Lined with towering trees and adorned with elegant Parisian-style lamps, Leicester’s New Walk offers a peaceful retreat from the city’s bustling streets, writes Louise Steel.
On my lunch break, I often find myself drawn to this historic, tranquil pathway. I slow my pace to take in the timeless charm of the area—its classic buildings, antique lampposts, and a nostalgic air which evokes a longing for days gone by…
Picture credit: Pukaar News
Every time I walk along New Walk, it feels as if time itself slows—like I’ve stepped into a different world, perhaps Paris or another equally captivating city.
Since my student days, New Walk has been one of my favourite spots in Leicester. This serene mile-long stretch is rich in charm and history, and I’m not alone in my affection for it.
A Georgian-era gem, New Walk is one of the few preserved promenades in the city, beloved by hundreds of locals and visitors alike. In 1969, it was designated a Conservation Area, alongside other historically significant parts of Leicester, including the areas around Leicester Castle and Cathedral.
While New Walk doesn’t share the medieval history of these other sites, it was granted conservation status because of its unique and historic landscape.
Picture: Provided by Leicester City Council
“It’s a very special place – probably one of the best-loved areas in the city, if not the entire county,” says Justin Webber, senior building conservation officer at Leicester City Council.
“It’s also quite unusual. While coastal towns often have promenades, you don’t typically find such wide, formal, structured walkways in urban settings.
“ New Walk is a Georgian promenade, a feature unique to Leicester. There’s nothing quite like it anywhere else in the country – and it remains a calm, inviting route into the heart of the city.“
Originally known as ‘Queen’s Walk’ when it was constructed in 1785, the path was later renamed ‘Ladies’ Walk’, linking the town to the racecourse, now Victoria Park. This scenic route was popular among Leicester’s Georgian and Victorian residents, with women frequently seen strolling in their finest attire.
Houses in the central section of New Walk date from the 1850s and 1860s, and were likely home to merchants, manufacturers, and other professionals. By the 1880s, notable residents included Josiah Gimson, head of a prominent engineering firm, whose residence at No. 112 is now part of the Belmont Hotel.
The final phase of development along New Walk saw the construction of large Victorian houses in the upper section, dating from the 1880s. Many of these homes were designed by architect Stockdale Harrison and reflect the increasing wealth of Leicester’s business and professional elite, who chose to live away from the town centre.
The Leicester Museum and Art Gallery, a striking white- columned building, has stood as a cultural landmark halfway along New Walk since 1837. Other notable sites along the route include Holy Cross Priory and St. Stephen’s United Reformed Church, all contributing to the area’s rich character.
At the city end of New Walk, the modern Mattioli Woods building adds a contemporary touch, a sleek contrast to the historic surroundings. The area is also home to a variety of cafés and eateries, their warm lights inviting passersby, especially on chilly winter evenings.
During lunch breaks, you’ll often spot office workers wandering along New Walk, escaping the confines of their desks to enjoy a moment of calm with a sandwich in hand.
“It’s a vital asset in an otherwise densely built-up area,” says Mr Webber, highlighting the walkway’s value beyond its historical significance.
“The quality of green infrastructure here is important for people’s well-being—it encourages walking and active travel, which has a positive impact on mental health.”
New Walk’s broad pavements and green spaces provide a much-needed escape, offering people the chance to relax in nature amidst the city’s energy.
Picture credit: Pukaar News
Since its creation, New Walk has remained a traffic-free zone— though a few individuals flout the rules, cycling is strictly prohibited. Plaques along the path remind visitors to respect the area’s unique features, such as its distinctive ‘throw-over’ style lamps, inspired by Parisian design, and its glossy iron railings—graceful touches that evoke a sense of history.
New Walk offers a welcome respite—a chance to step away from the clamour of Granby Street and the traffic of London Road. Well-preserved for over 200 years, it remains a refined, tranquil space, one that deserves to be maintained with the same care and elegance for many years to come.
