Top 3 Itineraries in Leicester

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Leicester.

If you only have a few days, Leicester weekend getaways are the perfect option. A 3 to 5-day stay in Leicester offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Leicester are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Leicester’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Leicester offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover England's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Leicester truly unforgettable!

If you’re as convinced as we are that Leicester belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Leicester are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Leicester and start planning your next trip!

Discover the perfect Leicester itinerary with our handpicked list. Whether you're in Leicester for a short stay or a longer visit, there's an itinerary for you.

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 3 itineraries will help you experience the best of Leicester without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Leicester!

A scenic 12-day road trip through London, Chester, Newcastle upon Tyne, York, and Liverpool is one of the best ways to experience England. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 12-day itinerary means that Leicester can easily be combined with other top destinations in England without stress. While it’s possible to travel between London, Chester, Newcastle upon Tyne, York, and Liverpool by public transport, renting a car in England opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 12 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Newcastle upon Tyne

• Arrival city: Newcastle upon Tyne
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Newcastle upon Tyne, e.g., INNSiDE Newcastle
• Sightseeing: Tyneside Cinema

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Newcastle upon Tyne. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Newcastle upon Tyne

• Destinations: Newcastle upon Tyne
• Driving distance: 148.81 km, approx. 2 hours and 28 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in York, e.g., The Grand Hotel & Spa
• Sightseeing: Exhibition Park, Great North Museum: Hancock, Life Science Centre, and Discovery Museum
• Recommended tour: North York Moors and Whitby Day Tour from York

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Exhibition Park, Great North Museum: Hancock, Life Science Centre, and Discovery Museum. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Newcastle upon Tyne, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest. By the end of the day, check-in at a new hotel, located in central York.

Day 3: Discover York and Edensor

• Destinations: York and Edensor
• Driving distance: 247.39 km, approx. 4 hours and 14 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Leicester, e.g., voco Leicester
• Sightseeing: Peak District National Park, Chatsworth House, York Minster, and National Railway Museum York

Spend the day exploring Peak District National Park, Chatsworth House, York Minster, and National Railway Museum York. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace. End the day by checking into a new hotel, conveniently located in central Leicester.

Day 4: Experience Warwick, Leavesden, Stratford-upon-Avon, and Leicester

• Destinations: Warwick, Leavesden, Stratford-upon-Avon, and Leicester
• Driving distance: 255.86 km, approx. 3 hours and 57 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in London, e.g., Intercontinental Hotel London - The O2
• Sightseeing: Stratford Butterfly Farm, Shakespeare's Birthplace, Warwick Castle, and Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
• Recommended tour: Historical Pub Walking Tour in London With a Small Group

Continue your journey through Warwick, Leavesden, Stratford-upon-Avon, and Leicester, where you can explore Stratford Butterfly Farm, Shakespeare's Birthplace, Warwick Castle, and Warner Bros. Studio Tour London. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot. Wrap up the day by checking in at a hotel in the heart of London.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in London

• Destinations: London
• Driving distance: 9.12 km, approx. 1 hour and 7 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in London, e.g., Intercontinental Hotel London - The O2
• Sightseeing: The National Gallery, St James's Park, Trafalgar Square, Hyde Park, and Buckingham Palace
• Recommended tour: Day trip to Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath from London

Drive through London, stopping to visit The National Gallery, St James's Park, Trafalgar Square, Hyde Park, and Buckingham Palace. Don't forget to embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems along the way.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of London, Brentford, and Kensington

• Destinations: London, Brentford, and Kensington
• Driving distance: 34.25 km, approx. 1 hour and 46 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in London, e.g., Intercontinental Hotel London - The O2
• Sightseeing: Royal Albert Hall, The Regent's Park, Science Museum, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and Victoria and Albert Museum
• Recommended tour: Changing of the Guard Guided Walking Tour in London

Spend time discovering Royal Albert Hall, The Regent's Park, Science Museum, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and Victoria and Albert Museum, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture.

Day 7: Spend Time in London and Greenwich

• Destinations: London and Greenwich
• Driving distance: 32.74 km, approx. 2 hours and 1 minute
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in London, e.g., Intercontinental Hotel London - The O2
• Sightseeing: Big Ben, Greenwich Park, The British Museum, lastminute.com London Eye, and Madame Tussauds London
• Recommended tour: London 30 Top Sights with Fun Local Guide

Explore Big Ben, Greenwich Park, The British Museum, lastminute.com London Eye, and Madame Tussauds London at a relaxed pace. Make spontaneous stops for sightseeing, photography, or lunch at a family-run restaurant.

Day 8: Explore London

• Destinations: London
• Driving distance: 11.06 km, approx. 1 hour and 7 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in London, e.g., Intercontinental Hotel London - The O2
• Sightseeing: Tower of London, Borough Market, Tate Modern, Tower Bridge, and London Bridge
• Recommended tour: Walking Tour for Muggles in London

Continue your road trip through London, enjoying the flexibility to explore Tower of London, Borough Market, Tate Modern, Tower Bridge, and London Bridge and nearby points of interest.

Day 9: Wander Through London, Windsor, Salisbury, and Eton

• Destinations: London, Windsor, Salisbury, and Eton
• Driving distance: 255.53 km, approx. 3 hours and 43 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Oxford, e.g., Mollie's Motel & Diner
• Sightseeing: Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, Woodhenge, Queen Victoria Statue, and St George's Chapel
• Recommended tour: Oxford | Alumni-Led Walking Tour w/opt New College

Visit Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, Woodhenge, Queen Victoria Statue, and St George's Chapel as you navigate scenic routes. Take time to enjoy local markets, trails, or viewpoints that catch your eye. At the end of the day, check-in at a comfortable hotel in central Oxford.

Day 10: Uncover Chester, Featherstone, and Oxford

• Destinations: Chester, Featherstone, and Oxford
• Driving distance: 295.19 km, approx. 4 hours and 6 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Liverpool, e.g., Titanic Hotel Liverpool
• Sightseeing: Chester Zoo, National Trust - Moseley Old Hall, and Chester Cathedral
• Recommended tour: A Walk Through Time: History of Liverpool Walking Tour

Continue your exploration of Chester Zoo, National Trust - Moseley Old Hall, and Chester Cathedral, taking your time to enjoy scenic drives or leisurely strolls that add to the adventure. End the day by checking into a lovely hotel in Liverpool.

Day 11: Journey Through Liverpool and Barnard Castle

• Destinations: Liverpool and Barnard Castle
• Driving distance: 288.69 km, approx. 3 hours and 52 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Newcastle upon Tyne, e.g., INNSiDE Newcastle
• Sightseeing: Barnard Castle, The Beatles Story Museum, Liverpool, Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, and Museum of Liverpool
• Recommended tour: Lightfoot Tours: Historical Tour

Take in the highlights of Barnard Castle, The Beatles Story Museum, Liverpool, Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, and Museum of Liverpool, with plenty of opportunities to pause for a break in charming villages or serene natural settings. Conclude your day with a stay at a different hotel in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne.

Day 12: Bid Farewell to Newcastle upon Tyne

• Departure city: Newcastle upon Tyne
• Driving distance: 1.75 km, approx. 24 minutes
• Sightseeing: Tyne Bridge

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Newcastle upon Tyne. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along this route is around 1558 EUR, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Leicester.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Leicester for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

Enjoy a 9-day city break in Leicester with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 9-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Leicester without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Leicester

Arrive in Leicester and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town, discovering highlights like The Clock Tower.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. James' Cafe Bistro is a top-rated recommendation. Say 'cheers' and set the tone for an amazing vacation ahead!

Day 2: Discover Leicester's Most Iconic Attractions

Enjoy your first full day in Leicester by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic Shady Lane Arboretum and Evington Park.

Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Leicester in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 9: Savor Your Final Moments in Leicester

Spend your last few hours in Leicester soaking up the charm of the city at your own pace. Stroll through favorite spots or revisit local markets before bidding farewell to the city.

We recommend booking your transfers from Leicester in advance.

For more inspiration, explore the complete selection of city breaks in Leicester, all including pre-planned itineraries you can customize to suit your style. Start with a ready-to-go Leicester travel plan and make it your own by selecting tours, accommodations, and more.

A 4-day weekend getaway in Leicester offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life.

However, with a well-planned Leicester itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the city in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 4 days to spend, this is the perfect Leicester weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in Leicester

Arrive in Leicester around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.

• Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
• Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, for example, visiting The Clock Tower, and soak in the surroundings.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.

Day 2 - Discover Leicester’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in Leicester with sightseeing, food, and drinks.

• Morning: Visit Abbey Park early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
• Afternoon: Continue to Aylestone Meadows Local Nature Reserve, stopping by Castle Park for a break and some photos.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.

Day 3 - Immerse in the Local Culture of Leicester

No itinerary in Leicester is complete without trying the city's top local delicacies and experiencing the culture.

• Morning: Start with a traditional breakfast to fuel up for the day and then head to Knighton Park.
• Afternoon: Explore Brocks Hill Country Park and Leicester Museum and Art Gallery, stopping at markets, boutiques, museums, or exhibitions along the way.
• Evening: Enjoy a dinner featuring regional specialties and finish with a night tour of the city’s illuminated landmarks.

Day 4 - Depart from Leicester

Make the most of your last few hours in Leicester before your departure.

• Morning: Grab a light breakfast at a local bakery or café and take a final stroll nearby.
• Afternoon: If you have time, do some last-minute sightseeing.

For more ideas, explore our complete selection of weekend trips to Leicester. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable Leicester itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

As you explore Leicester, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Leicester for you.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Leicester in a way that feels truly unforgettable!