Leicester to London: From Golden Mile to Big Ben
#myfavoriteroute
Whether you’re headed to meetings, meet-ups, or museums, the commute from Leicester to London is a sleek, scenic ride that connects one of England’s most multicultural cities with its iconic capital. And with rolling countryside, historic towns, and a smooth direct line, this isn’t just a commute — it’s your personal power corridor. 💼🌿📍
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🎯 Highlights Along the Way
• Leicester Launch Pad 🏙️
Start in the heart of the East Midlands at Leicester Station, just a stone’s throw from the Curve Theatre, the New Walk, and the famous Golden Mile (hello, samosas and sparkle ✨). Grab a snack or coffee from St Martin’s Coffee Roasters or Bread & Honey before you board.
• Speeding Through the Shires 🌾
The train glides through Market Harborough, Wellingborough, and Kettering — postcard towns surrounded by fields, hedgerows, and old stone churches. On misty mornings or sunny afternoons, this stretch feels like a moving painting.
• Luton Airside Glimpse ✈️
You’ll pass Luton Airport Parkway, where planes sometimes soar overhead just as you zip by on the rails — a fun moment of travel-on-travel.
• Final Approach to London 🌇
As the cityscape builds around you, keep an eye out for the changing skyline: cranes, rooftops, and glimpses of the Shard mean you’re almost at London St Pancras, one of the most beautiful stations in Europe — all red brick Gothic and golden clock towers.
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🗺️ Getting There
• Train: East Midlands Railway (EMR) runs fast, direct trains from Leicester to London St Pancras International.
• Journey Time: ~1 hour 5 mins on the fastest services.
• Frequency: Trains every 15–20 minutes during peak hours.
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🌟 Tips from a Cross-Country Commuter
• ☕ Leicester Station Hack: The BTP (Barista Coffee) on the platform is a reliable pre-train espresso stop.
• 🎧 Best Side for Views: Sit on the left side heading south for open field views, especially around Harborough and Bedford.
• 🧳 London Arrival Tip: When you land at St Pancras, head upstairs for the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel lobby — a stunning quiet spot to regroup or take a call. Or walk across the street to Coal Drops Yard for lunch with a view.
• 🌤️ Seasonal Note: In autumn, the countryside outside Leicester blazes with colour; in spring, look out for lambs in the fields near Wellingborough.