Leicester Coach Holidays
Language: English
Currency: Pound Sterling
Time Zone: GMT
Tipping: 10 to 12% is usual for hotels with 10 to 15% being usual for restaurants. In each case, it is not necessarily added to the bill. If a service charge has already been added, no further tip is required.
Leicester - an introduction
The beautiful city of Leicester, brimming with 2000 years of history, cannot fail to inspire on coach trips. The city simply oozes chic-ness and the contemporary shopping areas will keep die-hard shopaholics in utter heaven throughout their stay here. After a hard day's shopping, kick-back those tired feet with an ice-cold drink in one of the many stylish bars and restaurants.
Leicester is the largest city in the East Midlands and it is where Thomas Cook, in 1841, started the travel industry when he organised a trip from Leicester to Loughborough by train. He lived in the city for 50 years and there are a variety of buildings connected to him within the city centre – see if you can spot the monument dedicated to Thomas Cook on your own travels.
More recently, the eyes of the world have been focused on Leicester due to the discovery of King Richard III's skeleton which was buried underneath a council car park in the city. An exhibition marking the discovery of his remains, as well as the ruins of Greyfriars Church, was launched at the Guildhall in February 2013. 'Richard III: Leicester's Search For A King' is a free exhibition at the Guildhall open until Spring 2014. Visitors to the exhibition on Leicester day trips will find detailed examinations about the archaeological excavation as well as learning about the life and times of King Richard III through interactive touchscreen displays. You can also see a model of his skull which is on loan from Loughborough University. The exhibition will be held in Leicester's Guildhall until a permanent Visitor's Centre is available.
Leicester is without a doubt a mecca for history and culture vultures because of its links with famous figures such as Richard III, King Henry VI and Cardinal Wolsey. The city also has links to Egypt and the Romans with Leicester housing one of the highest Roman walls in the country at the Jewry Wall Museum. Visit St Nicholas Church which is a fine example of Saxon architecture and see the original site of Leicester Castle where the Motte is clearly visible at Castle Gardens. Other popular medieval landmarks to pay attention to include the Guildhall, the Elizabethan Chantry House and the Magazine Gateway which can all be seen on coach tours to Leicester.
Aside from history and culture, Leicester is the perfect destination for people of all ages whether you're looking for a vibrant nightlife or just wish to cosy up with a meal from around in the world in one of the city's fabulous restaurants. There's also a choice of theatres and live entertainment to choose from in addition to a calendar jam-packed full of festivals and other events to keep the whole family entertained. Leicester truly is a city that's just waiting to be explored.
Coach trips to Leicester will include return coach travel, accommodation in a quality hotel (unless it's a day trip), meals and excursions.
Tourist office
For further information about Leicester you can visit the tourist office website at visitleicester.info
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Things to do
Leicester is a busy city with lots to see and do. Here are our top spots whilst in and around the city:
Rockingham Castle
Built under the instruction of William the Conqueror and set in the Welland Valley, Rockingham Castle welcomes thousands of visitors each year. Visitors are given the chance to explore the castle at their own pace, although guides are also on hand to answer any questions or queries. The castle gardens are beautifully landscaped; be sure to look at the Elephant Hedge which is 400 years old!
Melton Mowbray
Well known for its famous Pork Pies and Stilton Cheese, Melton Mowbray is a popular destination for visitors to Leicestershire. Stilton Cheese originated near Melton Mowbray and is still produced in the town today. When visiting, be sure to try a Melton Mowbray pork pie from Ye Olde Pork Pie Shoppe; you'll never taste a pork pie like it!
Leicester Abbey
Situated around a mile north of the city of Leicester, the 12th Century Abbey was once one of the largest buildings on the nearby landscape. Leicester Abbey sadly did not survive its turbulent history, but the ruins are located in the 57 acre Abbey Park along with a memorial to Cardinal Wolsey who was laid to rest in the grounds.
Bradgate Country Park
Located within Charnwood Forest, Bradgate Park and Swithland Wood Country Park is a great destination for visitors all year round. It is in this Country Park that you can see Old John Tower, one of Leicestershire's most famous landmarks, standing 690ft above sea level on one of the county's highest points. The park is also home to a herd of Fallow Deer, which were brought to Britain by the Romans, in addition to a herd of Red Deer.
To help you have an enjoyable holiday in England, please take a look at these useful tips and advice provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office:
Health and Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended by all our tour operators and for some operators it is a condition of booking. When choosing a travel insurance please ensure it fully covers all your personal requirements including pre-existing medical conditions, cancellation charges, medical expenses, and repatriation in the event of accident or illness. As a British citizen you will obviously be entitled to free emergency health care on the NHS.
If you are visiting England from outside the United Kingdom and fall ill or are involved in an accident and are from an EU country or Switzerland, you can use a valid EHIC issued by your home country to access healthcare. Please note this is not an alternative to travel insurance. Comprehensive travel insurance is advised for nationalities planning on visiting the UK.
For the latest information and travel advice regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19), please click here
If you need to contact the emergency services whilst in the UK simply dial 999 or 112 to ask for an ambulance.
Crime
The United Kingdom is a safe place to visit, however, as with all countries please exercise common sense. Petty crime can occur so take your usual precautions such as not leaving luggage unattended, beware of pickpockets in tourist areas and leave valuables in the hotel safe.
Local Laws and Customs
Queuing is a British Institution - jump a queue at your own risk!
If you are visiting from outside of the United Kingdom, it is wise to check customs requirements before you travel. If you are planning to bring alcohol, tobacco or souvenirs into the country, you need to be familiar with the UK's custom laws. If you go over your allowances, you may have to pay tax or duty. It is worth checking the HM Revenues and Customs website before you travel.
UK Entry Requirements
When travelling between the UK, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man you may need to show a Border Force officer a document confirming your identity. In most cases an official form of identification such as a driver's license or an armed forces identity card will be ok. However, some airlines will insist you show a passport so please check before you travel.
If you’re from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein you can enter the UK with one of the following identity documents: a passport, an Irish passport card or a national identity card issued by an EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, if you’re eligible to use one. The identity document should be valid for the whole of your stay.
If you’re from outside the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, you must have a valid passport to enter the UK. It should be valid for the whole of your stay. You may also need a visa, depending on which country you’re from. Please check here if a visa is required before you travel.