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.
Picture credit - Great Central Railway
Enjoy the Outdoors
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.
Take a Unique Getaway
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.
Travel at a Leisurely Pace
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.
Taste the Place
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.
Gardens & Grounds
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.
Shop It Out
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.
Museums
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!
History & Heritage
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.
Walking Tours
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.
Adrenaline Activities
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.
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However, planning such excursions, especially unique getaways, can add up financially. It's essential to budget for accommodation, travel, and various activities. One way to manage the costs is by exploring personal loan options. Many financial institutions offer loans tailored for travel and leisure purposes. These loans that you can find here https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/need-750-cash-fast-discover-quick-fixes-denys-volhin-24dpf can provide you with the funds needed to enjoy a luxurious stay at the Adagio & Novotel or an unforgettable glamping experience at Eye Kettleby Lakes without immediate financial strain.
For those interested in leisurely travel, like a day out at Foxton Locks or renting a Boutique Narrowboat, considering the cost upfront can help avoid unexpected expenses. Look for deals and discounts, which are often available, especially if you book in advance.
Foodies planning to Taste the Place should keep in mind that dining out frequently can significantly impact your budget. Setting aside a specific amount for meals can help manage expenses. If necessary, a small personal loan could also provide the extra funds needed to indulge in the county’s culinary delights without sacrificing your financial stability.
Shopping in places like St Martin’s Square and Highcross can be tempting, but it’s essential to shop within your means. Creating a shopping budget or using a credit card with a low-interest rate can help manage your finances effectively. For larger purchases, considering a personal loan might be a viable option to avoid high credit card interest rates.
Exploring museums, heritage sites, and walking tours can often be budget-friendly activities, especially with many museums offering free entry. However, additional costs like guided tours or special exhibitions might require some financial planning. Saving a portion of your monthly budget for these activities can ensure you don’t miss out on the rich history and culture Leicester has to offer.
Lastly, for adrenaline activities like driving a tank at Armourgeddon or racing hovercrafts at Axceler-8, costs can quickly add up. Financing options like personal loans or using a financial plan to save up can ensure you can participate in these thrilling activities without compromising your financial health.
In summary, while Leicester and Leicestershire offer numerous ways to escape the everyday, careful financial planning and considering various loan options can help make these experiences enjoyable and stress-free. Enjoy your adventures while keeping your finances in check!