Explore Leicester’s architectural heritage with guided campus tours
The University of Leicester's Brookfield Campus (Credit: University of Leicester)
The public will have the chance to explore the University of Leicester’s characterful buildings with guided walks taking place on Saturday 13 September, Tuesday 16 September and Wednesday 17 September at central campus and Brookfield campus.
The free tours have been organised by the University’s Heritage Hub as part of the nationwide Heritage Open Days annual festival.
Three central campus architecture tours will run from on Saturday 13 September at 11am and 1pm and on Wednesday 17 September at 5.30pm. People must book their place in advance via the website.
The campus of the University of Leicester is notable for the range and importance of its architecture. The oldest building, the imposing Fielding Johnson Building, was built in the 1830s as the Leicestershire and Rutland Lunatic Asylum. Towering above the old asylum are three distinctive buildings from the 1960s: the Engineering Building, the Attenborough Tower and the Charles Wilson building.
Visitors will be led on a guided tour of campus architecture, including a rare opportunity to see the inside of the Engineering Building. The building was designed by James Stirling and James Gowan and has been described as one of the 10 most inspiring buildings in Britain.
This guided walk is considered easy and covers less than 1km. Please wear suitable footwear and dress appropriately for the weather.
Meet outside the David Wilson Library 10 minutes before the start of the tour for registration. This walk is suitable for wheelchair users.
The Brookfield campus architecture tour will run on Tuesday 16 September at 5.30pm. People must book their place in advance via the website.
Brookfield is the former family home of founding benefactor of the University, Thomas Fielding Johnson, and now home to the School of Business. It is set in seven acres of brownfield land and situated in the historic Stoneygate Conservation Area.
Originally built in 1846 Brookfield was re-modelled and enlarged to designs by local architect Joseph Goddard and built by Henry Herbert. The remodelled Brookfield, with its full-height staircase lit by a spectacular roof lantern, was one of Leicester’s most impressive residences.
Visitors will be led on a guided tour of Brookfield House architecture to explore the sympathetic renovation of this significant Victorian House.
This guided walk is considered easy and covers less than 1km. Please wear suitable footwear and dress appropriately for the weather.
Meet outside the front door of the Brookfield campus. Please arrive 10 minutes early for registration. This walk is suitable for wheelchair users.