King Richard III Statue
Commemorating the last Plantagenet king, this statue in Leicester is a gateway to his fascinating rediscovery and final resting place.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
King Richard III Statue
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Commemorating the last Plantagenet king, this statue in Leicester is a gateway to his fascinating rediscovery and final resting place.
"A poignant memorial to an extraordinary chapter in the city's history."
Combine with Visitor Centre
Visit the King Richard III Visitor Centre for context; tickets are valid for a year!
See His Final Resting Place
Don't miss Leicester Cathedral, where Richard III is buried. A poignant end to his story.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
King Richard III Statue
Cathedral Gardens, Leicester
A striking bronze statue commemorating the last Plantagenet king, recently restored with a new sword.
King Richard III Visitor Centre
Opposite the statue, Leicester
An educational center detailing the discovery of Richard III's remains and his historical significance.
Leicester Cathedral
Near the statue and visitor centre
The final resting place of King Richard III, offering a solemn and historical conclusion to his story.
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Beyond the Statue
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Combine with Visitor Centre
Visit the King Richard III Visitor Centre for context; tickets are valid for a year!
See His Final Resting Place
Don't miss Leicester Cathedral, where Richard III is buried. A poignant end to his story.
Restored Bronze
The statue was restored and now features a new, full-length sword.
Historical Significance
Discover the story of a king found 500 years later under a parking lot!
Tips
from all over the internet
Combine with Visitor Centre
Visit the King Richard III Visitor Centre for context; tickets are valid for a year!
See His Final Resting Place
Don't miss Leicester Cathedral, where Richard III is buried. A poignant end to his story.
Restored Bronze
The statue was restored and now features a new, full-length sword.
Historical Significance
Discover the story of a king found 500 years later under a parking lot!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the King Richard III Statue and its surrounding historical sites in Leicester to be a compelling and educational experience. The proximity to the Visitor Centre and Cathedral enhances the narrative, offering a comprehensive look at the last Plantagenet king's story. While the statue itself is a point of interest, the real draw is the complete historical context provided by the nearby attractions.
"Historical Medieval Streets of Leicester. Really enjoyed walking on these streets. King Richard III Sculpture really take you back into that era."
Amir Maghfoor
"Unveiled on 31 July 1980 by Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester. The statue was commissioned and contributed by members of the Richard III Society. Sculptor."
UK Photo Journey
"A statue of King Richard III has been reinstated in Leicester as part of a £2.5m regeneration project.
The bronze figure, which has a new, full-length sword, has been restored, cleaned and polished before being installed at Cathedral Gardens.
It will stand near to where the king's remains were found under a car park in September 2012 and his intended final resting place at Leicester Cathedral.
The statue was lifted off its plinth and moved from Castle Gardens in May.
'Fitting memorial'
It was donated to the city by the Richard III Society in 1980.
City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: "The arrival of the statue in Cathedral Gardens is a very poignant moment.
"In the few weeks since the statue was taken away for restoration, we have learned that Leicester will rightly be the final resting place for the remains of Richard III.
"We could not wish for a more fitting memorial to this extraordinary chapter in the city's history."
The statue now stands on a low slab of polished granite matching materials used in the gardens redevelopment."
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The King Richard III Statue is located in Cathedral Gardens, Leicester city centre. It's easily accessible by public transport, with many bus routes stopping nearby. If driving, there are several car parks in the vicinity, including the one where the king's remains were famously discovered.
Yes, there are multiple car parks close to Cathedral Gardens. The area is central, so parking availability can vary, especially during peak times. Consider using the car park that sits on the site of the historic discovery.
Absolutely! The statue is in the heart of Leicester's city centre, making it a pleasant walk from many hotels and attractions. The surrounding streets are pedestrian-friendly.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the King Richard III Statue itself is an outdoor monument and is free to view at any time. However, if you wish to visit the King Richard III Visitor Centre, a ticket is required, and it's valid for a full year.
As an outdoor public monument, the King Richard III Statue can be viewed at any time. The surrounding Cathedral Gardens also have public access. The Visitor Centre and Cathedral have their own specific opening hours.
Yes, there is an admission fee for the King Richard III Visitor Centre. However, your ticket is valid for one year, allowing multiple visits to explore the exhibits further.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
The statue is located in Cathedral Gardens, opposite the King Richard III Visitor Centre and near Leicester Cathedral, where the king is buried. It's a historically rich area that offers a complete narrative of Richard III's story.
The statue is situated in Cathedral Gardens, which is generally accessible. The Visitor Centre and Cathedral also aim to be accessible, but it's advisable to check their specific accessibility information beforehand.
Viewing the statue itself takes only a few minutes. However, to fully appreciate the context, plan to spend at least 1-2 hours visiting the adjacent Visitor Centre and Leicester Cathedral.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, you are welcome to take photos of the King Richard III Statue. It's a popular spot for visitors to capture a piece of Leicester's history.
Weekday mornings often offer fewer crowds, making it easier to get unobstructed photos. Golden hour light can also enhance the bronze of the statue.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider purchasing tickets to the Visitor Centre, as they are valid for a year, allowing for repeat visits if children become particularly interested. Leicester Cathedral provides a solemn but important conclusion to the narrative. Ensure children are supervised, especially around the statue and in busy areas.
📚 History Buffs
Visiting Leicester Cathedral, his final resting place, provides a poignant and historically significant experience. Many online discussions and videos touch upon the controversies surrounding Richard III, his portrayal in literature, and the scientific methods used to identify his remains, offering rich material for further study.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Discovery of a King
This discovery has brought a new wave of attention to Richard III, moving him from a figure often vilified in popular culture, notably by Shakespeare, to a subject of intense historical and public fascination.
Many TikTok videos highlight the mystery and excitement surrounding the find, with creators discussing the 500-year gap between his death and his reburial.
The King Richard III Statue: A Symbol of Restoration
Its placement in Cathedral Gardens, a nicely kept area opposite the Visitor Centre, makes it a focal point for those interested in Richard III's story.
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