Richard III's Leicester: A History Hit Audio Tour
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This self-guided audio walking tour through medieval Leicester is hosted by historian and History Hit podcaster Matt Lewis. On this walking tour, you'll discover the dramatic history hiding behind the 2012 discovery of King Richard III beneath a city car park. Over the next hour, your smartphone's GPS automatically plays Matt’s narration at exactly the right time and place, letting you safely explore at your own pace. Starting at the Richard III Visitor Centre, you'll track the final footsteps of England’s last Plantagenet king. You'll learn the secrets of the Newarke Gateway, pass the drafty remains of Leicester Castle, and look down at the ancient Roman wall. You'll walk to Bow Bridge to learn the grim legend of Richard's departure, explore St. Nicholas Church, and marvel at the architecture of Guildhall Lane. The tour finishes at the Cathedral Gardens by Richard's statue and final tomb. Download the app and step into history!
Your experience
Stop 1
On this audio tour, you'll learn about how the 700-year-old remains of the lost king were discovered under a local car park in 2012, sparking a global fascination.
Stop 2
On this walking tour, you'll hear about how Richard III was finally reburied here in 2015 with dignity inside a tomb of Yorkshire fossil stone etched with his personal motto, "Loyalty Binds Me".
Stop 3
On this GPS-guided tour, you'll find out how this imposing three-story sandstone archway featured an upper-floor medieval toilet that emptied directly into the ditch below.
Stop 4
On this immersive smartphone tour, you'll discover the small gun loops carved into the medieval stone for muskets when Royalist forces stormed the town during the English Civil War.
Stop 5
On this self-guided audio tour, you'll learn how Richard III chose to sleep at a public inn instead of this historic royal residence because the aging castle had become incredibly cold and drafty.
Stop 6
On this historical walking tour, you'll be treated to the story of the Leicester Town Wall, which contains some of the oldest Roman brickwork in the UK.
Stop 7
On this audio journey, you'll explore the site where a local wise woman supposedly predicted that the king's head would strike the bridge on his return from battle exactly where his spur hit it on the way out.
Stop 8
On this GPS-guided walk, you'll tune into how medieval builders recycled ancient infrastructure to build the church, utilizing bricks scavenged directly from neighboring Roman ruins.
Stop 9
On this smartphone walking tour, you'll find out how the street once formed a dark tunnel of shadows lined with timber houses that leaned so far out they nearly touched across the cobbles.
Stop 10
On this final tour stop, you'll hear about how the victorious Tudors used real physical traits like Richard's scoliosis to spin centuries of villainous propaganda.
What’s included
- Directions to the starting point so that when you're in the right place, the tour will start
- Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
- Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
- App for Android and iOS
- Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
Not included
- Smartphone and headphones
- Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour
- Food and drink
- Transportation
Meeting and pickup
This tour starts at Visit Leicester Information Centre. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.
Before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Check the policy for your selected date and option before booking.
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