Leicester Cathedral is a working Church of England Cathedral at the heart of the City and County.

The Normans began to build the church on some Roman remains 900 years ago, dedicating it to Saint Martin. It was gradually enlarged during the Middle Ages and then underwent major restoration in the 19th century - the best Victorian restoration in the country. It is now listed as a Grade 1 building.

When Leicester once more had its own Bishop in 1927, St.Martin's Church was chosen as his cathedral. The building is a first class educational resource particularly for younger children who may find larger cathedrals rather overwhelming. It contains various chapels (one for the Leicestershire Regiment), some interesting windows, a memorial slab for King Richard III and a fine Bishop's throne.

Location and facilities

The Cathedral is sited in Peacock Lane, Leicester, within the Castle Park area - close to the Guildhall, Roman Forum, Costume Museum and other religious places.

Parking around the building is somewhat difficult but the Holiday Inn and Shires car parks are not far away. Coaches can alight parties in Peacock Lane. Toilet facilities are available in the Cathedral, but please bear in mind that they are rather limited.

Tours

A guided session lasts one hour and can be tailored to the requirements of children in Key Stages 1 and 2 and also children with special needs. We usually have a maximum of 30 children to a group, but can operate two groups at the same time. Some schools include a visit to the cathedral with other places in Castle Park. Leicester City Information Bureau has some useful leaflets about this.

We do ask please that all parties be booked by prior arrangement with the Bookings Manager, Peter Collett at the Cathedral Office. Tours are usually given between 10.15am and 11.45am and 2.00pm till 4.00pm. There is a small charge per group, the current rate is available from the Bookings Manager.

We ask that all tour groups and visitors remember that the Cathedral is primarily a place of prayer and that groups are sensitive to any services which may be in progress when they arrive and to people who have come to pray and experience the peace of God.

Leicester Cathedral
The Cathedral Centre
21 St Martin's, Leicester. LE1 5DE
Telephone: 0116 248 7400  Fax: 0116 248 7470
Email: leicestercathedral@leccofe.org