Guildhall Medieval History Tour

A 40-minute tour of Leicester's timber-framed Guildhall, a working medieval administrative building since the 14th century. The tour covers the Great Hall where councils met, Tudor-era architecture, and Victorian police cells added in the 1800s. Winter tours include candlelit evening walks through the building, creating an immersive historical atmosphere. Note: opening schedule is limited - book ahead and check availability. Best for medieval history enthusiasts and architecture lovers. This is a easy activity lasting 40 minutes. Group size: 2-15. You meet at Guildhall entrance, Guildhall Lane. Key highlights: Medieval great hall with original oak beams and stone fireplace, Tudor timber-framed architecture from the 1500s, Victorian-era police cells and jail in basement.

Price: £3 adults, children free

Duration: 40 minutes

Difficulty: easy

Group size: 2-15

Minimum age: 8+

Best for: medieval history enthusiasts and architecture lovers

Best time: Candlelit winter tours (November-February) are distinctive but require good mobility. Daytime spring/summer tours are brighter. Weekday afternoons have smaller groups. Book 2 weeks in advance.

Meeting point: Guildhall entrance, Guildhall Lane

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

Tour start Meet guide in the entrance hall - Introduction to the building's 14th-century origins and its role in Leicester's civic life.

First 10 min Ground floor and medieval great hall - Explore the main council chamber with original timber beams and stone fireplaces. Guide explains how local government met here for 700 years.

10-20 min Tudor architecture and modifications - View timber-framing techniques, sash windows, and later additions from the 16th-17th centuries. Discussion of building materials and craftsmanship.

20-32 min Victorian police cells and jail - Tour the basement cells added when the building served as a police station and courthouse in the 1800s. See prisoner records and restraint equipment.

32-40 min Upper floors and closing remarks - Access to upper galleries (if open). Discussion of restoration work and current use of the building. Final questions from visitors.

The whole experience takes 40 minutes. Difficulty: easy. You meet at Guildhall entrance, Guildhall Lane.

• Medieval great hall with original oak beams and stone fireplace
• Tudor timber-framed architecture from the 1500s
• Victorian-era police cells and jail in basement
• 700 years of continuous civic use as Leicester's seat of local government
• Winter candlelit evening tours available
• Accessibility: Step access to ground floor only. Upper floors not accessible to wheelchair users. Narrow staircases and low doorways in places. Contact ahead if you have mobility concerns. No accessible toilets on site.

What is included: Guided tour with knowledgeable interpreter, Access to all open areas of the building, Leaflet with building history.

Not included: Refreshments or cafe access, Souvenir guide books, Photography permissions in some areas. You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Comfortable shoes for climbing historic staircases, Notebook for recording details, Warm clothing in winter (building is unheated). Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: Candlelit winter tours (November-February) are distinctive but require good mobility. Daytime spring/summer tours are brighter. Weekday afternoons have smaller groups. Book 2 weeks in advance..

Tip: Check opening days - limited schedule

Tip: distinctive candlelit tours in winter

Accessibility: Step access to ground floor only. Upper floors not accessible to wheelchair users. Narrow staircases and low doorways in places. Contact ahead if you have mobility concerns. No accessible toilets on site..

Operator: Leicester Guildhall | Book directly (opens in new tab) | Phone: +44 116 253 2569

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• King Richard III Visitor Centre (5 min walk)
• Leicester Cathedral (3 min walk)
• Jewry Wall Museum (6 min walk)

This activity is run by Leicester Guildhall.

Book directly at their website (opens in new tab).

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation up to 48 hours before tour. Rescheduling available for weather or low bookings. Non-refundable within 48 hours..

Accessibility: Step access to ground floor only. Upper floors not accessible to wheelchair users. Narrow staircases and low doorways in places. Contact ahead if you have mobility concerns. No accessible toilets on site..

Best time to go: Candlelit winter tours (November-February) are distinctive but require good mobility. Daytime spring/summer tours are brighter. Weekday afternoons have smaller groups. Book 2 weeks in advance..

What are the opening times for the Guildhall tour?

The Guildhall has a limited opening schedule. Tours run on select days - typically Thursday-Saturday afternoons. Hours vary seasonally. Contact the Guildhall directly at +44 116 253 2569 or check their website to confirm availability before your visit. Winter candlelit tours require advance booking.

Are children free on the Guildhall medieval tour?

Yes, children under 16 are free. Adults pay £3. This makes it an affordable family outing. Children must be supervised at all times, especially on stairs and in the basement police cells area. Younger children (under 8) may find the tour length and narrow passages challenging.

What is the building used for today?

The Guildhall remains Leicester's civic headquarters and is actively used by the council and mayor's office. Tours show how the building adapted over 700 years from a council chamber to a police station to its current role. Some rooms may be unavailable on tour days due to council meetings or events.