Visited October 2025

The Battle of Bosworth was the determining battle in the Wars of the Roses, as such that it brought to an end the era of Plantatgenet rule, and was the beginning of the Tudor era. The site of this famous battle, which is approximately 14 miles from the city of Leicester, has a visitor's centre to provide insights into the battle and its consequences for England . For another Wars of the Roses battlefield site, see our article on Tewkesbury Abbey and Battlefield.

Review

The visitor's centre has a really good museum and this is where we recommend you start. There is so much information about what happened on that fateful day of 22 August 1485 . We thought it was laid out very clearly to give a greater understanding of the battle. Look out for the 'Bosworth Boar' brooch which was found in 2009 at a site in a farmer's field which is now thought to be the place where Richard made his final stand. The brooch is one of a small batch which were made any given to Richard's most noble supporters, so whoever lost it in the heat of the battle must have been very close to the king- or was maybe even Richard himself!

Once you have looked around the museum, head out to the Battlefield for a look round. You can look round under your own steam, or join a tour which will explain all the key points about the history/battle. The guides are very knowledgeable , and the tour is interactive, with the final part being a re-enactment of the battle, using flags to in exchange for actual weapons (phew!)

Places to see on the battlefield are the Sun Dial- created as a memorial to both kings in the battle. There is also Richard's Well, thought to be the place where Richard drank from on the day of the battle. It was enclosed in a stone cairn in the 19th century. 

There is also a framed viewing point to look across the fields into the distance, where the centre of the fighting was thought to be, and an oak sapling which was brought to Bosworth from Fotheringhay , the birthplace of Richard.  

Back again at the visitor's centre there is a large but comfy cafe, toilets and a gift shop. During school holidays the Bosworth Discovery Zone is open. This is a free space for families with young children to use. Activities include games and crafting.

The final place you may want to take a look at if you have the time is the supposed site of Richard's last stand. The Battle of Bosworth site is large and emcompasses areas such as Ambion Hill, where it is likely that Richard and his armies camped the night before.

However the most recent thinking on the site of the actual battle has named Fenn Lane to be the most likely place. The field at Fenn Lane is where the white boar brooch was found is in a farmer's field, but there is public access allowed. However, there is not really anywhere to park, except a couple of small laybys  if you can find them. You can walk to the site but it is about 2 miles away along country lanes. The site has an information board and a good view of the field, but no facilities so it is up to you to decide if that is something your family would be able to cope with.

More info:  Bosworth Battlefield