King Richard III

The last English king to die in battle lies beneath a Leicester car park - or rather, he did until 2012 when archaeologists found his remains and gave Richard III a proper burial at last. You can visit his tomb at Leicester Cathedral, where the story of this much-maligned medieval monarch actually begins to make sense.

The cathedral itself is modest, but walking in knowing you're standing near the bones of someone so controversially erased from history gives the visit real weight. There's a small exhibition space that runs through the evidence - the DNA tests, the skeletal analysis - which proved Richard's identity beyond doubt. It reads like a detective story rather than dusty academic work, and it genuinely holds your attention.

This works best for history types and anyone curious about how archaeology can overturn centuries of Tudor propaganda. Kids under twelve might find it brief, though the mystery angle keeps them engaged for twenty minutes or so. Allow an hour to see the cathedral properly.

Leicester itself is the obvious base, and you're well-positioned for Bradgate Park just outside town if you're doing a caravan holiday in the area. It's worth tying this visit to a broader exploration of the city rather than making it a standalone trip. The cathedral is free to enter, though donations are welcome.