Bosworth Battlefield - where Richard III died

[caption id="attachment_2454" align="alignnone" width="1200"] All of us in front of the battlefield[/caption]

Richard III must be one of the most famous (or infamous) monarchs ever, and that’s despite being king for just two years, from 1483 to 1485. His reign heralded the beginning of the end of the Wars of the Roses and his death ushered in possibly the most well-known royal family of all, the Tudors, plus of course, there is the question of the Princes in the Tower and a reputation forever damaged by Shakespeare’s iconic play.

Richard has also been in the news more recently as his body was discovered in a Leicester car park back in 2013. We visited the Richard III Visitor Centre in Leicester last year and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. In fact, we seem to have been on something of a Richard odyssey, as we also had a trip to beautiful Fotheringhay, where Richard was born. And now we’ve just returned from BOSWORTH, the battlefield where Richard was slain, and where he became the last English king to die in battle.

Bosworth is in Leicestershire and is, I may as well say right here, an excellent place for a day out, with or without the kids. The site has been beautifully maintained and is huge. When we went, there were lots of groups there enjoying the sun and outdoors. It’s free to walk around the site – although you do have to pay £2.50 for parking (I wonder if this should be free for those visiting the exhibition).

[caption id="attachment_2455" align="alignnone" width="1200"] It was beautiful walking around the sites[/caption]

We very much enjoyed our walk around the battlefield site, enjoyed the views, and appreciated the information points on the way. It seemed quite bizarre to think of a bloody battle going on in this beautiful place, especially as we were looking out on quiet fields of green and, at one point, watching canal boats roll lazily by.

There’s a sundial and flags (including Richard’s standard) at the top of the site and there is also a nice eating area (we forced ourselves to try some ice-cream and cake) and shop. Plus, there are a number of guided walks on offer (including a ghost walk, which sounded great) and even shows involving birds of prey.

I don’t think that many visitors take advantage of the exhibition, which is a real shame, as it’s extremely well done and puts everything into context.

The exhibit at the Heritage Centre isn't huge, but it is thoughtful and has some excellent interactive elements. It begins by giving some historical background and also introduces a number of characters who take you through the events as they happen, and from their points of view.

[caption id="attachment_2457" align="alignnone" width="1200"] The two kings, on show at the Heritage Centre[/caption]

There are lots of costumes to try on (we were amused that those doing this when we were there were all adults!) including armour (I tried on a helmet which was extremely heavy), while the display of the battle itself is really good and managed to explain the tactics extremely well.

[caption id="attachment_2458" align="alignnone" width="1200"] This is the amazing silver boar, found a few years ago[/caption]

We all enjoyed trying out the bow and arrow (Robert was the best) and there were some fascinating side exhibits, including one very gory one on barber surgeons. I also loved seeing the artefacts on display, especially the remarkable and tiny silver boar badge which is believed to have been given to one of Richard’s knights before the battle began.

We all liked it and Robert, aged 11, was especially impressed. Here are his thoughts:

“The exhibition had so many cool, interactive things to do from watching videos from different people’s point of view or seeing how far you could shoot an arrow. I loved watching through the eyes of a warrior in the battle and playing games on either Richard or Henry’s team. One of my favourite activities was looking for the secret fact: when you saw a special symbol you had to look out for the hidden information. They were in secret compartments, on the ceiling and even inside the wall! I really enjoyed going to the exhibition as I learnt lots from the displays and also had fun with the different Battle of Bosworth related things to do.”

[caption id="attachment_2459" align="alignnone" width="1200"] One of the secret messages at the Bosworth Heritage Centre[/caption]

Bosworth Battlefield and Heritage Centre are located in Sutton Cheney, Nuneaton, Leicestershire. Tickets for the Heritage Centre cost £7.95 per adult and £4.85 for children aged 3 to 15. There are often special offers (including a leaflet on the website) which offer a kid’s ticket free with an adult one. . A ticket for a family of four is £21.50.

Read about our trip to the Richard III Visitor Centre in Leicester and to Fotheringhay, where the King was born.

We visited Bosworth after staying at the wonderful Dandelion Hideaway and glamping! It's just a quick drive away.

Going Glamping at the Dandelion Hideaway in Leicestershire

We have been lucky enough to have so many special experiences, but one which we hadn't done together is camping. However, when we were offered the chance to try glamping at the Dandelion Hideaway in Leicestershire, it really appealed. After all, who could turn down a luxury type of camping, with little canvas houses instead of tents and running water and your own bathroom?

[kad_youtube url="https://youtu.be/Grw4DoNuTak" width=200 height=100 ]

 

I'm glad we tried it and would absolutely recommend it for families. It was amazing to feel so far removed from the city, I loved seeing rabbits running around and eating freshly picked eggs (so much nicer than normal) and it really made me think about history - especially how people lived without electricity and how night was really so different from day back then. I really felt as if we got away from it all (despite knowing that sounds clichéd) and was delighted that we all had a great time. Each cottage is really beautifully done, with so much space around it, and with a gorgeous veranda to sit outside on and rest. And I even saw a badger's set!

Watch Robert's video, above, for more!

Now, over to the kids:

Robert aged 11 says: When we arrived at the farm, we were met by Farmer John who talked to us briefly about the farm then drove us to our tent on a tractor (this was such fun, especially when we bumped down a hill!). When we got there he showed us our rooms and how to use the facilities (including lighting a fire, which we have never done before) before leaving us to settle in.

[caption id="attachment_2475" align="alignnone" width="1200"] We had to light lamps to see at night![/caption]

There were two bedrooms in the tent. Mum and Dad’s one had a double bed whilst ours had two singles. They both connected to the bathroom which had a toilet plus a bath and shower (with hot water). There was also a smaller room which was taken up entirely by a bed. It had two sets of little doors on either side, one that led to the dining area and the other brought you into our parents’ room. Jess and I both slept there at night as it was like a secret room!

The living room and kitchen were merged into one with a big black fire in the middle. Every half an hour we had to add more wood to the flames to keep our tent warm. There was no electricity so our heat and light came from oil lamps and candles. It did get very dark later on and it was strange not to be able to turn on a light.

The Dandelion Hideaway had provided us with all the cutlery and utensils you could need for cooking plus they gave us a complimentary cake and I always say that a complimentary cake equals a great glamping experience. Next to the table was a selection of chairs and sofas where you could sit down near the fire and read a book. At the front of the house there was also an outside porch with a table and chairs.

I am terrible with the cold so I was freezing when trying to get to sleep although I was wearing the warmest pyjamas I had, a vest and a dressing gown. In the morning we fried some eggs in a saucepan which we placed over the fire before getting dressed and meeting Farmer John near the entrance.

He then took us on a tour of the farm. Farmer John showed us the massive heaps of food that he kept to feed to the animals and explained to us how he ran the farm before taking us to see some cute baby goats which we were allowed to stroke. We were then taken to where the older of the animals were kept and I was amazed by how many there were. The farm was taking care of over a thousand of the creatures.

[caption id="attachment_2468" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Grooming a shetland pony[/caption]

After the tour we groomed some ponies. We were each allowed to pick one before getting to brush and comb its hair. I was paired up with a pony called Bluebell and I when I was done grooming her she looked like a cross between Justin Bieber and Donald "Because I don't want to, Greta" Trump! We then got to lead our pony onto a field and feed some of the bigger animals.

At the farm there is a games room where you can play table-tennis and table football plus loads of space to run around. At any time you are allowed to walk into the chicken pen and take some eggs. After the initial feeling that the chickens were going to kill me (well, I am from London) I learnt that they were totally safe and enjoyed my fried eggs for breakfast.

[caption id="attachment_2469" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Freshly picked eggs[/caption]

Later that day we were shown some of the goats getting milked and I even had a go at using the suckers to extract some liquid. The farmer then took us to a small room where were tried some fresh goat milk, it was delicious. The farm sends off all their milk to a company which sells goat’s cheese and goats’ milk - they are one of the business’s nine providers.

[caption id="attachment_2470" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Goats being milked[/caption]

The shop near the entrance is very well done. There is no shop keeper so it is done all on honesty. You take what you want then write down what you “bought” before paying independently at the end of your stay. There is also a space to charge your mobile devices.

[caption id="attachment_2471" align="alignnone" width="1200"] In the honesty shop[/caption]

Overall I loved the experience, but I am not sure if I would go back due to the lack of electricity and warmth.It was great to be so close to nature instead of the busy crowds of London, everyone was very friendly and of course they gave complimentary cake.

Jess aged 14 says: I had a great time at the Dandelion Hideaway. With lots of exams coming up, this gave me the opportunity to disconnect, breathe fresh air, read a book (which I probably should do more often), and run around the field with my diablo.

[caption id="attachment_2472" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Jess playing diablo as the sun sets - see how much space there was to play![/caption]

I quite liked having no electricity, although it was annoying at night as you couldn’t see where you were going! Luckily we had torches with us to solve this problem, but it still felt strange. I really loved reading by the fire and eating toasted marshmallows and pizza, as well as delicious fruit from the local village.

The farm was amazing, and I loved our tour. Farmer John talked a lot about how politics affects farming, which was extremely interesting and also very funny at parts. I learnt a lot about how farms work, and also had a really good time grooming ponies and leading them into a field.

[caption id="attachment_2473" align="alignnone" width="1200"] The secret room![/caption]

Coupled with our visit to the local town of Market Bosworth, our weekend away truly was a great one. Despite my impending exams I was surprisingly relaxed, and I loved seeing the animals. I would definitely return.

[caption id="attachment_2476" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Jess grooming a Shetland pony[/caption]

The Dandelion Hideaway, which has five secluded canvas cottages, costs from £500 for a 4 night break (Mon-Friday), from £575 for a 3 night weekend break (Fri-Mon) and from £725 for a week. All prices are per canvas cottage so for up to six people sharing including all wood for camp fire and stove. Farm activities and Woodland Explorers Club (which includes hands on activities for kids) are complimentary.

There is also one very romantic, secluded canvas cottage just for two, which comes with its own tree house and wood burning hot tub. Contact 01455 292888 or the website.

We were very lucky to be offered our stay on a complimentary basis. However, the Dandelion had no input into this piece and all our views and opinions are our own.

The Dandelion is situated very near Bosworth - site of the famous battle, where Richard III died. Read our post about our visit there.

If you like the idea of glamping, you may enjoy these posts from other top family travel bloggers!

Explorer glamping at Chessington by PODcast

Glamping pods at Oakdown Holiday Park by Tin box Traveller

Ready Camp Scarborough  Glamping from the Camping and Caravanning club by Samantha at North East Family Fun

and

Jollydays Yorkshire family glamping adventure by Yorkshire Tots 

More in Leicestershire:

Skeletons, skulls and visiting the King Richard III Visitor Centre in Leicester

The National Space Centre, Leicester (by Robert)

We've teamed up with Country Kids - read about more lovely outdoor adventures and trips there!

The Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, Kentucky (By Brian)

A few weeks ago, Jessica was once again competing in The World Robotics Championships in Louisville, Kentucky (she also went last year, but this year her team were UK national champions!). Brian accompanied her there. And he was particularly taken by one, fantastic, musem:

"The Muhammad Ali Center is a museum is dedicated to the life of the three-time heavyweight champion boxer, and was the highlight of my brief time in Louisville.

My visit began in the Orientation theatre, and the multi screen short film sets the mood perfectly. James Earl Jones and Maya Angelou read alternating verses of Rudyard Kipling’s poem “If” and the footage has been expertly edited to match the words. The section accompanied by the line “If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster. And treat those two imposters just the same” ends with Joe Frazier spectacularly knocking Ali onto his back. The woman beside me gasped.

There was much more to see in the museum than just boxing footage. The first section was about social history in racially segregated Louisville, and the set of a diner was used to re-enact the discrimination the 18 year old Ali experienced when he was refused service in a whites only restaurant after winning his Olympic Gold medal. The onscreen interviews describe how Ali gave confidence and pride to African Americans, encouraged by his lack of fear.

His press interviews and chat show appearances are mesmerizing and entertaining, but the museum does not hide from any of the controversial aspects of his life – his association with Malcolm X and conversion to the Nation of Islam, changing his name from the “slave name” of Cassius Clay, and refusing to fight in Vietnam.

Ali’s story is inspirational, and his many charitable works are highlighted, but the museum certainly does not idolize the man. The interview footage describes him as a womaniser, shows him not allowing his first wife to speak on camera, calling white people and Jews “devils”, and repeatedly taunting Ernie Terrell in the ring with “what’s my name, Uncle Tom...what’s my name”. So, no saint, but what a story.

Despite all his fame and fortune, Ali seems to have suffered more than his fair share of disappointments and hardships. He grew up in poverty in a segregated city, was vilified for his religious beliefs and banned for over three years when he should have been at his peak of his career, having to wait another three years to fight for the undisputed title again after losing to Frazier. He also boxed on well past his prime, and was then afflicted with Parkinsons’ disease in his later years. The footage of him lighting the torch at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996 was truly touching (even though I had seen it many times before).

One of the highlights of the museum was the film “The Greatest” in which Ali’s boxing career is projected onto a full-sized boxing ring one level below. His great fights against Sonny Liston, Frazier and George Foreman are spectacular.

[caption id="attachment_2447" align="alignnone" width="1200"] A very dark picture of Brian![/caption]

The museum also has lots of interactive boxing displays where you can “train with Ali”. I loved holding onto the punchbag that simulates how hard you are hit when punched in the stomach, and being able to shadowbox with him. The speed of the bursts of punches was frightening. You can also receive onscreen boxing lessons from Ali’s daughter Laila in a boxing ring setting, and can enjoy hitting a speed bag at head height. I had a great time in this section practicing my boxing moves, particularly as there was no-one around at the time to watch me!

Ali proclaimed himself as the “greatest”, and perhaps he was. I can imagine a young Mike Tyson giving him a good run for his money in the ring, but Ali was bigger than just boxing. With his incredible good looks, charisma, showmanship and larger than life personality, it is no surprise the BBC named him ‘Sports Personality of the Century’ in 1999.

The museum is a great place to learn more about the man and his legacy."

The Muhammad Ali Center is open Tuesdays to Sundays. It costs $9 for adults, $8 for those aged 65+, $5 for students and $4 for children aged 6-12. Children aged five or under are free.

Also on Family Travel Times

Science and Baseball bats in Louisville

Also by Brian

The Kennedy Space Centre, Florida

Touring the UK's Largest Windfarm in Glasgow

[caption id="attachment_2436" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Pic courtesy of Whitelee Windfarm Visitor Centre[/caption]

Jess, aged 14, says: I am fascinated by the development sustainable energy sources, so I was really looking forward to visiting Whitelee Windfarm with my Grandma and my Uncle. Whitelee Windfarm contains 215 wind turbines spread out over 80km², making it the largest windfarm in the UK and one of the largest in Europe.

The visitor centre is only about 20 minutes from central Glasgow, so we drove there at around 11am. The air was cold but it was sunny and the sky was clear, meaning that we could marvel at the hundreds of windmills that stood before us. I'd never seen so many together before!

Entry to the windfarm and visitor centre was free, and we headed inside to try out the games and activities inside the exhibition. This was one large room, full of quizzes, interactive activities, and lots of information. I constructed my own wind turbine, learnt how they generate energy, and found out about the history of the site. We enjoyed the interactive exhibit which involved looking at the locations of the windmills, and picking which three we thought would generate the most power. Once we had picked, the model was turned on and the windmills spun round and round. Unfortunately none of us managed to generate the needed energy, but this was a fun insight into the management of a windfarm that we don't know about.

Next, I had my go at managing the power produced by the windfarm. I had to take into account aspects such as time of day and weather, and changed the locations of where the power was distributed to according to these variables. In reality, Whitelee Windfarm can generate 539 megawatts on a single day, which amazed me. This means that the windfarm powers 330,000 homes!

[caption id="attachment_2437" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Inside the exhibition (pic courtesy of Whitelee Windfarm Visitor Centre)[/caption]

We must have spent an hour in the exhibition - we watched videos, got fiercely competitive with strangers over a quiz (I'm pleased to say that I did the best in this), and took a look at the view of the site. We saw younger children partaking in an arts and crafts activity, but, being 13 at the time, I did not take part and instead we hopped on a tour bus to look around.

Bus tours around the site are only £3.50 for adults and £2.50 for children, and there was space for about 15 people on the bus. However, there was only one group there apart from our own, making the tour quiet and relaxing. Our tour guide was really kind and friendly, and encouraged us all to ask questions. He knew pretty much everything about the site, and told us some fascinating information.

Not only did we learn about the construction of the turbines, how they are controlled, and plans for the future, we also found out all about the site's ecosystem. There are lots of delicate flowers and animals in the area - there are over 145 plant species, 36 fungi species, 94 lichens, and a vast collection of birds, amphibians, reptiles, insects, and mammals. Apparently it is very rare to see one of these, but it is possible if you look very closely when walking by the turbines. The windfarm has over 90km of parks to walk and cycle down, but we preferred to stay on the bus.

The best part of our trip by far was stopping off by one of the turbines. I loved walking underneath it, listening to how loud it was, and marvelling at how tall and wide it was. I had seen many wind turbines in my life but had never realised how big they were!

Finally our trip was over. We had spent about two hours in total looking around the farm, and I had absolutely loved it. It was a really unique and astonishing place to visit that really opened up my eyes to the future of sustainable energy. What really made the site special was how interactive it is, meaning that it is great for adults and children alike. It was a really great experience, and I definitely recommend it if you have any free time in Glasgow.

Also in Scotland

Falkirk Wheel and Helix Park

Blair Drummond Safari Park