Leicester Market Food Walk

Discover Leicester's 700-year-old market with a knowledgeable guide who explains the stall owners' stories, ingredient sourcing, and market traditions. Taste fresh produce, international street food, and artisan goods from vendors who have worked here for decades. Sample everything from Spanish chorizo to Nigerian jollof rice within a single market hall. Get a £5 voucher toward purchases after the tour. Best for families and market enthusiasts. This is a easy activity lasting 2 hours. Group size: 2-15. You meet at Market entrance on Market Place. Key highlights: Access to a working 700-year-old market still operated by independent traders, Taste 8+ different foods from vendors specializing in European, African, and Asian cuisines, Learn vendor stories and family histories spanning multiple generations.

Price: £25

Duration: 2 hours

Difficulty: easy

Group size: 2-15

Minimum age: all ages

Best for: families and market enthusiasts

Best time: Wednesday or Friday mornings (9:30am) for quieter, less crowded market experience. Saturday afternoon attracts peak crowds. Spring and summer feature the widest variety of fresh produce. Avoid bank holidays when some vendors close.

Meeting point: Market entrance on Market Place

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

9:30am or 2:00pm start Meet guide at market entrance; receive £5 voucher and briefing - The guide will explain the market's layout, history dating to 1300s, and safety rules.

First 20 min Walk through produce section; learn about seasonal sourcing - Guide identifies best vendors for fresh fruit, vegetables, and explains which items are local vs. imported.

20-40 min First food tasting at 2-3 stalls - Typically includes European or Caribbean prepared foods; guide discusses vendor backgrounds.

40-75 min Explore meat, fish, cheese, and bakery sections with tastings - Sample artisan cheeses, baked goods, or street food from 3-4 additional stalls.

75-110 min Final tasting and market navigation tips - Visit specialist traders (spice, health food, or deli sections) based on group interests.

End of tour Guide offers shopping recommendations and confirms voucher usage - You can redeem the £5 voucher immediately or stay to explore further.

The whole experience takes 2 hours. Difficulty: easy. You meet at Market entrance on Market Place.

• Access to a working 700-year-old market still operated by independent traders
• Taste 8+ different foods from vendors specializing in European, African, and Asian cuisines
• Learn vendor stories and family histories spanning multiple generations
• Discover hidden specialist sections most tourists miss
• Receive £5 voucher toward any purchase
• Accessibility: Market floor is flat concrete. Some stall areas are narrow; wheelchair users may find space tight during busy hours. Request a quieter-time tour (morning Wednesday or Friday) for easier navigation. Public restrooms available. Alert operator beforehand.

What is included: 2-hour guided walking tour of market, 4-5 food tastings at selected stalls, £5 market voucher toward future purchases, Guide's expert commentary on market history and vendors.

Not included: Full meals (tastings only), Drinks and beverages, Any items you choose to purchase beyond voucher value, Transport to/from market. You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Reusable shopping bag for voucher purchases, Cash for additional spending (some stalls are cash-only), Comfortable shoes for walking on concrete floor, Small appetite for 4-5 tastings spaced throughout tour. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: Wednesday or Friday mornings (9:30am) for quieter, less crowded market experience. Saturday afternoon attracts peak crowds. Spring and summer feature the widest variety of fresh produce. Avoid bank holidays when some vendors close..

Tip: Only runs Wednesday, Friday, Saturday when market operates

Tip: Includes £5 market voucher

Accessibility: Market floor is flat concrete. Some stall areas are narrow; wheelchair users may find space tight during busy hours. Request a quieter-time tour (morning Wednesday or Friday) for easier navigation. Public restrooms available. Alert operator beforehand..

Operator: Market Heritage Tours

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Guildhall Museum (2 min north walk)
• Leicester Cathedral (3 min northeast walk)
• King Richard III Visitor Centre (4 min east walk)

This activity is run by Market Heritage Tours.

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation 48 hours before tour. Tours run Wednesday, Friday, Saturday only..

Accessibility: Market floor is flat concrete. Some stall areas are narrow; wheelchair users may find space tight during busy hours. Request a quieter-time tour (morning Wednesday or Friday) for easier navigation. Public restrooms available. Alert operator beforehand..

Best time to go: Wednesday or Friday mornings (9:30am) for quieter, less crowded market experience. Saturday afternoon attracts peak crowds. Spring and summer feature the widest variety of fresh produce. Avoid bank holidays when some vendors close..

Does the market sell fresh produce or only prepared foods?

Leicester Market sells both. The market has separate sections for fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, dairy, and bakery items alongside prepared food stalls. The tour covers multiple sections to show the full range.

Can I shop in the market outside of the tour?

Yes. The market is open to the public Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 9am-5pm year-round. The tour introduces you to key vendors and provides insider tips about which stalls offer best value and quality.

How do I use the £5 voucher?

The voucher is valid at any Market Heritage Tours partner stall in the market. The guide will point out participating vendors. You can spend it all at one stall or split across multiple vendors. Vouchers are valid for 6 months after the tour.