The Clock Tower, Leicester: Iconic City Centre Landmark and Meeting Point
Historic Victorian clock tower and iconic Leicester meeting point at the heart of the city’s vibrant pedestrian zone.
The Clock Tower in Leicester stands as a historic and ornate monument at the heart of the city, serving as a vibrant meeting point and symbol of Leicester’s rich heritage. Built in 1868 to ease traffic congestion, it commemorates four of Leicester’s benefactors and marks the site of Britain’s first traffic island. Surrounded by bustling shops, cafes, and pedestrian streets, it remains a focal point for locals and visitors alike, visible 24/7 and steeped in cultural significance.
A brief summary to The Clock Tower
- 3 E Gates, Leicester, LE1 5YA, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the ornate details and surrounding cityscape.
- Use the Clock Tower as a central meeting point when exploring Leicester city centre.
- Combine your visit with nearby attractions like Leicester Cathedral and the Museum & Art Gallery.
- Enjoy the lively atmosphere of surrounding cafes and shops in the pedestrianised area.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Leicester city centre is well-served by local buses with frequent services stopping near the Clock Tower. Travel times vary depending on your starting point, typically 10–30 minutes from most city suburbs. Tickets cost approximately £2–£4. Note that bus frequency may reduce in late evenings and on Sundays.
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Walking
If you are already in Leicester city centre, the Clock Tower is easily accessible on foot via pedestrianised streets. Walking times from Leicester Railway Station are about 10–15 minutes over flat, paved terrain, suitable for all mobility levels.
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Car
Driving to the Clock Tower is possible but parking is limited in the immediate vicinity. The nearest major car parks include the NCP on East Street and the Haymarket Shopping Centre car park. Expect to pay £3–£6 for a few hours. Traffic congestion may occur during peak times.
The Clock Tower location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The Clock Tower
A Historic Solution to Urban Congestion
The Clock Tower was constructed in 1868 as a practical response to the growing traffic congestion in Leicester’s city centre. It occupies the site of the town’s former hay and straw market and is notable for being located on what is considered Britain’s first traffic island. This innovative urban feature was designed to manage the flow of horse-drawn vehicles that once crowded the area, marking a significant moment in the city’s development and urban planning history.Commemorating Leicester’s Benefactors
More than just a timepiece, the Clock Tower serves as a memorial to four of Leicester’s most notable benefactors. Its ornate design reflects the Victorian era’s architectural grandeur, with the clock face originally blue but changed to white in the 1970s to enhance visibility. Smaller statues adorn the tower, representing famous sons of the city such as Simon de Montfort, linking the monument to Leicester’s rich historical and cultural narrative.Vibrant Urban Hub and Social Space
Situated at 3 E Gates, the Clock Tower is surrounded by a lively pedestrianised area filled with shops, cafes, and bars. It is a popular meeting point for locals and visitors, often described as the heartbeat of Leicester city centre. The area around the tower is bustling with activity throughout the day and evening, making it a natural gathering spot and a landmark that is easy to find and recognize.Architectural and Cultural Significance
The Clock Tower is an impressive example of Victorian civic architecture, combining functional urban design with artistic detail. It stands as a symbol of Leicester’s historical evolution from a medieval market town to a modern city. The tower’s presence enriches the cityscape, offering iconic views and serving as a backdrop for cultural events and everyday city life.Accessibility and Surroundings
As an outdoor monument, the Clock Tower is accessible 24 hours a day, year-round. It is located in a pedestrian-friendly zone, making it easy to approach on foot. Nearby amenities include public transport options, shops, cafes, and public restrooms. Its central location connects visitors to other key Leicester attractions such as Leicester Cathedral, the Museum & Art Gallery, and the Haymarket Shopping Centre.Enduring Symbol of Leicester’s Identity
Generations of Leicester residents have used the Clock Tower as a meeting place, embedding it deeply in the city’s social fabric. It is more than a landmark; it is a cultural icon that reflects the city’s heritage, community spirit, and urban vitality. Whether admired for its historical importance or its role as a bustling city centre hub, the Clock Tower remains a must-see symbol of Leicester’s past and present.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
23 St.Nicholas Pl
0.4 km
Leicester's oldest place of worship, where Roman foundations meet medieval splendour and 1,100 years of history.
Welford Place
0.5 km
Explore the historic John Biggs statue at Welford Place, a Victorian landmark celebrating Leicester’s reformist legacy and civic pride.
Leicester Roman West Gate site
0.6 km
Explore Leicester’s monumental Roman baths and the iconic Jewry Wall, a testament to ancient urban life and architecture.
Museum Development East Midlands
4.3 km
Supporting East Midlands museums with expert guidance, grants, and training from County Hall, Leicester.
King Lear
5.4 km
Explore Leicester’s legendary ties to King Lear, where Roman ruins and medieval myths converge in a captivating historical landmark.
Earl Shilton Castle
13.3 km
Discover the Norman motte and bailey earthworks of Earl Shilton Castle, a historic hunting lodge and fortress near Leicester.
Memorial Clock Tower
19.1 km
A towering Gothic-revival memorial in Coalville honoring 354 fallen WWI soldiers with a commanding clock and rich community history.
Westmorland Drive
27.7 km
Experience seamless travel in Nuneaton at the Westmorland Drive bus stop, your gateway to local attractions and vibrant community life.
Bedworth Water Tower
29.4 km
A towering Romanesque water tower blending industrial heritage, architectural charm, and urban wildlife in the heart of Bedworth.
Rushton Triangular Lodge
32.4 km
Explore the architectural wonder of Rushton Triangular Lodge, a unique heritage building steeped in history and stunning design.
Old Trent Bridge
33.5 km
A historic river crossing in Nottingham blending medieval origins with Victorian engineering and enduring local heritage.
Wollaton Park Lake
34.5 km
Discover the tranquility of Wollaton Park Lake in Nottingham, an ideal retreat for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Lamport Hall
34.6 km
Explore Lamport Hall, a stunning historical landmark in Northamptonshire, where rich heritage and breathtaking gardens await every traveler.
Public Art - The Sneinton Dragon
34.8 km
Discover the enchanting Sneinton Dragon, a striking public art sculpture in Nottingham, embodying local heritage and artistic expression.
Mortimer’s hole
34.8 km
Explore Mortimer's Hole in Nottingham - a captivating historical landmark steeped in legend and medieval intrigue.
Unmissable attractions to see
Leicester Market
0.2 km
Europe’s largest outdoor covered market, blending 700 years of history with vibrant multicultural produce and lively community spirit.
Highcross
0.2 km
Leicester’s vibrant shopping and entertainment destination with over 120 stores, diverse dining, and a luxury cinema experience.
Veeno
0.2 km
Experience authentic Sicilian wines and Italian small plates in Leicester’s vibrant St Martins Square at Veeno.
Town Hall Square Fountain
0.3 km
Historic Victorian fountain in Leicester’s Town Hall Square, a symbol of civic pride and architectural elegance.
King Richard III Visitor Centre
0.3 km
Discover the incredible story of King Richard III’s life, death, and rediscovery at the site where history was unearthed beneath a Leicester car park.
Leicester Cathedral
0.3 km
Discover the historic Leicester Cathedral, home to King Richard III’s tomb and centuries of Gothic splendor in the heart of Leicester.
The Guildhall Museum
0.4 km
Explore 600 years of Leicester’s history in a beautifully preserved medieval timber-framed Guildhall, from Shakespearean theatre to Victorian police cells.
Jewry Wall & Roman Baths
0.6 km
Explore one of Britain’s largest Roman masonry structures and immerse yourself in Leicester’s ancient Roman baths and heritage museum.
The Newarke Houses Museum
0.7 km
Explore Leicester’s Tudor heritage, immersive WWI trench, and vibrant Victorian shops amid tranquil historic gardens.
Leicester Castle
0.7 km
Explore Leicester Castle’s medieval heritage and royal connections in the heart of the city, where history and architecture intertwine.
Leicester Museum and Art Gallery
0.9 km
Discover Leicester’s rich heritage through captivating art, natural history, and interactive family galleries on historic New Walk.
Abbey Park
1.1 km
Discover Abbey Park, Leicester’s historic riverside haven blending tranquil gardens, medieval ruins, and family-friendly fun just north of the city centre.
Leicester Abbey
1.4 km
Explore the evocative 12th-century Leicester Abbey ruins amid tranquil riverside gardens and family-friendly attractions in historic Abbey Park.
The Blackbird
1.5 km
A welcoming Leicester grill pub serving hearty sizzling dishes and classic pub fare in a lively community atmosphere.
National Space Centre
1.9 km
Explore the UK’s largest planetarium and iconic rocket tower at Leicester’s National Space Centre, a hub of space discovery and interactive science fun.
Essential places to dine
The Frame
0.2 km
A vibrant Mediterranean restaurant and bar in Leicester’s St Martins Square, blending refined flavours with stylish, inviting surroundings.
Merchant of Venice
0.2 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and Renaissance-inspired charm in Leicester’s Merchant of Venice, a unique dining destination blending culture and cuisine.
Varanasi Boutique Restaurant
0.3 km
Experience exquisite Indian fine dining in Leicester’s majestic Varanasi Boutique, where culinary artistry meets opulent ambiance.
Bistrot Pierre - Leicester
0.3 km
Experience authentic French bistro dining in Leicester’s city centre with classic dishes, seasonal specials, and a warm Parisian atmosphere.
Cosy Club
0.4 km
Stylish British dining and vibrant bar in Leicester’s heart, blending timeless glamour with all-day menus and festive event spaces.
Restaurant263
0.4 km
Experience innovative modern British fine dining with personal chef touches and vibrant vegan options in Leicester’s stylish city centre venue.
Wygston's House Bar & Restaurant
0.4 km
Historic 15th-century timber-framed house in Leicester’s Old Town serving classic English pub fare and real ales in a vibrant, heritage-rich setting.
Casa Romana Restaurant
0.5 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and cozy charm at Casa Romana, Leicester’s cherished seafood and pasta haven.
The White Peacock
0.5 km
Elegant modern European dining with innovative tasting menus and warm service in Leicester’s vibrant city centre.
Sapphire Seafood Kitchen - Leicester Restaurant
0.8 km
Savor fresh seafood and American-inspired dishes in a lively, casual setting at Leicester’s vibrant Sapphire Seafood Kitchen.
Restaurant Romanesc Leicester (Romanian Restaurant) Grande Gusto
1.2 km
Authentic Romanian flavors and generous portions await you at Grande Gusto, Leicester’s cozy hub for traditional Eastern European cuisine.
OGGI Italian Restaurant
1.4 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine with fresh ingredients and warm hospitality at OGGI Italian Restaurant in Leicester’s vibrant London Road.
Black Iron
3.2 km
Modern British steakhouse in a historic Georgian mansion, offering charcoal-roasted meats and a refined dining experience in leafy Leicester parkland.
Sapori Restaurant & Bar
5.5 km
Family-run Italian dining in a stylish Victorian setting, blending Neapolitan tradition with modern elegance and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Dom restaurant and bar
10.2 km
A celebrated small plates restaurant in Thurlaston offering refined flavors and a warm, intimate dining experience in a charming village setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Urban Outfitters
0.1 km
Discover Urban Outfitters Leicester: a stylish blend of fashion, accessories, and homewares in the vibrant heart of the city.
Haymarket Shopping Centre
0.1 km
Leicester's pioneering indoor shopping centre with 60+ stores, dining, and award-winning facilities.
The Wardrobe
0.2 km
Discover timeless style and sustainable fashion at Leicester’s longest-running vintage clothing shop in the historic Royal Arcade.
Just Fair Trade
0.2 km
Discover Leicester’s ethical gem offering fair trade gifts and sustainable clothing with a heart for global artisans.
Set
0.2 km
Award-winning gifts, jewellery, and cards in a historic High Street gem with royal connections.
Menkind
0.2 km
Discover unique gadgets, quirky gifts, and exclusive toys at Menkind Leicester in the vibrant Highcross shopping district.
Very Bazaar Leicester
0.2 km
Discover Leicester’s vibrant Very Bazaar, a colourful haven of crystals, unique gifts, and mystical charm in the city centre.
The Pot Pourri Shop Leicester
0.2 km
Discover Leicester’s hidden gem for natural aromatherapy and handcrafted gifts on Free Lane, blending quality, charm, and personalized service.
The Source
0.2 km
Discover unique, high-quality gifts with expert service at The Source, Leicester’s cherished family-owned gift shop on Church Gate.
Arciide
0.3 km
Leicester's premier vintage and Y2K streetwear destination for curated pre-loved fashion and authentic brand collections.
Niche Store
0.3 km
Discover unique gifts and thoughtful treasures in Leicester’s charming Niche Store, where quality meets personal service.
Nim's Boutique ltd
0.4 km
Discover timeless Indian and Asian women's fashion with inclusive sizing and exquisite bridal wear at Nim's Boutique Ltd in Leicester.
St George's Shopping Park
0.9 km
A vibrant open-air retail park in Leicester offering diverse shops, extended hours, and convenient amenities for a comprehensive shopping experience.
The Range, Leicester
1.4 km
Inspiring homes and creative lives—where furniture, décor, and imagination meet under one expansive roof.
Valley Discount Store
2.1 km
A vibrant Leicester discount store offering diverse homewares, kitchenware, toys, and more under one roof with great value and friendly service.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Tønne Bar
0.2 km
A stylish craft beer and cocktail bar in Leicester’s heart, perfect for late nights and diverse drink lovers.
The Bottle Garden Leicester
0.2 km
An urban garden oasis in Leicester serving creative cocktails and live jazz in a stylish, relaxed setting.
The Globe - Pub & Kitchen
0.2 km
A traditional Leicester pub blending classic Everards ales, hearty local fare, and warm community spirit in a cozy historic setting.
Inside No 9
0.2 km
A stylish Leicester cocktail bar blending expert gin craft, live music, and intimate private events in a historic city centre setting.
Knight & Garter
0.3 km
A stylish Italian-inspired steakhouse and vibrant bar in Leicester, offering expertly cooked local beef, boutique drinks, and a lively weekend atmosphere.
The Gadabout
0.3 km
A stylish, quirky cocktail bar in Leicester offering a vast selection of drinks in an intimate, character-filled setting.
Queen of Bradgate
0.3 km
A lively Leicester gastro pub blending artisan British fare, craft drinks, and vintage charm on the historic High Street.
Tree, Leicester
0.3 km
A vibrant craft beer pub in Leicester city centre with a glorious beer garden, fresh food, and a welcoming atmosphere for all.
Firebug
0.4 km
Leicester’s energetic pub and live music venue blending cocktails, comedy, and culture in a vibrant city centre setting.
The Blue Boar
0.4 km
A historic Leicester micropub blending traditional real ales with a fresh, sociable atmosphere and classic British pub fare.
The Exchange Bar
0.4 km
Historic charm meets vibrant culture in Leicester’s iconic Exchange Bar, a lively hub for drinks, music, and community spirit.
Fat Cat Cocktail Bar & Lounge
0.4 km
A vibrant Leicester hotspot blending creative cocktails, lively entertainment, and a stylish atmosphere in the heart of the city.
Duffy's Bar
0.4 km
A vibrant, affordable city-centre pub in Leicester known for its welcoming atmosphere and lively social scene.
The Distillery
0.4 km
Lively city-centre pub offering craft beers, stone-baked pizzas, stacked burgers, and a vibrant atmosphere for dining and socializing in Leicester.
The Rutland & Derby Arms
0.4 km
A lively Leicester pub with top-notch wings, a stunning beer garden, and friendly service in the heart of the city.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Waikiki Nightclub
0.2 km
Experience Leicester’s electric nightlife with futuristic vibes, trendy cocktails, and top RnB beats at Waikiki Nightclub every weekend.
Club Republic
0.3 km
Experience Leicester’s ultimate clubbing hotspot with immersive audiovisuals, live gigs, and a vibrant student-friendly atmosphere.
Motto Nightclub
0.4 km
Experience Leicester’s vibrant nightlife at Motto Nightclub, a dynamic venue where music, dancing, and late-night energy come alive.
The Fan Club
0.4 km
Leicester’s vibrant weekend nightclub with four rooms, diverse music, and a welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable nights out.
TRUTH Leicester
0.4 km
Experience Leicester’s vibrant nightlife at TRUTH, a dynamic nightclub pulsing with music and energy in the city centre’s entertainment heart.
Helsinki
0.4 km
Leicester’s vibrant LGBTQ+ nightclub with electrifying drag shows, diverse music, and late-night celebrations in the heart of the city.
Mosh
0.5 km
Leicester’s vibrant three-floor alternative nightclub, buzzing with indie, emo, and metal beats and budget-friendly drinks.
The Basement
0.5 km
Leicester’s underground hotspot for late-night dancing, eclectic music, and unforgettable private events in a vintage-inspired setting.
Corah Works
0.5 km
Experience Leicester’s rich textile heritage transformed into a vibrant nightlife hotspot at Corah Works on St John Street.
The 2Funky Lounge
0.9 km
Leicester’s energetic two-floor nightclub with live music, private parties, and a rooftop terrace for unforgettable nights out.
Echo's Night Club
16.0 km
Loughborough’s energetic nightclub with dual rooms, affordable drinks, and a lively student-friendly atmosphere on Biggin Street.
The Emporium
18.9 km
Experience Coalville’s vibrant nightlife at The Emporium, where legendary DJs and electric atmospheres create unforgettable weekends.
Tubes
22.0 km
Energetic nightlife and affordable drinks come alive at Tubes, Melton Mowbray’s go-to nightclub and bar for fun and dancing.
Ciros Nightclub
25.9 km
Energetic nightlife hotspot in Ashby-de-la-Zouch offering music, dancing, and a vibrant social scene in a central market town setting.
Ocean Nightclub
34.8 km
Unpretentious beats and dazzling lights fuel all-night dances at Nottingham's go-to multi-room nightclub on Greyfriar Gate.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly