As it is only an hour from London and located in ‘the Midlands’ (literally, the middle of this small country), is easily accessed from many directions.

For long-haul visitors: Leicester is easily reached from all London airports (with direct train links from Luton and Stansted, and only one transfer required from Heathrow, Gatwick, and City airports). Birmingham Airport is equally well-accessible. Manchester is also an option, with train and taxi connections.

For European and Northern Irish visitors: In addition to all of the above, Leicester is also serviced by a more continentally-focused airport (—EMA). It is only a short bus ride to Leicester’s city centre.

Connections from the are incredibly convenient, as the Eurostar arrives at the station where trains depart London for Leicester. The Eurostar and East Midlands waiting areas are literally on top of one another, and Eurostar trains can sometimes be seen departing alongside East Midlands trains on parallel tracks. They literally could not be closer!

For the adventurous, ferries from Ireland, the Netherlands and France are also an option, as they arrive in the South and , and have train links.

From the island of Britain: Leicester is conveniently located in the middle of the country, making it easy to reach for visitors from all regions of Britain. It is a hub for travel across eastern/central Britain, with almost all trains stopping.

While many equate British urban life with London, those who live in the UK know that the country is actually home to a huge number of smaller cities. Leicester is the 15th largest, and has a full range of cultural activities.

The Guildhall

Opened to the public as a museum in 1926 (free admission) and its Great Hall is a beautiful performance venue. https://www.leicester.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/museums-and-galleries/museums-and- historic-venues/guildhall/

The Last Plantagenet

Discover the car park that hid Richard, the 3rd and the thrilling story! https://kriii.com

Newarke Houses Museum – 5 minutes’ walk from the University of Leicester’s main campus

https://www.visitleicester.info/see- and-do/new-walk-museum-and-art- gallery-p700961

National Space Center

does not need introduction being the largest Planetarium in the UK. https://spacecentre.co.uk

Leicester Cathedral

Located very close to the Guildhall and is the resting place of Richard the 3rd.

https://leicestercathedral.org

Bradgate Park

To get in touch with nature.

https://www.bradgatepark.org/events-and-guided-walks

Great Central Railway

Going from Leicester to Loughborough, this historical train ride recreates the history of Thomas Cook (considered the father of modern tourism) and its first touristic excursion ever marketed. This route is also the only place in the world where full size steam engines can be seen passing each other – just as it was when steam ruled the rails.

http://www.gcrailway.co.uk

Foxton Locks consist of ten canal locks consisting of two "staircases" each of five locks, the largest in England. All surrounded by ’s picturesque countryside.

https://www.goleicestershire.com/outdoors/foxton.aspx

Bosworth Battlefield

The Battle of Bosworth took place in the fields surrounding Market Bosworth in Leicestershire. Here is where King Richard III fought for his crown, losing his life and the throne of England to Henry Tudor. https://www.bosworthbattlefield.org.uk

The Phoenix

Our excellent arts cinema may be a welcome site of alternative entertainment for some attendees.

https://www.phoenix.org.uk

Leicester is a diverse city, holding a beautiful multicultural environment and a long history.

It’s the city of Thomas Cook and home of the Foxes.

For more information and additional sightseeing, you may visit: https://www.visitleicester.info/see-and-do/attractions https://www.storyofleicester.info/city-stories/a-city-of-diversity/ As Leicester is located in the East Midlands it holds the advantage of being close to many cities that would make a brilliant addition as a daily visit if not more.

London needs no further introductions

Birmingham is the 2nd largest city in the UK where you may have a beautiful cruise across the canals or have a shopping spree at Bullring which is opposite New Street train station.

https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/50050/culture_arts_and_heritage/179/canals_of_bir mingham

Stratford- upon- Avon is a beautiful small city that holds the places where the Bard lived and died.

‘All the world's a stage,

And all the men and women merely players…’ https://www.shakespeare.org.uk/visit/shakespeares-birthplace/

Lincoln with the beautiful cathedral and the breathtaking view from the castle walls.

https://lincolncathedral.com

Warwickshire

Warwick with its wonderfully preserved castle

https://www.warwick-castle.com

Northampton

Althorp House – The family Home of late Princess Dianna and final resting place

https://spencerofalthorp.com/

Nottingham

Nottingham, just next door, expands options further, and has Sherwood Forest of ‘’ fame. It is also known for its caves, as seen to the right.

https://www.nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk/venue/city- of-caves/

The Peak District, located to the North, is a natural area which attracts much interest and tourism.

https://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk