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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)
Those who wish to visit
historic sights can visit the Jewry Wall museum located near the
city centre, this is the 2000 year old remains of the Roman Bath House
in the City and is the second largest such survival in the UK, the
adjacent Museum tells Leicester's history since ancient times. The City
had the roman name, Ratae Corieltauvorum.
 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 independent 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
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