Living in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland
Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland is an area rich in culture, heritage, and leisure activities. Often described as the heart of rural England, you can find beautiful country villages, nature reserves, historic ruins and a popular cosmopolitan city centre.
For families
There’s something for all the family in Leicestershire. Twycross Zoo, Twinlakes Park, Rutland Water and the National Space Centre are all on your doorstep, ideal for entertaining kids of all ages (adults too!).
Leicestershire is home to many country parks – such as Beacon Hill, Watermead Country Park and Bradgate Park (where you can visit the historical ruins of one of England’s earliest Tudor mansions), with the National Forest just a short journey away.
The city is also rich in history, with Roman ruins, majestic castles such as Belvoir Castle and historic sites such as Bosworth Battlefield and the King Richard III visitor centre.
Culture
Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland are culturally diverse locations, boasting a huge range of events throughout the year, including the City Festival, Leicester Mela and Caribbean Carnival, as well as Leicester Pride.
Sport
Sports fans will be happy, with Leicestershire being home to 2016 Premier League winners Leicester City FC, alongside top rugby union club Leicester Tigers.
Other sports are also widely played and celebrated throughout Leicestershire and Rutland, with Leicester Riders, Leicester Lions Speedway, Leicester Falcons AFC, the Leicestershire Cricket team and many more teams representing the area.
Shopping
Leicester City centre has a lot to offer. Shoppers can enjoy the Highcross, which includes a range of high street stores and food chains alongside a large cinema, while the historic St Martins Square and Leicester Lanes are just a few minutes’ walk from the city centre, featuring many individual shops, boutiques and restaurants.
City life
Nightlife is also widely enjoyed in Leicester, with a great live music scene at smaller venues such as Firebug and The Shed sitting alongside De Montfort Hall and The Curve Theatre, which host a wide range of music, entertainment performances and comedy acts.
There’s also a multitude of nightclubs, cocktail jaunts and cosy pubs, as well as places for games and activities like bowling, indoor golf and escape rooms, so everyone can find something to enjoy.
Easy transport links
Leicester boasts excellent transport links from several bus companies, plus a large train station serving many minor lines and several major lines, including London, Nottingham, Sheffield and Birmingham.
East Midlands Airport is just 19 miles from the city centre and flies direct to many major cities.
Major airports are not far away, with Birmingham International just one hour away by car, and Heathrow just over two hours away.