Leicester – Image Credit: dm3photography (Flickr)
The Cultural Quarter in Leicester was developed in 1999 and designed to revitalise Leicester city centre and create a great destination for tourists. The Cultural Quarter now boasts a variety of different entertainment venues, restaurants, bars and accommodation – as well as some of Leicester’s best business and artist workspaces. Thanks to all of this the area has now become one of the most exciting and diverse districts not just in Leicester, but the whole of the East Midlands, and is a great location for those wanting to visit and discover a new city.
If you’re looking for a quick day out or a weekend city break, then Leicester and its Cultural Quarter is a great option. Here’s a closer look at what makes the area a great travel destination:
Great choice of theatres
Leicester is often overlooked when it comes to theatres, as most tourists are drawn to the bright lights of London’s world famous West End. However, Leicester has a few of its own bright lights – with the famous Curve, spacious Athena and artistic Phoenix theatres all located in the Cultural Quarter.
Curve Theatre, in particular, has a lot of shows on and its unique architecture (above) make it a must see local landmark. The variety and diversity of the plays it hosts means it is always at the top of any ‘what’s on in Leicester’ list. Comedy, drama, child-friendly shows, musicals and much more are represented at the Curve – which never disappoints as a great night out. It also boasts a fashionable café/bar area which is perfect for both pre and post show refreshments.
The nearby Phoenix Arts Centre is another popular cultural hotspot which specialises in cinema as well as live plays and comedy. The Athena, meanwhile, is a huge function and conference centre which often holds fascinating shows and events.
Bars and restaurants aplenty
After a long day shopping, the Cultural Quarter is the perfect place for a relaxing drink – with a variety of classy cocktail bars. Manhattan 34 is a particular favourite with both locals and tourists, thanks to its fantastic 1920’s Prohibition-era interior design and authentic cellar jazz club.
On the restaurant front there’s plenty of choice, with everything from authentic Thai cuisine to traditional English gastro pub food on offer.
If you’re looking for a slightly different tourist destination – especially for day trips or a city break – then Leicester can be a great choice. As well as the great shopping and sporting attractions in Leicester, the Cultural Quarter has added a new dimension – providing a touch of sophistication and decadence to the city.
Away from the Cultural Quarter, Leicester has a lot more to offer – especially in terms of history and sport. The fascinating ruins of Leicester Abbey can be visited in Abbey Park – a traditional Victorian park on the edge of the city centre which has a boating lake, Chinese garden, petting zoo and a host of other attractions.
Due to its Roman heritage, there are also a lot of historic Roman sites to visit – the best of which is the Jewry Wall museum in the city centre. Leicestershire is also home to the historic Battlefield of Bosworth – where the decisive battle of the War Of The Roses took place.
On the sporting front, Leicester city centre boasts two world class stadiums. Welford Road is home to the all-conquering rugby union side Leicester Tigers – the most successful rugby union team in the UK. The King Power Stadium is where Leicester City Football Club play. Both stadiums are regularly open for tours during the off-season – but if you visit Leicester during the rugby or football season then catching a match is well recommended.
Leicester is not always the first city that springs to mind when tourists and daytrippers are planning their holidays – but if you’re after something a little bit different and a trip that is steeped in culture, history, shopping and sport, then Leicester can be a great choice.
Article submitted by Luke Glassford on behalf of Curve Theatre. If you’re looking for things to do in Leicester visit www.curveonline.co.uk.
