to take in the vintage glamour of this fine historic abode. There are 104 individually designed rooms which have a sympathetic blend of modern luxury and period features complete with the usual amenities like high speed wifi, air conditioning, ironing boards, tea and coffee making facilities.

FAMILY SUITE DETAILS

We stayed in a spacious family room with sofabed that had great 180 degree views out to Granby Street, Belvoir St and Rutland Street. The 300 foot room is very spacious with a King Bed, designated seating area, open wardrobe, refreshments area, fridge and safe plus flat screen television with Chrome casting function, desk and chairs.

FAMILY SUITE DETAILS AND WELCOME GIFT

The bathroom is finished with the same interior style carried through, fluffy white robes, slippers, towels and full size bath products by The Curious Botanist. The hotel amenities brand is fully sustainable backed up by certifications, transparency as well as initiatives and social responsibility projects.

BATHROOM AMENITIES

Downstairs the O.W Bar and Restaurant is quite a focal point, named after the original innovator, Orson Wright. Classic cocktails, a fine selection of wines, beers and local gins can be sipped in the classy bar complete with chandeliers and art deco vibes.

THE O.W BAR AREA

Following a drink, enjoy lunch or dinner at the contemporary restaurant area, where sourcing local is a focus and they also offer afternoon tea in these grand surroundings. 

O.W RESTAURANT & BAR AREA

Vegetarian, vegan and other dietary requirements are provided for breakfast lunch and dinner and all room rates include a continental breakfast with hot made to order requests. 

FRUIT BOWL & COFFEE & CROISSANTS FOR BREAKFAST

Finally, whilst you’re at the Grand Hotel, you have to have a glimpse of the King’s Hall ballroom that once hosted grand soirees with people like Aviator Amy Johnson and Churchill. The King’s hall is hailed as being Leicester’s biggest historic ballroom and can accommodate upto 300 guests.  

DOME CEILING OUTSIDE THE KING’S HALL

Keep an eye out for  original Art Deco treasures found throughout the hotel, from chandlers that ooze vintage glamour to sweeping wooden staircases and high ceilings!

Perfect city centre location, impeccable and friendly service and surrounded by history, The Grand Hotel is a wonderful city centre base in our opinion for discovering Leicester over a weekend. 

ENJOYING COFFEE IN BED AND STAIRCASE LEADING UP TO ROOMS

• Address: Granby Place, Leicester LE1 6ES.
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Details: Check in: 15:00. Check Out: 11:00.
• Reservations: Check Rates & Book.

Be-lavie Tip: We’d recommend either arriving the night before, Thursday evening if that’s an option, or early on a Friday, via train and dropping your bags off at the hotel, or similarly this itinerary can be tailored to whichever days of the week that suit you best. 

Map of Leicester To Accompany This Itinerary

How to use map: Click on the icon on the Menu on the left-hand side to reveal a legend of featured places in this article.

Day 1: Morning 

Live The Archaeological Story at King Richard III Visitor Centre

If there is one place you visit in Leicester, let it be the multi award winning King Richard III Visitor Centre. A favourite attraction in the city and one we always recommend to daily and friends visiting. It charts one of the greatest archaeological detective stories ever told. Learn about the discovery of the remains of the last Plantagenate King, the dig,  right through to the Carbon dating and DNA fingerprinting work by researchers from the University of Leicester performed right through to his reinterment ceremony on 15 March 2015.

It also has a lot of information of the history and background of the King who died at the Battle of Bosworth in Leicestershire, including the War of the Roses. The centre is an engaging mix of exhibitions and interactive displays, great for young detectives and the adults! 

WAR OF THE ROSES EXHIBITS

Finally, visitors can see through the glass floor panels where the king’s remains were found at the visitor centre. It’s not a surprise the attraction has won over 60 awards since opening its doors. It’s storytelling in its finest form with many suspenseful moments.

At the end of the visit head to the White Boar Cafe on the ground floor for some refueling and keep an eye out for the KRiii coffee art!

PAINTING OF KING RICHARD III & CAPPUCCINO AT WHITE BOAR CAFE

• Address: 4A St Martins, Leicester LE1 5DB.
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Details: Admission, Opening Hours & Information.

See The King’s Tomb at Leicester Cathedral

Walk right across the road from King Richard III Visitor Centre to Leicester Cathedral, where lies the final resting place of King Richard III.

We recommend spending some time looking around to truly absorb the history and architecture of this 900 year old medieval cathedral with its spire, home to a family of peregrine falcons, whom you can hear and watch a live stream from the cathedral’s website. Pop through to the exhibitions held in the new heritage centre, which opened in June 2025.

The tomb of King Richard III is located at the back of the cathedral in the choir and is made from Swaledale fossil stone and Kilkenny limestone featuring a two tonne block of Swaledale fossil limestone, with a deep cross cut into it, resting on a plinth of Kilkenny limestone. The plinth has the former monarch’s name, dates, motto, and coat of arms. We’d allow half and hour to have a good look around the cathedral.

KING RICHARD III TOMB, CATHEDRAL INTERIOR & CATHEDRAL VIEW

• Address: St Martins House, 2 Peacock Lane, Leicester LE1 5PZ.
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Details: Donations, Opening Hours & Services.

Admire The Medieval Timber Framed Guildhall

Right next door to the Leicester Cathedral, is Leicester Guildhall, one of the UK’s oldest standing timber-framed buildings, whose Great Hall was built around 1390. We’ve been a few times and the best way to explore it is to take a self-guided tour which takes visitors through the centuries and what it has been used for over the years.

It was first used as a meeting place for The Guild of Corpus Christi, following being a performance venue where it’s thought William Shakespeare may have acted and was also one of the public libraries and even a police station at one time. Over its 630 plus years it’s been used as a court and was also Leicester’s Town Hall before the current one was built

GUILDHALL WITH CHERRY BLOSSOM & MAIN HALL

Today it’s used as an events and performance venue, holding exhibitions as well as artisan markets throughout the year, especially during Christmas time. 

For those that love a bit of spook, the Guildhall is named as the city’s most haunted building with many TV shows being filmed here, if you’re feeling brave, you can even book onto one of the haunted evening tours. Look out for a phantom dog and black cat ghost seen in the courtyard.

LANE BESIDE GUILDHALL & THE MAYOR PARLOUR

• Address: Guildhall Lane, Leicester LE1 5FQ.
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Details: Donations, Opening Hours & Information.

Lunch at Lynn, St Martin Square

We were most certainly ready for a spot of lunch at this stage, and headed to one of our independent favourites, Cafe Lynn in the bustling St. Martin’s Square, a few minutes walk from the Guildhall. By night, Lynn is a quaint Bistro serving a variety of fine dining dishes with casual vibes, small plates, large plates, delicious desserts and fabulously crafted cocktails in a dimly lit, open kitchen setting. Up until 15:00 Lynn serves their brunch menu which consists of great coffees, hot drinks, and pastries as well as cooked items such as sandwiches, loaded sourdough and other hot plates and sides from a menu cooked by Chef Patron Keith. 

Lynn has a chilled atmosphere, great service and delicious fresh food with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options as well as milk alternatives. 

We’d recommend the spicy scrambled tofu with tomatoes topped on sourdough with cress or the torched halloumi with tomato salsa, pesto and salad washed accompanied by one of their artisan coffees. A perfect spot to fuel up for the afternoon ahead.

CAFE LYNN INTERIORS, PASTRY COUNTER & SCRAMBLED TOFU WITH CAPPUCCINO

• Address: 14 St Martins Square, Leicester LE1 5DF.
• Find it Here: Map Location.

Day 1: Afternoon 

Jewry Wall a Real Roman Experience

Following lunch, take a short walk to the Jewry Wall Museum where you’ll see 2,000 years of history. The experience is centred around the well-preserved Roman wall and bathhouse, built in the second century around 160 AD, be wowed by Roman discoveries such as original mosaics. You’ll see over 100 Roman artefacts discovered in Leicestershire!

The experience starts with a short immersive tour through Roman Leicester and meeting the residents, we get a glimpse into how the town started and how it developed to what it is today. 

Following the tour, head down to the ground floor where there are plenty of interactive exhibits, as well as, well preserved mosaics and around 100 artefacts found during archaeological excavation locally. 

ARTEFACTS FOUND DURING ARCHAEOLOGICAL DIGS & INTERACTIVE DISPLAYS

The museum is beautifully presented with fascinating stories of the Roman history and discovery of what Roman life was like in the city; as well as the opportunity to step outside and get up close and personal with the wall itself.

LARGE MOSAIC & EXHIBITION

After the visit head back upstairs to the The Jewry Wall Cafe, which serves hot and cold drinks, lunch, cakes and more and the Jewry Wall Shop is great to pick up a souvenir of your visit. No ticket is required to go to the cafe.

CAFE & GIFT SHOP

This was our second time visiting and we’re still blown away by how informative the museum is. It’s a wonderful place of learning for all the family. Brought to life by the award-winning team behind the King Richard III Visitor Centre.

• Address: St Nicholas Circle, Leicester LE1 4LB.
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Details: Admission, Opening Hours & Information.

Independent Shops & Arcades

Fancy a spot of shopping? We thoroughly advise heading to the small local stores that fill Leicester city centre’s historic arcades, Lanes and St Martin’s Square.

Think vintage and retro clothing at The Wardrobe, let the incense scent of the marketplace appeal of The Very Bazaar draw you in, check out humorous cards, jewellery and other gifts at Set and don’t miss popping into one of  the city’s longest established footwear boutiques, Tinfish.

THE VERY BAZAAR, MAYNARD & BRADLEY BOOKSTORE, ROYAL ARCADE

The warmer months sees the indie eateries and bars sprawling out onto their outdoor terraces with glasses clunking and the sound of laughter echoing through the historic streets as locals come and enjoy the city’s best small businesses.

ST MARTIN’S SQAURE & TINFISH SHOES

Sip on Hot Chocolate or Book Onto a Workshop at Cocoa Amore

This artisan chocolatier making hand-crafted chocolates in Leicester opened their doors in 2013. As well as classics, they make seasonal chocolates in their store located on Silver Street, St Martin’s Leicester. We love to support this small independent business because of their commitment to sustainability and sourcing their chocolate from family owned farms in Columbia, drinking chocolate from Callebut and Chocolat Madagascar, who export world class Chocolate creating a much greater economic benefit for the Malagasy people than just exporting cocoa only, raising the value at origin.

COCOA AMORE COUNTER & REAL HOT CHOCOLATE

As locals we can confidently say that Cocoa Amore is our favourite spot in the city for real hot chocolate, yep you get the milk (dairy alternatives catered for), the chocolate drops, a whisk and your choice of a handmade chocolate from the counter. 

SIPPING ON HOT CHOCOLATE & CACAO HUSK TEA

We’ve also taken part in a number of their workshops, which are educational as well as fun and perfect for a group or party. The truffle making and Dubai chocolate are fantastic and you even get a hot choc break as your creations set!

COCOA AMORE STORE IN SILVER STREET LEICESTER

Whilst you’re there don’t miss picking up a few bottles of their signature Baboa Cacao,  Cacoafruit waters, which contain the pulp of one whole cacoa fruit. They’re delicious with a spot of gin and a great mixer for cocktails! Excellent sustainable product too, ensuring the majority of the cacao fruit is used!

Also if you don’t fancy a hot chocolate try some of their Cacao Husk Tea which is a superfood, rich in antioxidants with no added flavours or preservatives and uses 100% Peruvian cacao husk in biodegradable, compostable and chlorine free tea bags.

•  Address: 34 Silver Street, Leicester LE1 5ET.
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Details: Opening Hours & Workshops.

Day 1: Evening 

We suggest heading back to the hotel for some rest or enjoying a relaxing drink at the swanky O.W bar before having dinner.

Dinner at Chutney Ivy 

If you’re Leicester-based like us then you’ll know that Chutney Ivy has been back-to-back winners of the Leicestershire Curry Awards in the Restaurant of the Year category,  and most recently in 2025, Best Fine Dining. Chutney Ivy opened its doors 15 years ago by Shaf Islam and has always been a trusty spot for us especially for its consistently delicious menu offerings, which has dedicated pages for vegetarian and vegan options as well as the second to none attentive and friendly service. 

CHUTNEY IVY EXTERIOR & AWARDS TABLE

It makes for a great pre-theatre meal only being seconds away from the Curve Theatre and we adore their Indian fine dining with a contemporary flair. Whilst sipping on a cocktail or long drink, watch the chefs flambé your dishes as they cook in the open kitchen whilst enjoying the casual calm atmosphere. 

POPPADOMS & CHUTNEY, ALOO PALAK TIKKI (STARTER) PANEER MAKHAN, NAAN & JEERA RICE (MAINS) & GULAB JAMUN (DESSERT)

Here’s what we’d wholeheartedly recommend, if you’re dining for the first time, although the waiters are pretty good at making suggestions based on your preferences, start with the Laal ‘No’jito, perfect for a raspberry based alcoholic option, alongside the Aloo Palak Ki Tikki, moving onto the mains the Paneer Makhani with Jeera Rice and save some space for the Gulab Jamun and a Masala Chai to end. The dishes are not knock out spicy but allow you to taste the spice and ingredients in every morsel.

CHEF DOING A FLAMBE & CHUTNEY IVY INTERIORS

• Address: 41 Halford St, Leicester LE1 1TR.
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Details: Menus, Opening Hours, Information.

Watch a Show at Curve Theatre

Leicester’s main theatre is located just across the road from Chutney Ivy and quite aptly in the Cultural Quarter. It has an impressive line-up of ‘Made at Curve‘ shows as well as many smash hit West-End and International touring performances. Keep an eye out during your visit especially mid-November to early January as they always have a wonderful production at this time of year. It’s named Curve due to it’s award winning and unique circular design which enables viewers to get an unobstructed view of the stage from most angles. If there is something on whilst you’re visiting we’d highly recommend a Curve Theatre experience following an early pre-theatre dinner.

• Address: 60 Rutland St, Leicester LE1 1SB.
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Details: Programs, Opening Hours & Information.

Sip on Drinks at One of the Independent Cocktail Bars

The city has a number of great cocktail bars you can pop to for a night cap, after dinner, or even following the theatre, here are our favourites we love to hang out at:

• 33 Cank Street – Leicester’s first table-service bar with great classic cocktails as well as a wonderful menu of seasonal favorites expertly crafted by the team. This is our absolute favourite for its cosy atmosphere, great music and relaxed vibe, oh and impeccabbe service! (Map Location).
• Moonshine – a 1920s inspired vintage glamour with classic cocktails and live music and events. Think old-world glamour (Map Location).
• The Bottle Garden – an urban garden style cocktail bar based in the vibrant St. Martin’s Square within the heart of Leicester City that’s perfect for intimate date night setting in twinkly lights or grab a set on their outdoor terrace (Map Location).

Day 2: Morning

After a restful nights sleep and lie in, it’s time to get fuelled up to kick off day two of exploring Leicester…

Brunch at Knight & Garter

Another one of our top dinner or brunch spots in Leicester City Centre, which incidentally shares a birthday with Be-lavie is Knight & Garter. Located off Green Dragon Square, and part of the Beautiful Pubs Collective (their other pubs include, The Rutland & Derby, The Forge Inn, & The Old Horse). The Bar Restaurant & Pub has been thoughtfully designed with stylish finishes and fires on cool days to give cosy vibes. They have an Italian-inspired menu in their restaurant and also serve classic dishes with a little Italian-twist. Great cocktails, a selection of beers and other drinks, as well as, serving quality locally sourced ingredients in their dishes.

KNIGHT & GARTER HIDDEN RESTAURANT THROUGH BOOKCASE, MIMOSA & COFFEE

One of our regular spots, we’d recommend either the bottomless brunch, may not have time for if you have a jam-packed weekend, or a delicious cooked breakfast. We opted for a Mimosa with a vegan full English which was cooked to perfection to set you up for more exploring. 

ITALIAN-INSPIRED INTERIORS & VEGAN FULL ENGLISH BREAKFAST

• Address: 14 Hotel St, Leicester LE1 5AW.
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Details: Opening Hours & Menu.

Spot The Street Art 

As you walk through the centre of the city and surroundings you’ll see lots of street art, which Leicester is pretty well known for. The city has been regenerating its urban spaces through street art, in fact, it hosts the award-winning, International Street Art Festival, ‘Bring the Paint’ every couple of years. The week long event invites street artists and graffiti artists from all over the world to produce murals and artworks in designated spaces all over the city.

LEICESTER STREET ART FROM BRING THE PAIN FESTIVAL

Graffwerk are a multifaceted arts project team that focus on aerosol art with the aim of redefining the visual landscape of cities through the use of street art. They have locations of the street art in Leicester on their website and we’d suggest you start by heading to the Cultural Quarter and Frog Island to see some fine examples. We’ve showcased some of the street art in ‘The Urban Street Art Scene Transforming Leicester‘.

• Download a Street Art Map from Graffwerk HQ.

Take a Stroll Through Abbey Park

To get to our next destination of Belgrave Road, we’d recommend a scenic walk and cut through Abbey Park. Having first opened in 1882 and later expanded in 1932, this beautiful landscaped park incorporates the medieval ruins of St. Augustine’s Abbey and Cavendish house within it’s stunning grounds. This grade II listed riverside park, taking up 32 acres, comprises of Victorian gardens, a boating lake, outside Peppercorns cafe, is a statue of Cardinal Wolsey, buried in Abbey Church. There is also a sensory garden, Japanese garden, bandstand, miniature railway, children’s playground, all making up centuries old heritage. Abbey park is around a 20-30 minute walk from the city centre.

• Address: Abbey Park Road, Leicester LE4 5AQ. 
• Find it Here: Map Location.

Discover Colourful Vibrant Culture at ‘The Golden Mile’ (Belgrave Road)

Walk 25 minutes from the city centre towards Belgrave Road, also known as The Golden Mile. This is one of Leicester’s most vibrant and culturally unique places to visit and is also home to the largest Diwali celebrations outside of India. It’s home to Leicester’s South Indian community, where many Uganda Asians first came when they were expelled by Idi Amin in 1972. They as well as other communities of Indian Asians have built many businesses here from jewellery stores to restaurants, groceries, music and clothing boutiques.

LENGHA BOUTIQUES, MAHATMA GANDHI STATUE, JEWELLERY STORE & INDIAN GROCERIES ON BELGRAVE ROAD

Whilst your on Belgrave Road, pop into one of the many restaurants or cafes for some traditional Indian cuisine, we’re recommending a snack of Dhokla at  at Bobby’s.

BOBBY’S DOKHLA & DELI COUNTER

• Address: Belgrave Road.
• Find It Here: Map Location.

Day 2: Afternoon

An Afternoon of Exploration at The National Space Centre

2026 makes twenty five years of the National Space Centre and we have to say it’s a must.

NATIONAL SPACE CENTRE ROCKTE TOWER

When visiting Leicester, and especially if you have children, as they have so many wonderful activities for them to get involved with. The award-winning National Space Centre, is where you’ll see the The Patrick Moore Planetarium, which is the largest Planetarium in the UK at present, we watched the short movie ‘One Step Beyond’, a journey to Mars. There are six interactive galleries and a forty two metre iconic rocket tower that you can take the lift up to and alight at each floor to see the exhibitions. There is also a flight simulator, which we recommend trying as you take part in helping to launch a space craft into space!

** Please note: in certain areas of the National Space Centre photography and videography is prohibited including the simulator and films in the Patrick Moore Planetarium.

IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES INSIDE THE NATIONAL SPACE CENTRE

Oh and you don’t have to have children to visit the space centre as it’s a fascinating place we’d say you could easily spend hours here being entertained by the 150 hands on elements they have. It’s a very short walk from Abbey Park and right next to Abbey Pumping Museum.

• Address: Exploration Dr, Leicester LE4 5NS.
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Details: Admission, Opening Hours & Information.

Head Back to The City Centre & Have a Drink at The Castle 

Walking back through the medieval streets, located a few steps from Leicester Castle and St. Mary de Castro church is The Castle Micropub. This Grade II listed pub is made up of three former cottages with cosy interiors featuring low ceilings and a small bar area with a range of cask ales and a variety of other drinks.

Outside there’s a little patio garden area. Accompany your drinks with a few bar snacks – the homemade filled cobs are perfect for lunch or a snack. Alternatively get some lite bites form their little deli next door.

THE CASTLE MICROPUB IN MEDIEVAL LEICESTER

• Address: 8-9 Castle View, Leicester LE1 5WH.
• Find It Here: Map Location.
• Details: Opening Hours & Information.

Pop to the hotel for a quick change and relax and then it’s onto dinner.

Day 3 Morning 

If you arrived late evening on Day 1, you may just be able to squeeze in a couple more things to do before heading back home or extend a couple more hours in the city and head back following lunch. 

Have a light continental breakfast at the hotel, checkout and take a ten minute walk up and along New Walk.

CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST AT THE GRAND HOTEL

Walk Up New Walk Promenade 

This Georgian walkway or promenade, further laid out in 1975 as it is today, a means to connect the city centre of Leicester to Victoria Park, which is where the city’s racecourse was in later victorian times. The walkway has great preserved Victorian character from its buildings and it’s distinct tree lined path, which opens out onto small open gardens with benches. New Walk gives access to New Walk Museum & Art Gallery.

• Address:New Walk, Leicester LE1 7JA.
• Find It Here: Map Location.

Have a Mooch Around New Walk Museum & Art Gallery

Dating back to 1849, New Walk Museum & Art Gallery was one of the first public museums in the UK, for its diverse selection of geological rocks from Charnwood in Leicestershire, the Rutland dinosaur skeleton, Cetiosaurus, very impressive, a section of Egyptology, natural and social history as well as art collections. They also have local artist exhibitions, as well as the Leicestershire stories that charts the story of how Leicester has developed over the years into the multi-cultural city it is today. 

LEICESTER SOCIETY OF ARTS 2026 EXHIBITION & THE RUTLAND DINOSAUR AT NEW WALK MUSEUM & ART GALLERY

• Address: 53 New Walk, Leicester LE1 7EA.
• Find It Here: Map Location.
• Details: Admission is free. Opening hours & Information.

Day 3: Early Afternoon

End Your Visit with Lunch at The Globe

Take a ten minute walk back into the centre of the city and have lunch at one of Leicester’s oldest pubs, The Globe. If you’re visiting on a Sunday, they do a great Sunday lunch.

THE GLOBE

The Globe is one of the oldest pubs in Leicester, recorded to have been serving ales as far back as around 1720 using water drawn from a well beneath the building.

HISTORY AND INTERIORS AT THE GLOBE

Its history is closely tied to the city’s hosiery trade, where 19th-century stockingers gathered and early businessman Nathaniel Corah helped build what became a major knitwear empire, which is apparent from the number of warehouse style buildings you’ll see in Leicester now that have been converted into luxury apartments. 

The pub’s interior still retain traditional features such as cosy snugs with high-backed seating, multiple small rooms, and elements of its Georgian character. Little nooks and cosy corners, low beamed ceilings, log burners and old-style artefacts that are a great reminder of the city’s past. For over 300 years, this pub has been serving ales and craft beer to the good folk of the city. 

VEGETARIAN SUNDAY LUNCH AT THE GLOBE

We absolutely loved the attentive service, relaxed ambiance, quaint and cosy surroundings in the small but perfectly formed pub, that we have made it a mission to return regularly. Big shout out to Jo, the chef who made this meal super memorable and special.

APPLE & CINNAMON CRUMBLE WITH CUSTARD & OUTDOOR SEATING

As it was a Sunday when we visited, we had the vegetarian Sunday lunch with trimmings, which comprised of vegetarian and lentil pie, roasties, mashed potatoes, spring greens, yorkshire pudding, stuffing and veggie gravy, with a glass of merlot. We finished with a apple and cinnamon crumble to share. 

What a perfect end to a wonderful weekend!

• Address: 43 Silver St, Leicester LE1 5EU.
• Find It Here: Map Location.
• Details: Opening Hours & Menus.

As local’s this is how we’d suggest you spend your first time visit to Leicester over a weekend or a little over 48 hours!

How to Spend 48 Hours in Leicester: A Weekend Guide

A weekend in Leicester truly showcases the perfect blend of history, culture, and modern city living, leaving you with plenty more to explore on your next visit. From Roman ruins and medieval landmarks to vibrant food spots and creative spaces, every corner tells a story worth discovering. Whether you’re visiting for the festivals, the food, or a relaxed city break, Leicester delivers an experience that feels both exciting and welcoming. Start planning your 48-hour escape with this guide and our recommended articles now, and see for yourself why this underrated city deserves a spot on your travel list.

**Press Trip Disclaimer: This article is a sponsored collaboration between Be-lavie & Visit Leicester. All views are honest, own and remain a copyright of Be-lavie together with the photography.   

Related Articles to A 2 Day Itinerary

• Ultimate Leicester Guide by a local.
• Historic Leicester Guide by a local.
• Beautiful hotels in Leicestershire.
• Breakfast Places in Leicester City Centre.
• Coffee & Cake Spots in and around Leicester City Centre.
• A Boutique Stay at St, Martin’s House, Leicester.
• Sustainable Focus at Fifty the Street Restaurant & Burleigh Court Hotel.
• Afternoon Tea on the Great Central Railway, Leicestershire.
• Afteroon Tea At Winstanley House, Leicester.
• Fine Dining aboard The Great Central Railway, Leicestershire.
• A Boutique Cabin Stay at Mallory Meadows, Leicestershire.

Plan Your Trip To Leicester

À bientôt

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