Great British Heritage
Richard III Tour – The Last English King To Die In Battle
Follow the dramatic story of one of England’s most controversial monarchs on this expert-led Richard III tour. In the company of historian Julian Humphrys, trace Richard’s journey from his birthplace at Fotheringhay to his final battle at Bosworth and the remarkable rediscovery of his remains more than 500 years later.
Visit Leicester Cathedral to see Richard III’s tomb before exploring the Richard III Visitor Centre, which tells the story of his life, death and eventual discovery. Continue to Bosworth Visitor Centre and the battlefield where his defeat in 1485 brought the Plantagenet era to an end and ushered in the Tudor dynasty.
The Richard III tour also includes Buckden Towers, Peterborough Cathedral and Fotheringhay, where the castle ruins mark both Richard’s birthplace and the place of Mary, Queen of Scots’ execution. An evening talk by archaeologist Mathew Morris, who supervised the successful search for Richard III’s lost grave, offers fascinating first-hand insight into the excavation.
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what’s included
At A Glance
MEET YOUR EXPERT GUIDE
Julian Humphrys
Julian read history at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, and has worked at historic sites in Britain and abroad. A trustee of the Battlefields Trust and Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, he has written widely on castles, battles and military history.
With infectious enthusiasm, wit and panache, Julian leads more than a dozen Travel Editions tours across the UK and Europe. His extraordinary historical insight brings fortresses, battlefields and medieval landscapes to life, creating tours that are educational, entertaining and consistently popular with travellers.
MEET YOUR guest speaker
Mathew Morris
Guest speaker Mathew Morris will share the remarkable story of the Greyfriars excavation in Leicester, which led to the discovery of the remains of Richard III beneath a city-centre car park. As Fieldwork Director for the dig, Mathew supervised the excavation and was closely involved in uncovering and interpreting one of Britain’s most significant archaeological finds.
Drawing on first-hand experience, he will explain how the site was identified, how the excavation unfolded and what the evidence revealed about Richard’s burial. His talk offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from the archaeologist at the heart of this extraordinary archaeological discovery.
itinerary & excursions
Your Itinerary
Explore this incredible tour in detail and discover what makes each day so special. Below, you’ll find a full day-by-day breakdown of your journey, from the moment you arrive to your final farewell. Learn more about the highlights you’ll experience, the unforgettable places you’ll visit, and the unique moments that bring each destination to life. Whether you’re drawn by rich history, stunning landscapes or unforgettable cultural encounters, this itinerary gives you everything you need to picture your adventure and look forward to every step of the way.
Day 1: Arrive independently at the hotel
Arrive independently at the Orton Hall Hotel from 15.00. This evening there will be a welcome reception, private dinner with wine and a talk by expert Julian Humphrys of the Battlefield Trust – ‘The Wars of the Roses’, looking at the causes of, and events leading to, the accession of Richard III.
Day 2: Leicester Cathedral, Richard III Visitor Centre, Bosworth Visitor Centre and Battlefield
First, we visit Leicester Cathedral, where we will visit the tomb of Richard III and learn about his reinterment in 2015, view the funeral pall as well as the redemption windows within the Cathedral. Next, on to the Richard III Visitor Centre and exhibition. Here, we will see the dramatic story of the king’s life, brutal death and the fascinating story of his rediscovery.
After free time for lunch in Leicester (not included) we travel out to Bosworth to explore the visitor centre, which gives an insight into medieval life through film, displays and artefacts. Our last visit of the day will be to the battlefield where Richard was killed, with commentary by your guides from the coach, as we travel around key locations.
Dinner at the hotel followed by a talk by Mathew Morris, who supervised the successful archaeological search for the lost grave of King Richard III – ‘Richard III: The King under the Car Park – solving a 500-year-old mystery’.
Please note: At Bosworth visitor centre there is a 100-yard uphill walk to the memorial.
Day 3: Buckden Towers, lunch in Stilton, Peterborough Cathedral, and Fotheringhay
We start the day with a morning talk at the hotel, then drive to Buckden Towers, a historic, fortified house. Originally built in the late 12th-century, it was rebuilt by Richard III’s chancellor John Russell. We have lunch included today at The Bell Inn, Stilton, where the cheese was first sold, then visit Peterborough Cathedral.
We are taken on a guided tour with the cathedral guides, around one of the best-preserved Norman cathedrals in the country. We finish the day with a visit to lovely Fotheringhay to view the Castle ruins, where Richard was born in 1452 and where Mary Queen of Scots was executed. We will also visit St Mary & All Saints Church nearby. Return to the hotel for approximately 17.30 where the tour will end.
our guests say
Recent reviews
“The visit to the Richard III Centre and the evening talk were fascinating and very informative. Everything was excellently organised, making it a thoroughly enjoyable trip.”
Ms S, travelled June 2025
“Exploring the Richard III Visitor Centre was very interesting, and the overall trip was very enjoyable. The coach could have been a little more modern, but the driver was always courteous and careful.”
Mrs H, travelled June 2025
“Leicester city venues provided a rich and engaging experience, well worth the visit. The whole trip was well organised and informative, making for a memorable weekend.”
Ms S, travelled June 2025
“The Visitor Centre in Leicester was a fascinating visit, though the packed schedule made it quite full-on. The excellent organisation and quality of the trip more than made up for it!”
Ms R, travelled June 2025
“The archaeological talk by Mathew Morris was very engaging and added great depth to the tour, this was certainly a highlight for me.”
Ms S, travelled June 2025
Availability
Choose Your Departure
HOTELS
Tour Accommodation
Orton Hall Hotel & Spa
Located in the countryside four miles from Peterborough, and set in a stunning 17th century manor house, the four-star Orton Hall Hotel and Spa offers elegant bedrooms with private bath/shower, TV, telephone and tea/coffee making facilities. Facilities at the hotel include a restaurant, bar, garden, and onsite spa.
Complimentary car parking for Travel Editions clients is available at the hotel.
Hotel Website
our regular tours
Mobility Information
This tour has a moderate fitness rating, reflecting a fuller itinerary with a good balance of visits, walking and time spent exploring on foot.
Some visits may involve cobbled streets, uneven paving, slopes, steps, stairs, limited seating, or walking from the coach drop-off point to the entrance of a site or attraction. The exact demands will vary from day to day, and we highlight specific practical details within the itinerary wherever possible.
You should feel comfortable walking at a steady group pace, standing during visits and enjoying a full day of sightseeing. If you are unsure whether this tour is right for you, please contact us before booking.
Your questions answered
Tour FAQ
If you have a question, we are more than happy to answer it via email or phone, but you may find your answer below more quickly.
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