Meet outside the entrance of the David Wilson Library near the sculpture (Flight, by Helaine Blumenfeld).
What3Words location: https://what3words.com/spend.driver.detect
Short walk – under 1 Km (0.5 miles), steady pace. 1 hour with information stops.
A unique opportunity to discover more about the notable range and importance of the University of Leicester campus architecture. Join a guided tour which includes a history of the Fielding Johnson Building, the post-War expansion of the University, and the Engineering Building, described as one of the ten most inspiring buildings in Britain. See what you think of the Brutalist leanings of the Charles Wilson Building and the Attenborough Tower!
Take a leisurely walk around the main campus of the University of Leicester, and learn how the university was originally founded in 1921 on the site of a former lunatic asylum and military hospital. Largely financed by subscriptions and donations, the first new building to arrive on campus – the Astley Clarke Building – was a big achievement.
In the post-war period, a master plan was developed by an architect which led to the Percy Gee Building (Students’ Union), chemistry buildings, and a series of new science blocks. From the 1960s onward, we look at the era of the tall towers. The Engineering Building by the firm Stirling and Gowan is an international icon, and has recently been conserved. Vertical development also gave us the Charles Wilson Building and the Attenborough Tower. Visit us for a look around this changing campus – you may even spot some graffiti by a young family of Attenboroughs.
This guided walk is considered easy and covers less than 1km. Please wear suitable footwear and dress appropriately for the weather. Please arrive 5 minutes early for registration.
This walk is suitable for wheelchair users.
BetterPoints
Take part in the Walk Leicester Festival and earn BetterPoints to spend on high street vouchers or donate them to your favorite charities. Download the free BetterPoints app here https://qrco.de/chymr with referral code walkleics.
Booking
This short walk is free to attend, but numbers are limited so please book via Eventbrite to secure your place or phone 0116 373 7589 when booking has opened. Please note our phone line is answered during office hours only (Monday to Friday, 9am-5.30pm), not at weekends or bank holidays.
If you are no longer able to attend, please cancel via Eventbrite or contact us by phone (during office hours) so we can allow others the opportunity to attend.
Travel
Buses serve University Road and there is a bus stop close to the start location. To help plan your journey on public transport, by car, cycle or on foot check out the online journey planner tool at www.choosehowyoumove.co.uk
There is car parking within walking distance at Victoria Park (off Granville Road) and at the Freeman’s Common multi-storey car park. Suggest allowing 3 hours for parking, which will allow ample time for the tour and return to your vehicle.
New Walkers
If you have not walked with Leicester City Council before we will ask you to complete our Walker Registration form in advance of the walk online or by phone. You will receive an email with a link to the online form in the days leading up to the event. You only need to do this once and can attend any of our walks thereafter (subject to booking a place on Eventbrite).
Dress for the weather
Remember to dress appropriately for the weather. Our group walks will go ahead in most weather. We recommend the following:
- Comfortable sturdy footwear
- Bring a raincoat or umbrella in case of rain
- On cooler days wear appropriate layers and a coat/jacket
- On warmer days a sunhat and sunscreen are recommended.
- Please bring a bottle of water with you.
Group size
We ask walkers to book in advance so we can keep our group sizes manageable.
Self-guided routes
If you have been unable to book onto one of our group walks, or you prefer to explore with your family or friends, self-guided routes are available to download from the routes page of our Choose How You Move website or via the Go Jauntly smartphone app. Enjoy exploring Leicester on foot.