Somewhat bludgeoned by the Luftwaffe during WWII, and rebuilt by city planners with a Brutalist streak, Leicester doesn’t often appear on lists of the UK’s most beautiful cities, so can easily get overlooked. But it’s big and lively, with an incredible history stretching back beyond the Romans. Our pick of the best places to stay in Leicester features a chic city centre hotel next to the cathedral and a stately mansion conversion on the outskirts of town.

Leicester is where King Richard III was found under a car park — he’s since been reburied in the cathedral and has a rather beautiful visit centre; it has a castle, the National Space Centre, and the largest outdoor covered market in Europe. It also has ancient city walls, Roman ruins and a very healthy list of museums, galleries and arts centres.

Contemporary Leicester is also known for its shopping and food and drink culture. St. Martin’s Square and The Lanes are both elegant, and known for their boutiques and specialty shops, and there are several large shopping centres and malls too. Leicester has a vibrant Indian community, and the Golden Mile is a wonderful place to try Indian food — and to celebrate Diwali. All more great reasons to consider the best places to stay in Leicester for your next city mini break!

The Best Places to Stay in Leicester

For a City Break

• St Martins Lodge has been converted from an elegant Grade II listed Georgian building, and is ideally located for a city break, in the centre of historic Leicester, overlooking the gardens of Leicester cathedral. The lodge has 28 rooms and suites, decorated in a classic style in contemporary colours. There’s no restaurant, but you’re surrounded by places to eat and drink.

For Romantics

• Winstanley House is a stately, red-brick mansion in pristine parkland on the outskirts of Leicester. Its 19 rooms and suites offer a range of decor styles, from traditional to contemporary — all with luxurious bathrooms. The hotel restaurant is fine dining (specialising in steak), and open to non-guests.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• The closest airport to Leicester is East Midlands Airport, about 25 minutes by car or taxi from the centre of Leicester. London Luton Airport is is probably second closest, about an hour and twenty minutes away by car or taxi, or about two hours on the train. If you’re coming from London, trains leave from St. Pancras, and the direct route takes just an hour and five minutes.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Leicester is a busiest during the late spring and early summer months. The National Space Centre, Leicester Cathedral, Richard III’s burial site, the Roman remains, and a swathe of other attractions make Leicester a promising city break destination, with plenty to see and do here year round. Summers are generally mild to warm and the winters cool. The cultural calendar is nicely charged with year-round festivals and events too.

Still not sure where to stay?

• Expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Leicestershire
• Consider one of Leicester’s neighbours: the best places to stay in Nottingham or Derby
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.