Leicester Town Hall is one of the city’s most architecturally impressive civic buildings. Visit this Victorian-era monument to appreciate its imposing design and explore its elegant halls during a guided tour of the interior.
Unveiled in 1876, Leicester Town Hall stands on the site of an old cattle market. It was almost ruined during World War II when a German bomb crashed through the roof but failed to explode. Today, the town hall serves as council chambers and a registry office.
Position yourself outside the building’s main entrance and enjoy a panoramic view of the façade. Gaze up at the clock tower, beautified with balustrades and blue diapered brickwork and crowned by a cupola. Spot decorative reliefs made from Ketton stone, a type of Jurassic limestone used widely in the buildings of the University of Cambridge. The town hall’s main entrance is fronted by ornamental iron gates.
Special guided tours of the building are occasionally offered. Join one for the chance to glimpse inside its rooms and learn about its history. Hear more about the World War II bombing incident and how architects rebuilt the damaged areas to their original splendor. See the council chambers, court rooms and former cells. You may even meet Leicester’s Lord Mayor.
In front of the landmark is the tree-lined Town Hall Square. Sit on a bench and watch as wedding parties pose for photographs. Admire the bronze fountain at the heart of the square and its decorative lion statues. More lion figures adorn the posts of the square’s surrounding fence. The square also contains a Boer War Memorial engraved with the names of local soldiers.
Find Leicester Town Hall in the southern region of Leicester’s city center. Major city attractions, such as Leicester Cathedral and the Guildhall, are only a 5-minute walk away. Public buses stop near the hall. If you’re driving, park at nearby shopping malls, such as Haymarket Shopping Centre and Highcrosss Leicester. Guided tours take place sporadically check online for further information.
