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Introduction
The midlands city of Leicester, home to both the University of Leicester and De Montfort University, is the perfect place for your university experience if you a fancy lively and cultural university city.
With spring blooming, there’s never been a better time to check out the local parks and green spaces, and with Leicester, there’s plenty to choose from. Whether you’re heading there with your household or, when restrictions allow, meeting with friends for a picnic, there’s something for everyone.
Abbey Park
You’ll know from our blog that the city has a long and varied history, so it stands to reason that its parks would also bear this!
The River Soar runs through Abbey Park, which was opened in 1876 by the Prince and Princess of Wales. The titular name comes from the nearby sixteenth century abbey, of which the boundary walls and ruins remain.
Today you can visit the park and do everything from play tennis on its courts, walk around its formal and ‘sensory’ gardens, and even take a ride on the miniature railway.
Knighton Park
A beautiful park in south east Leicester, Knighton Park is popular with runners and dog walkers for its wide open spaces and tranquillity.
With an outdoor gym, football pitches, ping pong tables, tennis courts and orienteering courses, it’s perfect for sports lovers and amateur expeditioners alike!
Victoria Park
Situated right next to the main University of Leicester campus, Victoria Park is the most accessible place to get your steps in after a long lecture if you’re a student at the university.
Previously used as a racecourse until 1883, the park has hosted Radio 1’s Big Sunday, the Leicester Caribbean Carnival, Leicester Pride and the Summer Sundae festival. Local band Kasabian have also played sold-out shows here.
But it’s not just for performers and festivals: bowls, croquet, cricket and football fans can all have their share of fun here, with facilities for all of these.
Castle Hill country park
If you’re a De Montfort student, there’s the Castle Hill country park right on your doorstep. Situated alongside the River Soar, the park is host to a picturesque bluebell wood, located off the Astill Lodge Road, and ash, oak and willow trees, old hedgerows and stream banks.
There’s also an apple orchard, which was recently established on the site of an early 14th century orchard, just to get you feeling that bit more relaxed. A perfect place to take a picnic with your friends – or even just reading your course books out of the confines of your bedroom!
Live with peace of mind at Merlin Heights by Prima Vidae by choosing one of our all-inclusive self-contained en-suite rooms or studios. Additionally, the accommodation provides great on-site facilities to support your university learning, available to Merlin Heights residents only.
Wherever you are studying, we’ve thought of everything to make the best out of your university years.
Student accommodation in Leicester
If you are looking to move to Leicester this coming year, then make sure to check out the latest additions to our portfolio of student residences in the city.
Here at Collegiate, we want you to have the best possible start to your university experience in Leicester. That’s why we offer cosy, stylish homes fitted with all the amenities you could need under one roof. With one less thing to worry about, you can concentrate on studying, socialising and exploring.
Whether you’re after top tips or recommendations on the local area, things to see or do, our on-site teams are proud to offer a warm welcome and help you get to know your new home. You’ll also find plenty of information on our blog pages that offer practical information, inspiration and guides to Leicester and everything this wonderful city has to offer.