Leicester sits in the heart of the East Midlands in England, straddling the River Soar and rooted in a Roman past visible at the Jewry Wall. Once famous for hosiery and shoe-making, its economy has diversified into universities and research - notably De Montfort University and the University of Leicester - alongside logistics thanks to nearby routes like the Fosse Way, M1 and M69. The city blends civic attractions such as the National Space Centre and the bustle of Leicester Market with quieter Victorian promenades like New Walk.
Leicester is culturally vibrant and unusually diverse: areas such as Highfields and the Belgrave Road “Golden Mile” reflect a large South Asian community and a famously big Diwali celebration. Recent highlights have included the reinterment at Leicester Cathedral and the global profile gained after Leicester City football club’s unexpected Premier League title; arts venues such as the Curve Theatre add to a lively, youthful city fabric that mixes heritage and modern regeneration.