Visit Leicester & Leicestershire Guide 2015

24 page Leicester guide to RWC 2015 inside VISITLEICESTER&LEICESTERSHIRE

Visit Fenwick to see our wide selection of King Richard III replica armoury and souvenirs on the Gift Department. MEDIEVAL SHOP AT FENWICK

A selection of medieval souvenirs e.g. Shield £169.00, Helmet £126.00 Cushion £34.95 Suit of Armour £995.00* (available for free delivery to mainland U.K.)*

LEICESTER

M a r k e t S t r e e t L e i c e s t e r - 0 1 1 6 2 5 5 3 3 2 2 -O PEN 7 D AY SA WEEK VISITLEICESTER&LEICESTERSHIRE

WELCOME TO LEICESTER

n behalf of the people of Leicester, I’d like to as we host three Rugby World Cup 2015 matches on offer you a warm welcome to our historic city. October 4, 6 and 11; welcoming teams and fans from O During your visit, I hope you find time to Argentina, Tonga, Namibia, Romania, and Canada. explore some of the huge range of attractions we have Before this, we will welcome the Webb Ellis Trophy to to offer. the city on August 15 –A great opportunity to get close to the ultimate prize in world Rugby. Leicester is a unique city and a wonderful place to visit – a modern centre with a history stretching back over I would urge you to enjoy what will be a carnival 2,000 years to before Roman times. Today, we are atmosphere in the city during this time. If you don’t proud to be one of the most diverse cities in Europe. have a match ticket, you can still see games on the giant screen at our wonderful Fanzone on Victoria To discover this diversity for yourself, why not shop Park. There will also be plenty of opportunity to and enjoy a curry along the Golden Mile? Or stroll sample a range of cultural entertainment and activities along New Walk – our beautiful, Georgian urban during the Tournament. There is a lot more information walkway. While you’re there, drop in on the treasures on Rugby World Cup 2015 in the pull out guide in this in New Walk Museum and Art Gallery. Where else brochure. could you find dinosaurs, mummies and Picassos under one roof? You can find out more about the city and its attractions at www.visitleicester.info or at the Visit This is a remarkable year for our city as we twice Leicester office on Gallowtree Gate. come under the international spotlight. We’ve been headline news since the discovery of the grave of My very best wishes for an enjoyable trip. Richard III and his subsequent reinterment which took place in March in Leicester Cathedral. Sir Peter Soulsby

The focus will now move to our rich sporting heritage City Mayor

www.visitleicester.info VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE 3 contents 20 81 112

5 Shopping in the city 36 The Story of Leicester 86 Leicestershire: Food centre capital 38 Unmissable events in 10 Leicester past and 2015 92 Ashby, Coalville and The present National Forest 42 Arts & Culture in the city 14 Eating out in the city 96 City Map 47 Special insert: Rugby 20 Night-time in the city World Cup Programme 98 County Map of Events 25 Hinckley and 100 Getting here and getting Bosworth 72 Melton Mowbray around 30 Leicester’s thriving 78 Leicester’s unique 106 Market Harborough theatre scene heritage 112 Find the perfect 34 Foxton Locks 82 Loughborough and accommodation Charnwood

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4 VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE www.visitleicester.info VISITLEICESTER&LEICESTERSHIRE TAKE SHOPPING TO A NEW LEVEL

John Lewis leading into the Highcross

Highcross The Lanes The Highcross shopping centre is the heartbeat In contrast to the Highcross is The Lanes – a quaint of the city attracting millions of shoppers with its shopping district offering quirky and independent high-end retailers from John Lewis, Hugo Boss, shops. From clothing and jewellery to gifts and unique Reiss and All Saints to the tried and tested cards, as well as bespoke furniture and homewares, favourites such as Topshop, Next and H&M. The Lanes has plenty to offer. With cafes galore Male fashionistas can browse the likes of Jack spilling out onto its pavements, there’s a continental Jones, The North Face, Superdry and Moss feel to the place. There are also real ale inns, serving Bros. good, honest pub food, with a generous dollop of entertainment to boot. You can take a break at one of the large number of cafes and restaurants offering everything from Spicy Caribbean (Turtle Bay) to Italian chic St Martins (Carluccio's). Connected to The Lanes, St Martins Square has Highcross is easily accessible through its main everything from vintage-style clothing, jewellery and entrances on High Street, or directly from the artwork, to artisan goodies, ethically-sourced gifts and 2,000 space multi-storey John Lewis car park or stylish clothing for children and adults, all centred rooftop parking. around a pretty courtyard. You can pick up a pizza, head to St Martin’s Tea and Coffee Merchants, or Visit: www.highcrossleicester.com visit Gelato Village, with its amazing Italian ice cream.

www.visitleicester.info VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE 5 www.tarratt.co.uk 0116 255 4434 23 & 25 Market Street, Leicester LE1 6DN

LEFT TO RIGHT - Diamond and pink sapphire ‘Bubble’ earrings £8,850 Large diamond ‘Bubble’ ring in white gold £8,650 Small diamond and aquamarine ‘Bubble’ pendant in white gold £3,950 Small diamond ‘Bubble’ ring in yellow gold £3,950 VISITLEICESTER&LEICESTERSHIRE

Market Street help you unwind. For designer fashion visit Valentina With classy jewellers, good clothes shops, relaxing or Browns Lingerie or for eclectic pieces for the coffee shops and the Fenwick department store, home try Powder Blue. You can be pampered at Market Street is definitely worth a visit if you’re after an Bellissimo Beauty or Beau Asthetica, while gadget upmarket treat. When you’re ready for a bite to eat lovers will enjoy browsing Stewart’s Watches or there’s plenty to choose from; including pure Bang & Olufsen. vegetarian at Mirch Masala and Portuguese pastries from Golden Lux Café. Silver Arcade, Malcolm Arcade High Street, Humberstone Gate and Odeon Arcade and Gallowtree Gate The city's arcades operate as a network of interconnecting thoroughfares peppered with The wide open spaces of High Street, Humberstone interesting and unique boutiques and shops. Gate and Gallowtree Gate offer the perfect backdrop to the cafes, big-name stores, bars and restaurants. Silver Arcade, one of the city's best-known and best-loved features, was reopened just a little over a On the High Street, you can relax and unwind at the year ago. It has always been a champion of smaller Cosy Club, or admire the neo-classical decor of Cafe independent shops and quirky retailers. Bruxelles, while a wide range of shops include Jellyrolls Kidswear, Amabis, that sells unique gifts Nearby is Malcolm Arcade, which is similar to its and Wellgosh, offering premium contemporary Silver relation, and is home to an eclectic mix of shops clothing. including a haberdashers, tattoo parlour and record store. Gallowtree Gate is home to major high street chains, including Boots, Marks & Spencer, Dorothy Finally, you can pick up your antiques, holidays and Perkins and H Samuel, while nearby Humberstone sportswear at Odeon Arcade – a cut through which Gate includes shops like H&M, New Look and takes you to the famous Leicester Market. popular jewelry store Pandora. Between shopping you can relax at one of many cafes and restaurants Leicester Market including Pret a Manger in Gallowtree Gate and Costa Coffee, at the Clock Tower. Leicester Market is celebrated for its fruit and vegetables and anyone who's been anywhere near it will remember the words “paandabananas” for a very Haymarket long time. The Haymarket Shopping Centre is situated But there's much more to the largest market of its opposite the Highcross and has been a feature of the type in Europe. Visit the new award-winning Food Hall city centre for more than three decades. You will find for quality food and atmosphere. great brands such as TK Maxx, H&M, Primark, Here, you can also pick up cosmetic, flowers, Bonmarche, Ann Summers and the Body Shop. antiques, books, electricals, DVDs, computer games, Aside from the big names and national chains, the clothes, cards, toys and fabrics. Haymarket is also home to a number of independent But it’s the atmosphere of the bustling and vibrant shops where you’ll find selections to tempt individual market place that will reward you the most. tastes. Visit: www.haymarketshoppingcentre.com Golden Mile Francis Street and Allandale Road Do you love gold? There aren't many that don't. Not everyone can afford it, but let's face it, everybody has For a bit of boutique revelry visit Francis Street and a soft spot for a 24 carat bullion. Leicester's Golden Allandale Road. The area, in Stoneygate, has high- Mile – so called because of the enormous number of end gifts galore and quaint coffee shops and bistros to jewellers – is a gold-lovers’ paradise.

www.visitleicester.info VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE 7 The Lanes – Independent shopping at its best

Scores of independent stores sit side-by-side in the As for shopping there's a bargain to be had on things city's Melton Road area selling every kind of ring, like secondhand furniture, electronics and household necklace, tiara, brooch, chain and any number of appliances. other items. The Golden Mile is also the focus of the city's Diwali celebrations which attract more than Hinckley Road 35,000 people from all over world each year. Close to Narborough Road is another collection of Narborough Road independently-run shops, bars and restaurants in Hinckley Road. This area of the city is heavily populated by students and many of Leicester's eastern European population Here you will find much the same in the way of which makes it an eclectic mix of cultures. Nestled in electricals and household goods, but you will also find among the bars and the takeaways are dozens of a large range of beauty salons, hair dressers and international supermarkets, selling everything from places to pamper yourself - in just a few hundred Polish to Caribbean food, and there are also a number yards you'll find seven hairdressers including the of decent Asian eateries and curry houses. award-winning Malcolm Murphy Hair.

8 VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE www.visitleicester.info VISITLEICESTER&LEICESTERSHIRE

The Lanes – Independent shopping at its best

Scores of independent stores sit side-by-side in the As for shopping there's a bargain to be had on things city's Melton Road area selling every kind of ring, like secondhand furniture, electronics and household necklace, tiara, brooch, chain and any number of appliances. other items. The Golden Mile is also the focus of the city's Diwali celebrations which attract more than Hinckley Road 35,000 people from all over world each year. Close to Narborough Road is another collection of Narborough Road independently-run shops, bars and restaurants in Hinckley Road. This area of the city is heavily populated by students and many of Leicester's eastern European population Here you will find much the same in the way of which makes it an eclectic mix of cultures. Nestled in electricals and household goods, but you will also find among the bars and the takeaways are dozens of a large range of beauty salons, hair dressers and international supermarkets, selling everything from places to pamper yourself - in just a few hundred Polish to Caribbean food, and there are also a number yards you'll find seven hairdressers including the of decent Asian eateries and curry houses. award-winning Malcolm Murphy Hair.

Choose from over 100 shops, over 40 restaurants and cafés, a 12-screen Cinema de Lux, and 3,000 parking spaces

’S E WIS LUX LE CIO REISS LERIE BOSS DE APPL UC VA HUGO JOHN DEBENHAMS CARL CINEMA CHIMICHANGA TISSERIE PA

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The 15-metre long marine dinosaur discovered in a Rutland quarry in 1968 can now be viewed at New Walk Museum and Art Gallery, Leicester

LEICESTER —GLORIOUS ontinuously inhabited for over 2,000 years, in the world for 2015, the King Richard III Visitor Leicester truly is the beating heart of England. Centre has been created around the poignant place C Built on the site of two millennia of history, where King Richard III’s remains were buried for more Romans, Saxons, Tudors and Victorians among than half a millennium – one of the most fascinating others have all left their mark, helping to weave the and intriguing historic sites in England and only a few rich historical tapestry of the city. In the modern era paces from where the king’s final resting place can be the regenerated city centre offers a vibrant and thriving found in Leicester Cathedral. metropolis with everything from fine art to fine dining, world class theatre to elite sport and experiences from In the surrounding area of Leicester’s Old Town, as far afield as the Indian subcontinent and outer once the centre of the gated medieval city, there are space. numerous historical treasures waiting to be discovered. The 2012 unearthing and identification of the remains of King Richard III in a council car park has sparked a Just a stone’s throw from where the last Plantagenet revival of interest in the city’s heritage, including a new King was discovered stands the beautiful timber- visitor centre on the site of the world-renowned framed Guildhall, a building that dates back over 600 discovery. years. It has had many uses including being a venue for theatrical performances by wandering dramatic Named as one of Lonely Planet’s ‘hottest’ attractions companies – it is believed that William Shakespeare

10 VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE www.visitleicester.info PAST TO GOLDEN FUTURE and his company of players performed in the Great Art lovers will be pleased to learn that New Walk is not Hall. only home to dinosaurs, but is also the city’s flagship art gallery. Amongst its impressive galleries is the A few metres from this medieval gem, the breadth of largest collection of German Expressionist artwork in the city’s magnificent history is truly revealed with the the UK as well as the Arts & Crafts gallery, celebrating imposing Jewry Wall, one of the tallest surviving Leicester-born architect and designer Ernest Gimson. pieces of Roman masonry in the country. The wall is a In a more intimate corner, a permanent exhibition of remnant of the Roman baths that once stood in the Picasso Ceramics shows a changing display of settlement of Ratae Corieltauvorum, a Roman military around forty works selected from the unique collection garrison which was established on this land in AD 43. of Lord and Lady Attenborough. One of Leicester’s premier attractions is family favourite For those who like their culture a little louder, New Walk Museum & Art Gallery, named after the Leicester’s music and sports scenes will not tranquil, tree-lined promenade on which it is located. disappoint. The enormous Rutland dinosaur, a 15-metre long marine dinosaur discovered in a Rutland quarry in The city’s most famous musical export, Kasabian, 1968, dominates the fascinating dinosaur gallery. The began their journey to stardom in Leicester’s buzzing prehistoric beast is one of the most complete live music bars. The Musician, The Shed, The examples of a dinosaur ever found in the UK. Donkey, The Soundhouse, Firebug… all potential

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stepping stones on the way to glory – not just for the founder members of the British Basketball League, are local boys, but acts as big as Oasis, the Arctic advancing plans with partners for the creation of a new Monkeys, Radiohead and the Libertines who have all 2,300-seat arena in the city. honed their craft on Leicester’s vibrant live music scene. And it’s not just the sporting theatres that are grabbing the headlines in this city. The ground-breaking Sports fans will be spoilt for choice in Leicester; the city architectural masterpiece Curve Theatre provides is proud of its prestigious and enviable sporting history. engaging first-class theatrical experiences from world The football club, which has been home to many of the premieres to its own sell-out Curve productions. sport’s greats such as local hero Gary Lineker and England legend Gordon Banks, is enjoying life back in If revolutionary theatre fails to transport you to another the Premier League after a 10-year absence. The world, perhaps the National Space Centre can formidable Leicester Tigers continue from strength to provide an out-of-this-world experience. The striking strength as the best supported and most successful rocket tower, interactive galleries and the UK’s largest club in English rugby and the Leicester Riders, the planetarium will sate even the most imaginative oldest professional club in British Basketball and interstellar curiosities.

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Leicester skyline. Photograph by James Brown

Back on planet Earth, the city most famous for its complex, Leicester’s sterling retail offers sprawls out in cosmopolitan population delivers in spectacular style all directions from the landmark 146-year-old Clock in the form of the Golden Mile – a shopping area that Tower. will transport visitors to an exotic world of spices, jewellery, clothing, interesting gifts and fantastic food Perhaps the most recognisable of Leicester’s and drink. The area truly comes to life during Diwali; landmarks, the Clock Tower was built as a lasting the festival of lights has imprinted itself on the rhythm memorial to four of the city’s famous benefactors. of the city, embraced by all and now so popular Although not at the geographical centre, the monument Leicester is illuminated each autumn with some of the has long been a focal point for local people – it was one largest celebrations outside of India. of only three locations at which the town crier would read out proclamations on important occasions. The heart of the city is Leicester’s shopping core. From the 800-year-old market which is one of the In the heart of the country, this dynamic city offers both biggest in Europe to the independent boutiques, historical charm and futuristic experiences, as well as arcades and eateries of The Lanes and the multitude being cultured, cosmopolitan and – above all – of stores and restaurants in the Highcross shopping welcoming to all.

www.visitleicester.info VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE 13 The White Peacock

A WORLD OF FLAVOUR Marco Pierre White Chutney Ivy n Italian American cuisine is on the menu for If you're after some classic Indian hospitality and a mix the latest in Marco Pierre White's succession of of traditional and contemporary Asian cuisine then A quality, yet reasonably-priced, eateries. Chutney Ivy is for you. Set in the Mercure Leicester The Grand Hotel, Award-winning and always highly recommended, Granby Street, in the heart of the city, this Chutney Ivy can be found in the heart of the Cultural contemporary restaurant will offer everything from Quarter feeding theatre-goers and hungry diners with pasta and pizza to hotdogs, ribs, burgers and steaks. a large variety of spice-laden dished crafted for every kind of palette. Marco Pierre White was, at the time, the youngest chef to be awarded three Michelin stars and has Prepared and cooked in an open plan kitchen the trained the likes of Gordon Ramsey and Curtis Stone. setting is just as impressive as the food. www.mercureleicester.co.uk www.chutneyivy.com

The Smokehouse White Peacock Hidden away above a bar in Braunstone Gate is a real A beautifully balanced collection of European and treat for anyone who likes their meat to have a bit of international cuisine makes the White Peacock southern American soul. The affordable yet luxurious menu offers diners a wide The Smokehouse, so called because it smokes all its variety of food, wines and cocktails. own ribs, steaks and meat, is a barbecue-lovers paradise located above the O Bar. The restaurant can be found on New Walk, in a grade II-listed building There's no fancy eatin' here – just good old get-your- fingers-dirty ribs, burgers, pulled pork and sides. The White Peacock offers pre-theatre meals, six and eight course taster menus (from £32.50), a la carte www.orangetree.co.uk/theobar/smokehouse and Sunday lunch.

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THE LUXURY INDIAN BUFFET EXPERIENCE

With the largest variety of Indian dishes in the UK, our Master Chefs from India hand craft the finest cuisine in our live theatre kitchens to create an incredible dining experience.

TRYITALL FORJUST ONESET PRICE £15.95 /CHILDREN £7.95 411 MELTONROAD, LEICESTER, LE4 7PA LARGECAR PARK ONSITE, TEL (0116) 2582590 www.feastindia.co.uk

FACEBOOK.COM/FEASTINDIA

Chutney Ivy WWW.FEASTINDIA.CO.UK

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The Cosy Club

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The White Peacock

The atmosphere and feel of the place combines unique food and drink, great location and expressive décor and local artistry, with exceptional guest service. www.the-white-peacock.co.uk

Maiyango Overlooking the newly created Jubilee Square – commemorating the recent visit of Queen Elizabeth II – and just a short walk from the King Richard III Visitor Centre, Hotel Maiyango mixes comfortable contemporary accommodation with a vibrant, modern menu. A two-course dinner will cost £29.50 and includes specialities such as slow braised pork cheeks, Chutney Ivy poached langoustine, watercress and sweet potato. The restaurant features in the Michelin guide as one of the stand out eateries in the city – and is a real favourite for those who love fine dining. www.maiyango.com www.visitleicester.info VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE 17 Maiyango

Cedars Lebanese Cosy Club If it’s something different you’re after then look no Set in a former 19th-century knitwear factory, this further than Cedars Lebanese. The authentic Middle- quaint, trendy bar and restaurant has only been Eastern restaurant offers everything from small plate open for a few months but has already established a banquets to traditional Lebanese mains. name for itself as somewhere to relax and unwind in Accompanying the jam-packed menu there is live style. entertainment every Saturday evening, usually belly- dancing. The restaurant seats up to 130 people, but for those who prefer a more private dining experience there's www.cedarslebaneserestaurant.co.uk the Loom Room – with its own bar – for parties of up to 45 people.

San Carlo Quirky, eccentric and stylish, the Cosy Club remains true to its roots as a hosiery factory and there are a The San Carlo chain began in Birmingham in 1992 number of brightly coloured cotton and spinning and has gone from strength to strength. Its Italian- wheels dotted around the place. inspired menu is complemented by its continental décor and atmosphere and it is an ideal setting for There are also some original textile pieces from large groups or intimate couples alike. Leicester on the walls and there is still an industrial The chain has restaurants in numerous cities across feel to the décor. the country including Bristol, Leicester, Manchester, Burgers, pulled pork and tapas make up some of Liverpool, Leeds and London. Its unique take on the menu items here. authentic Italian cuisine is something which it prides itself on. But you can also try classics such as kedgeree and Always a favourite with locals and visitors to the city, chicken chassuer – so there's something for San Carlo thrives thanks to its glamorous, up-market everyone. atmosphere and crowd pleasing service. An extensive cocktail menu is also available. www.sancarlo.co.uk www.cosyclub.co.uk

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The Premier designerwear store 25 Luxury Brands

@ Christopher Scotney

FREE Christopher Scotney CAR 130 LONDON ROAD,LEICESTER PARK www.christopherscotney.co.uk

www.visitleicester.info VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE 19 O Bar on Braunstone Gate is a popular meeting place, and upstairs you’ll find The Smokehouse, a great little eaterie which produces its own smoked meat

eicester nightlife is buzzing — you'll never be stuck for things to do. The city centre is packed WHY THE CITY L with a wide variety of pubs, clubs and bars, from champagne bars to real ale free houses offering everything from bellinis to beers. This compact collection of venues has everything from traditional pubs (The Black Horse) to late night clubs and bars (Mobius). Camra (Campaign for Real Ale) has a big presence in the city with numerous pubs dotted around the place There's a varied choice of where to eat, too. Leicester including the Ale Wagon, in Charles Street, and the is home to some of the best Indian restaurants in the Criterion in Millstone Lane, which also does amazing country and is a former winner of the Curry Capital homemade pizzas. award.

Not far from the city centre – about a 20 minute walk – Whether you prefer south Asian food (Kayal, on is Braunstone Gate, a short strip filled with pubs, bars Granby Street) or a more traditional menu (The Curry and restaurants. House, on London Road) then you’ll find something

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And from the stage to the silver screen – there are no less than three cinemas to choose from in Leicester, NEVER SLEEPS two of which – the Showcase Cinema de Lux and Phoenix Cinema – are in or near to the city centre. to suit you along London Road and the area around the train station. Leicester is lucky to be blessed with a huge number of exciting and diverse restaurants and eateries – which More Restaurant, also on London Road, has a cater for all tastes and budgets. range of world cuisine to choose from, so if you can’t decide quite what you want, then head to the buffet. The Parcel Yard bar and restaurant, next door to the train station, has great cocktails and has fairly recently Curve can be found in the Cultural Quarter of the city been refurbished. and is flanked by bars (including the Exchange, which is popular with theatre-goers), and restaurants Firebug, in Millstone Lane, is another popular choice (Chutney Ivy, which offers pre-theatre menus). The for those looking for somewhere lively and welcoming. perfect place for a night out with a partner or friends. It has regular comedy and music gigs upstairs.

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The heart of the city’s Cultural Quarter. Photo by Stephanie Pantling

The centrally located Mix'd Café Bar in Churchgate pineapples and the atmosphere is lively, to the up- offers a variety of plush seating including a chill out market Terrace Champagne and Cocktail Bar. bean bag area and great outdoor space. If you’re looking for a truly unique experience, then 33 Cank Street, in St Martin’s Square, has jazz and head to the recently opened Gate 38, just off blues, classic cocktails from a vast menu and great Belvoir Street. The airport-themed bar aims to bartenders who clearly know and love their job. This recreate that pre-boarding buzz with décor which contemporary bar also offers a ‘Cocktail includes aeronautical trimmings, offering a unique Masterclass’, so why not pop along and put your and truly authentic experience. skills to the test? There’s also the O2 Academy, based on the The Cookie, a cafe, bar and music venue in High University of Leicester’s campus, which has Street, has lots to offer, as does The Donkey, in recently hosted shows by the likes of UB40, the Welford Road, renowned for its fine musical Boomtown Rats and the Kooks. Among the big reputation. A new name has burst onto Leicester’s names which have recently appeared are nightlife scene, with the launch of music venue Courteeners, Beardyman, the Enemy and the Jukebox. Located in St Nicholas Place, it offers Twang. customers the chilled out sounds of soul and funk music. For those who like the clubbing scene then look no further than Leicester city centre, which is full of Manhattan 34 in the Cultural Quarter is A 1930s great spots including Liquid & Envy, in the Church prohibition inspired bar, serving classic cocktails and Gate area. For rock fans there’s Mosh, in St some inspiring new creations, American craft beers, Nicholas Place, or The Fan Club, in Abbey Street, real ale and the finest Brazilian coffee. if you want to go a bit more retro. Head right to the heart of the city centre and you will So there's no excuse not to find something to tickle also find some great bars, from the increasingly- your fancy in Leicester – you just need to know popular Hakamou, where cocktails are served in where to look.

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Get noticed on Leicestershire TV!

This brand new online TV adventure is bringing together people, organisations and businesses across the county as part of the most exciting and innovative local TV platform in the UK.

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24 VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE www.visitleicester.info  Hinckley Bloom & Bosworth in Bosworth

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Battle of Bosworth re-enactment

The market towns of Hinckley and is a major tourist attraction which Market Bosworth are surrounded tells the story of how the last Full of by beautiful rolling countryside Plantagenet King fought for his and picturesque villages, many of crown and lost his life. which have interesting stories to Market Bosworth is a traditional charm & tell, one of the most famous being market town where regular the Battle of Bosworth at Sutton markets are still held every Cheney where King Richard III Wednesday in the market square. history lost his life. It’s the perfect place to spend The award winning Bosworth a few hours perusing the Battlefield Heritage Centre, selection of independent gift just south of Market Bosworth shops, galleries and boutiques,

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Market Day See TOP FIVE THINGS TO SEE & DO history 1. Take a trip on the Ashby Canal 2. Watch the annual soap box tearooms and bistros in the town derby in Hinckley Town centre. To the south of the county Centre is Hinckley, home to the world 3. Market Bosworth shopping famous Triumph Motorcycles & market (Wednesdays) and the Hansom Cab. 4. On 22nd/23rd August, the Hinckley is home to a huge range anniversary of the Battle of of independent shops including Bosworth, you can relive popular high street names and the last days of King smaller specialist shops and Richard III at Bosworth boutiques. Hinckley’s historic Battlefield Heritage Centre market takes place three times 5. Hire a pedalo at Bosworth a week in the market place with Water Trust a Farmers’ Market on the third Thursday of every month.

Hinckley Events 2015 www.hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk/events

26 VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE www.visitleicester.info Bosworth Water Trust Something for everyone

There are plenty of attractions to keep all the family happy in this part of the county. Market Bosworth Country Park lies on the edge of the town and is a beautiful park with fine mature trees, lake, arboretum with exotic species, wildflower meadow and Fun for the family at Twycross Zoo woodland. Bosworth Water Trust is a 50 acre leisure park with lakes for all kinds of water sports including sailing, carp fishing, TOP FIVE LEISURE ATTRACTIONS canoeing, rowing, dinghies, 1. Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre pedalos and wetsuits for hire. For those who prefer the dry 2. Twycross Zoo land there are sandy beaches, 3. Market Bosworth Country Park a children’s themed pirate 4. Bosworth Park Family Fireworks and Bonfire Extravaganza adventure playground as well as facilities for camping, 5. Ride a steam train on the Bosworth Battlefield Line caravanning and log cabins.

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Bosworth Battlefield Line

Twycross Zoo is one of the top hyenas and the world’s rarest runs through some of the most ten zoos in Britain. The 80 acre big cat, the Amur leopard. picturesque countryside in site is home to over 500 animals At the Ashby Boat Company at Leicestershire and also passes of almost 150 species. Stoke Golding you can travel along by the Battle of Bosworth Field. Twycross Zoo is world renowned the longest stretch of canal in the Stoke Golding is a picturesque as a World Primate Centre and country without a lock, at Sutton village offering three good pubs, has a wide variety of monkeys Cheney Warf you can enjoy tea store, post office and 13th and apes. at the canal side tea room. Century church. The Zoo has a breeding group This beautiful stretch of water of species so babies are always a big attraction. Other animals include Asian elephants, snow leopards, penguins, meerkats, tapirs,

Cruise along the waterways

For more information on places to visit, visit goleicestershire.com/ hinckley

28 VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE www.visitleicester.info

VISITLEICESTER&LEICESTERSHIRE

Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty, coming to Curve in October

30 VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE www.visitleicester.info VISITLEICESTER&LEICESTERSHIRE THE SHOW MUST GO ON

he city’s theatre scene could not be more stage adaptation of Charles Kingsley’s 1863 book, diverse. From the opulent grandeur of De Water Babies last May. Now, the theatre is looking T Montfort Hall to the intimate, contemporary forward to another year of successful shows. style of Upstairs at the Western, Leicester has every aspect of the performing arts covered. There’s something for everyone this season at Curve. From 9–19 September Curve’s production of the And let’s not forgot the £61m Curve which keeps smash hit musical Hairspray is back with an all-star theatre lovers entertained with a mix of world cast and is guaranteed to have you dancing the night premieres, A-list performers and seasonal shows. away! From 9—10 October, award-winning dancer, Aakash Odedra presents the world premiere of his So here is a round-up of Leicester’s theatres and new double bill, Echoes and I Imagine. Matthew some info about what’s on in the near future… Bourne’s stunning dance adaptation of Sleeping Beauty comes to Curve from 28 Oct–1 Nov. Family De Montfort Hall treats this Christmas include the classic musical, Oliver! from 27 Nov—16 Jan and a new production of We’ll start with the largest venue Leicester has to offer. Roald Dahl’s The Witches from 9 Dec–10 Jan. De Montfort Hall, built in 1913 at a cost of just £23,000. Curve theatre, which holds 800, and its studio, with seats for 350 people, will also be the setting for The 2,200 seater auditorium has played host to a numerous other plays, musicals and performances. variety of performances, including rock concerts, These include the crowd pleasers Hairspray, Sister Act panto and full orchestral recitals. and Calamity Jane. This year is no exception, with comedian Jimmy Carr But Curve is one venue in the city’s Cultural Quarter. making an appearance at De Montfort Hall in Nearby there is also Phoenix Square – a September. Bringing his unique and often close to the contemporary cinema and performance space, which bone style of wit, the 8 out of 10 Cats presenter is in focuses more on the digital arts. Leicester for one night only, on September 11. In October the venue plays host to the spectacular The Y Theatre Thriller Live, a concert created to celebrate the career of the World’s greatest entertainer – showcasing two The Y Theatre is a bustling live performance venue hours of non-stop Jackson hits. in Leicester city centre. The eclectic programme includes music, comedy, theatre, dance and spoken For a traditional show the annual Christmas word. pantomime will be Snow White, starring Benidorm and Loose Women’s Sherrie Hewson as well as The 300-seat theatre also comfortably hosts candle- Britain’s Got Talent finalist Jon Clegg as the Jester and lit cabaret style events and standing gigs. Built in BBC Radio Leicester’s Martin Ballard as Dame. 1900, The Y is the oldest surviving theatre in Leicester. Curve It prides itself on comedy and is an integral part of the annual Dave’s Leicester Comedy Festival. The sleek-looking Curve theatre, in the heart of the Throughout the year it also hosts stand up and city’s Cultural Quarter, is Leicester’s flagship venue for comedy nights, as well as music event, plays, dance performance art. Opened by the Queen in 2008, it has performances and an assortment of shows. always strived to pioneer new and exciting shows. Highlights for this year include, Doc Brown - The In 2012, Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein chose Weird Way Round on 2 October, Patrick Kielty – the venue to premiere his new musical Finding Help 17 October and Ralph McTell 12 November. Neverland. Audiences also got a first glimpse of the

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The Little Theatre Upstairs at the Western The Theatre is the home of the Leicester Drama For a more grassroots and contemporary venue, Society (LDS), which has run for 90 years and Upstairs at the Western is the place to go. proudly boasts patrons such as Sir Anthony Hopkins and honorary Life President the late Lord Held in a room above The Western pub in the city’s Richard Attenborough. West End, the venue has made a name for itself for producing local plays and shows written by This year, the theatre will feature Aladdin as its Leicestershire talent. pantomime extravaganza over the Christmas period. In an attempt to obtain a mysterious The intimate space only holds about 50 people, but it’s ancient lamp for his own evil dealings, the nasty definitely worth a visit. magician, Abanazar, enlists the help of a poor This year, the venue is putting on a variety of shows Chinese laundry boy, Aladdin. Will Abanazar including The Litvineko Project, in November –Join succeed in ruling the universe with the powers of 2Magpies as they piece together the day Alexander the magic lamp? Or will Aladdin outwit his evil Litvinenko was poisoned in an aromatic blend of companion and be allowed to marry the beautiful possibility, actuality, fact, and fiction. Princess? Also on the calendar is The Element in the Room: A The Little Theatre welcomes an average of Radioactive Musical Comedy about the Death and Life 50,000 people through its doors each year, so it’s a of Marie Curie, a frantically fast-paced, wonderfully remarkably popular venue and won the Best Venue warm-hearted celebration of the ideas, ideals and award at the 2012 Dave’s Leicester Comedy idiosyncrasies of the woman whose discoveries sparked Festival. a revolution in modern medicine.

27 NOV– 16 JAN

ACURVE PRODUCTION

BOOK, MUSIC &LYRICS BY LIONEL BART DIRECTED BY PAUL KERRYSON ORCHESTRAL ARRANGEMENTSBYWILLIAM DAVID BROHN BY ARRANGEMENT WITH CAMERON MACKINTOSHAND THE SOUTHBROOK GROUP

32 VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE www.visitleicester.info De Montfort Hall VISITLEICESTER&LEICESTERSHIRE Bringing the best live entertainment to Leicester

DAVID GEST’S (I’VEHAD) THE TIME SQUEEZE RUGBYWORLD CUP BBC RADIO OF MY LIFE TOUR! WITH DR JOHN COOPER CLARKE LEICESTERBROADCAST Thu 1 Oct // £28 - £78 Tue 6 Oct // £32.50 £47.50 Wed 7 Oct // £5 All proceeds go to the Matt Hampson Foundation

STARRING

BRIAN POOLE & T HE TREMEL OES

T THE H ETROGGSIVYLEAGUE THE BADFINGER PACEMAKERS

THRILLER LIVE ALL STAR 60s BELLOWHEAD Mon 12 -Sat 17 Oct // £19.50 - £32.50* Wed 28 Oct // £27.50 THE FAREWELL TOUR Thu 19 Nov // £19.50 standing £24.50 seated

PHIL MCINTYRE ENTERTAINMENTS PRESENTS

STEWARTFRANCIS HARRY ENFIELD & SNOWWHITE PUN GENT TOUR PAUL WHITEHOUSE LEGENDS! Sat 12 Dec -Mon 4 Jan Fri 13 Nov // £20 Tue 1 Dec // £32.50 £37.50 Adults from £15, children from £10, family ticket from £40

Box Office 0116 233 3111 // Web demontforthall.co.uk // Twitter @demontforthall £3 transaction fee payable per booking. *Concessions and/or group booking discount available. www.visitleicester.info VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE 33   Enjoy the waterways at fabulous Foxton Locks

Foxton Locks

FREE PARKING after 5pm in the bottom car park Foxton Locks is an idyllic flight of staircase locks in England, and picnic areas. location at the heart of the taking an average of 45 minutes At Bridge 61, you can enjoy waterways network, near the for boats to travel the entire flight. a variety of award winning beers, picturesque market town You can also wonder at the lunch and snacks whilst watching of Market Harborough. remains of the Inclined Plane Boat the boats go by. The award At Foxton Locks, you can enjoy Lift, a remarkable feat of Victorian winning Foxton Locks Inn offers a watching the colourful narrowboats engineering used for lifting boats in full bar and restaurant menu and is travel through the famous flight of order to speed up their journeys. the perfect place for all-season and historic Grade II* Listed canal locks. On site you can relax and recharge all weather dining in the magnificent This impressive sight of 10 locks in with two pubs, a shop, boat trips, new heated and covered waterside two staircases is one of the largest café, ice cream kiosk, coffee shop terrace restaurant.

Foxton Locks is owned and managed by the Canal and River Trust. For more information please visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk

34 VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE www.visitleicester.info 

The small shop is situated in the and cycling with a choice of many accommodation all year round old stable block for the horses that routes. The locks and surroundings for short breaks. They are pulled boats in years gone by. are freely open and accessible to located in the village of Foxton, It is well stocked with all the daily the public all year round. Picnic just 10 minutes walk away. essentials for residents, souvenirs, benches can be found by the There is short stay parking at the maps, and canal books, gift-ware, top car park (Gumley Road) bottom of the locks and a long as well as an off licence. with lots of open grassy areas stay car park at the top of the From Bridge 61 you could take a complemented with the Coffee locks. Both are pay and display boat ride from Foxton Boat Services Shop and Ice Cream Kiosk. so make sure you have change (www.foxtonboats.co.uk) which For those wanting to stay at this with you. Public toilets can be run most weekends from April to wonderful venue a little longer, found at both car parks. October. Trips take approximately you can consider the luxury Foxton Locks has something for 30 minutes with no booking required, of the Foxton Locks Lodges everyone and the resident ducks just turn up and jump on board. (01858 545273). Three luxurious and swans will give you a warm The network of footpaths and log cabins have been finished to welcome too! towpaths provide ideal walking the highest standards, offering Welcome to The BoilerHouse

Following major renovations, Using the very latest in digital out for the exciting new app and visitors to Foxton Locks can technology you will also be able website and be one of the first experience the amazing inclined to stand alongside the inclined to experience what is set to plane in a remarkable new way. plane and use your smart phone become one of the most exciting At The BoilerHouse you can or tablet device and see the boat new waterway attractions in the step back in time and see in lift magically appear in front of country. Charges will apply, see breathtaking clarity how the your very eyes. To make the most website for details. boats travelled in the boat lift. of your experience at Foxton look

For more information on Foxton Locks please visit www.foxton-locks.co.uk

www.visitleicester.info VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE 35 The Corn Exchange

2,000 YEARS f walls could speak, Leicester’s historic buildings could tell some fascinating stories. Tales of travel I pioneer Thomas Cook and his elegant coffee houses, Richard III writing letters at Leicester Castle, suffragette lock-ins and the arrival of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show at the railway station. Stories of a Civil War bombardment of the Magazine in the 17th century, visits by William Morris and George Bernard Shaw to the Secular Society and even Ramsay MacDonald MP addressing the crowds from the steps of the Corn Exchange. Leicester’s long history starts long before the Romans settled here and built a forum and public baths. Later, the city became world famous for its hosiery and footwear industries. The remarkable story of Leicester is told through its Assembly museums and heritage venues, but can also be Rooms discovered on heritage panels on the city’s streets. As you explore, you’ll discover a restaurant in one of the

36 VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE www.visitleicester.info VISITLEICESTER&LEICESTERSHIRE

OF HISTORY oldest schoolhouses in England, a Clock Tower that is thought to have been the first traffic island in Britain, and a row of terraces covered in images of Leicester’s first private detective. Explore further and you’ll find a residential apartment in one of the finest industrial warehouses in the country and bars and shops decorated with turkeys, kangaroos and elephants. Take a walking trail to discover more about the city’s many connections to King Richard III, or book onto a themed Blue Badge Guided historical tour of the city. On Heritage Sundays visit three of Leicester’s remarkable medieval buildings: Leicester Castle, the Magazine and Wygston’s House. For more information on these events and activities contact the Visit Leicester information centre www.visitleicester.info 0116 299 4444 A wealth of local history can be found on the Story of Leicester website, www.storyofleicester.info.

www.visitleicester.info VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE 37 City Festival

38 VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE www.visitleicester.info VISITLEICESTER&LEICESTERSHIRE UNMISSABLE EVENTS IN 2015

hrow yourself into the best of Leicester in 2015 Diwali celebrations with our bumper guide to the highlights for the on Belgrave Road T rest of the year, from the biggest festivals to best exhibitions, inspiring theatre, thrilling art, essential sport and more… Explore the city’s rich heritage in the new Medieval Leicester Galleries, at The Guildhall. Walk the streets of Medieval Leicester that would have been known to King Richard III, and uncover a world both familiar and very different to our own. If history is your thing, be sure not to miss the Secret Egypt: Unravelling Truth from Myth exhibition at New Walk Museum & Art Gallery this summer, which challenges some of the enduring myths about ancient Egypt that are perpetuated through popular media and invites you to look at the archaeological evidence to truly understand this remarkable civilisation. The visual arts offer in the city will experience some exciting new additions this autumn with the opening of oral history we will explore the drama, excitement, fun a new 400 metre square metre gallery space at and heritage of the game. The game will be looked at Attenborough Arts Centre and the relocation of from a variety of angles and perspecitives, highlighting Leicester Print Workshop to Leicester’s Cultural the experiences of local players, spectators, officials Quarter with a new studio complete with exhibition and businesses. city in the form of the Leicester International Music Festival. There is something for everyone to enjoy across the City this Christmas. Let the Curve Theatre transport The summer festival season will end on a high with the you to Victorian London for the timeless tale about the City Festival: 10 action packed days celebrating arts, boy who asked for more… in the Christmas heritage and sport in the city centre. Highlights of the production of Oliver! Or why not join the Little event will include classic events such as Leicester Theatre for the annual Pantomime extravaganza and Belgrave Mela, Skyride and Sports Fest, as well new discover the mysteries of the enchanted lamp as they events to the City including Tangle and the Circus take you on a magic carpet ride to Old Peking, with Project. Aladdin. De Montfort Hall brings you the wickedly In September, world class artists bring the best of funny Snow White, with a celeb packed line up classical, jazz and world music to the city in the form including Sherrie Hewson, Martin Ballard and Jon of the Leicester International Music Festival. The Clegg. Festival is largely a chamber music festival and is As the year ends, the dark winter nights will be rooted in Leicester’s strong musical tradition of illuminated, first with one of the largest Diwali working with the finest musicians and composers celebrations outside India on the Golden Mile. This including the Leicester Symphony Orchestra with Sir year the celebrations will span across the city and last Malcolm Sargent, The Bach Choir with Kathleen for two weeks. Beginning with the official Lights Ferrier and the Leicestershire Schools Symphony Switch On, on Sunday 1 November and finishing with Orchestra with Sir Michael Tippett. the spectacular Diwali Day celebrations on Sunday 15 From Thursday 17 September catch the new November. Then on Sunday 22 November the City Leicester Rugby, Leicester People: A community streets will be lit with the magical Christmas lights. history of a game and its city exhibition at Newarke For further details about all these events and more, go Houses Museum & Gardens. Using original to www.visitleicester.info. sportswear, souvenirs, photographs, sound, film and www.visitleicester.info VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE 39 VISITLEICESTER&LEICESTERSHIRE

CASUAL DINING,

The Room DRINKING om hire Lo vate le for pri •Availab 0 guests r up t o 3 fo e b ar •Privat ering e o f c at •Choic le and availab ee e f room hir LOUNGING •No

“Think gents club, meets village hall, meets cricket pavilion”

Opening Times From 9am – 11pm (12am Thursday, 1am Friday &Saturday) Food served from 9am – 10pm

68 Highcross Street,Leicester,LE1 4NN 0116 4080008 | [email protected] | www.cosyclub.co.uk VISITLEICESTER&LEICESTERSHIRE

Designs from Graeme Hawes. www.thecitystudio.co.uk

JUST ADD IMAGINATION

uch of the city's creativity is focussed on Nearby is the Phoenix - Leicester’s centre for Leicester's Cultural Quarter – the area independent cinema, art and digital culture. around the Curve theatre. M It shows everything from micro-budget independent In this creative hub are a number of businesses and films to the latest Hollywood blockbusters, as well as organisations which strive for ingenuity, inventiveness hosting regular festivals and events and giving artists and enterprise. and filmmakers a platform to convey their work. The Makers' Yard is an award-winning, dynamic and Not far away is the Two Queens studio and gallery, a inspiring workspace for creative entrepreneurs. complex which provides a place for experimental modes of arts production, exhibition and exchange. Located in Leicester's Cultural Quarter, this listed building - the oldest surviving hosiery factory in the And in a similar style, the Leicester Print Workshop, East Midlands - has been transformed into 10 studios founded in 1986, is there to encourage talent in which house a community of artists and designers. printmaking and visual art forms. Likewise, Creative Leicestershire, a County Council It hosts exhibitions of work created by school, led initiative, offers people in the city and county a community groups and artists. wide range of services stretching across a number of platforms including economic and social agendas, And raising all this creativity is the city's two employment and improved access to employment universities. within the arts sector. Last year, De Montfort University embarked on a Continuing its drive to foster artist ability is the LCB £136 million creative and cultural centre focussing on Depot. everything from Chinese dance to British fashion. In 2014, the centre celebrated a decade of nurturing And it also home to the Institute of Creative local talent in a plethora of creative disciplines – Technologies (IOCT) - a research institute that photography, design, new media and much more. focusses on the practice, theory and history of creative technologies.

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The Philharmonia Orchestra performing at De Montfort Hall

ulture and creativity are intertwined in the city of Leicester. Classic culture in the form of C music, theatre and art is exemplified by internationally renowned groups and individuals. ARTS AND De Montfort Hall is home to one of the world's Opened in 1891, the Abbey Pumping Station greatest orchestras - the Philharmonia. The New pumped Leicester's sewage to the treatment works at Walk Museum and Art Gallery holds the largest Beaumont Leys and the grand Victorian building and collection of ceramic works by the famed Spanish beautifully decorated beam engines were a cause of artist Pablo Picasso. And the city could not be great civic pride. The Pumping Station closed in 1964. prouder of its literary pedigree with celebrated play- write Joe Orton and creator of the iconic Adrian Mole, The beam engines were built in Leicester by Gimsons the late Sue Townsend - both of whom made a huge and are rare examples of Woolf compound rotative impression on stage and in printed word. beam engines. With all four beam engines now restored back to working condition and can be seen in A contemporary world of creative appreciation is also steam at one of our special events, the only place in something close to the heart of the city. Britain this magnificent sight can be seen. Here we take a look at some of the events and places Attenborough Arts Centre which make Leicester a cultural haven… An award-winning multi-faceted arts centre whose purpose it is to engage with audiences and Abbey pumping station performers from all walks of life. Abbey Pumping Station is Leicester's Museum of Attenborough Arts Centre is run by the University Science and Technology, displaying the city's of Leicester and has a history of diverse events and industrial, technological and scientific heritage. programmes featuring everything from classical music, jazz and dance to comedy, theatre, live art and Situated adjacent to the National Space Centre, the children’s theatre. The venue is also home to the two attractions tell the story of over 200 years of spoken word and visual arts. science and technology from the early days of steam and industry, to space exploration of today. Open to all, its award-winning building houses a 120-

42 VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE www.visitleicester.info VISITLEICESTER

includes Roseanne Barr, Jo Brand, Paul Merton, Jack Dee, Dave Gorman, Rory Bremner, Barry Cryer, Alan Davies, Bill Bailey, Garth Marenghi, Ross Noble, Lee CULTURE Hurst, Johnny Vegas, Rich Hall, Jimmy Carr, Frankie Boyle, Russell Brand, The Mighty Boosh, Dara O' seater performance area, three studios, and an Briain and Simon Pegg. exhibition gallery. The city centre hub, championed by the late Lord Hansom Hall Richard Attenborough, is one of only two purpose- built spaces in the East Midlands for the promotion of A beautiful example of the city's extravagant arts and disability. It also runs a Music Scholarship architecture and culture. The aptly named Hansom Programme in partnership with the Philharmonia Hall, an 1845-built former baptist chapel, has recently Orchestra to develop young talent. undergone a £250,000 refurbishment and is now up and running as a conference, wedding and event venue. Dave's Leicester Comedy Festival Dave's Leicester Comedy Festival is the longest- National Space Centre running and second largest event of its type in Europe. Bringing in thousands of fans from across the country, The National Space Centre, located just two miles the event plays host to the biggest names in the from Leicester City Centre, is an all-weather attraction, business – as well as giving some of the best up and sure to keep the whole family entertained. coming performers a leg-up to stardom. The Space Centre has plenty to offer, from the iconic From the first ever festival in 1994, which attracted a Rocket Tower, to the UK’s largest domed planetarium. humble but not unsubstantial 5,000 people and These must-see attractions are accompanied by six featured Matt Lucas and Harry Hill, it has grown be further inspiring galleries to discover. Crammed full of regarded as one of the top five comedy festivals in the space suits, rockets, satellites, meteorites and world, according to the Guardian. everything you would expect of a world class attraction, these galleries will make sure you have a full The roll call alone is a who's who of stand up and day of breathtaking discovery and interactive fun.

www.visitleicester.info VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE 43 National Space Centre

44 VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE www.visitleicester.info VISITLEICESTER&LEICESTERSHIRE

New Walk Museum Newarke Houses Museum is composed of two historic houses, Wygston's Chantry House and Skeffington House and tells the story of The New Walk Museum is a city centre oasis of contemporary Leicester and the history of the culture. It houses the UK's largest exhibition of Royal Leicestershire Regiment. German expressionist art, which tells the remarkable story behind the movement. It reveals why and how The museum displays include a cinema expressionist artists conveyed their innermost experience, a collection of toys from Tudor to emotions through art, dance, music and drama. present day and a play area for children to try various games. The collection is home to some 500 pieces and is just Find out more about Leicester’s famous son Daniel one example of why New Walk is a haven of European Lambert and visit a 1950s street scene inspired by art and culture. Wharf Street that includes the Jolly Angler public house, a grocer and a pawnbroker, with sounds Also on display is Picasso: The Attenborough and conversations from the times. Collection – a permanent exhibition of 150 ceramics (plates, jugs and tiles) sculpted and illustrated by the Discover more about the story of Leicester at War. renowned Spanish artist. Through personal stories find out about the home front and the history of the Regiment, including a recreation of a First World War trench. Newarke Houses Through oral histories, archive film, computer Newarke Houses Museum and Gardens interactives and collections discover the histories of incorporating the Museum of the Royal Leicestershire Newarke Houses, the surrounding historic area Regiment. and contemporary Leicester.

www.visitleicester.info VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE 45 VISITLEICESTER&LEICESTERSHIRE

Family from AY Tickets NE D S, O E £17.50 ING S HER K BEGIN WO ORY T E ST TH

Come and discover one of history’s greatest and famous battles at our multi award-winning fully interactive heritage centre

•Discover the story of Two •Experience living history Kings, One Day & falconry events •Explore the Bosworth Quest •Create your own family heraldry Gallery •Walk the battlefield trail •Try on armour & get hands-on & explore the country park with weapons •Enjoy the picnic area, Tithe Barn •See real artefacts from restaurant & superb gift shop. the battlefield

www.bosworthbattlefield.com facebook.com/BosworthBattlefield @bosworthlcc Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre, Sutton Cheney, CV13 0AD 01455 290429 • [email protected]

46 VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE www.visitleicester.info RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015 IN LEICESTER WELCOMETO RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015 IN LEICESTER Leicester is a city that is passionate about Rugby. With a Background strong sporting tradition, it is home to one of the UK’s most Played every four years, famous Rugby sides, Leicester Tigers. The club’s illustrious Rugby World Cup is the history goes back to 1880, and today they are one of the greatest prize in Rugby and most successful and best-supported English Rugby clubs. one of the world’s most Leicester is proud to welcome Rugby fans from across admired competitions. the world for Rugby World Cup (RWC 2015). As well as the The concept of RWC was sporting action, there will be a cultural festival open to all first embraced by New to get into the spirit of the matches. Visitors can also take Zealand and Australia in time out away from the sport to discover Leicester’s historic the mid-eighties where centre. the inaugural event was The Tournament kicks off on September 18, 2015 with the held in 1987. It has become Opening Ceremony and match at the home of English Rugby established as a major – Twickenham. international event in Tickets are still available for three matches Leicester. the sporting calendar, Go to tickets.rugbyworldcup.com showcasing Rugby to the world and has resulted Sunday October 4, 14:30, Argentina v Tonga in the rapid expansion of Tuesday October 6, 16:45, Canada v Romania the Game. Sunday October 11, 12:00, Argentina v Namibia The winner of the RWC receives the Webb Ellis Cup, named in honour of the sport’s founder, English schoolboy William Webb Ellis.

RWC 2015 LEICESTER | 2 Leicester’s journey to RWC 2015 May 2013 recruited through a national campaign aimed Host cities selected at bringing more people into Rugby and keeping them in the Game beyond 2015. Leicester was chosen as one of 11 cities, the only one in the East Midlands, to host May 2014 matches in the six-week Tournament. 500 days to go October 2013 Pupils from Belgrave St Peter’s and Two years to go! Mellor Community primary schools were given training tips by coaches from the To celebrate the occasion, Rugby goalposts Rugby Football Union, Belgrave Rugby Club were put up at seven Leicestershire parks and England women’s international to encourage young people to get involved Maggie Alphonsi. in the Game. February 2014 August 2014 ‘The Pack’ volunteer Team bases announced programme gets underway The 40+ shortlisted venues were announced, including successful Leicestershire venues Recruitment of 6,000-strong group of Leicester Grammar School (hosting Canada) volunteers to be the face of Rugby World and Loughborough University (hosting Tonga, Cup 2015 started in February. 75% were Namibia, and Uruguay). recruited from Rugby clubs in England and Wales, and the remaining 1,500 places

3 | RWC 2015 LEICESTER September 2014 Local schoolchildren from Ellesmere School Ticketing - Too Big to Miss travelled to Twickenham to represent the The ticket sales window opening was city in the world’s biggest scrum. The Webb marked with a flurry of activities including Ellis Cup and Rugby legend Will Greenwood a visit to Twycross Zoo with George Chuter, visited Leicester City Stadium to promote the with even the zoo animals getting into the opening of the ticket window and one year Rugby spirit! to go until the Tournament kicked off. Argentinian Leicester City footballers September 2014 Esteban Cambiasso and striker Leonardo City dressing Ulloa embraced the oval ball and expressed The party started in the city with ticketing their excitement to watch their home nation themed city dressing on lamp posts and in action in the city during the Tournament. at prominent landmarks such as the Clock Tower. October 2014 While you wait for your turn, try out a Volunteer try outs new sport and find out how to get involved October saw a week of try-outs in the city in Rugby on Humberstone Gate West, take in where volunteers were interviewed to make the entertainment or have a go at some arts up The Pack. Rugby legend Martin Johnson and crafts. helped recruit volunteers for Rugby World You can also take part in an especially Cup 2015 matches in Leicester. created treasure trail which will take you March 2015 around the city centre; pick up a map from Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour the information point on Humberstone Gate route revealed West. Every completed and returned trail will The Webb Ellis Cup embarked on an be entered into a prize draw with a goody international Trophy tour covering bag of Rugby World Cup 2015 merchandise 15 countries over 12 months. for the winner! It landed back in the UK 100 days before May 2015 the Tournament kick off to complete a RWC 2015 volunteers attend domestic tour, ending at Twickenham the Pack Kick Off event Stadium on September 18. Over 4,000 members of The Pack, that will On the domestic tour, it will pass through help welcome the world to England and towns and cities across the country during Cardiff during Rugby World Cup 2015, joined the final countdown to the Tournament, in Milton Keynes to kick off the Rugby World including every RWC 2015 Host City and Cup 2015 volunteer training programme, venue. including the team that have been selected The Trophy will be in Leicestershire from to work on the matches in Leicester. They August 13-15. You can see the Webb Ellis Cup will continue a programme of training right in Leicester on August 15 in the up to Tournament time. city centre at Humberstone Gate where you can take pictures and participate in lots of other sporting activities. This is your opportunity to take your photo with the Trophy which will be located by the city’s sporting statue.

5 | RWC 2015 LEICESTER TM © RWC Ltd 1986 May 2015 food, drinks, as well as a licensed bar. There Fanzones announced will also be an official Rugby World Cup 2015 merchandise stall to pick up a memento. In May it was announced that the official Rugby World Cup 2015 Fanzone for Leicester Find out how to get involved in Rugby locally will be at Victoria Park. Here visitors and from the people who know at Leicestershire fans can enjoy a match day experience and Rugby Union or the RFU, and have a go soak up the atmosphere of the Tournament yourself. If taking part isn’t your thing, enjoy whether they have a ticket or not. This is the some of the mini-games that will be played place in Leicester to watch the matches on on the inflatable pitch. a giant 10m x 5.5m screen. And it’s not all about the Rugby. There will There will be three covered grandstands with be a range of arts and crafts to have a go seating for around 500 people to watch the at, and music and street arts across the stage and screen, as well as plenty of room schedule. Keep an eye out for elements from for standing and sitting. Night of Festivals, a giant interactive kicking game and a 300-strong group of local school We can’t allow alcohol on site other than that children performing a song written especially purchased at the bar and bag searches may for this Tournament. be carried out on entry. However, everything you need will be right there – hot and cold Date Fixtures Opening times Samoa v Japan Saturday October 3 South Africa v Scotland 12:00 - 22:30 England v Australia Argentina v Tonga Sunday October 4 11:00 - 20:00 Ireland v Italy Canada v Romania Tuesday October 6 15:30 - 22:30 Fiji v Uruguay South Africa v USA Wednesday October 7 15:30 - 22:30 Namibia v Georgia Friday October 9 New Zealand v Tonga 15:30 - 22:30 Samoa v Scotland Saturday October 10 Australia v Wales 11:00 - 22:30 England v Uruguay Argentina v Namibia Sunday October 11 Italy v Romania 11:00 - 20:00 France v Ireland June 2015 100 days to go The 100 days to go milestone was celebrated in the city with a spectacular event for schoolchildren at the National Space Centre where they ‘launched off’ the Tournament countdown and learned a little along the way. Rugby World Cup 2015 activities are led by ER2015 and Leicester City Council, supported by Leicester City Football Club, Leicestershire Rugby Union, Arts Council England, Heritage Lottery Fund, Rugby Football Union, Voluntary Action LeicesterShire (VAL) and participating organisations in the Fanzone and cultural festival. Rugby World Cup 2015 top five facts: 1. At Rugby World Cup 2003, Leicester Tigers had seven representatives in the winning England squad: Martin Johnson (captain), Neil Back, Martin Corry, Ben Kay, Lewis Moody, Dorian West and Julian White. 2. Approximately 6,000 volunteers, collectively known as The Pack, are needed to make the Tournament happen. 3. Twenty nations (four groups of five teams) will play 48 games with an expected total attendance of 2.3m spectators. 4. Legacy – 50 young leaders have now received School Rugby Ambassador training and support to be advocates of RWC in city secondary schools, running a series of different activities and events at their schools and in their local primary schools. There are another 40 School Rugby Ambassadors in county schools. 5. From October 3-11 there will be a 10-day cultural programme running events around the city centre in venues and on the streets including carnival parades, live music, dance and theatre performances.

7 | RWC 2015 LEICESTER Cultural programmes for Leicester celebrating Rugby’s biggest year October 2 - 11, 2015 FESTIVAL OF RUGBY Night of Festivals October 2, 5pm-10pm October 3, 11am-7pm October 4, 11am-5pm City Centre, Victoria Park and Leicester City Stadium Night of Festivals SPECIAL EDITION provides a rich and spectacular centrepiece to the cultural celebrations during Rugby’s biggest year. Artists and artwork representing the five teams playing in Leicester - Argentina, Canada, Namibia, Romania and Tonga are included in a vibrant programme of celebration with music, theatre, dance, carnival, samba, live art, visual arts installations, moving image, digital arts and participatory workshop activity. The special night-time carnival procession (Saturday 6pm - 7pm) with costumed stilt walkers, extraordinary lighted characters and inflatable costumes, includes guest artists from Germany – Stelzen Arts and Oakleaf Creativity. The Parade starts at New Walk Museum & Art Gallery and leads to the Fanzone, with an exciting 15-minute finale.

FESTIVAL OF RUGBY | 8 City Centre programme October 2, from 5pm October 3, 11am-6pm October 4, 11am-5pm Humberstone Gate hosts a live music stage with a range of performances. Highlights include; dance to the London Tango Orchestra (Friday 7pm); enjoy the extraordinary sounds and vocals of Najma Akhtar and her band (Friday 8.30pm); move to the pulsating jazz and fusion rhythms of Kolektif Istanbul (Saturday 2.30pm). Also, performances from the vibrant young artists of Kinetika Bloco, from samba group Sambando and from the AAA4Success Night of Festivals SPECIAL EDITION is troupe from Leicester Caribbean Carnival. brought to you by ArtReach, a commission The Night of Festivals Performance Dome from Leicester City Council and with financial in Jubilee Square, will offer intimate music, support from Arts Council England and theatre, storytelling and spoken word Creative Europe through the European Union. performances on Saturday and Sunday For further information visit: nightoffestivals.com from 11am. Highlights include children’s theatre show Destination Democracy on Saturday (1pm and 2.30pm), ACD Arts presenting South African percussion and dance (Sunday 11am) and family storytelling by presenter Wendy Shearer throughout the day. Connecting all the activity will be continuous costumed carnival presented by Mandinga Arts, a special Magna Carta carnival procession, and the exceptional sounds of Europe’s leading Rio de Janeiro inspired samba company – Paraiso Samba, on Saturday and Sunday.

9 | FESTIVAL OF RUGBY Night of Festivals, Victoria Park October 3-11 Giant letters FREEDOM SQUARE will be sited in a special area and visitors can grafitti art on the letters as part of a special Night of Festivals installation programme. You’ll see other ‘plinths’ with visual arts installations around the city centre. Also see the Night of Festivals silk painting project, creating a giant banner in recognition of the countries playing in Leicester. Night of Festivals Stadium concourse October 4, 6, 11 Performances by the carnival team prior to each match - look out for the especially commissioned Tonga section and the cows and bulls before the Argentinian match! Night of Festivals celebrates the values of freedom and democracy through artistic innovation - what better reflection of freedom than the vibrancy and inversion of order that is the spirit of carnival! Leicester Rugby, Leicester People September 18, 2015 - April 3, 2016 Newarke Houses Museum & Gardens Free / 0116 225 4980 / storyofleicester.info/rugby This exhibition portrays the history of Rugby in Leicester through the stories of the city people. From school playing fields, local clubs, legions of fans at Welford Road, to the international careers of local players; the exhibition tells the real stories of people for whom Rugby is an integral part of their lives. Fascinating objects, photographs and recordings from the past 140 years explore why Leicester is passionately a Rugby town. If you have a Rugby story to tell, come and see the ‘Leicester Rugby, Leicester People’ team at the Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour on August 15, 2015 in the city centre or at the Flavours of Rugby festival at Victoria Park on August 30, 2015.

FESTIVAL OF RUGBY | 10 The Gain Line October 1 - November 29 Phoenix Cinema Free / Box office: 0116 242 2800 / phoenix.org.uk A moving-image artwork by Ravi Deepres to coincide with the World Cup capturing the intensity and dynamics of the sport. The Gain Line refers to an invisible line on the Rugby field that measures teams’ forward progress and their territorial advantage over their opponents.

Spotlight on Sport Photography Exhibition October 2 - 24 Old Library Café and Gallery, Leicester Adult Education College Free / 0116 454 1900 leicester.gov.uk/adulteducation Help celebrate Rugby’s biggest year with a sports exhibition by local and professional photographers. Want to learn more? Join the Sport Photography and Editing course starting September 23. Haka Day Workshops by Corey Baker Dance October 2 Peepul Enterprise 10am - 11am, 11.15am - 12.15pm (pre-school and parents/carers) Hamilton Library 4pm - 5pm (8+ years) October 3 Pork Pie Library 11am - 12pm (8+ years) Free / visitleicester.info Join in a workshop to learn our Tuka Waka Haka and get a Maori TaMoko (face paint). Once you have learnt the Haka, come watch the traditional Maori performance on October 4 at Victoria Park and join in at the end. Supported by Leicester City Council.

11 | FESTIVAL OF RUGBY The Never Ending Rugby Match October 3, Gallowtree Gate 2pm, 3pm October 4, Walking Routes 12.45pm, 1.45pm October 5, Clock Tower 12pm, 1pm, 2pm Free It’s Up vs Under as the never-ending Rugby match weaves its way through the streets of Leicester. Follow this piece of slapstick street theatre turning tarmac into turf, lampposts into line-outs and street furniture into scrums. Also featured at Victoria Park on October 3, 1pm and October 4, 11.45am. Brought to you by 14/48 UK, producers of Theatre Anonymous and supported by Leicester City Council.

A musical evening (In aid of the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust) October 3, 7pm Leicester Cathedral £12 adults, £10 children jhmt.org.uk/events With Christian Smaditch (piano), local musicians and special guests; enjoy classical, swing and well known Rugby anthems. The Joe Humphries Memorial Trust raises awareness of SADS and other sudden heart deaths in young people. Patron of the Trust is Martin Johnson CBE.

FESTIVAL OF RUGBY | 12 Bardi Symphony Orchestra - A Musical Celebration of Rugby October 3, 7.30pm De Montfort Hall £11 - £18, Concs £3 - £16.50 (+ £3 transaction fee) Box office: 0116 233 3111 / demontforthall.co.uk Claus Efland conductor, Adam Summerhayes leader. The renowned Bardi Symphony Orchestra presents a World Cup inspired concert featuring music from across the Rugby playing nations, building up to a rousing, proms-style finale.

Haka Day Out by Corey Baker Dance October 4, Walking Routes 1pm October 6, Clock Tower, City Centre 11.30am, 1pm, 3pm Free / visitleicester.info A showcase of the powerful and mesmerizing native Māori performing art kapa haka, a medley of tribal footwork, weaponry, native Poi, dance, and chant, all woven together with contemporary movement, culminating with the well- known Haka, which audience members are invited to learn and join in with. Supported by Leicester City Council.

Rugby Craft, Trail and Games Pauhana presents Argentinian Tango October 4, 11am - 2pm October 4, from 12.30pm New Walk Museum & Art Gallery October 11, from 10.30am £2.50 for activities / 0116 225 4900 Leicester Railway Station Come try your hand at a game of Rugby Free dice. All the fun without the bumps, bruises Strictly Come Dancing professional Camilla or hassle of leaving your chair! Join trails; Dallerup creates a flamboyant and seductive design your own Rugby strip and other world of tango for the streets of Leicester activities. by training and choreographing local dancers to perform the tango - the soul of Argentina. Supported by Leicester City Council.

13 | FESTIVAL OF RUGBY Theatre Anonymous presents: Up ‘n’ Under October 5, 7.30pm The Y Free / 0116 255 7066 / ytheatre.co.uk Seven actors secretly cast, their identities only revealed to each other, and us, as John Godber’s Rugby play develops in front of a live audience! Dress code: Rugby or sports Rugby Radio Broadcast gear. Supported by Leicester City Council. October 7, 6pm O Canada! A Day of Canadian De Montfort Hall Thanksgiving £5 / Box office: 0116 233 3111 October 6, 10am - 4pm demontforthall.co.uk University of Leicester, An evening of Rugby conversation broadcast University Road live on BBC Radio Leicester. Martin Ballard (next to Victoria Park) will talk to a host of former players about Free entry the highs and lows of the cup, with a The University of Leicester has one of the helping of his usual wit and banter. Music largest cohorts of Canadian students in the and entertainment with a World Cup theme, country. In the week of Canada’s national including a junior choir and Argentinian singer day of Thanksgiving, join us for a fun-filled Josefina de Achaval performing all-time day of Canadian-themed food, facts and classics including World in Union and Swing fun as we build up to the Canada v Romania Low Sweet Chariot. match! Confirmed guests include George Chuter, The Big Kick by Inspirate Louis Deacon, Tigers president Paul Dodge October 7 - 10, 12pm - 5pm and Argentinian international Gonzalo The Wotspace in Highcross Camacho. All proceeds will go to the Matt Free / interactlabs.co.uk Hampson Foundation. A giant Rugby game played with a six-foot tall, two-player joystick that will be on tour in Leicester throughout the Tournament. It will also be at Victoria Park on October 4, 6 and 11. Supported by Leicester City Council.

FESTIVAL OF RUGBY | 14 Serendipity in partnership with See what you’re made of… Phoenix present: Invictus (2009) October 9 and 10, 10am - 5pm October 8, 7pm October 11, 11am - 4pm Phoenix Cinema New Walk Museum & Art Gallery £5 / ticketsource.co.uk/serendipity Free / 0116 225 4900 Dir: Clint Eastwood, 2hr 14 min, 18 visitleicester.info/museums Seeing little or no movement on the scales? The true story of how Nelson Mandela boditrax body composition kiosk provides a (Morgan Freeman), during his first term as quick scan to show what your body is made President, joined forces with the captain of of, including percentage of water, fat, muscle, South Africa’s Rugby team, Francois Pienaar bone, calorie intake and more. (Matt Damon) to help unite the apartheid-torn country and win the 1995 Rugby World Cup.

Serendipity in partnership with Phoenix present: Red White Black and Blue (2012) October 9, 7pm Phoenix Cinema £5 / ticketsource.co.uk/serendipity Dir: James Brown, 1hr 21min Documentary follows a group of students from south Los Angeles as they travel the world to play Rugby. A sensitive take on a rough game where off-pitch tragedies contrast to on-pitch success. Followed by an after show discussion.

Download Price Touchdown - RWC Voucher App for special offers in Leicester. App available from October on iOS and Android. what’s on

Knighton Opera: Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin October 1 and 2, 7pm October 4, 3pm Fraser Noble Hall, London Road £12 Box office: 0116 252 2455 attenborougharts.com Knighton Opera present Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin, an intense and Midlands Creative Projects - The Hundred Years’ heart-breaking story. War: the Somme to Afghanistan October 2, 8pm Leicester on the Up Attenborough Arts Centre, Lancaster Road October 2 - 11 £10, £8, £5 / Box office: 0116 252 2455 New Walk attenborougharts.com Free Three performers, live music and striking imagery Stroll along New are combined to create a heart-wrenching drama Walk and experience whose every word is charged with poetry, presenting a series of open air thirty-five extraordinary war poems written from events showcasing the 1914 - 2013. vibrancy of Leicester’s creative and cultural organisations in beautiful surroundings.

WHAT’S ON | 16 Doc Brown: The Weird Way Round October 2, 8pm The Y £14 / Box office: 0116 255 7066 / ytheatre.co.uk Fresh from his sell-out UK tour Of Mic And Men, Doc has secured a talent for seamlessly fusing hip-hop and stand-up with sharp-witted songs.

Writing for Richard World Cup Warm-up October 3, 10am - 4pm drop in session October 4, 12pm - 3pm David Wilson Library, University of Leicester University of Leicester, Free / everybodysreading.co.uk University Road Share your memories of the procession of the (next to Victoria Park) reburial of Richard III. Write an ode for Richard, a Free entry memory, or even an imaginative micro-fiction. The Drop into the campus most creative results will be publicly displayed. where you can soak- No experience necessary. An Everybody’s Reading up the pre-match Festival event. atmosphere, grab something at one of Steve Cartwright - The Last Wolf in England our many eateries, and October 3, 8pm - 9.30pm discover more about Regent Sports and Social Club, Regent Road one of the UK’s top £3 on the door / everybodysreading.co.uk universities. A tragi-comedy set in Bradgate Park with ‘pickerty nickerty’ Lady Jane and her beau, her utterly dysfunctional home life, all the excesses of the Tudor period and the strange characters that inhabit this off-the-wall comedy. An Everybody’s Reading Festival event. Streets Alive October 4, from 12.30pm Walking Routes Free / visitleicester.info Building the atmosphere on the way to the match or the Fanzone, look out for performances along the routes such as Samba drumming.

17 | WHAT’S ON Emergency! Twilight Gigs October 4, October 4, 5pm 3pm - workshop, October 11, 2.30pm 5pm - showcase Attenborough Arts Centre, Lancaster Road The Y Free entry / Box office: 0116 252 2455 Pay what it’s worth attenborougharts.com 0116 255 7066 Rugby loving families welcome to celebrate with ytheatre.co.uk fantastic live music and quality food and drink in Showcase of new work our café. See full line-up on our website. created by emerging talent in theatre, dance, performance poetry, short film, music and comedy. Streets Alive October 6, 3pm Walking Routes Free / visitleicester.info Building the atmosphere on the way to the match or the Fanzone, look out for performances along the routes such as Japanese drumming.

Soundbites October 6, 12.45pm Attenborough Arts Centre Lancaster Road Free entry Box office: 0116 252 2455 attenborougharts.com Enjoy lunch at the Arts Bar Café and experience a variety of delightful live music while celebrating the Rugby matches in Leicester.

WHAT’S ON | 18 Squeeze with Only Fools and Dr John Cooper Clarke Boycie October 6 October 8, 7.30pm 7pm doors open The Y De Montfort Hall £15 / 0116 255 7066 £32.50 - £47.50 ytheatre.co.uk (+ £3 transaction fee) An intimate evening Box office: 0116 233 3111 with one of the demontforthall.co.uk nation’s greatest Enduring British pop act comedy actors John Squeeze bring hits such Challis, best known as Cool For Cats, Up The as Boycie in BBC1’s Junction and Tempted. Only Fools and With support by poet Horses. Come and and punk godfather hear stories and Dr John Cooper Clarke, secrets from the set. the bard of Salford.

Philharmonia Orchestra: The Lord Mayor’s Concert October 9, 7.30pm De Montfort Hall £13 - £36 (+ £3 booking fee) Box office: 0116 233 3111 / demontforthall.co.uk Rafael Payare - conductor Daniil Trifonov - piano The world class Philharmonia Orchestra performs live with sensational superstar of the piano, Daniil Trifonov. Programme includes Rachmaninov’s final piano concerto and Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Mussorgsky’s Pictures At An Exhibition and Tchaikovsky’s Fantasy Overture, Romeo and Juliet.

19 | WHAT’S ON Curve and Aakash Odedra Company: Echoes and I Imagine - A world premiere October 9 & 10, 7.45pm Curve £12 - £16 (discounted tickets available) Ticket office: 0116 242 3595 curveonline.co.uk Award-winning dancer and Curve Associate Artist Aakash Odedra, premieres his new double bill. Echoes is an exhilarating, high-octane Kathak dance experience piece choreographed by Kathak icon, Aditi Mangaldas. In I Imagine, Aakash combines beautiful choreography with powerful spoken word as he collaborates with gifted, award-winning poet and fellow Sky Arts Academy Scholar Sabrina Mahfouz.

Talk: When Sport and “Politics” Overlap One Voice for Care October 10, 2pm October 10, 7.30pm Newarke Houses Museum De Montfort Hall Free / 0116 225 4980 £10 - £25 (+ £3 transaction fee) Rugby, Apartheid and Race Relations in Leicester Box office: 0116 233 3111 in the 1980’s. demontforthall.co.uk Streets Alive The Fron Male Voice October 11, from 10am Choir, Chilwell Military Walking Routes Wives Choir and Leicester Free / visitleicester.info Male Voice Choir perform Building the atmosphere on the way to the match in a charity concert with or the Fanzone, look out for performances along Loughborough Endowed the routes such as African drumming and dance. Schools Band, Robert Smyth Academy Soul Band and soloist Kate Bale. In aid of LOROS Hospice, Hope Against Cancer and Rainbows Hospice.

WHAT’S ON | 20 World Cup Wind-down Leicester Gig Guide October 11, 2pm – 3pm University of Leicester, Continue celebrating Rugby in the city at a range University Road of confirmed gigs and events put on by local venues. (next to Victoria Park) For further listings visit: visitleicester.info Free entry Barley Mow Join our friendly Student October 6 Ambassadors and facebook.com/ thebarleymowleicester soak-up the post-match One of Leicester’s longest standing open mic nights atmosphere on campus, in town, with a pool of fantastic local musicians. grab something to eat and drink at one of our Duffy’s Bar many eateries whilst October 7 discovering more about twitter.com/jackie_duffy one of the UK’s top Duffy’s is considered one of the best Irish bars in the universities. area, enjoy an Irish jam session with many classics. Look out that week for Romanian gypsy folk, South Hatch: Blood, Sweat American night and Canadian Acoustic night. and Tears The Criterion October 11, 5pm October 8, 8pm Attenborough Arts thecriterion.co.uk Centre Lancaster Road Mr Ford and Mr Gibbs - these two Geordies have Free been making waves in various outfits such as Head Box office: 0116 252 2455 Full of Steam and Lovers Block. attenborougharts.com The Rutland and Derby Presenting some of the October 9, 8pm most exciting artists and therutlandandderby.co.uk performers from across Daniel Giardiello is an excellent acoustic covers the country; endurance, artist, playing songs from rock to pop, all broken struggle, joy, sorrow, life down on an acoustic guitar. and death are all up for grabs in an unforgettable The Swan & Rushes evening of live events. October 10, 9pm A free interactive event. swanandrushes.co.uk The Swan & Rushes is one of Leicester’s most established pubs, with regular superb rock nights. The Donkey October 11 thedonkeybar.com One of the most established music venues in Leicester, hosting local and national bands, close to the stadium, drop in after watching a game.

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4 d oa A R Spectator Walking Route Merchandise Outlet ark n P do ren Enderby Cla Walking Route Time Park & Ride To plan your travel go to www.rugbyworldcup.com/journeyplanner and follow us on Twitter @RWCTravel2015 for the latest travel information and advice. Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown Copyright 2015 StoneygS o Visit us to find out about exciting places to go, buy tickets for shows, get advice on where to shop, eat and relax and discover the rich heritage of Leicester and Leicestershire.

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BUYYOUR OFFICIAL RWC 2015 MERCHANDISEHERE Polo Shirts | Keyrings | Pin badges | Hats | Scarves We invented DNA Fingerprinting What Could Our research changes the world. At Leicester you could be taught by the people at the forefront of forensic investigation.

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 a pork pie Melton Mowbray

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A warm welcomelcome

Melton Mowbray is a Festival, Great British Pie Awards quintessential English market and the largest Artisan Cheese Fair Rural town built on a strong tradition in the country. It is no wonder that of farming and fox hunting. Melton Mowbray is known as the Renowned for its fine food and ‘Rural Capital of Food’. drink offer, the Borough has Melton has an abundance of capital become the centre of excellence places to eat, drink and experience for local food producers. food and drink. The town centre Famous for its pork pies and is home to Dickinson & Morris of food Stilton© Cheese, the town of producers of iconic pork pie and Melton Mowbray is now home to the Melton Cheeseboard where the Melton Mowbray Food & Drink you can taste and purchase local

72 VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE www.visitleicester.info  cheeses as well as quaint cafes serving traditional cream teas, bistros serving local produce, pubs and restaurants. On the TOP FIVE THINGS outskirts of the town you can discover the how your favourite TO SEE & DO beer is produced before sampling a pint or two on a brewery tour of 1. There’s so much to see, eat and drink in Melton it’ll take Belvoir Brewery or visit Brockleys more than just a day! So why not enjoy a Gourmet Taste to pick up some Sloe Gin or of Leicestershire Short Break where you can taste and traditional Melton Hunt cake. sample the town’s local pork pies, cheese and ales. There was a time when Melton 2. Melton Mowbray Food & Drink Festival, 3-4th October 2015 Mowbray was one of the most 3. The annual Melton Beer Festival, Cattle Market, Melton fashionable places in Europe with - Friday 18th & Saturday 19th September royalty and aristocrats flocking 4. The Victorian Christmas Weekend 4th-6th December to the town to spend the winter months hunting with hounds. 5. UK’s largest remaining Livestock Market – includes local Belvoir Castle is the ancestral farmers market, antiques market and speciality events home to the Duke & Duchess of with rare breeds Rutland, and stands high on a hill overlooking 16,000 acres of woodland in the beautiful Vale of Belvoir. It is home to the famous Belvoir Shoot and hosts many large events throughout the year.

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Fun and food

Artisan Cheese Fair Fun for the whole family

Belvoir Ales Melton’s impressive St Mary’s Church is over 800 years old and an architectural gem with parts TOP FIVE LEISURE ATTRACTIONS dating back to 1170. This rare 1. Twinlakes Family Theme Park. Fantastic fun for all the family, example of a parish church is whatever the weather. From rollercosters to waterparks, host to two of the town’s most Winterland Wonderland and Halloween frights, there’s plenty prestigious events; The British of fun throughout the year. Pie Awards and the hugely 2. Regal Cinema. Enjoy a wonderful cinematic experience popular Christmas Tree Festival. at the unique refurbished picture-house Regal Cinema The town now has a wealth of 3. Health Spa: Indulge yourself with a spa experience history illustrated on buildings with at the luxurious Ragdale Hall & Stapleford Park Hotel. Blue Plaques and detailed in the Heritage Trail. The free Carnegie 4. Belvoir Castle and the Vale of Belvoir Museum explores the history and 5. Heritage Trail. Pick up the free Melton Heritage Trail food heritage of Melton Mowbray or download the app to find all about the town’s fascinating and reveals the origins of the phase history. ‘Painting the Town Red’.

74 VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE www.visitleicester.info Twinlakes Family Theme Park 

Christmas Tree Festival

Belvoir Castle

Melton has an amazing range Melton Mowbray certainly makes of activities to suit all ages and the most of celebrating Christmas. abilities from falconry to skate The annual Victorian Christmas Interesting Fact: boarding and sky diving to duck Market and Christmas Tree The origin of the phrase herding – Melton has it all! All Festival during the first weekend ‘Painting the Town Red’ weather family fun is guaranteed at of December attract visitors from comes from Melton. the 70 acre Twinlakes Theme Park all over the country. In 1837 the Marquis with fabulous events throughout There’s also a huge selection of Waterford known as the the year including its Winter of independent, specialist shops Mad Marquis had been Wonderland at Christmas and which sell a wide range of gifts to Croxton Park Races Xtreme Scream at Halloween. and treats. with his friends. Early in the morning they arrived in Melton Mowbray and For more information on places to visit, literally painted the town stay, eat and drink in Melton please visit and a local constable red. goleicestershire.com/melton

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GOLDSMITHS YO UR LO CAL JE WELLERS

Whether it’s a gift for yourself or someone special, visit your local Goldsmiths jewellers for friendly expert advice and bespoke care and services.

Your local stores: Goldsmiths Leicester (opposite Debenhams) & Goldsmiths Leicester (near John Lewis) at the Highcross Shopping Centre, Leicester

www.goldsmiths.co.uk

76 VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE www.visitleicester.info Visit our website for travel information in Leicester and Leicestershire The Magazine Gateway

eicester grew from a late Iron Age settlement on structure now stands within a pedestrianised area, the banks of the River Soar more than 2000 next to De Montfort University. L years ago. The impact of the Romans, Normans and Saxons who settled here can still be seen today. The gate has no portcullis as its main purpose was to impress visitors rather than be defensive. It's unclear Much of the city centre has kept its medieval street what the rooms inside were used for during the Middle layout and the story of Leicester can be traced Ages, but could have been rented to townsfolk or as through its magnificent, historical buildings. visitor accommodation. The interior includes an octagonal stair turret and two large rooms, with a huge fireplace on the left side. The Magazine Gateway Built in 1410, the Magazine Gateway can be found Leicester Castle at the western end of Newarke Street. The building, a medieval gateway added to Leicester Castle by the If you are walking to the Castle from the city centre Third Earl of Leicester, got its name during the English then the Magazine still works as a gateway. The Civil War when it was used to store munitions. two historical structures actually count as one monument – but most of the site is within Castle It is a Grade I Listed building, and is not within a Gardens. conservation area, and is officially included within the Leicester Castle monument, but standing a few Once you get inside the grounds – a conservation hundred metres away. The three-storey sandstone area – there are a number of significant buildings

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STANDING THE TEST OF TIME

including Castle Hall, John of Gaunt's Cellar and the It was recently the setting of worldwide media beautiful St Mary de Castro church. attention when the University of Leicester and Leicester City Council welcomed journalists from The church was founded in 1100 by the First Earl of across the globe when they announced the discovery Leicester and still has part of the original nave and of remains believed to be those of King Richard III. north wall of the chancel – a remarkable example of architecture considering more than 900 years have Although at the time the bones had not been passed since they were built. confirmed as those of the king, the excitement that a skeleton with a curved spine and battle wounds had More was added to the building between 1160 and been unearthed was enough to attract reporters and 1813, and in 1850 extensive restoration began under television crews from around the world. the auspicious eye of Sir George Gilbert Scott – a 19th century gothic revivalist who throughout his career The Guildhall has had many uses and lives. The Great designed, or altered, more than 800 buildings across Hall itself was built in about 1390 as a meeting place the country. for the Guild of Corpus Christi - a small but powerful group of businessman and gentry.

The Guildhall Over the next hundred years the Great Hall was extended and the two wings at either end added. The 14th century timber-framed Guildhall has played a part in six centuries of Leicester's heritage and is still It has been used as the town library, the Mayor's making history. parlour, a courtroom and even a theatre.

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The King Richard III Visitor Wygston's House Centre: Dynasty, Death and The oldest house in Leicester has stood since Discovery medieval times on one of the busiest thoroughfares in town. A monument to everything the city has achieved in its search for King Richard III, the visitor centre tells the The centre has been created in the former Alderman story of the last Plantagenet's life, death and Newton's Grammar School, a stunning Victorian discovery. Gothic revival building which stands partly on the site of the old Grey Friars Church. Created by Leicester City Council with input from those who were instrumental in the project, the It is not clear why time has chosen to keep exhibition is housed opposite Leicester Cathedral – Wygston's House in such fine fettle when other, and the final resting place of the King. much grander buildings in the town have perished. The story is set out in such a way that visitors will But the 15th century home is one of the city's travel through Richard's past, learning about his war historic gems and comprises a timber hall from against the Tudors and his death at Bosworth around 1490, a brick block of 1796 - which replaced Battlefield, before the tone changes and they are an earlier timber shop - and chamber and a Victorian transported into a world of discovery. wing standing on the site of the medieval kitchen.

There, the science of how academics at the The oldest part of Wygston’s House, the timber- University of Leicester discovered the identity of the framed part, comprises a ground floor hall and upper remains is explained in a series of interactive displays chambers for sleeping and storage. and tactile, visual exhibits. The tour comes to a poignant conclusion at the preserved grave which The front of the timber hall has a range of windows housed Richard III's remains beneath the city of which were once filled with panels of painted glass, Leicester for more than 500 years. Here visitors can facing onto a courtyard. Four of these glass panels, reflect on the King's life in a reflective and solemn dated to 1495 to 1500 can be seen at Newarke environment. Houses Museum.

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The King Richard III Visitor Centre

www.visitleicester.info VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE 81 Loughbor   ough

Loughborough Carillon and Charnwood

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Loughborough Market Day

Loughborough is a thriving and as part of a £19.3m regeneration Come and varied Market town in the heart of scheme. The work has brought Charnwood’s rolling countryside. together two shopping areas which It offers a wide range of shopping, are centred around a thriving and explore this diverse eating out experiences, varied market in the heart of the family attractions, exciting events town. As well as the specialist and plenty of places to explore. independent shopping streets on wonderful It is home to the world renowned Church Gate, Baxter Gate, Wards Loughborough University and End, and Market Street there are its thousands of students create also three shopping centres - The Market a lively buzz during term times. Rushes, Carillon Court and Regent The main pedestrianised shopping Place – which are home to many town area has recently been extended top high street brands. For details of shopping offers and events visit: www.loveloughborough.co.uk

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The Market in the heart of the from across the area selling and parents town plays an important role a wide range of interesting can relax in the in the vitality of Loughborough. organic, healthy food and decdeckchairs! The Weekly Market is held every drink with a wealth Loughborough has Thursday and Saturday with over of knowledge about their a llarge selection 125 stall holders. specialised products. of car parks The Vintage Market is held every During the summer months there’s which are located around the main Friday and offers over 40 traders a range of family friendly activities shopping areas. They offer great selling antiques, collectables, and that take place in the town value and convenience and have memorabilia. A Farmers’ Market including the transformation of the won Secured Car Park awards is held on the second Wednesday Market Place into a virtual seaside so shoppers know they are safe of each month with producers where children can play in the sand to use.

Loughborough Sock Gallery TOP FIVE THINGS TO SEE & DO 1. Climb to the top of the Carillon to see the views and its famous bells, and then take a moment to view the Great Paul Bell Case from which the Great Paul Bell was cast. 2. Take a selfie with Sock Man 3. Find out more about Loughborough’s literary heritage at the Festival of Children’s Illustrated Literature 4. Pick up a bargain at the Loughborough Market 5. Enjoy views of three If you’re looking for culture The Town Hall is also home counties at the top of then Loughborough Town Hall to the Sock Art Gallery which Beacon Hill Country Park is the place to go! The theatre has an impressive range of local has a range of comedy, theatre and national artists work on sale. productions, events and the annual pantomime.

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A place to learn

Charnwood Museum

Charnwood Museum

Situated in the idyllic Queen’s festival will celebrate 100 years of Park is the Carillon War Memorial, Ladybird Books with an exhibition where visitors can climb the in Charnwood Museum as well as 138 steps to the top of the bell workshops, events and fun filled tower for breath-taking views family illustration activities. of Loughborough and the For more details and to book surrounding countryside. your tickets visit Also located in Queen’s Park www.loogabaraooga.com is the award winning Charnwood Museum which has an impressive range of exhibitions TOP FIVE LEISURE ATTRACTIONS including the history of Loughborough and the wider 1. Discover Incredible Illustrations and Brilliant Books at the borough and Ladybird Corner Loogabarooga Festival at venues across the town between which depicts the town’s 22-26th October connection with this well-loved 2. Step back in time on the Great Central Railway brand. This autumn the 3. Find out about Lady Jane Grey, the nine day Queenat Loogabarooga Festival of Bradgate Park Incredible Illustrations and 4. Explore Charnwood Forest and enjoy afternoon tea at one Brilliant Books will take place of the many picturesque villages in the town. This exciting, new 5. Pet the animals at Stonehurst Farm

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Great Central Railway

On the outskirts of Loughborough, people can enjoy fantastic outstanding natural beauty with miles of rolling countryside, forest and national parks, where some of the oldest rocks in Europe can Family fun at Bradgate Park be discovered. There are many picturesque villages and water ways for exploring by boat, on Bradgate Park is Leicestershire’s foot or by bicycle. There are lots largest country park which has of other places to explore including 840 acres where red and fallow the Great Central Railway, deer roam freely. The ruins of the Britain’s only double track main home of Lady Jane Grey, the tragic line steam railway which runs nine day Queen, can be explored Explore the ruins of from Loughborough to Leicester. in the middle of the park. Lady Jane Grey’s home

To find out more about Loughborough and Charnwood visit www.goleicestershire.com/loughborough

Visit Stoneywell Cottage to discover one of only a handful of notable Arts and Crafts houses in England and the only remaining cottage of its kind in Leicestershire. Located in the heart of the Charnwood Forest, the cottage still contains much of its original purpose-built furniture which is now cared for by the National Trust for the nation as a significant archive of historical material. As well as the cottage, the gardens and woodland and on-site tea shop are open to the public but visits must be pre-booked and can be done by visiting www.nationaltrust.org.uk Stoneywell Cottage ©James Dobson /stoneywell

www.visitleicester.info VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE 85 SAMPLING A TASTE he culinary pedigree of Leicestershire's world are scores of Asian eateries of all sizes, representing famous food can't really be explained, it needs all regions. T to be tasted. From Melton Mowbray's pork pies to Everard's ales, food and drink is our specialty. Feast India, a huge buffet-style restaurant sits at one end of Belgrave Road and offers every type of Asian The city is lucky enough to have one of the country's cuisine you can think of. finest collections of Asian restaurants and is a former Curry Capital winner. Spice lovers flock to the Golden Slightly smaller, yet no less delicious, is Bobby's – a Mile for its fabulous Indian cuisine. vegetarian restaurant which has really made a name for itself as a quality eatery. If you think you need meat And Leicestershire and Rutland also has its share of for a decent curry then one meal at Bobby's will have the pages in the latest Michelin Guide – the you thinking again. benchmark of fine dining. But if fine dining isn't for you, and let's be honest you can only have so much foam and jus, the city is also home to internationally Pork pies renowned Walkers crisps. Two things are popular in Melton – fox hunting and So there really is something for everyone. pork pies. One is controversial. The other is a meat and jelly-filled delicacy which has been around since the 18th century. But both share their history. Curry The crusty pastry pork treat became popular among The Golden Mile is Leicester's window to Asia and a fox hunters in the late 1700s and the tradition of the colourful and vibrant example of a remarkable culture. hunt and its associated snack of choice have stuck Along Melton Road, in the Belgrave area of the city, with Melton ever since. Melton Mowbray pork pies are

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OF LEICESTERSHIRE protected under European law, which means if they're protected under European law which means it is made anywhere other than Melton, they can't be made in only three counties, Leicestershire, associated with the town. The most famous of all of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, to a strict recipe – or Melton's pork pie makers is Dickens and Morris, Stilton code – allowing it to be called Stilton. which has a shop in the town's high street. Legend has it that Leicestershire's Stilton was Leicester recently welcomed back another much- discovered in a small farm in Melton Mowbray in 1730 loved pork pie retailer, with the opening of the Walkers' and taken back to Stilton, in Cambridgeshire – where shop on Cheapside. it got its name

Walker & Son was founded in Leicester in 1824 by There are a number of dairies producing Stilton in the Mark Walker, who opened a butchers' shop on East Midlands including Long Clawson – a regular Leicester High Street. At first their sausages were a award-winner. hit, and then they opened a bakery which is when the Walkers' pork pie was born. Red Leicester During meat rationing in World War ll they used One of the most successful afterthoughts in culinary surplus fat from meat products and locally grown creation history, Red Leicester was traditionally made potatoes to produce potato crisps, becoming the with all the surplus milk from the Stilton dairies. original creators of the famous snack brand. It has gone on to be one of the greatest cheeses this country has ever produced. Anyone who has had Stilton cheese cheese on toast with Red Leicester will testify to that. Stilton cheese is another of Leicestershire's products One of the best examples of Red Leicester is from

www.visitleicester.info VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE 87 Sparkenhoe Red Leicester Cheese

Sparkenhoe Farm, in Upton, south west Curve theatre, for example. Leicestershire, which has won awards for its exceptional produce. Belvoir Brewery (pronounced 'beaver' – if you're not from Leicester), also creates some golden full-bodied beers, dark stouts and ruby ales. Everards The brewery provides 275 pubs in a 50 mile radius From cheese to ale... Leicestershire's brewing with its amber – and some darker – nectar, and is a expertise comes in the form of national beer giant fine example of local brewing. Well worth a try. Everards as well the county's collection of award- winning micro breweries. Pukka pies, Walkers Crisps, Hula Everards was founded in 1849 by William Everard and Thomas Hull and produces cask ales as well as Hoops, Nik Naks and Space holding a pub portfolio of more than 170 tenanted Raiders (Wigston), pubs - mostly in the Leicestershire area. Leicester has to be the crisps capital of the UK. Tiger is probably its probably best known product Not only does the county hold claim to being the and is named in honour of the Leicestershire home of Walkers Crisps, but childhood favourites (and Regiment, the Tigers – an infantry regiment with a adult guilty secrets) Space Raiders, Nik Naks and Hula history going back to 1688. Hoops are all made in the county. On a smaller yet equally tasty scale are the county's Anyway, that is a small and tasty cross section of micro breweries, which can found dotted across all Leicestershire's food pedigree – a taster, if you like. 2,156km2 of Leicestershire. But the only way to know for yourself is indulge for In Market Harborough, there is the Langton yourself. Brewery, which produces a variety of ales sold in and around Harborough and Leicester City Centre – Bon appétit.

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Walkers Crisps factory

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We wish everyone a happy and safe RugbyWorld Cup

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Conkers

North West Leicestershire is at the No multi-purpose forest on At the heart of The National Forest and this scale has been created home to East Midlands Airport in the UK for one thousand years. with easy links to the major road The National Forest provides heart of network. The National Forest area environmental, social and covers 200 square miles across economic benefits, including the counties of Leicestershire, landscape enhancement, creation The Derbyshire and Staffordshire. of new wildlife habitats and Over eight million trees have already major new access and leisure National been planted, more than trebling opportunities. The Woodland Trust woodland cover, creating new flagship Queen Elizabeth Diamond habitats for wildlife and a beautiful Jubilee Wood near Ravenstone, Forest landscape for everyone to enjoy. is planted with 200,000 trees.

92 VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE www.visitleicester.info Formula-e testing  Great days out

This part of the county is home Events are also very much At Castle Donington you can to an impressive amount of family a feature of Coalville there is explore the East Midlands Aero attractions, there’s plenty to keep entertainment a plenty with Park and at the world famous all the family entertained. The various festivals including the Donington Park you can see award winning family attraction, annual Food and Drink Festival, some of the greatest cars in Conkers, situated in the heart of www.coalvilletownteam.co.uk history at the Donington Grand the Forest in Moira is the perfect and Picnic in the Park Prix Collection. There are lots day out for all the family. From www.nwleics.gov.uk. of race days that take place obstacle courses, barefoot walks, Moira Furnace provides visitors at Donington Park including treetop walks and an amazing with a unique insight into the formula-e testing. adventure playground, there’s industrial heritage of this area plenty to keep all the family and holds lots of themed events active! throughout the year.

                                                                

                     01509 672518

www.visitleicester.info VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE 93   History & Heritage North West Leicestershire has a fascinating past and you can discover more about the heritage Get active of this area from the ruins of Ashby Castle and Grace Dieu Priory, to medieval Donington le Heath Manor House. The industrial heritage of this part of the county is told through exhibitions at the many independent museums.

Retail Therapy Ashby de la Zouch is an ancient market town with a variety of locally owned and specialist shops trading alongside famous high street names, as well as the award winning Mill Lane Mews. Nearby Coalville has an indoor market, high street names in the Belvoir Shopping Centre, and many independent retailers in the town, niche shops and amazing restaurants.

Ashby Castle

If you’re looking for something more active, then Hood Park Leisure Centre with its indoor and outdoor pools at Ashby de la Moira Furnace Zouch is ideal. During the warmer months, the outdoor pool is the perfect place to entertain the kids. Alternatively the many trails and country parks like Sence Valley at TOP FIVE LEISURE ATTRACTIONS Ibstock are perfect for walkers and 1. Hermitage and Hood Park Leisure Centres cyclists. The National Forest Way passes through the area and Hicks 2. Get on your bike at Hicks Lodge, The National Forest Lodge Cycle Centre welcomes Cycle Centre all ages and abilities. Snibston 3. Experience woodland crafts at Conkers Discovery Museum is located in 4. Feel the speed at Donington Park Coalvile. 5. Discover the secret passage at Ashby Castle

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Take a stroll around the tranquil Sence Valley

Local produce is available from Farmers Markets which are held TOP FIVE THINGS TO SEE & DO in Ashby de la Zouch and Castle Donington, Cattows Farm Shop 1. National Forest 10k, Sunday 10th October at Heather, and Hill Farm and The 2. Strawberry Fields Music Festival, August 21st/22nd/23rd August Mushroom Basket at Packington. 3. Ashby Statues Fair, 18th-22nd September A visit to the craft centres at Moira Furnace, Breedon Priory and The 4. Coalville Christmas Lights Switch On and Coalville Food Ferrers Centre at Staunton Harold and Drink Festival, 21st November are a must for art and craft lovers. 5. Ashby Christmas Fair, 28th November

For more information on North West Leicestershire please call the Tourist Information Centre on 01530 411767 or visit www.somewherenicetogo.co.uk

Join £27.75 per month membership now! SIMPLY BECOME A CORPORATE MEMBER Membership includes access to: Over 100 fitness classes a week 3 swimming pools Health Suite 2 Evolution fitness suites at Hermitage Leisure Centre, Coalville and Hood Park Leisure Centre, Ashby de la Zouch For more information visit www.nwleics.gov.uk/fitness_membership *Terms and conditions apply

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Leicester Train Station

100 VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE www.visitleicester.info VISITLEICESTER&LEICESTERSHIRE MEANS OF TRAVEL o find out about the many different ways to National Express: travel around Leicester and Leicestershire, go to Tel: 08717 81 81 81 choosehowyoumove.co.uk/everyday T National Express, Disabled Persons Travel Helpline: This website has a journey planner that gives Tel: 08717 81 81 79 information on all the different options, whether you’re travelling by train, bus, car or on foot. Just put in details of where you are and where you want to go, Buses and choose the best option for you. There is a map of Leicester on page 96. All buses into the city, including the Leicester/shire Park & Ride services, drop you within walking distance of the shops, cathedral and King Richard III Visitor Trains Centre. Leicester’s railway station is on London Road (A6) For bus information go to travelineeastmidlands.co.uk in the city centre, LE2 0QB. You can walk to the Telephone: 0871 200 22 33 main shopping area in five minutes. From Leicester you can get direct trains to London, The Haymarket Bus Station is currently closed for Birmingham, Nottingham, Derby, Sheffield and redevelopment. Bus services that use the station have Stansted Airport, as well as local towns. See: been temporally relocated to nearby stops. Details of nationalrail.co.uk affected services are posted on boards around the station. For enquiries contact: For more information go to National Rail: 08457 48 49 50 leicester.gov.uk/haymarketbusstation TrainTracker™: 0871 200 49 50 TrainTracker™: Text “Leicester” to: 8 49 50 Park and Ride The Park and Ride Quicksilver shuttle offers users a Airports fast, frequent and hassle free journey into Leicester city centre. The service operates six days a week, The closest airport to Leicester is East Midlands – 18 Monday to Saturday, from 7am until 7pm, from three miles north on the M1. Visitors travelling from East sites. Midlands Airport can travel to Leicester city centre on the Skylink bus. Skylink operates every 30 minutes North (for A6/A46) during the day and hourly at night, 24 hours a day, Birstall: service 303 seven days a week. For a timetable and more information, please visit skylink.co.uk Opposite Leicester North Services, A6/A46 Junction, Loughborough Road, Birstall, Leicester LE4 4NP. Travellers from Birmingham International Airport can Route stops at Haymarket and Causeway Lane. take the train to Birmingham New Street and change to a direct train to Leicester. Leicester also has a direct West (for M1 J21a/A47) rail link to Stansted Airport in Essex. Meynell’s Gorse: service 103 Braunstone Crossroads, Leicester LE3 3LF. Route Coaches stops at St Nicholas Circle. Long distance coaches to Leicester arrive at St South west (for M1 J21/M69) Margaret’s Bus Station LE1 3AG, by the inner ring road (A594) Burleys Way. Enderby: service 203

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Leicester Lane, Leicester LE19 2AB. Route stops at choosehowyoumove.co.uk/everyday Leicester Royal Infirmary, Oxford Street and St Nicholas Circle. Day tickets cost £3 per person. Group Free bike maps for Leicester and Leicestershire are ticket: £3.50 for a car with up to five occupants also available at all good bike shops, the Visit travelling together in both directions. Children under Leicester centre, libraries and sports centres. You can five travel free. Parking is free. Buy a ticket on the bus. download them from leicester.gov.uk/cycling Phone: 0116 305 0002 (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm) Cycle racks are provided on most city centre streets, quicksilverbus.co.uk within Highcross shopping centre and the Cultural Quarter. Secure bicycle parking is available at the Bike Park in Town Hall Square (£1 per day) and at the Walking railway station (£10 for a year’s use). Find your best walking route from door to door on walkit.com or using the directions on Car parks choosehowyoumove.co.uk/everyday Follow the car park zone signs to find a space at one There is a map of the city centre on page 96. of the city’s many car parks. For more information and a map showing locations of Cycling car parks, go to leicester.gov.uk/parking There are signed National Cycle Network Routes to Car sharing and from the city centre. Follow NCN 6 routes from north and south. Follow NCN 63 from east and west. LeicesterSHARE is our car sharing scheme. It is a free, You can find your cycling route at secure online service that puts people who are making

102 VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE www.visitleicester.info VISITLEICESTER&LEICESTERSHIRE the same journey in touch with each other. It is a way of sharing a regular or one-off journey by either offering people a lift or asking for a lift. Car sharing allows you to benefit from the convenience of making a journey by car, whilst cutting the cost of travel by sharing petrol and parking costs, and reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. leicesterSHARE.com Open Monday to Saturday: 9.30am - 3pm. Traffic and travel information 0116 253 2596 Haymarket Shopmobility (Charles Street, at the side of Find up to date travel information on the BBC the Haymarket): Leicester website: bbc.co.uk/leicester Open Monday to Friday: 9.30am—4pm, Saturdays Shopmobility 9.30am—3.30pm. Shopmobility is a FREE loan service providing 0116 253 7125 scooters, powerchairs and wheelchairs, available to 'Accessible Leicester' is our comprehensive city anyone who struggles to walk around the city centre. centre guide and information booklet for disabled You will need to join to use the service. Membership is people planning a trip into Leicester. It is available to free — please telephone: 0116 253 2596 for details. view online in an easy to view flip-book version, which requires Flash Player plug-in software available from Highcross Shopmobility (Rooftop car park level 2): the Adobe website.

Indian Fine Dining & Champagne bar HIGHCR OSS I LEICES TER Mem-Saab offers the authentic taste of an Indian home, in an atmosphere conducive to fine dining 2 course ‘Fast-Track’ Lunch £7.95 Everyday 11.30am-5.00pm

Chef’s Table Private Dining Piano Lounge Thali Menu Champagne Indulge in the Exclusive areas ideal Hosting live coming early Bar &Piano music from www.facebook.com/memsaableics Chef’s for private, parties, next year Lounge 7.30pm every tasting menu with conferences and Friday and Ideal for all the drama of stand-up receptions Saturday everyday and a live kitchen special 59 - 59a Highcross Street,Leicester LE1 4PG. occasions Tel: 0116 253 0243 | E: [email protected] | www.mem-saableics.com W ©L

www.visitleicester.info VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE 103 Quick, hassle free travel to Leicester city centre Park &Ride

Every 12 to 15 mins, Monday to Saturday, 7am to 7pm from Meynell’s Gorse • Enderby • Birstall Visit www.quicksilverbus.co.uk or call 0116 305 0002 City Centre WeddingChic

St Martins House is the ideal backdrop to your city centre wedding.

Providing the perfect mix of cosmopolitan chic and historical charm, this top quality venue ensures a bright, bustling, beautiful experience on your special day.

The excellent transport links are the ultimate perk for your guests!

www.stmartinshouse.com 0116 261 52223 7 Peacock Lane Leicester LE1 5PZ

Opening 16th March

New location looking out on ‘Towards Stillness’ scultpture and Cathedral Gardens.

Find us next to Leicester Cathedral: The final resting place of King Richard III   Market Harborough and Lutterworth

Hallaton Treasure ©Leicestershire County Council

Old Grammar School and church in Market Harborough town centre

Market Harborough is one of the recently been restored to A market ‘jewels of the East Midlands’ with commemorate its 400th birthday. its thriving mix of independent and The Old Grammar School is branded retailers, hotels, diverse complemented by St. Dionysius town full restaurants and welcoming pubs Parish Church – with its along the High Street. It also has towering steeple – which create of history off shoots to the pedestrianised St the picturesque heart of Market Mary’s Shopping Centre where you Harborough. Whilst in Market will find the indoor Harborough Harborough it is well worth and iconic Market. One of the town’s iconic visiting Harborough Museum landmarks is the beautiful timber and Library located in the framed Old Grammar School Symington Building, an attractive landmarks which dates from 1614 and has Victorian era former corset factory.

106 VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE www.visitleicester.info The Symington Building 

The popular museum focuses is where you will find local produce BoilerHouse in Foxton, near on local commerce, such as the sold in the indoor market, open Market Harborough. Foxton history of the Harboro Rubber six days a week, with a retro and Locks is one of the largest flights of Company, Falkner’s boot and shoe vintage market on Wednesdays, staircase locks on the English canal making workshop, railways, corset craft market on Thursdays and system. The BoilerHouse tells the antiques market on Sundays. factory and working in Harborough fascinating story of the locks, the during the wars. You can relax in Welland Park or inclined plane and the people who worked on the canal. The museum also features the cycle along the Millennium Mile It also features artefacts famous Hallaton Treasure, one which runs alongside the town’s river. and a state of the art digital of the most significant Iron Age interpretation of how the inclined finds in Britain. The recently Another major landmark of the plane worked in the past. redeveloped Harborough Market area is Foxton Locks and The

TOP FIVE THINGS TO SEE & DO 1. Cycle or walk along the Millennium Mile and other routes 2. Attend the many cultural events – including Arts Fresco 3. Find out all about Sir Frank Whittle at the Lutterworth Museum 4. Visit the Lubenham Union Wharf Scarecrow festival on Saturday 12th/Sunday There are miles of towpaths At the top of the town you will find 13th September to walk along, as well as the Union Wharf, a picturesque 5. Explore the unique tearooms and pubs including setting, comprising workshops, independent shops in the the award winning Foxton a restaurant, studios and district Locks Inn. Foxton Locks is free to apartments, residential moorings visit, although there is a charge for and canal boats you can hire. parking. It is pay and display Wistow Maize Maze and so bring some change, however Activity Funyard is a fantastic PARKING IS FREE AT BOTTOM attraction, just 10 minutes drive CAR PARK AFTER 5PM. north of Market Harborough.

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Sir Frank Whittle sculpture

Interesting Fact: It is believed that Lutterworth is the place where Canon John Wycliffe produced the first translation of the Foxton Locks Bible from Latin into English. Follow the fun quiz trail through 8 acres of maize crop, find and collect clues hidden amongst 3 miles of paths, with high level bridges and viewing towers giving panoramic views of the giant TOP FIVE LEISURE ATTRACTIONS maze and the beautiful surrounding countryside. 1. Kilworth House Theatre The theme for 2015 is the Rugby 2. Foxton Locks World Cup and visitors can collect 3. Harborough Museum and Hallaton Treasure interesting facts whilst having 4. Wistow Maze fun in the maze. It’s open between 18th July 5. Welland Park - Sunday 8th September 7 days a week, and weekends until 20th September.

108 VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE www.visitleicester.info Wistow Maze

Opposite the maze is Wistow Rural Centre home to independent shops selling jewellery, art, toys, clothing, furniture and gifts galore. Visitors can enjoy lunch at the café bistro and browse the well-stocked garden centre. Theatre goers will love the superb location of Kilworth House Theatre. The theatre is set in a beautifully wooded glade in the grounds of Kilworth House Hotel situated between Market Harborough and Lutterworth. Enjoy an evening out at Kilworth House Theatre Lutterworth is a busy town with a good range of places to shop, eat and drink. Interesting Fact: Lutterworth is best known for its connection to Sir Frank Whittle, In 1841 Thomas Cook, a wood turner and cabinet maker inventor of the jet engine. in Market Harborough organised the first group travel by rail The town’s museum, situated from Leicester to Loughborough founding the travel agency just 5 minutes walk from the heart bearing his name of Lutterworth on the Gilmorton Road, houses many artefacts including a large collection of To find out more about Sir Frank Whittle’s memorabilia. A stunning aeroplane sculpture Market Harborough visit stands proudly on the roundabout www.goleicestershire.com/ approaching Lutterworth from Junction 20 of the M1. harborough

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St Nicholas Circle , Leicester, LE1 5LX (5 minute walk from the Cathedral) 0116 253 9327 www.hileicesterhotel.co.uk

Stay overnight at the Holiday Inn, located within a 5 minute walk from the Cathedral. Enjoy all the facilities including on site swimming pool, sauna & spa

Self Catering Events The Leicestershire suite can accommodate up to 250 guests, fully air conditioned room, private lobby & bar, discounted room rates

College Court Conference Centre and Hotel The venue that works for you!

Award winning excellence for all our guests.  123 bedrooms including executive rooms & suites  18 meeting rooms  140 cover restaurant and private dining room  Bar  Inspirational catering     Free on-site parking  Free offsite gym facilities  Private gardens to relax and think  1 fantastic team

Call our team Tel: 0116 244 9669 Email: [email protected] www.collegecourt.co.uk

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YUMMYSCRUMMY

MARCO’S NEW YORK ITALIAN EXPRESS LUNCHES 2 Courses - £10.95 3 Courses - £13.95 Available Monday -Saturday, 12pm - 2pm Time to give it a try!

To book call: 011625 75533 Or visit: www.mpwrestaurants.com

Mercure Leicester,The Grand Hotel, 73 Granby Street, Leicester, LE1 6ES

www.visitleicester.info VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE 111 Mercure Leicester The Grand Hotel

FIND THE PERFECT

hether you are travelling on a budget, or accommodation right in the heart of the newly want to treat yourself to city style, Leicester regenerated city centre. Enjoy all that this vibrant city W and Leicestershire have an amazing has to offer including out of this world attractions, selection of accommodation to suit your every need. vibrant festivals, eclectic nightlife and inspirational shopping experiences. Experience country living in converted barns on working farms, enjoy the views of Leicestershire's For those travellers on a budget there's the Ramada countryside from a hot tub or narrowboat. You can Encore, conveniently situated near Curve in the even enjoy a night under the stars at one of our Cultural Quarter or if you're looking for a little more campsites. Alternatively you can sit back and relax in luxury, there's the newly refurbished Mercure the grandeur of a country house, enjoy the glamour of Leicester, The Grand Hotel on Granby Street that a chic city centre hotel, stay the green way at a youth offers four star accommodation and a unique food hostel, stay in campus accommodation or on a farm and drink experience at the newly opened Marco Pierre White restaurant. Visitors can experience chic, city style while they relax in the luxury of award-winning, boutique The award winning Maiyango Hotel and

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ACCOMMODATION

Restaurant offers a boutique hotel experience in the including the Ibis, Premier Inn and Travelodge as heart of the city. The Mediterranean inspired well as the Holiday Inn which is perfectly located for restaurant has an award winning menu and an visitors to the new King Richard III Visitor Centre and impressive cocktail list and once you've have enough has leisure and spa facilities as well as convenient to eat and drink, the luxurious hotel rooms offer a parking. perfect place for rest and recuperation before you resume your city adventure. Further out of the city centre at junction 21 of the M1 is the 4 star Marriott Hotel with excellent dining and Situated on the tree lined New Walk, approximately leisure facilities on site and the Hilton which offers a five minutes walk from the railway station is The good range of family rooms as well as leisure facilities. Belmont Hotel. This family owned, town house hotel is a unique retreat in the city centre. With family and Leicestershire offers a fantastic range of luxury rooms, the Belmont is ideal for visitors looking accommodation from luxurious country houses to for a warm and personal welcome. timber lodges there’s plenty to choose from.

The city also has a number of well know hotel brands There’s over 39 campsites scattered around

www.visitleicester.info VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE 113 The Wordsworth Restaurant at Kilworth House Hotel

114 VISIT LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE www.visitleicester.info Dandelion Hideaway

Leicestershire offering alternative accommodation to 4 star luxury. visitors who enjoy the great outdoors. If you're looking for luxury, then Kilworth House If you’re looking for something entirely different then Hotel in the south of the county offers a unique 4 star take a look at the award winning Dandelion country house experience including its own award Hideaway at Osbaston. They offer the finest winning outdoor theatre! glamping holidays in luxurious canvas tents, which even include roll top baths! In the north of the county Stapleford Park is located within parkland with a reputation for quality and its golf There’s plenty of self catering accommodation in course attracting many international and famous Leicestershire including Upper Rectory Farm visitors. Cottages which are set amid the rolling cornfields of Best Western Ullesthorpe Court Hotel and Golf Appleby Magna, or escape to the timber lodges of Course offers 4 star accommodation with leisure Eye Kettleby Lakes near Melton Mowbray, where facilities including a full 18 hole golf course and in you’ll find total luxury with four poster beds, double Hinckley there are two 4 star hotels that provide ended baths and jacuzzis. Foxton Locks Lodges excellent facilities for families at Sketchley Grange are set in an idyllic retreat near Foxton Locks, Market Hotel and Hinckley Island Hotel. Or enjoy the warm Harborough and offer the highest standards of luxury family welcome at the award winning Badger’s and are available all year. Mount Hotel.

Alternatively there’s a wide range of b&bs and guest To the north of the county you can enjoy afternoon tea houses across the county. Horseshoe Cottage on the lawn at Scalford Hall Hotel or enjoy views of Farm offers a warm welcome and is superbly located the rolling countryside at Best Western Sysonby opposite Bradgate Park or Holywell Guest House in Hotel. Loughborough, a handsome red brick Victorian building just minutes away from the town centre. Whatever type of accommodation you’re looking for Bybrook Barn Bed and Breakfast, just outside you’re sure to find something to suit your Swithland is reputed for their freshly cooked requirements and budget in Leicester and breakfasts and home from home welcome. Leicestershire.

For visitors who prefer hotel accommodation there are ■ For more information all accommodation and short plenty to choose, from good quality budget through to break offers, visit www.goleicestershire.com

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