Leicester is worth a look if you have an afternoon to spare. In addition to Victorian-style Shires Shopping Centre, High Street, with its designer and collectible stores, wide walkways, fountains, and sunny skylights, there's St. Martins Square in the city center, which has given new life to old restored buildings, with new retailers, cafes, and teashops. A wealth of specialty shops -- out .5km (a quarter mile) on either side of the railway station -- and several antiques stores line Oxford Street and Western Boulevard.

Venture out from the center of town to Belgrave Road, and you'll discover the Golden Mile, which takes its name from several jewelry shops found here, each specializing in gold. The store windows along Belgrave Road overflow with fine Indian silks, organza, and cottons. Sari shops also carry a variety of accessories including bags, jewelry, shoes, and shawls.

Launch Yourself into Space -- The most modern attraction in Leicester is the National Space Centre, Exploration Drive (tel. 0870/607-7223; www.spacecenter.co.uk), Britain's only attraction dedicated to space science and astronomy. It is crowned by a futuristic Rocket Tower. Allow 3 hours for a journey of discovery where stories, personalities, and technology of the past and present are used to explain space and how it will affect your future. You're taken through eight themed galleries, seeing space rockets, satellites, and capsules, and taking part in hands-on activities. Admission is £12 for adults, £10 children ages 5 to 16, £38 to £47 family ticket, free for children younger than 5. Hours year-round are Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm (last admission 3:30pm).

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.