Things to Do in Leicester for Contractors Staying Long Term

Q: What are the best things to do in Leicester after work?

After work, Leicester offers simple options such as a walk through the city centre, a relaxed pub visit, food along the Golden Mile, or green space time at Abbey Park. These are easy to fit around work schedules.

Q: Are there things to do in Leicester for contractors staying long term?

Yes. Contractors staying long term can use local cafés, gyms, parks, live sport, and cultural spots like Leicester Cathedral. The city is compact, so it is easy to plan evenings and days off.

Q: Is Leicester city centre walkable for workers staying nearby?

Yes. Leicester city centre is walkable, with shops, food, markets, and many attractions close together. It suits workers staying in central accommodation without needing to drive every day.

Q: What food options are good for contractors in Leicester?

Leicester has plenty of practical, affordable options. The Golden Mile is well known for Indian food, and the city centre has casual restaurants, takeaways, and quick lunch spots that suit working hours.

Q: Are there free things to do in Leicester during downtime?

Yes. Free options include a walk in Abbey Park, a visit to Leicester Market, time around Leicester Cathedral, and exploring the city centre streets and public squares.

Q: Is Leicester a good city for contractors to stay during projects?

Yes. Leicester is a practical base because it has strong transport links, a manageable city centre, and enough places to eat, shop, and relax during longer work stays.

Q: How far is Leicester from other major Midlands cities?

Leicester is within easy reach of Birmingham, Nottingham, Coventry, Derby, and Rugby, which makes it useful for teams working across multiple sites in the Midlands.

Q: Where should contractors stay when working in Leicester?

For longer stays, many contractors prefer houses, apartments, or guest houses instead of hotels. Contractor accommodation often provides more space, a kitchen, parking, and better value for extended projects.

Q: Is Leicester suitable for NHS staff and IT contractors?

Yes. Leicester supports NHS and professional work stays well, with transport access and a good range of accommodation options, plus a straightforward layout for day to day travel.

Q: Can this guide help workers visiting Leicester for the first time?

Yes. It highlights practical things to do in Leicester, including food areas, simple attractions, and downtime ideas that are easy to follow even if you do not know the city.

Vijaypal Rana
Dec 18, 2025
5 min read

Welcome to Leicester – More Than Just a Work Location

If you’re working on a project in Leicester, it doesn’t take long to realise the city is easy to live in. The centre is compact, the transport links are solid, and there’s plenty to do once the working day ends.

For contractors, engineers, tradespeople and project teams, knowing the right things to do in Leicester can turn a long stay into a more balanced and enjoyable experience. This guide focuses on practical places and activities that fit around work schedules, not tourist fluff.

Food and Coffee Spots Contractors Actually Use

Coffee Shops With Space and Wi-Fi

A reliable coffee stop matters when you’re working away from home. Leicester has several independent cafés that contractors regularly use before work or between meetings.

St Martin’s Coffee & Co. sits near Leicester Cathedral and offers strong coffee, seating space and a calm atmosphere.
200 Degrees Coffee near Market Street is popular for early starts and quick catch-ups, with dependable Wi-Fi and room to work briefly if needed.

Both locations are central and easy to reach from most contractor accommodation in Leicester.

Eating Along Leicester’s Golden Mile

Belgrave Road, often called the Golden Mile, is one of Leicester’s standout food areas. It’s well known for Indian vegetarian restaurants and sweet shops and is ideal if you want something affordable and filling after work.

Places like Sharmilee are popular with workers staying in the city for longer periods because portions are generous and prices are reasonable. The area also has bakeries and casual eateries if you want a quick meal without sitting down for long.

Quick Lunch Options Near the City Centre

When time is limited, Leicester has solid no-nonsense lunch spots:

Peter Pizzeria is often mentioned as one of the best pizza stops in the city.
Cornish Pasty Co. is a reliable option if you want something hot, filling and fast.

These kinds of places suit contractors who want a proper meal without losing half the lunch break.

After-Work Drinks and Relaxed Networking

Traditional Pubs

For a quiet pint and conversation, The Globe is a long-standing local pub with a relaxed crowd. It works well for unwinding after site work without loud music or packed crowds.

Craft Beer and Modern Bars

If you prefer something more contemporary, The Frame Breakers and The Western both offer a good range of beers in a comfortable setting. These spots are popular with professionals and suit informal networking or team catch-ups.

Rooftop and City Views

For end-of-week downtime, Gadsby’s at Hotel Maiyango offers rooftop views and a quieter atmosphere. It’s a good choice if you’re celebrating the end of a tough week or hosting visiting colleagues.

Leicester History and Culture Worth Seeing

King Richard III Visitor Centre and Cathedral

One of the most talked-about attractions in Leicester is the King Richard III Visitor Centre. It tells the story of how the former king was discovered beneath a city car park and re-interred at Leicester Cathedral.

Both sites are close together and easy to visit in under two hours, making them ideal for an evening activity.

More information:https://kriii.com/

Jewry Wall and Roman Leicester

The Jewry Wall Museum and ruins showcase Leicester’s Roman history. It’s one of the largest surviving Roman structures in Britain and gives insight into how long the city has been an active settlement.

More information:https://www.jewrywall.com/

Leicester Market and City Centre Walks

Leicester Market is one of the largest outdoor covered markets in Europe. Even if you’re not shopping, it’s worth a walk through for fresh food, snacks and a feel for the city’s day-to-day rhythm.

More information:https://www.leicestermarket.co.uk/

Things to Do in Leicestershire When You Have Time Off

Abbey Park and Riverside Walks

If you want fresh air after long days indoors or on site, Abbey Park and the River Soar paths are ideal. You can walk, run or just clear your head in a quieter environment.

National Space Centre

Leicester is home to the National Space Centre, one of the UK’s most popular science attractions. It’s interactive, well laid out and works well for solo visits or group outings on rest days.

More information:https://www.spacecentre.co.uk/

Live Sport in Leicester

If you enjoy live sport, Leicester offers strong options:

Leicester City FC at the King Power Stadium
Leicester Tigers rugby at Welford Road

Both venues offer a lively atmosphere and are a good way to experience the city outside of work hours.

More information:https://www.lcfc.com/

Practical Tips for Contractors Working in Leicester

Getting Around and Parking

Leicester city centre is walkable, which makes life easier for contractors staying nearby. If you’re driving:

St Nicholas Circle and Highcross car parks are central but can fill quickly
Park and ride options reduce stress during busy periods

Choosing the Right Contractor Accommodation

Where you stay matters. For longer assignments, hotels often feel restrictive. Contractor accommodation offers:

More space and privacy
Proper kitchens and living areas
Better value for long stays
A more settled routine for work teams

ContractorsDen provides fully furnished houses, apartments and guest houses in Leicester, designed specifically for workforces staying weeks or months at a time.

Make the Most of Your Stay in Leicester

Leicester is a city that’s easy to settle into. It’s compact, friendly, and offers enough variety to keep downtime interesting without overwhelming you.

If you’re working here for a short project or a longer contract, knowing where to eat, relax and explore helps maintain a better work-life balance.

Need Contractor Accommodation in Leicester?

If you’re looking for contractor accommodation in Leicester, ContractorsDen provides flexible, comfortable and fully furnished stays for companies housing their workforce across the UK.

Houses, apartments and guest houses
Suitable for engineering teams, builders, IT contractors and NHS staff
Flexible booking terms

Visit: https://www.contractorsden.co.uk/contact-us

FAQs

What are the best things to do in Leicester after work?

After work, Leicester offers simple, relaxing options such as walking through the city centre, visiting local pubs, eating along the Golden Mile, or enjoying green spaces like Abbey Park. These suit contractors with limited free time.

Are there things to do in Leicester for contractors staying long term?

Yes. Contractors staying long term can enjoy local cafés, gyms, parks, live sport, cultural attractions like Leicester Cathedral, and regular city events. The compact layout makes it easy to fit activities around work schedules.

Is Leicester city centre walkable for workers staying nearby?

Leicester city centre is very walkable. Most shops, food spots, markets, and attractions sit close together, which is ideal for contractors staying in central accommodation without needing a car every day.

What food options are good for contractors in Leicester?

Leicester has a wide range of affordable food options. The Golden Mile is popular for Indian cuisine, while the city centre offers casual dining, takeaways, coffee shops, and quick lunch spots suited to working schedules.

Are there free things to do in Leicester during downtime?

Yes. Free options include walking through Abbey Park, exploring Leicester Market, visiting Leicester Cathedral, and exploring the city centre streets and public squares. These are ideal for evenings or rest days.

Is Leicester a good city for contractors to stay during projects?

Leicester works well for contractors due to its central location, transport links, manageable size, and variety of things to do. It provides a good balance between work convenience and quality of life.

How far is Leicester from other major Midlands cities?

Leicester sits within easy reach of Birmingham, Nottingham, Coventry, Derby, and Rugby. This makes it a practical base for contractors working across multiple sites in the Midlands.

Where should contractors stay when working in Leicester?

Contractors usually prefer houses, apartments, or guest houses rather than hotels for longer stays. Contractor accommodation offers more space, kitchens, parking, and better value for extended work assignments.

Is Leicester suitable for NHS staff and IT contractors?

Yes. Leicester is home to major hospitals, business parks, and tech employers. NHS staff and IT contractors often choose Leicester for its accommodation options, transport access, and straightforward city layout.

Can this guide help workers visiting Leicester for the first time?

Yes. This guide highlights practical things to do in Leicester that suit first-time visitors, including food areas, simple attractions, and ways to enjoy downtime without needing local knowledge.