10 Best Things to Do Near Leicester Airport (Places to Visit)
If you’re arriving at Leicester to catch a flight, you don’t have to spend your spare time just sitting around. There’s plenty to keep you busy in and around Leicester. Whether you have a couple of hours to kill before your flight or you’re staying a night near the airport, we’ve got you covered with this handy guide.
Getting Around Leicester from the Airport
Before we dive into all the fun things to do, let’s talk about getting from the airport to Leicester town centre. The distance is about 12 miles, which takes roughly 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.
Your transport options:
- Taxi or Uber: Airport taxi in Leicester can cost around £20–30, depending on the time of day and traffic.
- Bus: Cheaper option at around £3-5, but takes longer
- Car hire: Perfect if you want to explore further afield
- Train: The airport has a station with direct links to Leicester city centre
Top Things to Do Near Leicester Airport
1. Leicester City Centre (15-25 minutes away)
Leicester city centre is packed with shops, restaurants, and attractions. It’s worth a visit if you have a few hours spare.
The High Street and Shopping
The Highcross shopping centre is one of the UK’s best indoor shopping destinations. Whether you need last-minute gifts, clothes, or electronics, you’ll find it here. Brands include Zara, H&M, John Lewis, and many more.
If you prefer independent shops and markets, head to the historic streets around the Market Square. You’ll find quirky boutiques, vintage shops, and local treasures.
Market Square
Leicester’s Market Square is the heart of the city. On most days, you’ll find the historic market with food stalls, flowers, and crafts. There’s a brilliant atmosphere here, especially if you visit during the day. Grab a coffee and a pastry from one of the cafes overlooking the square.
Richard III Visitor Centre
History lovers will enjoy this museum. It tells the fascinating story of King Richard III, whose skeleton was famously discovered in Leicester in 2012. The exhibition is interactive and interesting, even if you’re not usually into history. Entry is free, though donations are welcome.
King Power Stadium Tour
If you’re a football fan, you might want to visit King Power Stadium, home of Leicester City FC. You can do a stadium tour and learn about the club’s incredible 2015-2016 Premier League title win. Even if you’re not a massive football fan, the tour is engaging and gives you a real feel for the club’s story.
2. National Space Centre (15-20 minutes away)
The National Space Centre is absolutely brilliant if you’ve got 2-3 hours to spare. It’s one of the UK’s best science museums, and it’s genuinely exciting for all ages.
What to expect:
- Walk through a real rocket and see genuine space hardware
- Explore interactive exhibitions about planets and space exploration
- Watch shows in the planetarium (worth the small extra fee)
- Learn about the history of British space exploration
- Check out the gift shop for space-themed souvenirs
Top tip: Book your tickets online before you go. You’ll save money and skip the queues.
3. Bradgate Park (20-25 minutes away)
If you fancy a bit of fresh air and nature, Bradgate Park is your spot. It’s a huge country park just outside Leicester with plenty to do.
What’s on offer:
- Walk around the beautiful 800-acre park
- Visit the ruins of Bradgate House, a historic mansion
- See red deer roaming freely (yes, really!)
- Enjoy picnic spots with lovely views
- Take photos at the scenic locations
- Visit the play areas if you’ve got kids
It’s the perfect place to stretch your legs if you’ve been sitting on a plane or in the car. The walk around the park takes 30 minutes to an hour depending on how much you want to explore.
Also read: 27 Best Places to Visit in Leicester: Top Tourist Places
4. Twycross Zoo (25-30 minutes away)
Fancy seeing some animals? Twycross Zoo is one of the UK’s best zoos and is surprisingly close to the airport.
Why visit:
- See rare animals from around the world
- Watch keeper talks and feeding times
- Explore themed areas like the monkey kingdom and big cats area
- Enjoy the adventure playground for kids
- Take a break at the cafe with countryside views
It’s brilliant if you’re travelling with children, but even adults enjoy the zoo. Allow at least 3-4 hours to see everything properly.
5. Ashby de la Zouch (30 minutes away)
This charming market town is perfect if you want to escape the city bustle for a couple of hours.
Top attractions:
Ashby Castle: An impressive medieval castle ruin in the town centre. It’s managed by English Heritage and has plenty of history. You can explore the ruins, and there’s a visitor centre with information about the castle’s past.
High Street Shopping: Ashby has a lovely high street with independent cafes, antique shops, and boutiques. It feels quintessentially English and is perfect for a relaxed wander.
Parks and Gardens: The town has beautiful public gardens and parks where you can have a peaceful sit down with a cup of tea.
6. Charnwood Forest (20-25 minutes away)
If you love the outdoors and hiking, Charnwood Forest offers some lovely walks.
What to do:
- Walk up Beacon Hill for panoramic views across Leicestershire
- Explore the woodland trails
- Visit the Woodhouse Eaves village
- Enjoy picnic spots with stunning views
- Take wildlife photographs
The Beacon Hill walk takes about an hour and rewards you with brilliant views. It’s perfect if you want to clear your head and get some exercise before or after your flight.
7. Please to Visit Near the Airport Itself
Don’t overlook what’s right on your doorstep!
Castle Donington
Just next to the airport, this small village has a few nice spots:
- Donington Park Motor Racing Circuit: If you’re into cars, you can watch racing events here (check dates before you visit)
- Donington Park Museum: See vintage racing cars and motorbikes
- Local pubs and cafes: Grab a meal and soak up the village atmosphere
Airport Shopping and Food
Before you leave the airport or when you arrive, don’t forget that Leicester Airport itself has good shopping and eating options. You’ll find:
- WH Smith for books and magazines
- Various cafes and restaurants
- Duty-free shopping
- Phone charging stations
- Comfortable seating areas
8. Foxton Locks (20 minutes away)
If you’ve never seen canal locks before, this is a brilliant spot to visit. Foxton Locks is one of England’s most impressive canal engineering achievements.
Why it’s worth a visit:
- Watch narrow boats navigate through the 10 locks
- Walk along the towpath
- Visit the cafe for refreshments
- Explore the museum
- Take scenic photographs
- Relax by the water
It’s a peaceful spot that gives you a real taste of English canal culture. You can easily spend an hour here just watching the boats and enjoying the atmosphere.
9. Leicester Racecourse (10 minutes away)
If you’re visiting when there’s racing on, Leicester Racecourse is very close to the airport.
What to expect:
- Watch live horse racing
- Enjoy food and drinks
- Feel the atmosphere of a proper English racecourse
- Take a tour of the facilities on non-racing days
Check their website to see when races are happening. It’s a quintessentially British experience.
10. Local Breweries and Pubs
Leicester has a growing craft beer scene. If you’re into a good pint, there are some cracking local breweries:
- Bottle Garden: A brilliant craft beer bar in the city centre
- Grainstore Brewery: A proper brewery with a tap room and tours available
- Various gastropubs: Offering locally sourced food and real ales
Also read: How Busy Is Manchester Airport? (2026 Guide)
Visit Plans by Available Time
You Have 1 Hour
- Stay close to the airport. Grab a coffee and a meal at one of the Castle Donington village pubs, or head to the Donington Grand Prix Collection Museum for a quick dose of motorsport history.
You Have 2–3 Hours
- Head to the National Space Centre — it’s the single best attraction within easy reach of the airport and will easily fill 2–3 hours. Combine with a quick lunch at a city centre cafe.
You Have a Half Day (4–5 Hours)
- Combine Bradgate Park (1.5–2 hours walking + wildlife) with a visit to the Richard III Visitor Centre in the city centre, finishing with a curry on Belgrave Road.
You Have a Full Day
- Morning: National Space Centre (10 am–1 pm) Lunch: Market Square or Belgrave Road Afternoon: Bradgate Park (2–5 pm) with a short detour to Foxton Locks Evening: Dinner in Leicester city centre; return to airport hotel
Top Tips for Your Visit Near Leicester Airport
- Use Google Maps: Traffic can be unpredictable, so always check journey times before you head out
- Check opening times: Museums and attractions have different hours, so ring ahead or check online
- Bring comfortable shoes: Lots of walking is involved in most activities
- Get a visitor pass: Some attractions offer combined tickets that save money
- Book in advance: Popular spots like the National Space Centre can get busy
- Watch the weather: Bring a jacket and umbrella – this is the Midlands after all!
- Plan transport back: Make sure you know how to get back to the airport with plenty of time before your flight
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Leicester city centre from the airport?
About 12 miles, taking 20–30 minutes by car or taxi, depending on traffic. If you don’t have a car, one of the easiest options is to book Leicester Airport Taxis for a door‑to‑door transfer.
Is there public transport to Leicester from the airport?
Yes, buses and trains run regularly. The train is often the most reliable option.
What’s the best thing to do if I only have an hour?
Stay near the airport area or grab a coffee at a nearby cafe. Rushing into the city isn’t worth the stress.
Are there toilets and baby changing facilities?
Yes, both the airport and all major attractions have these facilities.
Can I leave luggage somewhere if I want to explore?
Yes, most hotels and the airport have luggage storage facilities. Ask at the information desk.
What’s the best time to visit Leicester?
Any time, but spring and summer are lovely for outdoor activities like Bradgate Park. Winter is great for Christmas markets and festive events.
Is Leicester expensive?
No, it’s very reasonable compared to many UK cities. Shopping, food, and attractions offer good value.
Final Thoughts
Leicester and the surrounding area offer loads to do, whatever your interests. Whether you love history, nature, shopping, or food, you’ll find something brilliant to keep you entertained.
The best part? Everything is really close to the airport, so you won’t spend hours travelling. Even if you’ve only got a couple of hours spare, you can pop into the city centre or grab a bite at a local restaurant.
Next time you’re at Leicester Airport, don’t just sit around waiting for your flight. Get out there and explore this friendly, vibrant part of the Midlands. You might just discover you love it so much you’ll want to come back!
Safe travels, and enjoy your time in Leicester!
Have you visited any of these places near Leicester Airport? Share your recommendations in the comments below. We’d love to hear what you think!
