Car Rental Leicester

Leicester is a city that is fairly simple to navigate by car, with plenty of major attractions within easy driving distance.

Some of the streets in the centre are pedestrianized. Fortunately, if you’re looking for a day of sightseeing, you can park up your rental car and explore on foot.

You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to finding places to park. If the cathedral is on your must-see list, then either the NCP St Nicholas Circle or Highcross Rooftop car parks are perfectly placed. Should you choose the option of the Highcross lot, then you can also take the opportunity to indulge in a little retail therapy in the extensive shopping mall here – or even catch a movie at the 12-screen cinema.

For relaxation at Victoria Park or a concert at De Montfort Hall there are parking options at both locations too.

As well as the local attractions, Leicester is also well-placed for numerous interesting day trips. The neighbouring city of Nottingham is around 45 minutes’ drive away, with its own rich history and Robin Hood legacy to discover, the bright lights of Birmingham can be reached in an hour or so, and the scenic Peak District is less than 100km to the north.

Driving in the UK is on the left-hand side of the road, and speed limits are signed in miles per hour (mph).

When you drive into towns or cities, the limit usually falls to 30mph (48km/h), though some residential zones will be 20mph. On many dual carriageways and motorways, the speed limit will usually be 70mph (112km/h), but always check signs in case of any changes.

A friendly, multicultural city, Leicester is brimming with attractions, heritage and culture.

For two weeks each autumn, the city hosts some of the largest Diwali celebrations outside of India, while numerous museums, historic buildings and modern developments await your discovery.

Experience the UK’s largest Planetarium

A day at the National Space Centre is fantastic for families – but even if you’re not visiting with children, it’s a great interactive experience.

The Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium is one of the main draws of the centre, and after stepping inside you can see just why. Enjoy either a tour of the night sky or a show celebrating the Apollo Space programme. Discover the Rocket Tower, space suits, satellites and meteorites in this venue just a few kilometres north of the city centre.

There’s parking on site too, making this an accessible and convenient attraction to visit while you’re here.

Explore dinosaurs and Ancient Egypt

If you want an entire day of exploring museums and art galleries, there are many to discover in Leicester.

From the Abbey Pumping Station, Guildhall and Newarke Houses Museum and Gardens to the New Walk Museum and Art Gallery, choose between history, culture and science.

The New Walk opened in the mid-19^th century, and now features exhibitions including a fantastic Dinosaur Gallery and an exploration of Ancient Egypt.

Visit the final resting place of Richard III

In 2012, archaeologists discovered a skeleton under a car park which was once the site of the Greyfriars Church in Leicester. After DNA analysis, the skeleton was confirmed to be Richard III – the infamous English king who was killed at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485.

Following this extraordinary discovery, Richard was later reburied in Leicester Cathedral during a memorial service televised around the world.

The cathedral not only offers the opportunity to visit the burial place of Richard III, but it’s also an awe-inspiring building. If you’d like to learn more about the medieval monarch while you’re in Leicester, the visitor centre is close to the cathedral and offers a great deal of fascinating facts and further information. Walking tours are also available.

Wander through beautiful green spaces

If you’re looking for pure relaxation and calm then Leicester has many parks where you can unwind.

Around 25 minutes’ drive out of the city centre is Bradgate Park, set in Charnwood Forest and covering more than three square kilometres of serene green space. Visitors have the choice of admiring a herd of Red and Fallow deer, exploring the ruins of Bradgate House or the Old John folly, or simply walking in the hills or beside Leicestershire’s shortest river – the Lin – which is an especially beautiful place to spend some time.

Another great green space in the city is found at Victoria Park, which is located on the doorstep of the University of Leicester. The defining feature here is now the beautiful World War I memorial arch.

Car rental in Leicester is your gateway to all this and more. Reserve direct with us, and start planning your trip.