Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre — Attraction in Hinckley and Bosworth

My friend and I, being supporters of King Richard III, we expected quite an emotional experience when we visited for the first time. Contrary to our expectations though, the visit has left us curiously unimpressed. The atmosphere was a mixture of school camp, parkland walk, and dusty museum attic. They were trying to evoke a sense of remembrance for the men who lost their lives here, but it didn't all quite catch on. It also begs the question whether a place like this really needs a restaurant, and kids' activities such as playcar races and Christmas bauble making. Somehow a battlefield centre is the last place I'd send my kids for something like this. That said, I understand that this is a difficult topic to bring across, especially in a manner that speaks to children, adults, lay people and experts alike. However, in my opinion the centre/museum needs a serious redo, and particularly a new concept. The exhibition overall looked a bit makeshift. Don't get me wrong, there's parts that are really good, like the video presentation or the part that deals with battlefield archaeology. The armour and weapons displays are okay as well, however the actual armour, especially that of the two kings, is grossly inaccurate and looks like put together from yard sale finds. Having the area where children can try on bits of armour right next to the video presentation serves for a noise level straight out of hell. As I said, I get that this is a difficult subject, but even children can be educated in a way that's respectful to the subject. They don't need to be superficially 'taught' with the umpteenth dressing station or drawing table. Find a figure for children to identify with, a page for example, narrate a few texts from their perspective and add a few hands-on displays at children's height and you're going to have a much better experience than having them throw about some helmets and garments in the background. There's a whole section dedicated to what happened after the battle, but instead of trying to shed a light on, for example, the fates of those Yorkists who survived, or what happened to Richard's belongings, or what impact the death of a monarch has on the entire structure of the realm, we were presented with the same old 'Tudor life' stuff that can be seen at hundreds of Tudor houses across the country, complete with a wax figurine of Henry VIII that looks like it didn't pass the test for Madame Tussaud's. Overall I've felt that in addition to a new concept, the entire thing also needs a more respectful approach to the subject. A few lukewarm words at the sundial are not enough. The battlefield trail could be better as well; at times it feels like it could be a botanical or woodland educational path or whatever. I totally understand that the actual spot where 'it' happened is off limits (which is a good thing), but there's so much more that could be done than slapping a replica helmet on a pedestal and adding a few lines of generic text or yet another biography of Richard or Henry. How about cut-out steel silhouettes of riders up on the hill and a sound box that goes off as you approach? How about an audio guide or audio stations where you can listen to a gripping narrative? Good thing was, the entire affair wasn't too expensive, there was ample parking, and the shop is well equipped (although staff was lacking enthusiasm). Some of the objects in the exhibition are well worth seeing and I do hope the centre will get a makeover soon - this place has enormous potential, but for now if it's historical atmosphere and information that you seek, you're better off going to St James' church right up the road, which has some lovely memorials and information leaflets.

P.S.: Oh, and on the actual trail we witnessed a group of children being guided by a male guide, presumably one of the centre's own, who behaved more like a drill instructor than an actual guide. Seriously, that man scared the bejesus even out of us adults. It's no surprise the children were unenthusiastic at best. Some of his tales were wrong on...

A wonderful experience that takes you through the history and locations of the Battle of Bosworth Field, as well as an in-depth look at the entire War of the Roses.

A scenic and informative 17 point route around the entire heritage centre and the grounds which can be taken with others on a guided tour, or at your own pace with friends and loved ones. Each point outlines historical significance to the locations, people, or technology used throughout the battle, as well as an hour-by-hour breakdown of the conflict. The path is very well worn, making it unsuited for wheelchairs and pushchairs, however efforts have been made to improve the conditions of the pathways. Hopefully more renovations are in the works to further improve them.

A wonderful museum adding additional meat to the bones of the history of this place; whilst a fee is required to buy tickets for entry, it is well worth the charge. Inside you can learn more about King Richard III and Henry Tudor, the major figures, as well as their soldiers, knights, and serfs. Learn about the daily toils of a labourer of the time; what they ate, what they wore, and what they had to live through during such hard times. A whole array of interactive displays and arrangements await inside; are you strong enough to be a longbowman? How heavy can chainmail really be? Do you know what you could and couldn't eat during those times? How much could you see wearing a bulky, metal helmet? As well as a whole bunch of activities for the kids, like pencil rubbings of historic art, and play dress up! At the end there is a quaint little gift shop full of curios that you can bring home to remind you of your stay!

There is a spacious café and restaurant on site, with a decently apportioned menu to cater for a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences. Plenty of seating inside, as well as outdoors to accommodate larger parties, children, and pets. The staff throughout are polite, friendly, and knowledgeable in their fields, and are always accommodating to curious minds.

There are a number of toilet facilities in the main heritage centre before beginning the trail, able to accommodate all, as well as baby-changing facilities. There is plenty of space for parking that is reasonably close to the centre, with preferential parking for coaches and...

Spent a lovely afternoon visiting Bosworth Battlefield and Heritage Centre. Visited a few days before going on to King Richard III Visitor Centre in Leicester (which was so disappointing in comparison). After some initial confusion in the car park over the charges, either with coins (which we didn't have) or by phone (which I'm not prepared to do) we were able to pay for parking when buying the admission tickets and were given a dated slip to display in the car. For me, the Heritage Centre has the right balance between displays, artefacts (armour, weapons etc) and information films. I found the interactive character videos particularly interesting - I hadn't realised that French Mercenaries took their wives and families with them on campaigns! I also found the information and film about the various armies and their positions before and during the battle enlightening. Richard literally did die fighting for his crown!! Nice little gift shop, but we were too late to visit the cafe, which had closed at 3pm on the day we visited. We perhaps should have gone there first. Finished off the afternoon with a walk around the site, that has information points along the way. The ticket is valid for 12 months and I would visit again if I was in the area. Not sure if we could have bought joint tickets to visit this venue and the King Richard III Centre in...