‘Hottest attraction’ accolade for King Richard III centre

Richard III Visitor Centre in Leicester.

A £4m visitor centre which tells the story of the search for Richard III’s remains has been chosen as one of the world’s hottest new tourist attractions by travel guide company Lonely Planet.

Plans for the King Richard III Visitor Centre at the site of where his remains were discovered in a carpark in August 2012 began before the skeleton was even officially confirmed as that of the last English king to die in battle.

Based in a former school overlooking the gravesite, which has been incorporated into the museum with glass-floored contemplative space, it opened in July last year and has already won awards for its design.

The centre features in a list of 26 of the “world’s hottest new experiences for 2015” in an ebook published by Lonely Planet.

Lonely Planet’s destination editor for Great Britain James Smart said: “The discovery of the remains of Richard III captured the world’s attention and the recently opened state-of-the-art visitor centre is a must-visit for history fans. This attraction, dedicated to one of our most legendary monarchs, truly puts Leicester on the map for anyone interested in England’s dramatic past.”

Other entries include the One World Observatory, which opens in spring at the 1,776ft high One World Trade Centre and the Smithwick’s Experience in Kilkenny, Ireland, which celebrates the country’s oldest beer.