Leicester is one of the largest cities in the East Midlands region of England, the capital of the traditional county of Leicestershire, with a population of some 330,000 in the metropolitan area. Leicestershire Tourist Information Centre  is the official provider of tourism information for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

Leicester is one of the oldest English cities, having been founded by the Romans as Ratae Coritanorum in 50 CE. Presently, it is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the United Kingdom. It is also Britain's first environment city. Leicester has grown rapidly throughout the centuries and is now a cosmopolitan city with friendly people from all races, backgrounds and cultures creating a culturally diverse city. 

Attractions:

• National Space Centre
• Gas Museum
• Leicester Guildhall
• Jewry Wall Museum
• New Walk Museum and Art Gallery
• Abbey Park
• The Golden Mile (Belgrave)
• The City Gallery (Granby Street) 

The National Space Centre is also a popular tourist attraction with tourists visiting daily from all over the world. It is the nation's only Space Centre of its kind and features a space theatre. 

Abbey park located near the Belgrave roundabout, is a large park with a pets corner, large sports fields, childrens play areas and beautiful gardens. The park features a 12th Century Abbey ruin and the ruins of Cavendish House, destroyed during the English Civil War and the seige of Leicester. 

Bradgate Park located just northwest of the city, encompassing 850 acres of land. A good place to take a walk or a picnic, there is also a visitor's centre on site, the ruins of the former home of Lady Jane Grey (Queen for 9 days) Bradgate House, are within the park as is Old John, a hilltop folly in the shape of a beer tankard built in 1784. Both structures were built by the Grey family (Lady Jane's family) of Groby from the 15th Century onwards. The park is also a protective zone for many bird, deer and plant species. 

The city centre of Leicester has a vibrant and friendly atmosphere along with many department stores and a large shopping centre called The Shires, High Street. Shoppers can expect to find the majority of items and services offered within a main city in the UK. 

The Haymarket centre has also recently undergone changes and has improved within the last 10 years.

Leicester also has some interesting independant shops around the 'Lanes' area leading from Loseby Lane. The St Martins area also has interesting small boutiques, delicatessans and cookware shops. The Shires is currently undergoing a huge expansion which will hopefully tempt larger and more diverse stores to Leicester. Already committed to arriving is a flagship John Lewis store which should open sometime in 2008.... read more