Learning how to manage your money at uni can be hard. For most students, Uni is the first taste of real adulthood and independence. A key part of ‘adulting’ independently is being smart with your money. Life as a student in the UK isn’t getting any cheaper, especially considering the the ongoing cost-of-living-crisis. So it is as important as ever to know where you can shave off some pounds. In Leicester, there are plenty of ways to have fun while sticking to a budget. So, here are 15 things to do in Leicester for under a tenner!
1. Explore the history of Leicester
The city of Leicester has a rich history, much of which is preserved well and completely free to explore. It is one of the oldest cities in England, beginning as an Iron Age settlement before the Romans arrived around AD 47. The Universities in Leicester have also been behind some of the greatest discoveries in the country’s history, including the famous discovery and identification of King Richard III in a car park ten years ago.
The free historic attractions in Leicester are Leicester Museum and Art Gallery, Newarke Houses Museum and the Leicester Guildhall and Cathedral.
Leicester Museum and Art Gallery is nestled on New Walk, a picturesque promenade which connects the areas around the south of the city to the city centre. It is probably the most popular historic attraction for students due to its ever-changing attractions, convenient location and free entry.
Newarke Houses Museum is on De Montfort University’s main campus. It comprises of two interesting historic houses that now form the areas’ social history and regimental museum. It tells the story of contemporary Leicester and the history of the Royal Leicestershire Regiment. In fact, De Montfort’s campus is full of historic, listed buildings. Leicester Castle Gardens alongside the River Soar, which is also completely free to visit, is right next to the campus too.
Leicester Guildhall is one of the best-preserved timber framed halls in the country. The Cathedral is home to Richard III’s tomb and hosts regular events and experiences with concession prices for students.
So the city has a wealth of history to explore for not just under a tenner, but for free!
2. Mini Golf
Leicester has two great student-friendly Mini Golf spots in city centre. They both have their own distinct vibe and crowd, perfect for whatever you might want.
Treetop Golf in Highcross Shopping Centre right at the heart of the city does 1 course for £9.95 with valid student ID. With two courses, this is your more rote type of Mini Golf venue, but it does have a fun photobooth at the end which can capture boomerangs and videos!
Caddyshackers is a more fun, niche Mini Golf venue with student tickets set at a low £6 from Wednesday until Friday plus Sunday too. The arcade also offers some great games if you have a few pounds spare. This venue is more suited to students than Treetop Golf which seems to be more family oriented.
3. Bowling
One of my personal favourite things to do in Leicester for under £10 is bowling. There are a few student-friendly bowling venues dotted around the city that make for a great night out.
East Street Lanes offers £5 tickets for students with a valid student card. This is one of the best and most popular deals that students in Leicester cash in on when they’re looking for something to do.
My preference for bowling in Leicester is at the Roxy Ball Room. The pricing is just a little more expensive at £10 at off peak times, but if you can spare a few pounds, then I’d totally recommend Roxy. The atmosphere and music is great, it’s open late and they serve food and drinks that you can order straight to your game. Plus, you might be able to get some pounds off with their 25% off everything for all students offer- walk-ins only
4. Karaoke
This is another personal favourite of mine, but I only discovered it recently. I have found that karaoke bars can be expensive, but the ones in Leicester are great for a student budget! If you want to blow some steam off after finishing your exams, this is the perfect activity to do for under £10 in Leicester.
Roxy Ball Room, as previously mentioned, also offers £8 karaoke at off peak times. Again, I couldn’t recommend Roxy enough, it’s a brilliant venue for a student night out if that’s your thing. But it can get very busy, especially after 8pm, so make sure to book ahead of time.
Lane7 also does karaoke for £7, another great choice in city centre.
Now, the best karaoke bar in Leicester in unequivocally Golden Beach Karaoke Bar. A student gem, tickets for one hour of karaoke are priced at £6.25. Customer service is great, the rooms are luxuriously spacious, and the décor is uniquely vibrant. This is a staple of student life at Leicester; everyone must experience singing at the Golden Beach Karaoke Bar at least once! It’s open until 2am every day, another great spot for a night out.
5. Moonshine Speakeasy
If you’re looking for something a little classier, the little-known Moonshine Speakeasy is the perfect place. Located in city centre, Moonshine is a newer jazz bar with free entry and live music from 9:30pm Thursdays to Saturdays. 1920s glam is recommended but elegant attire is required – so keep that in mind. You might have to dig out an old prom suit or dress!
6. University of Leicester Botanical Gardens
There are many green spaces and picnic spots in Leicester, but this must be one of the best. The Botanical Gardens in Oadby offer a beautiful backdrop to a peaceful walk or a picnic with friends. With free entry, there’s plenty of seating and even a few greenhouses open on weekdays. The fountain area is always a favourite with students.
7. Free Coffee Leicester
As a student myself, I can understand that studying at the same spots at campus or at your accommodation can get a little boring. Many students crave a change, here’s one that keeps your bank account happy under £10!
For more lax study sessions with friends, I would highly recommend paying a visit to the lovely workspace on New Walk, Free Coffee. It’s located on one of the prettiest streets in Leicester and offers unlimited coffee for £7 a day.
It has a jungle vibe and offers food, but space is limited as it’s very popular. So make sure you grab a spot early!
8. Lunch at Café Roma
Like any other city, Leicester is spoiled for choice when it comes to great cafes. But a lot of them can be quite pricey. Café Roma offers a great deal for lunch under £10 bang in the middle of city centre. It is a traditional, family run Italian restaurant.
Café Roma offers any pasta dish from the lunch menu plus garlic bread and a drink for just £9. Talk about a bargain! The deal is available for takeaway for to eat in Monday to Friday from 11:30 to 15:00, perfect for lunch for less between lectures.
9. Bunk
Bunk is another staple spot in Leicester for students. They offer a variety of food and cocktails for under £10, but are renowned specifically for their wings. The most popular student pick is the Basket Deal: 6 wings and fries for £6 – if it’s food you’re after. If you’re after a cheeky cocktail, they have a colourful variety on the house menu that are £6.50 until 10pm.
Bunk is a unique spot; it has great picture opportunities with its quirky décor and even free arcade games with plenty of seating.
10. ReRoll Board Game Café
ReRoll is Leicester’s famous, and only, board game café. For £2.50 an hour, you get access to a huge selection of games. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable and will help set you up and even teach you games!
ReRoll often hold other events too, it’s a great place to meet new people and learn new things for under £10. Its central location on Granby Street in City Centre mean its easily accessible from any point of travel including the train station.
They also have a made to order menu serving bagels, snacks, drinks and even locally sourced baked goods. Another great activity to do in Leicester for under £10!
11. Bruxelles
Every Friday and Saturday until 9pm, you can enjoy £5 cocktails at Bruxelles located on the High Street in City Centre. But this isn’t just any other cocktail place, it features a breathtaking ceiling and chandelier that make it one of Leicester’s most historic spots. It has been at the heart of Leicester for a quarter of a century.
They also have a beautiful garden and a wide variety of drinks and cocktails. My Law Ball afterparty was hosted at Bruxelles, and I have to say that the architecture is stunning and one of the most unique things you can experience in Leicester for under £10!
12. St Martins Square and the Lanes
This is another staple of student life in Leicester, and one of my personal favourites. St Martins Square and the Lanes is Leicester’s famous independent district, with so much choice. From high end flower shops to quirky crystal shops and artisan eateries, there is something for everyone.
Certain places within the Square and the Lanes can certainly be expensive. But you can keep your spending under £10 by just having a wander around the cobbled streets and learning from the information boards about the history of Leicester’s independent scene. I would also recommend the historic Ye Olde Sweet Shoppe in St Martins Square for a cheap sweet treat for under a tenner to fuel the exploration.
13. Cinemas
Cinema trips can notoriously be expensive, and I know many students who avoid it just because of the high prices. Leicester has a lot of cinemas, but its best two are Showcase Cinema de Lux and the Phoenix. These two also happen to offer student friendly tickets for under £10!
Showcase Cinema De Lux looks and sounds like it would be expensive, but it’s not at all! It’s actually a very popular place for students and another staple of life in Leicester. If you join their free loyalty club, tickets for any movie at any time are £7.50 from Tuesday to Sunday. What’s more, on Mondays, tickets are £4.99!
The Phoenix Cinema is an independent cinema and arts venue a little bit north of the heart of the city. While Showcase is a luxury chain, Phoenix offers a more authentic vibe for real film lovers. Tickets for film screenings for students are £6.50. The Phoenix also offers free exhibitions and events as well as having café and roof terrace bars.
Whether you have a passion for the arts, want to support independent films or just want to enjoy a drink with a view, the Phoenix is the perfect spot for you!
14. Abbey Park
Student life cannot be complete without trips to your favourite park. Abbey Park, located a little north of the city centre, is an 89-acre park with much to offer for not just under £10, but for free! Abbey Park is the perfect spot for a stroll, picnic or even a day visit. Yes, you could spend a whole day just exploring this park!
The River Soar bisects the park, splitting it into two areas. The Western side of the grounds hold the remains of the 12th century Leicester Abbey and the ruins of Cavendish house, a 17th century mansion. The East side of the grounds holds the decorative Victorian side of the park with its selection of greenery, miniature railway and flower displays.
A little-known fact about Abbey Park is that is also is home to a Japanese Garden built in 1900. It features railed paths, pergolas, bridges and a pavilion. In the Spring, there is also a Blossom Tree Trail, which I would highly recommend!
The park also has many sporting facilities, including 5 hard surface tennis courts and table tennis tables. Pets Corner seems to be a favourite for all visitors to the park. This is an area where you can interact with domesticated animals like tropical birds. And at the centre of the park, there is a café to recharge after what can be a long day in Abbey Park.
15. Super Game Shack Level 2
The Super Game Shack Level 2 is an arcade and coffee shop completely unique to Leicester. Located in the heart of the city, the Shack is a vibrant hub for students and pop culture enthusiasts.
To play, you use tokens which you can buy at the desk – 10 tokens for just £5, a total bargain! With over 50 retro arcade games, from nostalgic classics to hidden gems, there’s something for everyone. It’s easy to spend hours here while keeping to a budget of under £10.
Plus, this spot isn’t just about games; it’s also the proud winner of the YourLeicester award for best coffee shop in Leicester 2025. With frequent events and tournaments, Super Game Shack Level 2 is the go-to destination for anyone craving some arcade fun without breaking the bank.
Student budgeting doesn’t have to be complicated. You just have to know where to go! In Leicester, there’s so much to do with something for everyone. But finding things to do under £10 can be a challenge wherever you are.
Hopefully, these 15 activities have been helpful in finding fun things to do in Leicester while staying on top of your finances!
FAQs on Cheap Things to Do in Leicester
Students can enjoy Leicester Museum and Art Gallery, explore Abbey Park, visit New Walk Museum, or climb the tower at Leicester Cathedral — all either free or under £10. Independent cinemas and street food markets also have budget-friendly entry or meals.
Yes. Leicester is one of the more affordable UK student cities, with plenty of free attractions, cheap public transport, and student discounts at cafés, restaurants, and venues. You don’t need to spend much to have a good time here.
Yes. Leicester Museum and Art Gallery, Newarke Houses Museum, and the Jewry Wall Roman Baths are all free to visit. These cultural spots give students a chance to explore history and art without spending anything.
Students often head to Abbey Park for walks, Victoria Park for sports, or Aylestone Meadows for nature trails — all free. Seasonal events, like Leicester’s Diwali Festival of Lights, also offer free outdoor entertainment.
Absolutely. Leicester is famous for its street food and multicultural dining scene. Students can grab Indian snacks on Belgrave Road, sample global food at the market, or find budget student deals at cafés and pubs across the city centre.
I’m currently in the final year of my Law degree, but when I’m not buried under case law, you’ll usually find me on a hike in the Peak District or curled up with a book. I love spending quality time with friends and family and am always looking for my next adventure!
