Life In Leicester

Leicester is one of the oldest cities in England, with a history going back at least two millennia.

It is situated on the River Soar and close to the eastern end of the National Forest. As of 2024, the population of Leicester is about 570,000 people. The Grand Union Canal linked Leicester to London in the early 19th century, and later, in 1832, the railway joined the town with the small Leicestershire coalfield to the northwest. Rapid industrial development followed. The city’s oldest industry is hosiery and knitwear, but in the 19th century Leicester became famous for footwear manufacture. Light engineering followed.

Things to do in Leicester

Leicester offers a variety of attractions, from historical sites to modern entertainment and green spaces, many of which can be explored with official links for more information.

Museums and History

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National Space Centre

Explore six galleries featuring rockets, satellites, and meteorites, and experience the UK’s largest planetarium. Plan your visit at the National Space Centre website.

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King Richard III Visitor Centre

Discover the extraordinary story of the King’s life, death, and the award-winning archaeological search that found his remains beneath a city car park. Learn more on the King Richard III Visitor Centre site.

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Leicester Museum and Art Gallery

General entry is free to this museum on New Walk, which features collections spanning the natural and cultural world, including dinosaurs and ancient Egypt exhibits. Visit the Leicester Museum & Art Gallery website.

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Jewry Wall & Roman Baths

Discover Roman life in Leicester at the site of the ancient Roman public baths, home to the tallest surviving section of Roman masonry in Britain. Details are available on the Jewry Wall website.

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The Guildhall Museum

Tour one of the best-preserved timber-framed halls in the country, a medieval building dating back 600 years located in the Old Town. Access information via the Leicester City Council website.

Outdoors and Nature

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Bradgate Park

Explore this extensive medieval deer park with free-roaming deer, scenic walking trails, the River Lin, and the historic ruins of Bradgate House and Old John Tower. Find out more about the park at Visit Leicester.

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University of Leicester Botanic Garden

This serene escape run by the University of Leicester features 16 acres of themed gardens, including an arboretum and tropical greenhouse. It is free to visit. Find out more.

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Abbey Park

A top outdoor spot in the city, divided by the River Soar, featuring a boating lake, miniature railway, and ancient abbey ruins. Details are available on the Visit Leicester website.

Shopping and Culture

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The Golden Mile (Belgrave Road)

Experience a vibrant atmosphere with Indian jewellery shops, fashion boutiques, and restaurants. The area is famous for hosting some of the largest Diwali celebrations outside of India.

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The Lanes and Highcross Shopping Centre

Shop at independent boutiques and vintage stores in the historic Lanes or explore over 100 high street and designer brands at the nearby Highcross Leicester shopping centre.

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Curve Theatre

Catch a range of performances, including musicals, plays, and dance, at this state-of-the-art performing arts venue in the city’s Cultural Quarter. Check show listings on the Curve Theatre website.

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Leicester City

Winner of The English Premiere League 2016 and FA Cup holders for 2021.

Leicester Tigers: In 2021 they played in the European Rugby Challenge Cup final.

The East Midlands School of Business and Management is located in the heart of the medieval Guildhall part of the city.

As well as being famous historically Leicester is a vibrant and multicultural city with two well known universities located close by. It is home to Leicester Tigers Rugby and Leicester City Football Club who won the championship in the English Premiere League in 2016 and the FA cup in 2021.

Our city is made up of diverse communities. Between us, we share many different beliefs, faiths and religions. You are sure to find friends and people with a similar outlook and culture.

A student-friendly city

Leicester offers everything you expect from a city and more – all on your doorstep. Not only are there great shops, cafes and restaurants just a short distance from ESBM, Leicester is a great place to be a student, with the latest Student Living Index (compiled by NatWest) ranking Leicester in the top ten ‘student cities’, based on the cost to students of food, rent and fun.

From parks to music and festivals, comedy theatre to drama, bowling or zumba.- there is always something on!

Accommodation is reasonably priced compared to many cities in the UK, especially to London.