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Guide
Leicester, United Kingdom π¬π§
#1579
,
Nomad Score:
59%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Leicester is a vibrant city located in the East Midlands of England, known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and educational institutions. |
π₯ Population | Approx. 354,000 |
π» Internet Speed | Average of 70 Mbps |
πΈ Currency & Banking | GBP (British Pound) - 1 GBP β 1.30 USD |
π° Tap Water | Drinkable and treated, safe for consumption. |
π Power | 230V, 50Hz, π Type G sockets |
πΆ SIM Card | Major providers include EE, Vodafone, and O2; prepaid options available. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Popular banks include Barclays, HSBC, and NatWest; many offer accounts for expats. |
π Accommodation | Apartments available on platforms like Airbnb, Rightmove, and Zoopla. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely and mobile payments are common. |
π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and serviced apartments available throughout the city. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include YHA Leicester and other budget hotels. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | City Centre and near the Leicester Cathedral offer great access to attractions. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Highfields and Stoneygate areas are popular among digital nomads for co-working spaces and community. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | The Innovation Centre offers a great environment for remote work. |
β Best Cafe for Work | The Coffee Counter is popular for freelancers due to its Wi-Fi and quiet atmosphere. |
πΌ Networking Events | Meetups hosted at venues like The Exchange are common for professionals. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | The Leicester Expats and International Friends Group on Facebook hosts regular meetups. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in Leicester, or local options like Leicester Taxis. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike Leicester offers rental services and bike-sharing programs. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach is in Skegness, approximately 2 hours away by car. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | East Midlands Airport is the main regional airport, serving numerous destinations. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | UK-based airlines like British Airways or low-cost carriers operate from nearby airports. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | Located near the M1 and A46, offering good access to surrounding regions. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Leicester Railway Station connects to London, Birmingham, and more. |
π Public Transport Passes | Various day passes and monthly tickets available for buses and trams. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Trains to nearby cities like Nottingham and Coventry run frequently. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Leicester Royal Infirmary is the main healthcare facility, well-equipped. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga with Jennifer and The Yoga Lounge offer classes across the city. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Xercise4Less and PureGym are popular fitness chains with affordable memberships. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Laundrette Leicester offers affordable self-service washing and drying options. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Deliveroo and Just Eat are the most popular food delivery services. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the Melton Mowbray pork pie, a regional specialty. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Try The Nourish Cafe or Chai Yo, both offering great plant-based menus. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | Gelato Village and The Pie Man are favorites among locals. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Markets like Leicester Market are great for budget-friendly food shopping. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon UK and eBay are widely used platforms for online shopping. |
π Grocery Delivery | Tesco and Sainsbury's offer grocery delivery services in the area. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | The Cultural Quarter is a lively district with bars and entertainment options. |
π» Local Brewery | Leicester Brewery offers tours and tastings of local craft beers. |
π· Wine Bars | The White Horse is a cozy wine bar known for its selection. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Head to Leicester Market for a variety of street food options. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Explore the many Indian and Chinese restaurants, reflecting Leicester's diverse culture. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | The King Richard III Centre and Leicester Cathedral are essential visits. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | Leicester Museum and Art Gallery hosts various exhibitions year-round. |
π° Historical Sites | Visit the ruins of the Jewry Wall, a significant Roman site. |
π Religious Sites | The city's diverse faiths include the Kailash Mandir and St. Nicholasβ Church. |
π Annual Events | The Leicester Caribbean Carnival is a major celebration held every summer. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | The Cultural Quarter features art galleries, theaters, and performance spaces. |
π Theater Venues | Curve Theatre offers a wide range of performances and productions. |
ποΈ Local Markets | The Leicester Market is famous for fresh produce and local goods. |
πΌ Music Scene | The O2 Academy Leicester hosts various concerts and events. |
π¨ Street Art | Explore the street art in the city center for vibrant urban art. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | The Cooking School at Th knowledge offers comprehensive culinary classes. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Check out the New Walk Museum & Art Gallery for contemporary collections. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The Guildhall is a stunning historical structure worth visiting. |
π΄ Local Heritage | Leicester has deep historical roots, notably with King Richard IIIβs legacy. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | Bradgate Park features stunning landscapes and wildlife. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | The Peak District is accessible for hiking and outdoor activities. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | The Great Central Way offers a scenic route for cycling and walking. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | The views from the top of Bradgate Park offer breathtaking sights of the countryside. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Watermead Country Park is perfect for nature observers. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas of Bradgate Park allow for campfires on designated days. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | Royal Mail and DHL provide reliable delivery services. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Swansea offers quick repair services for most devices. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers host table tennis events. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | The Language CafΓ© offers diverse language learning opportunities. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | Leicester Central Library provides quiet spaces for reading and studying. |
ποΈ Community Centers | The Peepul Centre hosts various community events and activities. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Check out Game On Cafe for gaming with friends. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | The Grosvenor Casino offers a lively atmosphere for gaming. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. Β£2,800 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = Β£112,000) |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. Β£2,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = Β£88,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. Β£3,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = Β£192,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. Β£2,700 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = Β£162,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. Β£3,100 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = Β£248,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. Β£2,400 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = Β£192,000) |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 19% |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | UK does not impose a dividend withholding tax for companies |
π¦ Tax System | The UK uses a worldwide income basis for residents. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% for income above Β£150,000 |
π§Ύ VAT | 20% |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules apply under UK taxation. |
π Property Tax | Based on the property value, generally referred to as Council Tax. |
π Property Transaction Tax | Stamp Duty Land Tax applies on purchases. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | UK offers a flexible tax regime for foreign residents. |