Haymarket Memorial Clock Tower
Leicester's iconic Victorian Gothic Clock Tower, a historic landmark and vibrant city centre meeting point.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak lively atmosphere
Haymarket Memorial Clock Tower
Best Time
Peak lively atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Leicester's iconic Victorian Gothic Clock Tower, a historic landmark and vibrant city centre meeting point.
"A vibrant landmark at the heart of the city, a popular meeting spot and a symbol of Leicester’s history."
🎯 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Victorian Gothic Architecture
City Centre
An ornate 19th-century monument with statues honoring local historical figures. A true architectural gem.
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
Crossroads of High Street, Gallowtree Gate, Humberstone Gate
Experience the lively atmosphere with street performers, market stalls, and a multicultural feel.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Buzz
Respectful Observation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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.
🚶♀️ 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:
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!
🎶 Be Prepared for Noise
Loud preaching groups can be present, especially on Saturdays.
🚶♀️ 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
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
Yes, the area surrounding the Clock Tower is largely pedestrianized, making it easy and pleasant to walk around and explore the shops and cafes. :walking:
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
As an outdoor monument, the Clock Tower is visible 24/7. However, the surrounding shops and cafes have their own operating hours.
The Clock Tower itself is not open for public interior access. It serves as an external monument and a central point in the city.
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.
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.
🎫 🧭 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. +1
Yes, it's famously known as Leicester's primary meeting point. Its central location makes it ideal for friends and family to gather.
The statues commemorate local historical figures, including Simon de Montfort and William Wyggeston, adding to the tower's historical significance.
Absolutely! It's a popular spot for photography, capturing the essence of Leicester's city centre.
It's generally vibrant and lively, especially on weekends, with a mix of shoppers, locals, and performers.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Clock Tower is surrounded by numerous cafes, restaurants, and fast-food outlets, offering a wide variety of dining options.
You'll find everything from traditional British pubs and cafes to international cuisine, including Indian, Italian, and fast-food chains.
There are options for all budgets, from affordable cafes and fast food to more upscale dining experiences in the surrounding areas.
Yes, many of the eateries in the vicinity offer takeaway services, perfect for a quick bite while exploring.
Numerous cafes are dotted around the Clock Tower, offering a great spot to rest and refuel. Exploring the side streets can reveal hidden gems.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) offers beautiful lighting. However, the tower is also striking at night when illuminated.
Try capturing it from street level to include the bustling city life, or from slightly elevated positions in nearby buildings for a broader perspective.
Yes, but always be respectful and ask for permission before taking close-up shots of performers. +1
Its Victorian Gothic architecture, ornate details, and prominent location in the heart of the city make it a visually appealing subject.
Generally, no. However, be mindful of private property and avoid obstructing public pathways or businesses.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the tower itself isn't explorable inside, its presence in the heart of the city centre means you're close to other family-friendly attractions and amenities. Just be mindful that on busy days, it can get quite crowded, so keeping a close watch on little ones is advisable.
💰 Budget Travelers
Surrounding the tower, you'll find a variety of affordable dining options, from fast-food chains to local cafes offering budget-friendly meals. Exploring the shops can also be done without obligation, allowing you to window shop and experience the city's retail scene.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with different angles: street-level shots can include the bustling crowds and performers, while slightly elevated views offer a broader perspective of the tower within its urban context. Don't forget to capture the tower at night when it's beautifully illuminated.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Symbol of Leicester's Past and Present
Today, the Clock Tower is the vibrant heart of Leicester's city centre. It serves as a crucial meeting point for locals and a focal point for the city's diverse community. The area surrounding it is a constant hive of activity, often featuring street performers, market stalls, and public events, creating a lively and dynamic atmosphere that reflects Leicester's multicultural spirit.
Its strategic location at the crossroads of major shopping streets—High Street, Gallowtree Gate, and Humberstone Gate—ensures it's always at the centre of pedestrian traffic. This makes it not only a landmark but also a practical gateway to the city's retail and dining hubs, including proximity to the Highcross Shopping Centre.
Navigating the Clock Tower's Surroundings
While the Clock Tower itself is an outdoor monument, the surrounding area is a pedestrian-friendly zone. This allows visitors to comfortably explore the numerous shops, cafes, and restaurants that line the streets. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, the options are plentiful and cater to a wide range of tastes and budgets.
Be aware that the lively atmosphere can sometimes include loud public gatherings or preaching, particularly on weekends. While this adds to the dynamic feel for some, others may find it disruptive.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit