10 ways to Escape the Everyday in leicester and Leicestershire

Do you feel like you need a change of scenery? Maybe a little break from the norm? We’ve put together a short selection of all the ways that we recommend to #EscapeTheEveryday in Leicester & Leicestershire. 

With the stunning autumnal colours starting to appear in the coming weeks, Leicestershire’s stunning landscapes take on a whole new beauty, making the city and county ideal for exploring on bracing walks. If you’re one for strapping on your walking boots, take a look at our favourite treks. 

Treat yourself to a truly unique getaway. Even if you don’t leave the city, you can certainly experience a different side of it! The newly built Adagio & Novotel offer short (and long) term stays in maximum comfort. If you’re a history buff, it doesn’t get much better than St. Martin’s Lodge. Right in the heart of the old town, not 50 yards away from where KRIII was discovered. Maybe you feel like you’ve been cooped up inside too long? Venture out to the award winning Eye Kettleby Lakes for a Glamping trip you won’t forget. 

Just a short walk from Leicester’s vibrant city centre is the meandering River Soar and winding Grand Union Canal, which boasts beautiful scenery and wildlife. For a fascinating family day out in Leicestershire, head to the iconic Foxton Locks, home to Britain’s longest set of staircase locks. Or, if you fancy being your own captain, take to the water in your own Boutique Narrowboat – true luxury, with amazing freedom! How about stepping back in time and travelling on the UK’s only double track, main line heritage railway. Great Central Railway is the only place you can see full size steam engines passing each other. 

If food is your guilty pleasure (let’s face it that’s probably most of us!) then you’ll already know that we’re a foodie haven with a reputation for producing traditional English fare to the highest standards of excellence and quality – but don’t just believe us, get out there and Taste the Place. 

Your idea of escaping might be to some beautifully manicured green space – the perfect spot to read a book or enjoy a picnic. Up the leafy Victorian New Walk you’ll find just that, or for a scenic riverside view you can venture to Castle Gardens. Slightly further out, Belvoir Castle’s 16 acres of expansive gardens and lakes are gorgeous – and the setting of iconic Netflix Series, The Crown. 

If you love to shop, then where better for some retail therapy. Discover independent shops and cafes in St Martin’s Square and The Lanes, enjoy a coffee in the beautifully-restored Victorian Silver Arcade, or head for Highcross where you’ll find all your favourite high street stores and designer names. Find out more in our Shops & Markets page. 

Leicester’s Museums & Galleries opened their doors once again, along with an updated look and feel. From all the way back in 1849, Leicester Museums & Galleries have been welcoming the public into our Museum Venues for free – be a part of that history and book your visit today!  

Leicester’s motto may be ‘Semper Eadem’ – meaning ‘always the same’ – but the city’s hugely-diverse heritage, dating back to Roman times, shows its history has been anything but business as usual. Learn about the famous King’s Dynasty, Death and Discovery at the King Richard III Visitor Centre, enjoy the multi award winning interactive exhibition telling the story of the Battle of Bosworth, and visit the gorgeous surroundings of the childhood home of nine day Queen, Lady Jane Grey at Bradgate Park.

Catch up on your history while getting a bit of exercise on the King Richard III Walking Trail. Stroll past the very spot where the fated King spent his last night, and venture across the bridge that led him to his final battle. The tour takes you around the De Montfort University area, as well as the charming Old Town streets. 

Get the adrenaline pumping with truly active activities in the City and County. Test out your boating skills with a waterway exploration package from Let’s Get Lost Leicester – perfect for a family day out! Armourgeddon gives you a chance to drive an actual tank, and take part in the wildest game of paintball imaginable! Axceler-8 is perfect for fans of fans – race around in a fan powered hovercraft at Leicestershire’s very own hovercraft centre.