Set – Leicester's Premier Gift and Jewellery Destination

4.4 (65)

Award-winning gifts, jewellery, and cards in a historic High Street gem with royal connections.

Set is a multi-award-winning gift, greetings card, and jewellery shop located on Leicester's historic High Street. Specialising in curated collections from beloved brands like Ted Baker, Orla Kiely, Fossil, and Ice watches, alongside an extensive range of contemporary gifts and accessories, Set offers something for every occasion and budget. The shop is housed within the Grade II-listed Lord's Place building, a 16th-century mansion with royal connections, making it a unique retail experience in the heart of Leicester's city centre.

A brief summary to Set

49-51 High St, Leicester, LE1 4FP, GB
Click to display
Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
Mid ranged
Indoor
Mobile reception: 5 out of 5

Monday 10 am-6 pm
Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
Thursday 10 am-6 pm
Friday 10 am-6 pm
Saturday 10 am-6 pm
Sunday 11 am-5 pm

Local tips

Visit on weekday mornings for a quieter shopping experience; High Street can become busy during Saturday afternoons and lunch hours.
Check the constantly rotating Jellycat collection if you collect plush toys or seek unique gift items—stock changes regularly throughout the year.
Combine your visit with exploration of nearby St. Martin's Square and The Lanes for independent boutique shopping, or head to Highcross Leicester for major retailers.
Ask staff about gift wrapping services and personalisation options for watches and jewellery—ideal for special occasions and corporate gifts.
Take a moment to appreciate the Grade II-listed architecture of Lord's Place; the building's plaque at No. 45 documents visits from Mary, Queen of Scots and King James I.

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Getting There

By Bus

Multiple bus routes serve Leicester city centre, with stops along High Street and nearby Haymarket Bus Station. Journey times from outer Leicester typically range from 15–30 minutes depending on your starting point. Buses are frequent throughout the day, with services running until late evening. Single fares cost approximately £1.50–£2.50 within the city centre zone.
By Train

Leicester Railway Station is approximately 0.8 km south of Set, a 10–12 minute walk through the city centre. From the station, head north through the shopping district towards High Street. Alternatively, local buses from the station reach High Street in 5–8 minutes. Train services connect Leicester to major UK cities including London, Birmingham, and Manchester.
By Car

High Street is a pedestrianised shopping area with no direct vehicle access. However, multiple car parks are nearby: Highcross Leicester car park (2–3 minutes' walk), Haymarket car park (5 minutes' walk), and the Clock Tower car park (3–4 minutes' walk). Parking costs typically range from £1.50–£3.00 per hour, with all-day rates around £5.00–£8.00.
On Foot

Set is located in Leicester's pedestrianised city centre, making it easily accessible on foot from surrounding attractions. From Highcross Leicester, it's a 2–3 minute walk. From Leicester Cathedral, allow 5 minutes. From St. Martin's Square and The Lanes, it's within 3–5 minutes. The surrounding area is flat and well-lit, with clear signage throughout the shopping district.

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Restrooms
Drink Options
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Seating Areas
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Set location weather suitability

Any Weather

Discover more about Set

A Gift Shop with Historic Roots

Set occupies a prime position at 49–51 High Street within Lord's Place, a magnificent Grade II-listed building that has stood witness to centuries of Leicester's history. Originally constructed as a grand mansion, Lord's Place became home to Henry, Earl of Huntingdon, from 1569 onwards. The building's illustrious past includes visits from Mary, Queen of Scots in 1586, King James I in 1612, and King Charles I in 1642—a heritage recorded on a plaque at No. 45 High Street. Today, while the upper floors serve as residential and office space, the street level hosts Set's vibrant retail presence, blending contemporary commerce with architectural significance.

Curated Collections for Every Occasion

Set distinguishes itself as a multi-award-winning retailer specialising in carefully selected gift solutions. The shop stocks an impressive array of greetings cards alongside an extensive jewellery collection featuring established watch brands including Fossil, Diesel, Ice, and DKNY. Beyond timepieces, Set carries beloved lifestyle brands such as Ted Baker, Calvin Klein, Orla Kiely, Sass & Belle, Tutti & Co, and Alessi. As official VIP Jellycat stockists, the shop maintains a constantly rotating selection of plush toys and collectibles, ensuring repeat visitors always discover something new. The merchandise spans multiple price points, making it accessible to shoppers seeking everything from budget-friendly stocking fillers to premium gift pieces.

The Evolution of High Street Shopping

High Street itself represents one of Leicester's most historically significant thoroughfares, with roots extending back to Roman times when it connected the East Gate to the Forum and Basilica. In medieval times, it was known as Forum Porcorum or Swinesmarket before being renamed High Street in 1524 to reflect its growing commercial importance. The street underwent dramatic transformation in 1899 when the Great Central Railway opened, linking Leicester's commercial heart to the new railway station. To accommodate the city's innovative electric tram system, High Street was widened and many buildings were demolished and rebuilt. Surviving structures from this Edwardian era include the classical-style bank at No. 7 (1904), Leicester's first cinema, the Electric Theatre at No. 40 (1910), Butler's Chemist's Shop at Nos. 58–60, and the Coronation Buildings at Nos. 76–88. Set's location within Lord's Place places it at the intersection of medieval heritage and Victorian-era regeneration.

A Destination Within Leicester's Shopping Quarter

Set's position on High Street positions it at the heart of Leicester's vibrant shopping district. The immediate vicinity includes The Lanes, St. Martin's Square, and various arcades offering independent and boutique shopping experiences. Just a short walk away stands Highcross Leicester, the city's premier modern shopping centre with over 100 retailers, a 12-screen Cinema de Lux, and diverse dining options. Leicester Market, Europe's largest covered market with over 700 years of history, sits nearby at Green Dragon Square. This concentration of retail, cultural, and leisure facilities makes Set part of a broader ecosystem that caters to diverse shopping preferences, from independent boutiques to major chain stores.

Accessible Urban Retail Experience

Set benefits from its central location on one of Leicester's main pedestrian thoroughfares, making it easily accessible to both local shoppers and visitors exploring the city centre. The shop's position within a historic building adds character and charm to the shopping experience, offering an alternative to modern shopping centres. The surrounding area features numerous cafés, restaurants, and tea rooms, allowing visitors to combine shopping with leisure activities. The proximity to Leicester Cathedral, The Guildhall Museum, and other cultural attractions means Set can be incorporated into a broader city exploration itinerary.