Leicester Guildhall: Hours, Address, Leicester Guildhall Reviews: 4.5/5
Leicester Guildhall
Leicester Guildhall
4.5
11:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
11:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 4:30 PM
About
Leicester is privileged to have one of the best-preserved timber framed halls in the country dating back 600 years. The Guildhall is a historic building and the oldest building still in use in the city. It was Leicester’s first police station and between 1876 and the 1900’s and saw many unsavoury characters pass through its doors. The Great Hall itself was built in about 1390 as a meeting place for the Guild of Corpus Christi (a small but powerful group of businessmen and gentry) and it’s also believed that Shakespeare performed here during Tudor times. Today, the Guildhall is best known as an excellent performance venue, attracting acts from across the country. It’s also known as a museum where visitors can step back in time and come face to face with Crankie Gemmie and Emma Smith, two of Leicester's notorious pick-pockets who can be found lurking in the Victorian police cells. The museum is also home to the Medieval Leicester galleries and The White Rose Cafe.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
565 reviews
Excellent
313
Very good
213
Average
32
Poor
6
Terrible
1
familyg150
Leicester, UK5 contributions
Dec 2021 • Family
We visited the Christmas Carol as performed by Gerald Dickens. I brought along my husband and two sons aged 9 and 10. It was AMAZING. My husband said after he came along for me but was blown away by how much he was entertained.
He couldn't believe how well Gerald impersonated the different characters and my youngest has now requested to see more live theatre (it was the first event of this type that he has seen).
As for me I expected it to be magic and it was. I'd re-read the story in anticipation and it was wonderful to hear the words I'd recently read be brought to life in such a captivating way- at points I was joining in with those well known lines in my head. I'll remember this forever.
I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to see this and am so thankful that the ticket price made it affordable for the whole family.
Absolutely wonderful.
He couldn't believe how well Gerald impersonated the different characters and my youngest has now requested to see more live theatre (it was the first event of this type that he has seen).
As for me I expected it to be magic and it was. I'd re-read the story in anticipation and it was wonderful to hear the words I'd recently read be brought to life in such a captivating way- at points I was joining in with those well known lines in my head. I'll remember this forever.
I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to see this and am so thankful that the ticket price made it affordable for the whole family.
Absolutely wonderful.
Written December 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
ginag76
40 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
We came to watch Gerald Dickens perform Christmas Carol just before Christmas. I can highly recommend this to anyone wanting to experience something really festive and enjoyable set in such an atmospheric building - simply perfect. Enjoyed the evening so much and will be returning again soon.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Crimson4tears
Liverpool8 contributions
Jul 2021
This was extremely information and had lots of interesting items that took you back to the medieval history of Leicester. Much larger than it looks from the outside the building itself is an exhibit and was stunning to walk through and see the architecture and absolutely stunning building.
Lovely to wander through and look at the exhibit and learn more about the history while seeing the numerous items there. Very informative and interesting with things for people of all interests and ages.
Also lots of amusing notes left on items to freshen up the normal 'do not sit' 'do not touch' that are in historical buildings that were extremely amusing to read as going around
Lovely to wander through and look at the exhibit and learn more about the history while seeing the numerous items there. Very informative and interesting with things for people of all interests and ages.
Also lots of amusing notes left on items to freshen up the normal 'do not sit' 'do not touch' that are in historical buildings that were extremely amusing to read as going around
Written August 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Sue B
Leicester, UK258 contributions
Mar 2022
Went for a free tour of the building this morning. Mark was very knowledgeable about this fantastic old building. I learnt so much. Amazing how the building has stood the test of time and how it has been extended several times. Looking forward to seeing a couple of shows here later in the year, Sunday at the Musicals and Gail Morecambe talking about her dad, Eric. It’s great that the building is used for events as well as a museum.
Written March 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Kevin S
67 contributions
May 2022
Leicester as a city doesn't advertise itself well enough. In the Guildhall the city has one of the outstanding gems anywhere in the country. Built in 1390 it is a superb example of 14th century archtecture.
Written May 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
NB1957
674 contributions
Jan 2020
So good that such a lovely and quite unique building has survived. The Guildhall is one of the many gems in a city which has so much to offer in terms of architecture, museums and galleries. The building itself is a wonderful history time capsule and it is fascinating to thing of the history that it has survived through and the dramatic events. The Guildhall is free to enter and the staff pleasant. It really is one of the not to be missed highlights of this fascinating city.
Written January 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Patrick Scattergood - Author
Leicester, UK7 contributions
Aug 2021
One of my favourite places to visit in Leicester. No matter how many times I've been, I'm still blown away by how beautiful the place is. The sense of history that flows through the building itself, is almost magical, and even entertains my eldest. It's always a treat to visit as the staff as so kind, patient and ready to answer any questions.
They hold some amazing shows there too, including a gloriously brilliant Laurel and Hardy show.
They hold some amazing shows there too, including a gloriously brilliant Laurel and Hardy show.
Written August 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Elena Z
27 contributions
Jan 2020
A definitely must visit! Medieval Leicester and history are part of this stunning building! It is also free of charge, and well deserve a visit, if you happen to be around town. Parts of history are explained and the guildhall itself is a gem, some sad sections too, such as the cells, and more history about what happened to prisoners explained... But it is the state and beauty of this building that catches your eye, inside and outside. Highly recommended
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
MIW
Loughborough, UK47 contributions
Aug 2020
Great place to visit to see some history of Leicester and what its custodians got up to. Lots of little nooks and crannies tucked away to explore and kids will love the gaol! Surprising little gem hidden away and very unassuming. I bet lots of people walk straight past it without knowing its even there! Spend an hour or so walking round and you'll come away enriched. Also look out for the nights of entertainment in the Guildhall from kids theatre to spooky readings at Halloween!
Written July 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
anteallachleicester
Leicester, UK659 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
This stunning building is a must see when visiting Leicester City. It is beautifully preserved and has so much of interest inside.
Staff were extremely friendly when we visited to see the ‘rocket round leicester’ displays.
The artefacts and information boards are extremely well laid out and interesting.
The recommended donation of £3 pp is definitely worth it.
Staff were extremely friendly when we visited to see the ‘rocket round leicester’ displays.
The artefacts and information boards are extremely well laid out and interesting.
The recommended donation of £3 pp is definitely worth it.
Written July 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Torsmith01
Leicester, UK31 contributions
Hello, we are thinking about having our wedding here at the Guildhall but do not know where to go afterwards for a sit down dinner/food or evening party? any suggestions for those of you that were married here? I know Hotel Maiyango does not have the restaurant and doesn't cater for wedding receptions anymore.
Many Thanks,
James Hickford
Leicester, UK1 contribution
Hello, we very much hope you do choose us at The Guildhall!
We don't have formal arrangements with other venues to continue your wedding celebrations, but Wgyston's House and St Martins House are both lovely places on our door step! Hope they can help with your requirements for catering/party etc!
All best, Leicester Museums
Seniorcitizen10
Lee on the solent3 contributions
Is the Richard III exhibition in the Guildhall ?
James Hickford
Leicester, UK1 contribution
Hi Lee, the Richard III exhibition at The Guildhall was a temporary one, but there's now a Leicester Medieval exhibition (free admission) on display.
The Richard III Visitor Centre across the road from the Guildhall and Leicester Cathedral is the place now to go for all things Richard!
Frequently Asked Questions about Leicester Guildhall
- Leicester Guildhall is open:
- Sun - Sat 11:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- We recommend booking Leicester Guildhall tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Leicester Guildhall tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Leicester Guildhall:
- (0.06 mi) St Martins Lodge
- (0.06 mi) The Villare Hotel
- (0.13 mi) Travelodge Leicester Central Hotel
- (0.14 mi) Holiday Inn Leicester, an IHG hotel
- (0.16 mi) The City Rooms
- Restaurants near Leicester Guildhall:
- (0.03 mi) World Peace Cafe
- (0.10 mi) Hollys Coffee Shop & Sandwich Bar
- (0.11 mi) Lilu Cuisine
- (0.10 mi) Veeno Leicester
- (0.11 mi) Bodega Cantina Leicester