Magazine Gateway Leicester
Step back in time at Leicester's Magazine Gateway, a medieval marvel with centuries of royal, military, and prisoner history etched into its walls.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Magazine Gateway Leicester
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at Leicester's Magazine Gateway, a medieval marvel with centuries of royal, military, and prisoner history etched into its walls.
"The scribbles of prisoners in the stonework are priceless! Well worth the visit."
🚶♀️ Mind the Stairs!
The staircases are narrow and winding. Take your time and be mindful of others.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Ask permission to take photos after your tour; the atmosphere is incredible.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Prisoner Scribes
Interior walls
Witness centuries-old etchings by former prisoners, a poignant and priceless glimpse into the past.
Royal and Military History
Throughout the building
Immerse yourself in the rich history, from its role in the Civil War to its connection with 'The Duchy of Lancaster'.
Atmospheric Interior
Main chambers
Experience a well-maintained interior that evokes a strong sense of history and intrigue.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Narrow Passages
Unlocking Leicester's History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Mind the Stairs!
The staircases are narrow and winding. Take your time and be mindful of others.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Ask permission to take photos after your tour; the atmosphere is incredible.
🕰️ Historical Insights
Join a guided tour for an enthusiastic and detailed explanation of the history.
🤝 Connect to Trinity Hospital
Combine your visit with a short walk to the connected Trinity Hospital for more history.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Mind the Stairs!
The staircases are narrow and winding. Take your time and be mindful of others.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Ask permission to take photos after your tour; the atmosphere is incredible.
🕰️ Historical Insights
Join a guided tour for an enthusiastic and detailed explanation of the history.
🤝 Connect to Trinity Hospital
Combine your visit with a short walk to the connected Trinity Hospital for more history.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Magazine Gateway for its rich history and the unique, priceless prisoner scribbles found within its well-maintained interior. The atmospheric nature of the building and the insightful guided tours are frequently highlighted as major positives. However, some find the narrow, winding staircases to be a bit claustrophobic.
"The building has only a few rooms, and is accessed via a narrow winding staircase, all a bit claustrophobic, BUT the interior is well looked after and the scribbles of prisoners in the stonework, one dating from 1564, another from 1809, are priceless! Well worth the visit"
calamitysteph
"Atmospheric building, steeped in royal and military history, (enthusiastically enunciated by our tour guide) which still has influence today, aka, 'The Duchy of Lancaster'. I followed this all too short tour with the short walk to the Trinity Hospital which is connected with it. I also asked to take the photos AFTER the tour had finished and those 5 minutes alone made me want to take my sleeping bag! It would make a stunning (secular) Marriage venue."
Mrs Grieves
"Used in civil war"
Jason Smith
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Magazine Gateway is located in Leicester city centre. While specific public transport details aren't widely shared on social media, it's generally accessible by walking from the city centre. For parking, Redditors suggest looking for city centre parking, prioritizing space over cost. Avoid areas that seem overly congested.
Driving into Leicester city centre is comparable to other similar-sized UK cities. Be prepared for potential traffic, especially during peak hours. Parking is available in the city centre, with some Redditors advising to choose larger spaces for convenience.
From Leicester train station, Magazine Gateway is a short taxi ride or a walk of approximately 15-20 minutes through the city centre. The exact route will depend on your preferred path, but it's a straightforward journey.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Information on advance booking isn't readily available on social media. It's advisable to check the official Leicester Museums website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date ticketing and entry requirements.
Opening hours can vary, and it's best to consult the official Leicester Museums Service for current times. Guided tours are often available and highly recommended for a deeper understanding of the site's history.
While specific pricing details are not frequently mentioned on social media, it's common for historical sites managed by museum services to have an admission fee or suggest donations. Check the Leicester Museums website for the latest information.
While guided tours are highly recommended for their enthusiastic delivery and historical insights, it may be possible to visit independently. However, the full experience and understanding of the site's significance are best gained with a guide.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors describe the interior as well-looked-after and atmospheric. Be prepared for narrow, winding staircases. The highlight for many are the priceless scribbles left by prisoners.
Due to its historical nature, the Magazine Gateway features narrow, winding staircases which may pose challenges for those with mobility issues. It's recommended to contact the venue directly to discuss accessibility options.
Photography is generally allowed, but some visitors recommend asking permission, especially after a guided tour, to capture the unique atmosphere. The interior offers many photogenic historical details.
Magazine Gateway is a Grade I listed building built around 1400. It has served various roles, including a gatekeeper's lodge, guest accommodation, prison, and militia building. It played a role in the Civil War and is connected to 'The Duchy of Lancaster'.
Restroom facilities at historical sites can be limited. It's advisable to use facilities before your visit or inquire upon arrival about available amenities.
📸 📸 Photography
The interior, with its ancient stonework and prisoner scribbles, offers unique photographic opportunities. The narrow staircases and historical details provide a moody and atmospheric backdrop.
Yes, photography is generally permitted. However, some visitors suggest asking for permission, especially after a guided tour, to ensure you're not disrupting other visitors or staff.
Expect atmospheric, often dim lighting inside the historical building. This can create dramatic shots, but you may need to adjust your camera settings or use a tripod for best results.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a guided tour if available, as the enthusiastic guides can make history come alive for younger audiences. It's also a good idea to manage expectations regarding the physical space; it's a historical building, not a modern play area. Combining the visit with a walk to the nearby Trinity Hospital could offer a broader historical experience for the family.
🏛️ History Buffs
The prisoner inscriptions are a unique draw, providing a direct, human link to those who were confined within its walls. These are not just historical facts but personal testaments etched in stone. The well-maintained interior and the opportunity for detailed guided tours make it an ideal destination for those seeking an immersive historical experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Leicester's Past
The building's history is deeply intertwined with significant events, including its use during the Civil War. It has also been a part of the administrative fabric of the region, notably through its connection with 'The Duchy of Lancaster'. Beyond its military and administrative functions, the Magazine Gateway also served as a place of confinement, with its walls bearing the indelible marks of prisoners.
Visitors often highlight the priceless scribbles found on the stonework, some dating as far back as 1564. These inscriptions offer a raw and personal connection to individuals who were held within its walls, providing a stark contrast to the grander historical narratives. The interior, though featuring narrow, winding staircases, is meticulously maintained, offering an immersive experience into Leicester's layered past.
Experiencing the Magazine Gateway: Tips from Visitors
Guided tours are frequently praised for their enthusiastic and informative delivery, providing deep insights into the building's rich royal and military history. These tours are often described as a highlight, making the historical context come alive. Some visitors even express a desire to spend more time soaking in the atmosphere after the tour concludes, suggesting its profound impact.
For those interested in capturing the essence of the place, photography is encouraged. While generally permitted, it's a thoughtful gesture to ask for permission before taking photos, especially after a tour has finished. The atmospheric interior, with its ancient stonework and historical inscriptions, provides ample opportunities for striking images.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit