Tourism and History

Leicester Tourism and History

Leicester is one of the oldest cities in England; with history going back 2000 years. The city of Leicester was first known as Ratae Coritanorum and was inhabited by the Corieltauvi tribe.  . The Corieltauvi were a Celtic tribe and Leicester was the capital of a territory of what is now known as the East Midlands.

The Roman city of Leicester was founded around AD 50 as a military settlement upon the Fosse Way Roman road. After the military departure, Leicester grew into an important trading region and one of the largest towns in Roman Britain. The remains of the baths of Roman Leicester can be seen at the Jewry Wall and other Roman artefacts are displayed in the Jewry Wall Museum.  The Leicester Market, which is still vibrant today, has a history going back 700 years. 

You can visit the New Walk Museum and Art Gallery situated in the New Walk area of the city.  The Leicester Guildhall dates back to the 15^th Century and the Belgrave Hall, built in the 18^th Century, provides an oasis of peace and quite in the busy city.

After World War II Leicester had a large influx of immigrants from India Kenya and Uganda in the early 1970s.These immigrant groups make up around 40% of Leicester's population, this makes Leicester one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the United Kingdom.   More recently groups of Dutch citizens of Somali origin, have been drawn by its free and easy atmosphere, Leicester today is widely regarded as a model of inter-communal tolerance.

Leicester diverse ethnic and religious community brings numerous festivals to the City with celebrations for all the main religions.   Although very ethnically diverse, the tolerance between the different groups has made Leicester a very peaceful yet vibrant place.

Leicester has a wide variety of Shopping Centres from the big name stores to the smaller independents and affine selection of Jewellery Stores and outdoor markets.

Eating out in Leicester is a pleasurable experience with ethnic culinary delights from all over the world. Leicester has been nominated as the ‘curry' capital of the UK and can satisfy even the most demanding of taste buds.

Leicester has many beautiful and appealing parks.  With open spaces, wonderful flower displays, lakes, cafes, open areas for children, wildlife and historical sites, there is something her for everyone.   For an alternative day out, the family can visit the National Space Museum.

Leicester,  a culturally diverse city with 35 different ethnic languages,  is 1hr 10 minutes from London by train and is the largest city in the East Midlands.  The main train station is located centrally on London Road and walking distance from the city centre.