The Itinerary

• Day 1 - 20th April

  Check In and Welcome Drinks Reception

  We will meet at our first hotel, The Grand, in York. You will be greeted by Philippa, your Tour Director, at check in.

  After settling into your room we will meet for a welcome drinks reception, opening talk from historian in residence, Gareth Russell, followed by a 3-course meal.

• Day 2 - 21st April

  York, Fountains Abbey and Middleham Castle

  A morning walking tour of the City to see the places linked to the Wars of the Roses as well as other fascinating sights is followed by a visit in the afternoon to imposing ruins of Middleham Castle, where Ricahrd III spent some of his childhood. We will go via a visit to Fountains Abbey, which just can't be missed as we are passing right by it. This World Heritage site was a tour highlight for our guest on The Catherine Howard Tour in 2025 so we have taken the opportunity to include a visit for guests on this tour.
• Day 3 - 22nd April

  Towton Battlefield

  We will be moving south today but on the way will be visiting one of the most famous battlefields of the Wars of the Roses, Towton.
• Day 4 - 23rd April

  Tewkesbury Battlefield and Abbey

  The tranquility of Tewkesbury and its abbey belies the violence of the battle which raged here on 4th May 1471, and its aftermath. With a walking tour of the battlefield you will see where the sides camped before battle, the battlefield itself and learn how the day unfolded. We with then visit the abbey where you will see where the only son of Henry VI lies after losing his life at the battle, and the suns in splendour of the Yorkist brother emblazoned on the abbey ceiling above him. 

• Day 5 - 24th April

  Bosworth Battlefield, Richard III Centre in Leicester 

  In 1485, Henry Tudor met Richard III on the battlefield at Bosworth. Tudor would win the day, ending it as Henry VII and his opponent unceremonioulsy strapped to the back of a donkey and taken to Leicester for burial. After we hear the story of the battle and visit the actual battle site, we visit the site where Richard III's body was discovered "in a car park." At the fantastic Richard III Centre we will see where Richard lay for over 500 years and learn about how he was laid to rest, the truth about his tomb and the story of his discovery.

• Day 6 - 25th April

  Ludlow Castle

  Ludlow Castle, our destination for today, gives the rare chance to stand where the Yorkist cause was planned, lived, and ultimately undone. This was Richard, Duke of York’s base in the 1450s and later the principal home of his grandson, Prince Edward, the future Edward V, who learned of his father’s death here before becoming one of the fated Princes in the Tower. As you wander its atmospheric ruins and look out over the marches, you’re walking the same ground as Ricahrd, Duke of York, his wife Cecily and all of their children.

• Day 7 - 26th April

  Windsor Castle

  We will explore Windsor Castle with expert-guide Sarah Slater. St George's Chapel is the final resting place of Edward IV, his queen Elizabeth Woodville as well as their descendent, Henry VIII. (St George's Chapel is sometimes closed at short notice but we have planned this visit to try and avoid days whre this is likely to happen).

• Day 8 - 27th April

  St Albans 

  The site of not one, but two, significant battles during the Wars of the Roses, indeed what is regarded as the opening battle of the conflict raged here on 22nd May 1455. An expert-guide will walk us through the streets, the actual streets on which the battle took place. 

  There will be some free time to explore St Albans, Roman enthusaists may wish to use this time to visit the amphitheatre. 

• Day 9 - 28th April

  Tower of London and Westminster Abbey

  We are joined once again by the fantastic guide, Sarah Slater, for visits to our last 2 historic sites associated with the Wars of the Rose; the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey.

• Day 10 - 29th April

  Final Farewells

  A leisurely breakfast and final farewells completes The Wars of the Roses Tour where we hope to be saying "Farewell" and "See you soon!"

What's Included

The Wars of the Roses Tour