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Richard III: Bird's eye view of king's journey

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Leicester Airport is to offer visitors aerial tours of the county's Richard III sites.

The alternative sightseeing experience will include Bosworth Battlefield, the Greyfriars friary, where Richard's remains were uncovered, and Bow Bridge.

Tourists will get a bird's eye view of Leicestershire and its historic sites as well as a chance to take some mile-high photos of all the places related to the former Plantagenet king.

It comes as Guildhall visitor numbers are approaching the 100,000 mark, and bosses at Leicester Airport are keen to cash in on the interest.

Prices for the air tours have not been finalised, but are expected to cost about £195.

Airport manager Mac Clarke said: "The discovery of King Richard III's remains is not just exciting for Leicester but for the many people interested in this fascinating period of English history.

"The region has seen an increase in tourists which is likely to continue over the summer, so we decided to make it easier for people from further afield to visit the exhibition and the historic sites."

Since the temporary Guildhall exhibition opened, Leicester Aero Club, which flies out of the Stoughton airfield, has been approached by numerous people interested in seeing the Richard III sites from the air.

Mac said: "These special flights offer a new way to experience the battle and ultimate defeat.

"We can take passengers over the city and countryside on a route of their choosing, taking in the famous battlefield and the excavation site of the former Greyfriars Church, where he was buried."

Other locations include Leicester Cathedral, where Richard III's remains will be reintered in spring next year.

Passengers will also get to see the Bow Bridge which Richard historically rode across when leaving Leicester for Bosworth and the battlefield in Bosworth where he met his end in 1485.

City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: "This sounds like a great initiative. It will give people the chance of a different view of some of the many wonderful sights the city and county have to offer. It's another example of what an impact this amazing discovery is having on tourism."

Former Blue Badge guide Diana Courtney took tourists on Richard III walks through the city for more than 20 years before retiring in 2011.

She said: "I think it's a fantastic idea, it's something a bit different. If the planes are able to fly low enough you could probably pick out specific things, such as the statue in Castle Gardens."

For more information about the air tours, call Leicester Airport on 0116 259 2360 or visit:

www.leicesterairport.com

Richard III: Bird's eye view of king's journey


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