Itinerary idea: visit the birthplace of UK tourism

Travel pioneer, Thomas Cook ran his first railway excursion in Leicester and Leicestershire in 1841, positioning the destination as the birthplace of modern tourism.

The area has continued to attract visitors from all over the UK and beyond. By bringing your group to Leicester and Leicestershire, you can uncover the story of a city and county with over 2,000 years of history, a traditional ‘taste’ of England and a landscape of woodland and waterways.

Leicester and Leicestershire tell some of England’s most unique and unusual stories. It’s a location famous for its connection with one of the bloodiest battles in English history and the grave site where, over 500 years later, King Richard III’s remains were discovered beneath a city car park.

Leicestershire also offers an authentic taste of England with the ancient market town of Melton Mowbray claiming the title of Rural Capital of Food through its association with the pork pie and Stilton cheese. You can experience the best of the region’s food and drink, and discover a little of its fascinating history, through tours and activities like traditional pork pie making.

With over 70 miles of waterways and a vast National Forest to explore, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor adventures with your group. 

Here’s what you could pack into a day…

10am: Start your day at Belvoir Castle, a majestic spectacle set on a high hill with panoramic views across several English counties. It is regarded as one of the finest examples of Regency architecture in the country and its most opulent rooms, regularly featured in films and TV series including Netflix’s The Crown, can be enjoyed on a guided tour. The estate surrounding the castle contains formal gardens and woodland, with the latest garden restoration programme bringing to life the lost plans of Capability Brown.

2pm: Take your group on an incredible journey along the Great Central Railway, Europe’s only double track heritage railway and the only line where steam trains can be seen passing each other at speed in a historical mainline setting. Running for eight miles through the Leicestershire Countryside, the railway has four stations charmingly restored to reflect different periods in railway history. Treat your group to first class afternoon tea on-board the train!

Or, travel into the city to visit the King Richard III Visitor Centre where Richard III’s grave site and the multi-award-winning exhibition about his life, death and rediscovery, use 21st century technology and design to tell one of the greatest archaeological detective stories ever told. This includes the first king to be DNA tested, the last king to die in battle, the last of the Royal Plantagenets, the end of the Medieval period and the start of the Tudor period. Catering options are available from the White Boar Café.

Both visits are doable in a day, but for those who would prefer to enjoy a more moderate pace, you can opt for one or the other.

5pm: Explore the state-of-the-art brewery and the world of Everards beer, set within 70 acres of beautiful landscape at Everards Meadows. Eat and drink at the Beer Hall with great food and a fantastic selection of beers, local gins, spirits and wines, plus a great selection of soft and hot drinks. Everards also host brewery tours for groups during the day for the foodie members among you.