Richard III's Leicester: Medieval history tour with guide

Follow Richard's footsteps through Leicester's medieval past

A guided walking tour of Leicester's medieval sites connected to King Richard III, led by a guide fluent in English or German. You'll visit the Blue Boar Inn where Richard spent his last night, the bridge where legend says he received a prophecy before Bosworth, the castle gardens overlooking the River Soar, and the cathedral where his tomb now stands. The tour includes entrance fees and lasts 90 minutes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Richard III's Leicester sites

• Hear political background and Richard's story
• Visit Blue Boar Inn site
• See Roman ruins and Saxon church
• Pass by bridge with Richard's prophecy
• Enjoy castle gardens and River Soar
• Learn about Richard's family at Norman church
• Climb Motte steps and view surroundings
• Walk old street and learn about demolished church
• See car park where skeleton was found
• End tour outside Cathedral at Royal Tomb

The Experience

If you've got an afternoon free in Leicester and want to understand the city's connection to Richard III, this tour builds the story around the places themselves. Your guide walks you through the political background that made the youngest son of a Duke into a king, then takes you to the actual sites where Richard moved through the city: the Blue Boar Inn where he spent his last night before riding to the Battle of Bosworth, the bridge where he supposedly received a fateful prophecy on 21 August 1485, and the castle gardens with their view of the River Soar, where one tradition claims his body was thrown after the battle.

The route follows what Richard would have known: Roman ruins and a Saxon church he passed on his way out of the city, the Norman church foundation where his family had strong ties, and the old street where his body was laid out after the battle. At the castle motte, you climb the steps for the view and learn how castles functioned in Richard's time. The tour finishes outside the Cathedral, where your guide reflects on the Royal Tomb itself: the craftsmanship, the design, and what its symbols mean. This works perfectly alongside a separate visit to the Richard III visitor centre or the tomb itself, since the guide can answer questions and point out details you'd miss alone.

The tour runs 90 minutes and includes entrance fees. Your guide speaks English or German and knows both the medieval history and the city well enough to answer questions and show you places that aren't easy to find on your own. The 12 noon and 2pm departures include entry to the Norman church foundation. Other times do not.

What’s included

• Entrance fee.
• live guide in English or German.
• entry to the Norman church foundation on the 12 noon and 2pm departures.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Walk and Talk History Tours

Is this one for you?This is a shared walking tour led by a guide, so you move at the group's pace and hear the stories as you stand at each site. Choose it if you want someone who knows both the history and the city to show you places you wouldn't find alone and answer questions as they come up. Book the noon or 2pm time if you want to step inside the Norman church.

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Top questions

What was Richard III's connection to Leicester?

Richard III spent his last night in Leicester at the Blue Boar Inn before riding to the Battle of Bosworth in 1485, where he died. His body was brought back to Leicester and buried in the Grey Friars church. Centuries later, his skeleton was discovered in a car park and identified through archaeological science. He now lies in the Royal Tomb in Leicester Cathedral.

Will I see the Richard III visitor centre or the Cathedral tomb on this tour?

The tour ends outside the Cathedral and includes a reflection on the Royal Tomb and its design, but does not include entry to the Cathedral itself or the visitor centre. You can visit those separately, and the guide's knowledge will help you understand what you see in both places.

Do I need to be fit to walk this tour?

The tour is 90 minutes of walking through Leicester's medieval streets and includes climbing the steps of the castle motte for the view. It is suitable for all fitness levels, though it is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

What's the difference between the noon and 2pm tours and the other times?

The 12 noon and 2pm departures include entry to the Norman church foundation so you can explore its historic interior. Other tour times do not enter the church, though the guide will still tell you about its history and Richard's family's links to it.

How do I get to the starting point?

Public transportation options are available nearby the tour start. Your guide will confirm the exact meeting point when you book.