Affordable Summer Stays in Leicester: Why The Grange is Perfect for Your Visit 

A city steeped in history and somewhat of an underrated gem in the UK, Leicester is an exciting destination for 2025. With a blend of ancient and modern attractions, great food, and plenty of green spaces, it’s a unique city break that has plenty to explore during the summer months. 

If you’re heading to the city this summer – perhaps to explore your new university city, for a summer internship, or just for a staycation – here’s a look at some of the best things to fill your time:   

History and Culture

Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or into science, there’s plenty to keep you engaged in Leicester: 

• Leicester is famously home to the remains of King Richard III, who was discovered hidden beneath a car park over 500 years after becoming the last King of England to die in battle. So remarkable is this story that no trip to the city would be complete without a visit to the Richard III Visitor Centre, an interactive museum that invites you to become a detective in unearthing his past. Special events this summer celebrate the 540th Anniversary of the Battle of Bosworth and include the culmination of the 10-year Missing Princes Project.

• Perhaps equally famous is Leicester’s National Space Centre. For anyone fascinated by space and astronomy, this is the place to go! Arguably the best space museum in the UK, it’s home to a huge planetarium, flight simulators and hands-on exhibitions that kids and adults alike will love. For fans of Star Wars, events this summer include the Galactic Gathering Festival, where you can meet iconic characters in person, try lightsaber training, and even drive a droid. 

• Leicester Museum and Art Gallery is one of the oldest museums in the city and has a wide range of exhibits, including Egyptian artefacts, Victorian art, and dinosaurs. The museum is located near Victoria Park, so it’s easy to pop in for a bit of culture while enjoying a day out in the heart of the city. Did we mention it’s free? 

• Lovers of contemporary art can indulge at the Attenborough Arts Centre, which was founded by Sir David Attenborough – Leicester’s most famous export!  

Outdoor Activities 

Leicester is a surprisingly green city with some fantastic outdoor spaces that offer everything from peaceful parks to scenic nature reserves, historic gardens, and spaces for more extreme adventuring. Some of the best spots include: 

• Bradgate Park, a beautiful 830-acre park just a short drive from the city centre. It’s perfect for a day out, with scenic walks, bike trails, wildlife and stunning views. Summer is the perfect time to spot the park’s herd of deer. The park is also home to an outdoor theatre during summer, with productions of Twelfth Night, Pride and Prejudice, and Alice Through the Looking Glass all scheduled for the coming months. 

• Abbey Park is a lovely Victorian park located just outside the city centre. Wander round the remains of the twelfth century medieval abbey and the ruins of Cavenidsh House. The warmer weather is the perfect time to hire a boat on the lake, explore the beautiful flower gardens in full bloom or try not to get lost in the lavender maze. 
• Adventure lovers can head to the Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre, with activities on offer including canoeing, climbing, archery, orienteering, ziplining and stand-up paddleboarding.  

• Walk part of the Grand Union Canal, which runs from London to Birmingham and cuts right through Leicester. The canal offers miles of peaceful walkways just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. If you walk far enough, you can actually get to the Space Centre on foot!  

Drinks & Dining Scene 

Leicester’s food and drink scene is a vibrant mix of cultures and flavours, reflecting the city’s diverse population and rich heritage:

• Known as the “Curry Capital of the UK,” Leicester offers an incredible range of Indian and South Asian restaurants. Head to the Golden Mile in Evington Road to sample some of the city’s best curries. You can also find a lot of Indian sweet shops, so don’t miss out on a traditional samosa or jalebi.

• Leicester Market is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in Europe, and it’s a must-see if you love food, produce, or unique local goods. You can find everything from fresh produce to international street food and gorgeous delis.
• Leicester has a growing craft beer and brewing scene, and over 50 beers will be on display at the Leicester CAMRA Beer Festival in the grounds of the historic Abbey Pumping Station at the end of June. 

• Check out #LastFriday at LCB Depot in Leicester’s Cultural Quarter. Hosted on the last Friday of every month, the event brings together a range of independent street food vendors in the outdoor courtyard, usually accompanied by live music, pop-up shops, and even comedy acts and DJ sets! 

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Leicester this summer, The Grange is a fantastic, affordable option just a 10-minute walk from the city centre and 15 minutes from the train station. Choose from en-suite rooms or stylish self-contained studios at a fraction of the price you’d expect to pay for city hotels in such a central location. 

The property has plenty of spaces to relax and unwind after a busy day exploring what Leicester has to offer, including a communal living area, a foosball table, and a courtyard garden with outdoor dining facilities; all fantastic ways to mingle and meet like-minded visitors to the city. 

If The Grange sounds perfect for your trip to Leicester, book your stay here.