Car Hire Leicester

The history of Leicester stretches back at least 2,000 years, and it is one of the oldest cities in England. Despite this, the city still has a contemporary, cosmopolitan feel and is made up of many modern roads, which makes driving around it relatively straightforward.

The A563 runs around much of the city, joining with a few other streets in the south to form a ring road. Various A roads lead off in all directions, whether you want to take your hire car from Leicester on the A47 east to Peterborough, or head north to Melton Mowbray on the A607 – the home of the pork pie. As well as being just off the M1, which runs from Leeds to London, the M69 connects Leicester to Coventry in about 40 minutes, while Birmingham is just over an hour’s drive away.

In the centre of Leicester, there are a few pedestrian areas to be aware of, and various one-way streets. The A594, Burleys and St Matthews Way creates a smaller ring road around the heart of the centre too, which is a prime spot for parking.

In the council car parks, charges start from £1 for up to an hour, then vary depending on whether it’s short or long stay. Reduced rates are available for overnight parking (for those open 24 hours), and on Sundays and bank holidays. Pay and display on-street parking is available throughout the city too.

Speed limits in the centre are usually 30mph (48km/h) in urban areas, rising to 40mph (64km/h) in less built-up parts. On the M1 and other motorways it’s typically 70mph (112km/h), while some major A-roads and rural routes outside the city have limits of 60mph (96km/h).

Pay attention to the speed signs though. Like the rest of the UK, they’re in miles per hour, and limits can vary. Some residential zones also have lower limits of 20mph (32km/h) too.

Culture, science and sport all define Leicester, and the city’s diverse nature is reflected in its broad range of attractions.

Here are some of the best things to see and do with your hire car to hand.

Experience outer space

The National Space Centre is the UK’s largest of its kind, dedicated to space science and astronomy.

Located just ten minutes by car outside the city centre, on the aptly named Exploration Drive, it’s one of the top attractions in the country. Perhaps no surprise, given that it’s the only place in the world to have upright space rockets indoors.

Exciting for every age, you can easily spend all day here, learning new things and having fun at the same time. There are plenty of exhibitions and galleries to walk round, covering everything from space oddities to the solar system. Many of these are interactive, such as the Universe exhibit where you can try to recreate the big bang.

Truly be amazed in the 192-seat planetarium, the largest in the UK. Immerse yourself in outer space from the comfort of your seat, as video technology, animations and sound transport you into the night sky and beyond.

Step into the past

Leicester made international headlines in 2015 when the remains of Richard III were reburied in the city’s cathedral, after being discovered underneath a car park a few years earlier.

Take a trip to Leicester Cathedral and boost your knowledge of history and the famous monarch with one of the tours. Some are an hour long and cover the cathedral’s past, while  there are also 30-minute tours all about Richard III. Book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

The King Richard III Visitor Centre is just around the corner too. Head down St Martins East and you’ll pass a statue of the king on your way. The centre was built next to where his remains were found and documents his life and death through a range of exhibitions and interactive experiences.

Special events and workshops enable you to fully immerse yourself in what it was like being a ruler in the war-torn and bloody Middle Ages.

Be a good sport

Another incredible story to emerge from the city in recent years was the triumph of Leicester City Football Club when they won the Premier League in 2016.

Revisit this glory with a tour of their home at the King Power Stadium. Here, you can walk down the tunnel and out onto the pitch-side as if you’re part of the team.

Leicester is a multi-sport city, so if football’s not your thing there’s always Welford Road, the largest purpose-built rugby union club ground in the UK. Tours are not available here, but check the fixture list and you might be able to catch a game.

If you’re visiting over the summer, there’s the County Ground to take in a game of cricket too. Additionally, for an indoor sporting experience, Leicester Riders basketball team regularly play at the Morningside Arena. Tickets are reasonable, starting from £10, so whatever your sporting passion, there’s something that suits.

With so much to see, car hire in Leicester allows you to take in the city’s cultural highlights at your own convenience, and head further afield if you so choose. Book direct now and plan your trip.