Richard III Experience at Monk Bar
The basics
Some York sightseeing passes grant holders free entry to the Richard III Experience. A general admission ticket gives visitors access to both the Richard II 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 as well as 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 his rocky reign, as well as York during the late Middle Ages.
Things to know before you go
- The Richard III Experience is a must-do for families, with kid-friendly exhibits such as costumes, props, and activity sheets.
- The attraction features steep stairways, making accessibility challenging for travelers with limited mobility.
- The Richard III Experience makes a convenient pit stop for visitors walking the medieval walls.
How to get there
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.
Trip ideas
When to get there
The Richard III Experience is open daily. Weekdays are quieter than weekends. Come right at opening to beat the rush.
The Discovery of Richard III’s Body
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. After centuries of laying forgotten, 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.