Back in 2012, the rediscovery of the remains of King Richard III under a car park captivated the world. In October 2023, join a two-night, expert-led history-themed break to learn more about the life and death of this fascinating warrior king and the events that led to his unceremonious burial, lost to history until science and archaeology joined forces to rediscover his remains.
Over two full days, you'll visit key places of King Richard III's life and death, from the castle where he was born to the battlefield where he died during the grisly Battle of Bosworth. An impressive Visitor Centre at the site of the car park burial is dedicated to the life of King Richard III. It reveals fascinating detail about how experts solved the puzzle of King Richard III's burial, which ultimately led to the discovery of a battle-scarred skeleton under the car park.
You'll learn how scientists and archaeologists used DNA and the latest developments in forensic science to confirm the identity of the remains and see the Murder, Mystery and Mayhem exhibition dedicated to the Wars of Roses and the remarkable stories behind the Houses of York and Lancaster.
You'll stay in comfort at the four-star Hilton Leicester for your two-night break, with dinner included on both nights and breakfasts on both mornings (extra nights available at a supplement). Throughout the trip, you'll travel in the company of Matt Lewis, who'll give exceptional insight into a captivating era of British history.
Matt is an author and historian of the medieval period, with a particular interest in the Wars of the Roses and Richard III. He has written biographies of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine, Henry III, Richard Duke of York, and Richard III.
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £48, SINGLE OCCUPANCY ON REQUEST ONLY, PLEASE CALL FOR DETAILS. Deposit £75pp. **Please note the cathedral is closed until late 2023. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included but required for most of our overseas trips, and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Travel Editions Group Ltd, ABTA V3120 and TS Travel Limited.
Your trip begins at the Hilton Leicester, where you'll have time to settle into your guestroom before joining your group for a welcome reception and dinner. You'll meet Matt Lewis, History Hit presenter, who'll give an insightful talk about what's in store over the next couple of days.
A visit to the Richard III Visitor Centre sets the scene for what lies ahead. Here, exhibits guide you through the fascinating story of the king's life and brutal death before revealing details of his remarkable rediscovery.
A guide from Leicester Cathedral joins you at the Visitor Centre to explain the events of Richard III's reinterment, the design of his tomb and the redemption windows at the Cathedral**. You'll be shown a sample of the Swaledale fossil stone that Richard III's tomb is made from, along with other artefacts related to the burial. Richard III's embroidered coffin pall and crown, both created for the 2015 reinterment, can be seen at the Visitor Centre.
In the afternoon, you'll travel to Bosworth Visitor Centre, where films and displays reveal more about medieval life. A final visit of the day is at the battlefield where Richard III was killed.
Tonight, there will be pre-dinner drinks with Matt Lewis (at own expense), reflecting on the day's events. Archeologist Matthew Morris joins you for a talk on the search for the lost grave of Richard III before a group dinner.
The day's first stop is at Kirby Muxloe Castle, an incomplete fortified residence built by William Hastings during the War of the Roses, before heading on to Oundle where you will have free time to explore. This afternoon you will travel to Fotheringhay to see the castle ruins where Richard III was born in 1452, and Mary Queen of Scots was executed. There's also time to visit St Mary & All Saints Church, where there's a mausoleum for members of the Yorkist dynasty of the War of the Roses.
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* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £48, SINGLE OCCUPANCY ON REQUEST ONLY, PLEASE CALL FOR DETAILS. Deposit £75pp. **Please note the cathedral is closed until late 2023. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included but required for most of our overseas trips, and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Travel Editions Group Ltd, ABTA V3120 and TS Travel Limited.