2017 - Bern - Zytglogge
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Haymarket Memorial Clock Tower

4.3
·2k reviews·, United Kingdom

Leicester's iconic Victorian Gothic Clock Tower, a historic landmark and vibrant city centre meeting point.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekend afternoons

Peak lively atmosphere

CrowdHigh
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2017 - Bern - Zytglogge

Haymarket Memorial Clock Tower

Best Time

Weekend afternoons

Peak lively atmosphere

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Leicester's iconic Victorian Gothic Clock Tower, a historic landmark and vibrant city centre meeting point.

4.3
(2k reviews)

"A vibrant landmark at the heart of the city, a popular meeting spot and a symbol of Leicester’s history."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Central Meeting Spot

The Clock Tower is Leicester's iconic meeting point. Perfect for gathering before exploring the city!

🎶 Be Prepared for Noise

Loud preaching groups can be present, especially on Saturdays.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.3 · 2,000 reviews

Type

Historical Landmark

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Victorian Gothic Architecture

Victorian Gothic Architecture

City Centre

An ornate 19th-century monument with statues honoring local historical figures. A true architectural gem.

Central Meeting Point

Central Meeting Point

Heart of Leicester's shopping streets

The go-to spot for locals and visitors to gather before exploring shops, cafes, or events.

Vibrant City Hub

Vibrant City Hub

Crossroads of High Street, Gallowtree Gate, Humberstone Gate

Experience the lively atmosphere with street performers, market stalls, and a multicultural feel.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Buzz

The Clock Tower is Leicester's vibrant heart, a constant hub of activity. Expect street performers, market stalls, and a lively atmosphere, especially on weekends. It's a prime meeting point, so be prepared for crowds and a bustling energy.

Respectful Observation

While a popular spot for gatherings, be aware that some groups may engage in loud preaching. Visitors have noted this can be disruptive. Enjoy the landmark, but be prepared for potential noise.

Best Times

When
Weekend afternoons
Why
Peak lively atmosphere
Crowd
High
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Less crowded, calmer vibe
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

A little nostalgia on a Monday afternoon. Back in the 90’s when the buses used to drive past the Clock Tower and down High Street 🚌 . . . . . . #leicester #aboutleicester #leicesterhistory #leicesternostalgia #leicesterclocktower #90sleicester #leicesterblog #leicesterblogger #highstreetleicester #cityofleicester
@aboutleicester
23.4K likes • 258.8K views

🎯 Central Meeting Spot

The Clock Tower is Leicester's iconic meeting point. Perfect for gathering before exploring the city! TikTok

🎶 Be Prepared for Noise

Loud preaching groups can be present, especially on Saturdays. Reddit

How to get to the Clock Tower Viewing Deck - Go inside the Clock Tower Mall - Look for elevators near Makkah Museum sign - Take that elevator to P4 only - Buy your ticket - Then take the express elevator to the top - Enjoy the epic view! #clocktowermakkah #umrah
@navinsaeed
14.6K likes • 289.9K views
McDonald’s clock tower how they make their staff transport stock to market street🤦🏻‍♂️ multi billion pound company👀 ##mcdonalds##leicestermcdonalds##clocktower##leicester##leicestercity
@therealleicester
7.2K likes • 300.9K views

🚶‍♀️ Explore Nearby Shops

Conveniently located near Highcross Shopping Centre and other retail hubs. :shopping_bags:

📸 Great Photo Op

A beautiful landmark for capturing memories of Leicester city centre. :camerawithflash:

Hare Krishna singing dancing at the Clock Tower, Leicester. please feel free to join me. Hare Krishnaaaa ❤️
@minesigopika08
7.2K likes • 146K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Central Meeting Spot

The Clock Tower is Leicester's iconic meeting point. Perfect for gathering before exploring the city! TikTok

🎶 Be Prepared for Noise

Loud preaching groups can be present, especially on Saturdays. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore Nearby Shops

Conveniently located near Highcross Shopping Centre and other retail hubs. :shopping_bags:

📸 Great Photo Op

A beautiful landmark for capturing memories of Leicester city centre. :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

4.3
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Haymarket Memorial Clock Tower is celebrated as Leicester's vibrant heart and an iconic landmark, praised for its historical charm and central location. Visitors appreciate its role as a lively meeting point and a symbol of the city's heritage, though some find the noise from public gatherings disruptive.

"Its my favorite place in leciester.The Clock Tower in Leicester is a vibrant landmark at the heart of the city. Surrounded by shops and cafes, it's a popular meeting spot and a symbol of Leicester’s history. Its Victorian Gothic design adds charm, making it a must-see when exploring the city center."

Anjali R

"The Clock Tower is an iconic landmark in Leicester’s city centre, serving as a meeting point, historical monument, and bustling focal point of the city. Located at the crossroads of Leicester’s main shopping streets, it’s a vibrant area with constant activity, drawing locals, students, and tourists alike. Here’s a closer look:

Built in the 19th century, the Clock Tower is a Victorian Gothic-style monument with statues commemorating local historical figures, including Simon de Montfort and William Wyggeston. Its ornate design and historical relevance make it an architectural gem and a symbol of Leicester’s rich heritage. Despite being in the middle of a busy shopping area, it adds a touch of old-world charm to the surroundings.

The Clock Tower area is lively and always bustling with activity. As Leicester’s most well-known meeting point, you’ll often see people gathering there before heading to shops, cafes, or events. Street performers, market stalls, and the occasional public event create a lively atmosphere, especially on weekends. This area captures the diverse, multicultural feel of Leicester, with visitors from all walks of life.

The Clock Tower’s location couldn’t be more central, connecting Leicester’s main pedestrianized shopping streets, including High Street, Gallowtree Gate, and Humberstone Gate. Its position makes it convenient and easily accessible for anyone exploring the city. It’s also close to major shopping spots like the Highcross Shopping Centre, as well as plenty of eateries and cafes.

The Clock Tower is more than just a landmark—it’s the heartbeat of Leicester’s city centre. With its unique mix of historical charm, central location, and vibrant atmosphere, it’s a must-visit spot whether you’re passing through or planning to explore the city. Just standing there offers a real feel of Leicester’s community energy and cultural richness."

Sir Khris (‘Kaptayn’)

"It's a nice place to visit. I would recommend it. Also, there are many homeless people. I hope the government could help them. It's coming winter time."

Diana Carrasco

What People Like

Iconic landmark
Central meeting point
Historical charm

What People Dislike

Loud public gatherings

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Clock Tower is centrally located in Leicester's city centre, at the crossroads of High Street, Gallowtree Gate, and Humberstone Gate. It's easily accessible on foot from most city centre locations and is a major hub for local bus routes. TikTok

Yes, there are several car parks nearby, including the Highcross Shopping Centre car park and the Haymarket Shopping Centre car park. These are within a short walking distance of the Clock Tower. TikTok

Absolutely! The Clock Tower is a major bus interchange, with numerous routes stopping nearby. It's a central point for many bus services operating within Leicester. TikTok

Yes, the area surrounding the Clock Tower is largely pedestrianized, making it easy and pleasant to walk around and explore the shops and cafes. 🚶

Combine a visit to the Clock Tower with exploring the surrounding shopping streets and cafes. It's a great starting point for a city centre adventure. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Haymarket Memorial Clock Tower is an outdoor landmark and is freely accessible to view from the outside. There are no tickets required to admire its architecture. TikTok

As an outdoor monument, the Clock Tower is visible 24/7. However, the surrounding shops and cafes have their own operating hours. TikTok

The Clock Tower itself is not open for public interior access. It serves as an external monument and a central point in the city. TikTok

While there isn't a specific tour for the Clock Tower itself, many Leicester city walking tours will include it as a key point of interest and a historical landmark. TikTok

No, there is no admission fee to visit the Clock Tower or the surrounding public spaces. It's a free landmark for everyone to enjoy. TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The area is bustling with shops, cafes, and restaurants. You might also encounter street performers or market stalls, adding to the lively atmosphere. TikTok+1

Yes, it's famously known as Leicester's primary meeting point. Its central location makes it ideal for friends and family to gather. TikTok

The statues commemorate local historical figures, including Simon de Montfort and William Wyggeston, adding to the tower's historical significance. Reddit

Absolutely! It's a popular spot for photography, capturing the essence of Leicester's city centre. TikTok

It's generally vibrant and lively, especially on weekends, with a mix of shoppers, locals, and performers. TikTokReddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the Clock Tower is surrounded by numerous cafes, restaurants, and fast-food outlets, offering a wide variety of dining options. TikTok

You'll find everything from traditional British pubs and cafes to international cuisine, including Indian, Italian, and fast-food chains. TikTok

There are options for all budgets, from affordable cafes and fast food to more upscale dining experiences in the surrounding areas. TikTok

Yes, many of the eateries in the vicinity offer takeaway services, perfect for a quick bite while exploring. TikTok

Numerous cafes are dotted around the Clock Tower, offering a great spot to rest and refuel. Exploring the side streets can reveal hidden gems. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) offers beautiful lighting. However, the tower is also striking at night when illuminated. TikTok

Try capturing it from street level to include the bustling city life, or from slightly elevated positions in nearby buildings for a broader perspective. TikTok

Yes, but always be respectful and ask for permission before taking close-up shots of performers. TikTok+1

Its Victorian Gothic architecture, ornate details, and prominent location in the heart of the city make it a visually appealing subject. TikTok

Generally, no. However, be mindful of private property and avoid obstructing public pathways or businesses. TikTok

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