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Richard III Experience at Monk Bar

Monk Bar Court, York, Yorkshire

With an atmospheric setting in Monk Bar, one of the four main medieval gateways to York, the Richard III Experience looks back at the turbulent 2-year reign of the last Plantagenet king. Exhibits document his rise to power, including the mysterious disappearance of his two preteen nephews, as well as his role in the Wars of the Roses.

Some York sightseeing passes grant holders free entry to the Richard III Experience. A general admission ticket gives visitors access to both the Richard III Experience and its companion attraction, the Henry VII Experience at Micklegate Bar, which tracks the reign of Richard III’s successor, the first Tudor king of England. If you’re keen to learn more about local history, opt for combination tickets that include entrance to the Richard III and Henry VII experiences along with one or more York area attractions, such as the Tudor-era Barley Hall or Jorvik Viking Center.

Inside, the Richard III Experience is designed to be self-guided, covering the king’s ascension to the throne and rocky reign, as well as York during the late Middle Ages.

  • The Richard III Experience is a must for families, with kid-friendly exhibits featuring costumes, props, and activity sheets.
  • The attraction features steep stairways, making its accessibility limited.
  • The Richard III Experience is a convenient pit stop for visitors walking the medieval walls.

Find the Richard III Experience at Monk Bar, one of the four historic main gateways to the city of York. If you’re driving, park in the Monk Bar car park, a 5-minute walk away. If you’re coming by train, take the 12 or 13 bus from York station to Monk Bar.

The Richard III Experience is open daily. Weekdays are quieter than weekends; come right at opening to beat the rush.

After just two years on the throne, Richard III died in the Battle of Bosworth and was buried in a Leicester church, which was later demolished in the 16th century. His skeleton was discovered under a car park in the Leicester area in 2012, with DNA tests in 2013 confirming the identity of the remains. In 2015, Richard III was reburied in Leicester Cathedral.

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