Leicester Cathedral has been embedded in the public, economic, cultural and religious life of this community for over 900 years. Since 1927, as the seat of the Bishop of Leicester, we now gather people together for worship, celebration, lament, debate and service of the poor and vulnerable.
The Cathedral is open daily and all are welcome.
Admission to the Cathedral is by a suggested voluntary donation of £5 per adult (some events and activities have a separate charge)
Visiting Hours
Daily visiting times:
Monday to Friday
9.00am – 5.00pm
Saturday
10.00am – 5.00pm
Sunday
12.00pm – 3.00pm
The Tomb of Richard III can be visited between 10.30am–4.30pm from Monday to Saturday, and between 12.30–3.00pm on Sundays.
Some parts of the building are inaccessible for general visiting while a service is taking place. Our daily pattern of services can be found here.
Occasionally, there are special services or events which may affect our opening hours or access to parts of the building. These will be announced on our Closures page.
Entrance
The current main entrance to the Cathedral is the North Porch, located on Guildhall Lane, while building works take place for the final stage of the Leicester Cathedral Revealed project
The main entrance will return to the South Door (Vaughan Porch) when Cathedral Gardens re-open later in 2024.
The Cathedral is open daily, entry is free with encouraged donation, and all are welcome.
How to find us
BY TRAIN
There are good rail links to Leicester from Birmingham, Sheffield and London. Cathedral Gardens and St Martins House are a 10–15 minute walk from Leicester city rail station, turning right out of the exit along Granby Street and Gallowtree Gate, before turning left at the Clock Tower along Silver Street.
BY CAR
From the south
Leicester is located just off the M1. Exit the M1 at Junction 21, signposted M69 and Leicester. Follow signs for A5460 heading towards Leicester City Centre. Follow for approximately 3 miles and follow signs for Castle Gardens and Highcross. Arrive at St Nicholas Circle and take the 3rd exit off the St Nicholas Circle roundabout, onto Peacock Lane. Leicester Cathedral is located on your left, next to St Martins House Conference Centre.
From the north
Leicester is located just off the M1. Exit the M1 at Junction 22 and join the A50. Follow the A50 for approximately 8 miles, then follow signs for Vaughan Way then follow signs for the A47. You will arrive at a junction with Highcross straight ahead. Take the left lane to avoid the underpass which leads up to St Nicholas Circle and the Holiday Inn hotel. Take the left lane and follow onto Peacock Lane. Leicester Cathedral is located on your left, next to St Martins House Conference Centre.
Parking Long-stay car parks
These are available nearby at the Highcross Shopping Centre (accessible from Vaughan Way, postcode LE1 4QJ) and Newarke Street Car Park (LE1 5SN). Blue Badge holders can park in Applegate Car Park which is approximately 150 meters from the Cathedral (spaces here are very limited).
BY BUS
For information on bus services in Leicester, please visit the City Council website: http://www.leicester.gov.uk/transport-and-streets/travelling-by-bus/. For further information on bus services throughout Leicester and Leicestershire, including Park & Ride services, call the Travel Line on: 0871 200 22 33.
BY CYCLE
Whichever English cathedral you visit, you will be able to arrive by bike thanks to a unique partnership between Sustrans, Cycling UK, the British Pilgrimage Trust and the Association of English Cathedrals that will link all 42 Church of England cathedrals in a new initiative to promote greener travel and mental and physical wellbeing. For more information on the Cathedrals Cycle Route challenge, click here.
Accessibility
Leicester Cathedral is committed to making the building welcoming to all. Our current project Leicester Cathedral Revealed is on going and will continue to improve the accessibility of this historic building. Below you can find access information for you to plan your visit.
The entrance to Leicester Cathedral is currently on Guildhall Lane where you can find stepped and ramped access to the building. The new stone floor is level throughout the building.
Lighting in the Cathedral may be dim for certain events and during the evening.
There are currently no toilets in the Cathedral, but access to the toilets in St Martins House or The Guildhall will be available should St Martins House allow it. The facilities include baby changing and an accessible toilet.
Blue Badge holders can park in Applegate Car Park which is approximately 150 meters from the Cathedral (spaces here are very limited).
Dog Policy
We're happy to say that our warm welcome extends to well-behaved dogs. In order to ensure that the Cathedral remains a safe and enjoyable place for everyone we ask that you are mindful of other visitors – particularly those who might be using the space for quiet prayer or reflection – and ensure your dog is well-behaved, on a short lead at all times and not disturbing others.
Owners will need to clean up after their dog in the case of an unfortunate accident. And in order to ensure maximum enjoyment for all, dogs are not currently permitted on guided tours or to attend events (unless otherwise stated).
Guide dogs, hearing dogs, assistance dogs and well-behaved dogs are permitted to attend services.
