Leicester is home to two Host student accommodation locations, The Glassworks on Newarke Street and our brand-spanking-new building 41 Castle Street on you guessed it Castle Street. As a student city that prides itself on its diversity, Leicester really is a melting pot of cultural influences. And while it might be rich in history – not least as the burial ground of King Richard III – it’s a place with a firm eye on the future.

So, what’s there to see and to do for students at De Montfort and Leicester universities? We asked those who know best. Our Property Managers Abby & Dan. Before the lockdown they sat down together and shortlisted the must-see, must-do things in their City.

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The 5 best places to be Active.

Being active isn’t always about going to the gym. Abby and Dan, found five fun activities that’ll help you get fit and won’t break the bank while living with Host in Leicester.

• Head over to East Street Lanes for a spot of ‘Boutique Bowling’ – you can also grab snacks and a beer if you’re wanting to make it more social! Bowling sessions are £8.95 per person.
• Treetop Adventure Golf literally offers what it’s called! Student putters get in for a grand total of £7.50.
• Probably the best way to release energy would be to head over to Boost Trampolining Park. An hour of jumping around for £5? Go on then!
• Social Climbing is the place to be if you fancy trying your hand at rock climbing!

• If you want to stay a bit closer to home, head across campus to DMU’s Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Leisure Centre. You can go swimming for £3.00, or, if you really must, sign up to use the gym!

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The 5 best places to experience Events.

From local gigs to pop up swap shops, we’ve got all students covered with our top five event spaces around the city.

• Fancy visiting the place where it all started for Kasabian, then head over to The Shed, Leicester. There’s loads of up-and-coming bands who perform here throughout the year too.
• Calling all foodies, LCB Depot hold a pop-up food event hosting independent food retailers from across the UK on the last Friday of every month.

• Not only do they have an amazing vegan café (Pomello & Rocket), The Mill has exhibition spaces for local artists, holds pop-up events for independent retailers and even holds swap shops on a regular basis.
• Brick & Beam is a bit of a sophisticated pick, but, hear us out on this one! They hold a Jazz night each Saturday and offer two-for-one on cocktails from 16:30pm!
• George Ezra, Easylife and Slaves are just a few of the acts who have performed at The Cookie. Not one for live music? Then try one of their regular quiz nights or grab a ticket for a comedy show.

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The 5 best places to find Fresh Air.

Why not escape the city and head further afield? We’ve compiled a list of some local parks, well worth escaping to.

• Bradgate Park – A 30-minute drive from The Glassworks you’ll find Bradgate Park. 830 acres of walks, stretches of water, waterfalls, Deer herds and roaming peacocks. The park is also home to the ruins of Bradgate house, the childhood home of Lady Jane Grey, Queen of England for Nine Days in 1553.
• Victoria Park – On the edge of the University of Leicester’s campus you’ll find Victoria Park, a fine green space in the city, it’s just a 25-minute walk from 41 Castle Street. The centrepiece of the park is the magnificent memorial arch, built to commemorate the dead of the First World War. Feeling active? The park is home to a bowling green, croquet area, 4 tennis courts, football and rugby pitches, a floodlit astro pitch and an outdoor gym.
• Watermeade Country Park – Jump on board the train towards Lincoln and within 10 minutes you’ll be at Syston station. The country park is just a 20-minute walk away. The park is made up of artificial lakes alongside the River Soar and the old Grand Union Canal, a perfect afternoon away from hitting the revision books.

• Swithland Woods – Get on your bike! A good 45-minute bike ride from The Glassworks is Swithland Woods an Ancient Woodland full of mature oaks, birch, alder and lime trees.
• Abbey Park – Just a short walk from the city, you can head here by foot. Grab an ice cream, visit the pet corner, chill by the boating lake or play a game of tennis.

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Leicester, Leicester, Leicester!

Don’t forget Leicester’s home to topflight Rugby Union and Football.

Leicester Tigers play out of the historic Welford Road just 10 minutes down the road from The Glassworks. The Tigers hold the record for the most Premiership titles (10) and the most Playoff appearances (12). Ticket prices for students (under 25) start at £15.

The round ball more your thing? Then Leicester City play out of the King Power Stadium, just 20 minutes’ walk from our two Leicester locations. Winners of the premier league in 2016, The Foxes are now an established premier league side. Ticket prices for students (under 22) start at £24.

Or prefer a bit of motorsport? Leicester is home to speedway. Leicester Lions are on the edge of Beaumont Park, about 30-40 minute bus ride from The Glassworks. Student tickets (under 22) start at £11.

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Make sure to check back for Part 3 where we’ll explore the best places in Leicester, to Eat, Drink and Shop.

Looking for accommodation this September? We still have limited studio rooms in Leicester from £165pw.