Background

King Richard III Visitor Centre

Discover the incredible story of King Richard III’s life, death, and rediscovery at the site where history was unearthed beneath a Leicester car park.

4.6

The King Richard III Visitor Centre in Leicester offers a captivating journey into the life, death, and rediscovery of the last Plantagenet king. Located on the very site where his remains were found beneath a city car park, the centre combines cutting-edge technology, immersive storytelling, and interactive exhibits to reveal the mysteries of medieval England and the Wars of the Roses. Visitors can explore the archaeological detective story, view the preserved grave site, and enjoy amenities including an award-winning café and a tourist information centre.

A brief summary to King Richard III Visitor Centre

  • 4A St Martins, Leicester, LE1 5DB, GB
  • +441162994444
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
  • Monday 10 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Book tickets online in advance to secure entry and potentially save money, especially during peak times.
  • Allow 1.5 to 2 hours to fully explore the exhibitions and archaeological site.
  • Visit the White Boar Café for refreshments and to enjoy the courtyard atmosphere.
  • Look out for interactive quests and clues throughout the centre, perfect for engaging children and adults alike.
  • Combine your visit with Leicester Cathedral nearby to see Richard III’s reinterment site.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    Leicester city buses serve stops within a short walk of the Visitor Centre, with frequent routes from Leicester railway station. Travel time from the station is approximately 10-15 minutes on foot or 5 minutes by bus. Single bus fares typically range from £1.50 to £3.00.

  • Train and Walk

    Leicester railway station is about 1.2 km from the Visitor Centre, approximately a 15-minute walk on mostly flat terrain, suitable for most visitors including wheelchair users.

  • Car Parking

    Several public car parks are available within a 5-10 minute walk of the centre. Parking fees vary by location and duration, generally around £2-£4 per hour. Note that the original discovery site was beneath a former car park now preserved as part of the centre.

King Richard III Visitor Centre location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather

Unlock the Best of King Richard III Visitor Centre

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about King Richard III Visitor Centre

A Remarkable Discovery Beneath the City

The King Richard III Visitor Centre stands on a unique and historically significant site in Leicester’s Old Town. This is where, in 2012, the long-lost remains of King Richard III were uncovered beneath a municipal car park, ending centuries of mystery about the fate of England’s last Plantagenet monarch. The centre preserves this extraordinary archaeological site, allowing visitors to witness the exact spot where history was rewritten. This discovery not only solved a medieval mystery but also pioneered the use of DNA testing in archaeology, linking the king’s remains to living descendants.

Immersive Exhibitions and Storytelling

Inside the centre, visitors embark on a richly detailed journey through Richard III’s turbulent life and reign. Exhibits explore his rise to power during the Wars of the Roses, the controversies surrounding his rule, and the dramatic Battle of Bosworth where he met his end. Using innovative multimedia displays, voice avatars, and interactive quests, the centre brings to life the complex political intrigue and personal drama of 15th-century England. The storytelling is designed to engage all ages, making it a family-friendly attraction with educational depth.

Architectural and Visitor Experience

The centre’s modern design complements its historic significance, featuring accessible layouts across two floors with lift access for wheelchair users. Natural light illuminates the preserved grave site, enhancing the solemn atmosphere of the king’s final resting place. The award-winning White Boar Café offers a relaxing space to reflect, while the gift shop provides unique memorabilia related to Richard III and medieval history. The adjoining Visit Leicester Tourist Information Centre offers expert advice on exploring the city and wider region.

Context within Leicester’s Heritage

Situated opposite Leicester Cathedral, where Richard III’s remains were reinterred in 2015, the visitor centre forms a vital part of the city’s rich historical landscape. Leicester’s Old Town is steeped in heritage, and this site connects the medieval past with contemporary archaeological achievement. The centre also highlights broader stories of Leicestershire’s culture and history, encouraging visitors to discover more about the region’s fascinating heritage.

Planning Your Visit and Accessibility

Open daily from 10am, the centre closes at 4pm on weekdays and Sundays, and at 5pm on Saturdays and bank holidays, with closures during Christmas and a maintenance period in January. Tickets are required for the exhibition and can be purchased online or on-site, with options including annual passes for repeat visits. The centre is fully accessible, with thoughtful design ensuring all visitors can engage with the exhibits. The location is easily reachable by public transport, with nearby bus stops and Leicester railway station within walking distance.

Engaging with History Through Technology

The King Richard III Visitor Centre exemplifies how modern technology can illuminate the past. From DNA analysis displays to interactive quests scattered throughout the building and even the café, visitors become detectives uncovering clues about the king’s life and death. This blend of science, history, and storytelling creates a memorable experience that deepens understanding of medieval England and the enduring legacy of Richard III.

Busiest months of the year

Busiest hours of the day

Popular Experiences near King Richard III Visitor Centre

Popular Hotels near King Richard III Visitor Centre

Select Currency