Leicester Castle and Castle Gardens, Leicester

Leicester Castle, a historic stronghold in the heart of Leicester, stands as a reminder of the city's medieval past. Located west of the city center, between Saint Nicholas Circle and De Montfort University, the castle complex features a large motte, the Great Hall, the ruined Turret Gateway, and the Church of Saint Mary de Castro. Once a formidable defensive structure, the castle was built around 1070, shortly after the Norman Conquest, incorporating parts of the old Roman town walls.

For centuries, Leicester Castle was home to the Earls of Leicester, passing from the House of Beaumont to Montfort and later Lancaster. It briefly served as a royal residence under Henry IV to Edward IV but declined by the 15th century, with the Great Hall becoming a courthouse. In 1426, it hosted the Parliament of Bats, where attendees carried clubs instead of swords due to a weapons ban.

Leicester Castle faced conflict during the 1173 rebellion, when Leicester was besieged and burned, and again in the 1640s Civil War, with gun loops added for defense. Now a scheduled monument, its Great Hall features an 18th-century Queen Anne-style façade.

Adjacent to the castle lies Castle Gardens, a peaceful green space by the Grand Union Canal. Situated in the former medieval city, this tranquil park offers visitors a chance to explore Leicester’s rich heritage while enjoying nature. The motte, accessible via footpaths and steps, provides panoramic views, while the cobbled paths lead visitors toward the Turret Gateway and Saint Mary de Castro Church, which once hosted the wedding of Geoffrey Chaucer and the knighting of the young Henry VI.

Castle Gardens is a haven of biodiversity within the city. Its well-maintained flowerbeds, mature trees, and natural vegetation support pollinating insects, while the ornamental pond provides a habitat for frogs and smooth newts. The surrounding historic buildings and nearby waterways also make the area an ideal roosting and foraging site for bats. Whether strolling through its seasonal plantings or resting on a bench overlooking the canal, visitors to Castle Gardens can enjoy a serene retreat within Leicester’s historic core.