For the ultimate King Richard III group experience we have a fantastic selection of things to do, places to stay and to eat and drink in the city and county.

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1. St Martin's Centre, Peacock Lane, Leicester

Welcome to Leicester with tea, coffee, refreshments and welcome talk Originally built in 1877, St Martin’s Centre is a stunning Grade II listed former Grammar School with an elegant mix of period features with contemporary styling, a beautifully restored hall and several smaller meeting rooms and is the ideal welcome to the city. The centre is situated in the heart of Leicester’s Old Town next to the Cathedral, Guildhall and the King Richard III Visitor Centre.

2. Built on the site of a Roman temple and dedicated to St Martin of Tours, Leicester Cathedral has been embedded in the life of the local community since medieval times. There has been a major memorial to King Richard III in the Chancel of the Cathedral since 1980. This has been the focus for remembrance, particularly on the anniversary of the Battle of Bosworth. The memorial states that Richard was buried in the graveyard of the Church of the Grey Friars in the parish of St Martin (now the Cathedral).

3. King Richard III Visitor Centre – Richard III: Dynasty, Death and Discovery The Visitor Centre includeS a stunning display of artefacts and material found in the search for King Richard III and a medieval storyline followed by the science behind the discovery of the King. The centre is also home to a gift shop, café and a seating area within the graveside memorial garden.

4. King Richard III - Medieval Banquet – The Guildhall An evening of entertainment includes a three course medieval banquet with traditional medieval themed entertainment. Expect plenty of merriment, song and dance!

The Guildhall is a 14th century timber framed building and one of the most interesting and impressive civic buildings in the country, it has also played host to Shakespeare and has the third oldest public library in the country.

5. Leicester Cathedral, Guided Walk: King Richard III - The Leicester Connection This walk is organised by an accredited Blue Badge Guide and will cover the historic areas of the city relating to King Richard III’s final days in the city. The walk will last approximately 1hr 45mins.

6. Colin Crosby: Richard III guided walk This walk tells the story of the rise and fall of this tragic and much-maligned king chronologically, while visiting the many sites in Leicester's Old Town with which he is associated.

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7. Bosworth Heritage Centre – Guided Walks With two walks offering a shorter ‘Sun-Dial’ walk or a longer, 2k guided tour, taking you around the heritage trail with in depth detail on the famous battle and the final moments before Richard fell to his death.

8. Falconry Displays – Bosworth Heritage Centre An opportunity to get up close and personal with these beautiful birds of prey with experienced falconers on hand to answer your questions.

9. Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre – Exhibition Bosworth is a site of national historic significance, as the location of one of the three most important battles fought on British soil. It is the site where the Battle of Bosworth took place in 1485, and infamous as the place where King Richard III lost his life and crown to Henry Tudor and where the Tudor dynasty was born.

Explore the award winning exhibition giving you an insight into life as a medieval soldier, including the recent finds from the battle grounds including the new King Richard III - The Making of a Myth, an illustrative display exploring Richard's life and ultimate demise at Bosworth Field, through the striking artwork of Manga-style artist John Aggs. The exhibition offers a glimpse into the king's life and some of the myths surrounding his death and burial.

10. King Richard III – Audio Trail Follow in the footsteps of King Richard III with this free audio tour. Characters tell the story of medieval life during the King’s stay including the various connections that Leicester and Leicestershire has with this famous King. With sounds from medieval that will instantly transport you to that bygone era. You can download the audio tour online at goleicestershire.com/richardiii, storyofleicester.info or from QR codes on interpretation panels around the city.

11. King Richard III – Walking Trail The Richard III Walking Trail can be purchased from Visit Leicester or at the Guildhall museum. The trail lasts approximately one hour and will take you to the blue heritage panels giving further information on each site.

12. Stoke Golding Church and Market Bosworth The church of St Margaret of Antioch at Stoke Golding is believed to have assisted Henry VII’s army to sharpen their swords before the battle and where many of the dead soldiers are buried following the Battle of Bosworth.

Market Bosworth is a pretty market town with independent boutique shops, cafes bars and restaurants offering bistro style dining, Italian and regular pub food.

13. Donington le Heath Manor House for afternoon tea The museum is based in a Medieval Manor House dating back to 1280 and has a fascinating history with restored rooms and displays on medieval life. The upstairs bedroom in the Manor House contains King Richard III’s bed in which he is said to have slept in when staying at the White Boar Inn at Leicester before he met his fate at the Battle of Bosworth.

14. & Bosworth Museum Housed in a row of timber-framed and thatched cottages dating from the 17th century, the museum illustrates the local history of the Hinckley district, including the hosiery and footwear industries with Bosworth Battlefield artefacts and a model of the battlefield area.

15. Kirby Muxloe Castle This picturesque fortified mansion was built for Lord Hastings, who was dramatically seized and executed by Richard III in 1483. Explore the atmospheric moated remains including the fine gatehouse and a complete corner tower of this brick-built mansion. Kirby Muxloe Castle was never finished because King Richard III executed the owner William, Lord Hastings, in his push for the throne in 1483.16.

Bradgate House - Edward Grey's son Sir John Grey of Groby married Elizabeth Woodville (Richard III’s sister-in-law). Their son Thomas Grey, prepared for building Bradgate House in the late fifteenth century but died before he was able to begin. It was his son Thomas Grey, who built Bradgate House, the likely completion date being 1520.

This is one of the first unfortified great houses in England and one of the earliest post-Roman use of bricks. It was lived in by the Grey family for the next 220 years. It is believed that the house was the birthplace of , later Queen, ruling for a mere 9 days before being overthrown by Mary. Lady Jane Grey was executed at The Tower of London in 1553.

Below is a selection of hotels, pubs and restaurants and a full list is available at www.goleicestershire.com/accommodation or /food-and-drink

HOTEL ACCOMMODATION

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Ramada Encore, Leicester Built in 2011, this striking, contemporary hotel is situated within the vibrant Cultural Quarter of the city and has spacious modern bedrooms, all with a walk in shower. This 3* hotel has a range of fully accessibly rooms with a modern and clean feel with everything you need for a comfortable stay. On the ground floor is a stylish bar and bistro restaurant serving food all day ranging from sandwiches to pasta dishes and steaks. The lounge has a modern and open area with two flat screen TVs. The Ramada also offers free WiFi and internet access.

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18. Hinckley Island Hotel, Leicestershire Hinckley Island provides the luxury facilities and service you would expect from a 4 star hotel; with free parking and WiFi, a leisure club with indoor heated pool, sauna, solarium, spa pool and fitness suite. The hotel also has a unique Triumph Sports Bar featuring a full size original Triumph Motorcycle. Each room has a TV/hair dryer/trouser press/iron and ironing board/24 hr room service and has 4 accessible bedrooms suitable for wheelchair users. The hotel also has 8 bedrooms on the ground floor which have wider doorways & grab rails.

PLACES TO EAT AND DRINK

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19. Colourworks Restaurant, Castle Park With beautiful riverside views opposite the historical castle gardens, serving lunch, dinner, Sunday carvery with free parking during evenings and weekends.

20. The Globe The Globe has been synonymous with serving fine ales and food since 1720, where quality ales were brewed using spring water drawn from its own well beneath the pub, which still exist today.

21. 1573 Bar and Grill Located in the Old Grammar School on Freeschool Lane at Highcross near the site of the old Blue Boar Inn, this grade II* listed building was completed in 1573 and is one of the oldest schoolhouses in England. The schoolhouse is now home to 1573 Bar & Grill, a fresh concept for dining and drinks in the city.

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22. The Castle Hotel, Kirby Muxloe This fine building was constructed in the 1630s as a farmhouse for nearby Kirby Muxloe Castle and the delightful restaurant is full of character and charm with its oak beams and period features.

23. The Tithe Barn Restaurant – Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre This beautiful oak beamed barn offers an extensive daily menu of hearty meals and light lunches using predominantly locally produced ingredients.

24. The Dixie Arms Hotel – Market Bosworth An Italian Restaurant boasting a great range of authentic dishes. La Bella Piazza is located in the picturesque market town, Market Bosworth offering a wide range of Italian dishes, including Italian pizza cooked in an authentic pizza oven.

FOR FURTHER DETAILS ON GROUP VISITS, PLEASE CONTACT HILARY BOWERMAN ON 0116 225 4009 OR EMAIL [email protected]