Top 6 Day Trips From Leicester, UK

day trips from leicester
Nicole
Nicole 
Published
| 3 min read

Nestled in the region of East Midlands in England, Leicester is a charming city famed for its rich culture and fascinating architecture. Here, you can find the medieval Leicester Cathedral, the 15th-century Kirby Muxloe Castle, and Newarke Houses. Besides remarkable structures, you can find tranquil greenspaces in and out of Leicester, making it a lovely destination for families, couples, and solo wanderers on a soul-searching adventure. You can enjoy scenic morning walks or afternoon jogs at the riverfront Abbey Park. Travel south of the city, and you can spend a day falling in love with the countryside at Bradgate Park. After days of giving in to Leicester’s temptations, you may want to go on side trips to nearby destinations. To give you an idea, browse through this list of top day trips from Leicester, UK.

1. Coventry

Coventry City Centre from One Friargate
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user mintchocicecream used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Thinking of your next destination after indulging in everything Leicester has to offer? With Coventry only 26.5 mi (42.6 km) away from Leicester, you can easily add it to your travel bucket list. This beautiful city in central England is packed with attractions for its visitors. From the historic Coventry Cathedral to the art mecca that is The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, there are plenty of must-visit destinations in the city.

Visiting Coventry with the love of your life one fine spring day? A picnic at the dreamy Coombe Abbey Park might pique your interest.

Visited this place?

2. Stratford-upon-Avon

The Golden Bee in Stratford Upon Avon
Source: Photo by Flickr user Elliott Brown used under CC BY 2.0

Stratford-upon-Avon is an hour’s drive from Leicester. Known as the birthplace of the famous playwright William Shakespeare, this medieval market town lures vacationers with its quintessential charm and easygoing lifestyle, in contrast to concrete jungles. Here, you can actually visit Shakespeare’s half-timbered childhood home, his wife Anne Hathaway’s former residence, and some of his family members’ abodes.

If it’s serenity and scenery you seek, you can enjoy scenic strolls along Stratford-upon-Avon Canal and butterfly-watching at Stratford Butterfly Farm.

Visited this place?

3. Royal Leamington Spa

SP3266 Lansdowne Crescent, Leamington Spa
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user David Stowell used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Although not as popular as other English municipalities such as Stratford-Upon-Avon or Warwick, Royal Leamington Spa is nothing short of captivating. Located about 33.6 mi (54 km) from Leicester, this lovely town is perfect for vacationers who are into less-trafficked destinations. Here, you can marvel at picture-perfect Georgian architecture and spend afternoons in the idyllic lakeside Jephson Gardens.

Art and history buffs will have a field day breezing through Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum, while Instagram-savvy tourists are fond of updating their socials with its breathtaking exhibits.

Visited this place?

4. Nottingham

Art gallery, Nottingham castle, uk
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Tshrinivasan used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Swing by the beautiful city of Nottingham that’s 27.9 mi (44.9 km) from Leicester. It is a slice of heaven on Earth for history and culture buffs, home to the majestic Elizabethan Wollaton Hall, Nottingham Castle, and the medieval Newstead Abbey. If you are into attractions that lean towards the modern, the Nottingham Contemporary is the place for you.

For shopping, dining, and entertainment, you may take to the picturesque Old Market Square, situated right in the heart of Nottingham.

Visited this place?

5. Birmingham

01 Birmingham city night, UK - バーミンガム
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Tupungato used under CC BY 3.0

Blessed with lots of time in your hands? You might want to discover the beauty of Birmingham after a week-long holiday in Leicester. The city is 43.6 mi (70.16 km) away from Leicester. This urbanized metropolis blends old and new, with its cityscape dotted with Victorian buildings as well as modern edifices. With a vast canal network, no wonder tourists enjoy scenic walks and waterfront dining while in the city. Explore Sherborne Wharf, and check out its abundance of eateries, nightspots, and trendy galleries.

If you’re visiting with a significant other, you might like to show her the beauty of The Birmingham Botanical Gardens with its colorful flora and peacocks, open daily.

Visited this place?

6. Derby

Derby terrace
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Val Vannet used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Adorned with the beauty of River Derwent, Derby is a charming English city known for its rail industrial heritage. The city is less than an hour’s ride from Leicester. Home to Rolls Royce’s Testbed 80, Derby has a thriving transport manufacturing industry at present.

Besides a booming aero-engineering industry, Derby has other things to offer its visitors. You can enjoy picnics at Markeaton Park and dog walks at Darley Park. If you are a football fan, you might be able to catch a game of Derby County Football Club on their home court Pride Park Stadium. For a complete experience, be sure to swing by Derby Market Hall to sample local delights and score affordable souvenir items.

Visited this place?

Make the most of your Leicester holiday

England is home to many must-visit cities. If you’re planning a holiday in Leicester anytime soon, you may consider checking out nearby cities that are just as breathtaking. Use this list of top day trips from Leicester, UK, as your guide.

Visited this place?
Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

History


Get Trip101 in your inbox

Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

Nicole, a writer and traveler, also identifies herself as a free spirit with a wild heart. She is dedicated to telling authentic stories in a relatable manner. Nicole also enjoys exploring new,...Read more

 Want to contribute as a Local Expert?
Explore Leicester
x
Good things are meant to be shared!
Back to top
Visited any of these places? Click this button to activate our "Add a Tip" feature to share your experience.