Leicester is a city in the East Midlands, set on the River Soar and close to the eastern end of the National Forest. It is an old settlement with a Roman past, a cathedral that holds the tomb of Richard III, and a modern centre shaped by shopping, sport and a large student population.
For a visitor, the practical geography is simple. The railway station sits just south of the city centre, and most of the places to stay cluster within a short walk of it, around St Nicholas Circle to the west, and around the Haymarket shopping area to the north-east. This guide covers which of those areas to base yourself in, and what each is like for different kinds of trips.
Best areas to stay in Leicester
1. City centre, around the railway station
This is the most convenient base for a first visit. The station is on the Midland Main Line and the Birmingham to London Stansted Airport line, so you can arrive and be at your accommodation within minutes. A number of places sit within a few hundred yards of the station, on St George's Way and St George's Tower, and along Charles Street and De Montfort Street.
It suits first-time visitors and anyone arriving by train who wants the cathedral, the shopping core and the main sights within walking distance. Expect functional, inexpensive chain-style places rather than anything grand. One practical point: this area is central and busy, so ask for a room away from the street if traffic noise bothers you.
2. St Nicholas Circle and the west of the centre
Just west of the centre, around St Nicholas Circle, you are close to the Jewry Wall and its museum, where the remains of Roman Leicester's baths can be seen. This puts you within easy reach of the historic core while staying slightly off the main shopping streets.
It suits visitors who want the Roman and medieval sights on their doorstep and a quieter base than the immediate station area. Accommodation here is largely smart, friendly mid-range hotel stock. The trade-off is that you are a short walk from the station rather than right beside it.
3. Haymarket and the shopping centre
The Haymarket area, on the north-east side of the centre, is built around the shopping centre. Staying here puts you directly in the retail core, with the market and the main shopping streets on your doorstep.
It suits shoppers and visitors who want to be in the middle of the action and do not mind some bustle. Rooms here tend to be large and clean, in the budget-to-mid-range bracket. One practical point: because you are inside a shopping district, expect crowds during the day and check whether your room faces the street.
4. Vaughan Way and the north-west edge of the centre
Vaughan Way runs along the north-western edge of the centre, close to the ring road and within reach of the Highcross shopping area. It is a short walk from the core but feels slightly removed from it.
It suits travellers with a car, since parking is available at Highcross with a reduction for some guests, and those who prefer a quieter edge-of-centre position. Accommodation is clean and comfortable budget-to-mid-range stock. One practical point: some rooms pick up street noise, so it is worth asking for a quieter side.
5. Raw Dykes Road, by the football ground
This area sits next to the football ground, south of the centre. It is a practical base if your trip revolves around a match or an event at the stadium.
It suits football visitors above all. Accommodation is comfortable and mid-range. The important practical point is timing: the area becomes noisy and crowded when there is a game on, so it is a poor choice if you want calm, and a good one if you want to be close to the action.
6. The western edge and outer roads
Further out, there are places on the western edge of the city near the beltway, and along the A47 Hinckley Road. These sit away from the centre entirely.
They suit drivers who want easy road access and do not need to be within walking distance of the sights. Expect the same functional, inexpensive chain-style accommodation as in the centre. The practical trade-off is clear: you will need a car or a bus to reach the centre, the station and the cathedral.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: functional, inexpensive chain-style places, including options within the Haymarket shopping centre and on the edge of the centre. Rooms are typically described as large and clean, with some street noise in certain locations.
- Mid-range: smart, friendly hotels around St Nicholas Circle and the station area, plus comfortable places near the football ground. Expect a decent, central base with a short walk to the sights.
- Splurge: the historic, refurbished hotel stock in the centre, on Granby Street, which offers the most character of the central options.
Best area for a first visit
Base yourself in the city centre around the railway station. It is the most connected part of the city, with the station on two main lines and the cathedral, shopping core and central sights all within walking distance. It also gives you the widest choice of places to stay, from inexpensive and functional to historic and refurbished.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I stay if I am arriving by train?
The city centre around the railway station is the obvious choice. Several places sit within a few hundred yards of the station, on St George's Way, St George's Tower, Charles Street and De Montfort Street, so you can walk to your accommodation rather than take a taxi.
Which area is best if I am in Leicester for a football match?
Raw Dykes Road, next to the football ground, is the closest base. Be aware that the area is noisy and crowded when there is a game on, which is either the point of staying there or a reason to avoid it.
Where can I stay if I want to be near the Roman sights?
Look at the area around St Nicholas Circle, on the west side of the centre. The remains of Roman Leicester's baths can be seen at the Jewry Wall, with recovered artefacts displayed at the adjacent museum.
Do I need a car to get around from the outer areas?
If you stay on the western edge of the city or along the A47 Hinckley Road, you are away from the centre and will need a car or public transport to reach the station, the cathedral and the shopping core. Central areas are walkable.
Compare live prices for these areas with the booking tools on this page before you decide.