Located three miles north of Leicester's city centre is Belgrave Hall, a mansion built in the early 18th century in Belgrave village, which has now been consumed by the city of Leicester. The hall was built by merchant Edmund Cradock and had several owners, including John Ellis. John Ellis was the most famous of the owners, and he helped bring the railroads to Leicester. The gardens are open to explore on various days, and the hall itself is typically closed except for a few days a year when visitors can arrange a guided tour. I visited on a Wednesday at the end of August.
Leicester City Council bought the hall in 1936 and opened it as a museum. Today, it is used as a heritage site instead of a museum, and the hall is primarily used for weddings and paranormal events.
In 1999, Belgrave Hall became famous for a video of a ghostly figure recorded on security cameras outside the hall. Today, it retains interest among those wishing to experience the paranormal events.
I was able to walk through the entrance hall of the hall, but the rooms and stairs were roped off due to the pandemic, though it is listed as it should normally be open on Wednesdays. It may only be open for guided tours now. One room on the left (upon entering) is set up for weddings.
The garden is located at the back of the house and features separate areas of interest and glass houses, a pond, and formal gardens.
Next to the hall is a church, which was recommended to visit, but it was unfortunately not open during my visit.
Overall, the Belgrave area of Leicester seems to be a pleasant place with older buildings and riverside walks.
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