Abbey Park - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

Leicester Abbey was founded in 1138-9 as an abbey of Augustinian canons by Robert ‘le Bossu’ , the second Earl of Leicester. But it is one of the least known of the Midland monasteries because of the almost total destruction. The Abbey's prosperity was boosted through the passage of special privileges by both the English Kings and the Pope. These included an exemption from sending representatives to parliament and from paying tithe on certain land and livestock.

The National Space Centre is a visitor attraction, education facility, corporate venue, an information hub, and home to NSC Creative and the National Space Academy. Many of the exhibits, including upright rockets, are housed in a tower with minimal steel supports and a semi-transparent cladding of ETFE 'pillows' which has become one of Leicester's most recognizable landmarks.

Abbey Pumping Station is Leicester’s Industrial Museum, displaying Leicester’s very varied Industrial, Technological and Scientific heritage. Situated adjacent to the National Space Centre, the two attractions tell the story of over 200 years of science and technology from the early days of steam and industry to the space exploration of today. With four working steam-powered beam engines from its time as a sewage pumping station, it also houses exhibits for transport, public health, light and o

Clock Tower, one of the city´s best known and most iconic landmarks was built originally as a solution to traffic congestion on the site of the town´s former hay and straw market in 1868. It was built mostly in Ketton stone with a base of Mountsorrel granite, and incorporates column shafts made of polished Peterhead granite and serpentine.

Leicester Market has been a place of social and cultural importance since the 13th century when it became the centre for trade in the area. It hosts a fantastic range of stalls and events. Fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, meat and much more. The light and airy food hall has won several awards including Britain’s Best Food Market 2015.

The Guildhall Museum is a fun place where visitors can discover the history of Rochester and Medway in a museum for all the family. The museum was founded in 1897, in honor of Queen Victoria's diamond jubilee. The collection includes artifacts associated with Rochester from prehistoric times to the present day. Works of art in the museum include a painting by Hendrik Frans van Lint depicting a classical Italian landscape.