Get to know your city for FREE

Did you know that Leicester is the largest city in the East Midlands? Lucky for you, this means that there's plenty of activities to get stuck into that won't cost you a penny. 

Whether you're new to Leicester or are a seasoned local, there's something here for everyone. Here are some of our favourite free things to do in the city: 

Explore the Leicester Museum and Art Gallery 🎨

From dinosaurs to its internationally renowned German Expressionism collection, there is so much to learn here. General entry is free to everyone, but you might want to note that they also host a range of activities like entertaining talks and lunchtime concerts. 

See Leicester Cathedral 🔔

A historic gem in the middle of the city, Leicester Cathedral is free to enter so you can take in the stunning architecture, stained-glass windows and learn more about the city's medieval past.

It's most famously known for being the final resting place of King Richard III, which you can learn more about at the nearby King Richard III Visitor Centre. 

Walk through the university's botanic gardens 🌻

If you're a nature lover, you'll love our botanic gardens and Attenborough Arboretum! Learn more about plants with our collections from all over the world.

Or find our Arboretum in Knighton, opened by the one and only Sir David Attenborough. It even features one of the few surviving examples in the city of a medieval ridge-and-furrow field.  Both are a perfect spot for a peaceful afternoon or a bit of photography. 

Listen to some live music at The SoundHouse 🎸

Leicester's live music scene is thriving, and The SoundHouse often hosts free gigs, like their Open Mic Nights every Tuesday. Enjoy live performances from local bands and discover new artists without spending a penny. 

P.S. Students even get 10% off during Open Mic Nights, Summer Sessions and SoundHouse Showcases. 

Go for a run or stroll through Abbey Park 🌳

As Leicester's main park, Abbey Park is a must-visit. The beautiful River Soar divides the park into two areas: 

1. The western side where you can find the remains of the twelfth-century Leicester Abbey and the ruins of Cavendish House, a seventeenth-century mansion, along with the café. 
2. The eastern side which is the decorative Victorian part of the park, with shrubberies, trees, flower displays and even a mini railway. 

Leicester has plenty of budget and student-friendly activities to dive into, so what are you waiting for? Start exploring!