Your stay — Mill on the Soar
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Leicester.
The Property — Mill on the Soar
Mill on the Soar trades on its waterside location and converted-mill charm, with exposed beams and a working water wheel still visible from the restaurant. The lobby feels like a cosy country pub crossed with a practical budget hotel – laminate flooring, a log burner, and the faint background hum of the River Soar. It suits car-borne travellers wanting a quiet base to explore Leicester and the National Forest, rather than city-centre partygoers.
Chronicles of Leicester
Leicester began as a Roman settlement called Ratae Corieltauvorum, with the Jewry Wall ruins still standing. The city grew rich on textiles in the medieval period and later became a powerhouse of hosiery and footwear manufacturing during the Industrial Revolution. Architecturally, it’s a jumble of Victorian red-brick factories, timber-framed lanes, and post-war concrete, with the 19th-century Clock Tower marking the hub. Today, it’s one of the UK’s most multicultural cities, best known for its Diwali celebrations and the 2012 discovery of Richard III’s skeleton under a car park.
Best Time to Visit
Full Leicester guide →Best months
June and July offer the warmest daytime temperatures (averaging 20-22°C) and longest daylight hours, making riverside walks and park visits genuinely pleasant. August is also good but can get muggy.
Peak / festival surge
July is peak season for Leicester because of university graduations and the city’s Caribbean Carnival (usually late July or early August). Hotel prices can spike by 20-30%, so book early if you’re visiting then.
Budget shoulder season
May and September are ideal budget shoulder months: prices drop after the summer rush, crowds thin, and the weather remains mild (15-18°C) – perfect for sightseeing without queuing.
Weather & packing
Leicester’s climate is famously variable – you can get sun, drizzle, and a chilly breeze all in one afternoon. Pack a waterproof jacket and layers (T-shirt + light jumper) as an absolute rule, even in July.
Live City Briefing — Leicester
- Leicester’s bus station (St Margaret’s) is undergoing a major renovation until late 2026, causing some service reroutes – check operator websites before relying on bus timetables.
- The King Richard III Visitor Centre has reopened following a refresh of its exhibits, including new 3D models of the battle of Bosworth.
- New street-food market ‘Market Quarter’ launched on Granby Street in May 2026, adding Vietnamese bánh mì stalls and a natural wine bar – open Thursday to Sunday evenings.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Mill on the Soar, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the upper floors (3-4) for a quieter stay, as the hotel's location on Coventry Road may experience some road noise. These floors are also likely to have better views of the surrounding area.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the lift, as the hotel is a 3-star property and may have an older lift system that can be noisy. Additionally, rooms near the service entrance may be subject to some noise from deliveries and staff activity.
Best views
Rooms on the upper floors (3-4) may have views of the surrounding area, including the River Soar
Quietest floors
Floors 3-4
🔊 Noise notes
Coventry Road is a major route, so expect some traffic noise, especially during rush hour. Additionally, being in a 3-star hotel, the floors may not be as soundproof as in higher-end establishments.
Insider tips
1. If you're driving, request a room near the front of the hotel for easier parking access. 2. Check-in time is 2pm, but it's a good idea to call ahead to confirm, as this may help with a smoother check-in process.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Mill on the Soar
Free Wi-Fi throughout, speeds up to 200 Mbps, no login constraints
Accessible to all floors, but some rooms have stairs-only access due to historic building constraints
Complimentary PressReader digital newsstand, physical newspapers available in the lobby
24/7 check-in; early bag-drop from 08:00, late check-out until 12:00 ( £20 fee applies after 11:00)
Available from 08:00 to 18:00, £5 per item per day
Step-free access, wheelchair-accessible entrances, but no adapted rooms available
On-site parking available, £15 per night; nearest public car park is Leicester City Council's Britannia Car Park ( £3.50 per hour), no EV charging on site
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: £20 advance deposit + £50 incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Sutton in the Elms Baptist Chapel (1.5 km · ~19 min walk)
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →British Pound (GBP)
You can exchange currency at the Leicester Train Station or high street banks, but be aware that airport bureaux de change often have poor rates. You can also use ATMs to withdraw GBP.
Contactless payments and credit cards are widely accepted, but some small shops might only accept cash. Mobile payment apps like Apple Pay and Google Pay are also accepted.
Tipping in Leicester is not expected, but rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% in restaurants and bars is appreciated. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare is sufficient.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cup of coffee can cost around £1.50-£2.50 from a local café or coffee shop.
A budget-friendly lunch option is a sandwich or a fill-up meal from a local bakery, costing around £3-£5.
A affordable dinner option would be a main course from a mid-range restaurant, costing around £8-£12.
Street food options can be found in the Belgrave Road area, which has a high concentration of international cuisines.
The budget supermarket chains Sainsbury's and Tesco have stores in the area, offering a range of affordable products.
High-street shopping can be found along the London Road and Belgrave Road areas, with a mix of high-street brands and independent shops.
A day ticket for the city bus network costs around £4.50, and the cheapest way to get to the area from the airport is by taking the Skylink bus, which costs around £6.
Take advantage of happy hour deals at local bars and pubs.Buy a multi-ticket for the bus network to save money on individual fares.Shop at local markets, such as the Leicester Market, for fresh produce and affordable goods.
Good to know — Leicester
Type G · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ £0.74 · GBP
Emergency Contacts
LeicesterIn the UK, dial 999 for all emergency services (Police, Ambulance, Fire & Rescue). For non-emergency situations in Leicester, contact the non-emergency number 101. Leicester is in the East Midlands region served by Leicestershire Police.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
Book a table →💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Leicester, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Mill on the Soar
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Find train tickets →Leicester City Centre (Multiple Routes) → Holiday Inn Leicester by IHG
💡 Routes 1, 3, 8 serve the hotel area; day ticket (£4.50) ideal for multiple journeys around Leicester
East Midlands Airport → Leicester City Centre
💡 Most budget-friendly option; walk 5 mins to hotel from city centre drop-off point
Leicester Train Station → Holiday Inn Leicester by IHG (City Centre)
💡 Hotel is walking distance (15 mins) from station; Stagecoach local buses also available from station forecourt
East Midlands Airport → Holiday Inn Leicester by IHG
💡 Book in advance for better rates; journey time varies with traffic on M1 motorway
About Leicester
Wikipedia ↗
Leicester ( LES-tər) is a city, unitary authority area, and the county town of Leicestershire, in the East Midlands of England. It is the largest city in the East Midlands, with a population of 388,348 in 2024. The greater Leicester urban area had a population of 559,017 in 2021, making it the 11th...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Mill on the Soar?
Request a room on the upper floors (3-4) for a quieter stay, as the hotel's location on Coventry Road may experience some road noise. These floors are also likely to have better views of the surrounding area.
Which rooms should I avoid at Mill on the Soar?
Avoid rooms near the lift, as the hotel is a 3-star property and may have an older lift system that can be noisy. Additionally, rooms near the service entrance may be subject to some noise from deliveries and staff activity.
Is Mill on the Soar noisy?
Coventry Road is a major route, so expect some traffic noise, especially during rush hour. Additionally, being in a 3-star hotel, the floors may not be as soundproof as in higher-end establishments.
Which rooms have the best views at Mill on the Soar?
Rooms on the upper floors (3-4) may have views of the surrounding area, including the River Soar
What are insider tips for staying at Mill on the Soar?
1. If you're driving, request a room near the front of the hotel for easier parking access. 2. Check-in time is 2pm, but it's a good idea to call ahead to confirm, as this may help with a smoother check-in process.
What time is check-in at Mill on the Soar?
Check-in at Mill on the Soar is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Mill on the Soar have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi throughout, speeds up to 200 Mbps, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Mill on the Soar?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Mill on the Soar?
A budget-friendly lunch option is a sandwich or a fill-up meal from a local bakery, costing around £3-£5.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Mill on the Soar?
A day ticket for the city bus network costs around £4.50, and the cheapest way to get to the area from the airport is by taking the Skylink bus, which costs around £6.
When is the best time to visit Leicester?
June and July offer the warmest daytime temperatures (averaging 20-22°C) and longest daylight hours, making riverside walks and park visits genuinely pleasant. August is also good but can get muggy.
Top Attractions in Leicester
💡 For cheap eats, try the Indian street food stalls—samosas and chaat from £2. The covered market hall has better prices than the outdoor stalls for fruit and veg.
💡 Visit on weekdays before noon to avoid coach parties. The Richard III tomb is near the altar; the small exhibition in the transept is free.
💡 The Picasso display is on the first floor in a quiet corner—few people know it's here. Ask at the desk for the free family trail maps.
💡 The abbey ruins are at the north end—bring binoculars to see the carvings on the gatehouse. The café by the lake does cheap tea and cake.
💡 Free entry for Leicester residents with proof of address. Otherwise, the cheapest tickets are online at £8.50 adult—skip the queue.