King Richard III Discovery Tour

This tour traces the dramatic 530-year journey of Richard III's remains, from their discovery beneath a Leicester car park in 2012 to their reburial in the cathedral. You'll visit the excavation site, see the visitor centre exhibits, and enter the cathedral to view his final resting place. The guide covers Richard's reign, the medieval politics that shaped his legacy, and the scientific analysis that confirmed his identity. A focused experience for anyone interested in Tudor-era history and archaeological detective work. Best for history buffs interested in the Wars of the Roses. This is a easy activity lasting 1.5 hours. Group size: 2-20. You meet at King Richard III Visitor Centre entrance. Key highlights: Stand at the exact spot where Richard III's remains were discovered, View the visitor centre's interactive exhibits on medieval forensics, See Richard's tomb in Leicester Cathedral with its decorative alabaster features.

Price: £12

Duration: 1.5 hours

Difficulty: easy

Group size: 2-20

Best for: history buffs interested in the Wars of the Roses

Best time: Tuesday to Friday mornings avoid school groups; avoid summer peak season if preferring quieter tour

Meeting point: King Richard III Visitor Centre entrance

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

Start time Meet at King Richard III Visitor Centre entrance - Guide introduces the archaeological discovery and historical context.

First 20 min Walk to the excavation site (Grey Friars car park area) - See where Richard's skeleton was found beneath tarmac in September 2012.

20-40 min Guided viewing of the dig site with historical explanation - Learn about the forensic analysis and DNA testing that confirmed identity.

40-60 min Visit King Richard III Visitor Centre exhibits - View artefacts, interactive displays, and the multimedia story of his life.

60-90 min Walk to Leicester Cathedral (5-min walk) - Enter the cathedral and visit Richard's ornate tomb in the choir.

The whole experience takes 1.5 hours. Difficulty: easy. You meet at King Richard III Visitor Centre entrance.

• Stand at the exact spot where Richard III's remains were discovered
• View the visitor centre's interactive exhibits on medieval forensics
• See Richard's tomb in Leicester Cathedral with its decorative alabaster features
• Hear detailed explanations of the Wars of the Roses context
• Learn how DNA science solved a 500-year-old historical mystery

What is included: Guided tour of excavation site, Entry to King Richard III Visitor Centre, Entry to Leicester Cathedral, Professional guide for full 1.5 hours.

Not included: Food or drink, Transport to/from meeting point, Additional museum visits beyond those listed. You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, Jacket (cathedral can be cool), Camera for photos. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: Tuesday to Friday mornings avoid school groups; avoid summer peak season if preferring quieter tour.

Tip: Book ahead on weekends

Tip: Tour includes cathedral entry

Accessibility: Mostly flat urban walking. Cathedral has steps and uneven stone floors. Not suitable for heavy mobility restrictions..

Operator: Leicester Walking Tours

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• King Richard III Visitor Centre (0 min (meeting point) walk)
• Leicester Cathedral (5 min walk)
• Guildhall Museum (8 min walk)

This activity is run by Leicester Walking Tours.

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation 24 hours before; non-refundable within 24 hours.

Accessibility: Mostly flat urban walking. Cathedral has steps and uneven stone floors. Not suitable for heavy mobility restrictions..

Best time to go: Tuesday to Friday mornings avoid school groups; avoid summer peak season if preferring quieter tour.

How long is the King Richard III tour?

The tour runs 1.5 hours total. You'll spend approximately 20 minutes at the visitor centre, 20 minutes at the excavation site, and 25 minutes inside Leicester Cathedral. The remaining time covers walking between locations and introductions.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Yes, children aged 8 and above generally enjoy this tour. The visitor centre has interactive exhibits designed to engage younger visitors. However, some may find detailed medieval history less engaging. Consider your child's interest level in history before booking.

Do I need to book in advance?

Booking ahead is strongly recommended, especially for weekends when groups fill quickly. Weekday tours may have availability for walk-ups, but you risk missing a departure. Contact the operator to check availability and secure your spot.