King Richard III Visitor Centre, Leicester (must see)

The King Richard III Visitor Centre is a museum dedicated to the dramatic story of England’s last Plantagenet king, from his life and reign to the extraordinary discovery of his remains centuries later. Located in Leicester, the center provides an in-depth exploration of Richard III’s legacy and the groundbreaking archaeological project that confirmed his final resting place.

For centuries, the location of Richard III’s burial remained uncertain, though historical records suggested he was laid to rest in the medieval Greyfriars friary after his death at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485. In 2012, a team from the University of Leicester Archaeological Services (ULAS), in collaboration with Philippa Langley and the Richard III Society, launched an excavation in a Leicester city car park, long believed to be the site of Greyfriars. Astonishingly, the king’s remains were discovered on the first day of the dig. DNA analysis later confirmed his identity, marking one of the most significant historical finds in British history.

Recognizing the global significance of the discovery, Leicester City Council transformed the former Alderman Newton's School, a Victorian-era building next to the excavation site, into a state-of-the-art visitor center. Opened on 26 July 2014, the center features exhibitions detailing Richard III’s turbulent reign, his portrayal in history, and the forensic science that led to his identification. A glass-floored viewing area allows visitors to see the original grave site within the friary’s choir.

The center’s design, led by architect Paul East of Maber Architects, skillfully integrates modern exhibition space with the historical significance of the site. The museum’s impact was further recognized in 2018, when it was awarded "Best Museum" in the Group Leisure and Travel Awards, triumphing over institutions like the British Museum and the National Railway Museum.

A compelling mix of history, science, and discovery, the King Richard III Visitor Centre offers an engaging experience for history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike, shedding new light on one of England’s most enigmatic monarchs.