Uncover the Story of the Wars of the Roses
Explore England's Dynastic Conflict
Discover the rivalry between the Houses of Lancaster and York and its impact on the English monarchy.
Visit Historic Battle Sites
Explore locations connected with the battles, political struggles and key figures of the Wars of the Roses.
Explore the dynastic struggle across England
The Wars of the Roses extended from 1455 to 1487 and involved shifting alliances, royal claims and armed confrontations. In The Footsteps Tours, we set the campaigns within this political landscape, from the rise of Warwick the Kingmaker to Richard III’s defeat at Bosworth. We examine how places, family connections and military outcomes shaped the conflict, while keeping the itinerary attentive to the chronology and uncertainty of a civil war.
Visit battlefields, castles and royal landmarks
We travel between St Albans, Fotheringhay, Towton, Blore Heath, Tewkesbury, Bosworth and Barnet, with further stops linked to the campaign. In The Footsteps Tours, we explain why the route moves geographically rather than following dates in sequence. Visits to Leicester add the King Richard III Visitor Centre and the king’s tomb, connecting battlefield interpretation with later remembrance and the modern identification of his burial place. We link politics and battlefields.
Day 1: St Albans, Fotheringhay and Losecoat Field
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St Albans: an early Battle (1455), traditionally the start of the wars and the rise of Warwick "the Kingmaker", and the Second Battle (1461)
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Fotheringhay, birthplace of Richard III and burial place of his father and brother, with the castle remains and church
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Losecoat Field near Stamford, where Edward IV defeated the Welles Uprising in 1470
Day 2: Sandal Castle, Ferrybridge and Towton
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Sandal Castle and Wakefield Bridge, where Richard, Duke of York was killed on 30 December 1460
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Ferrybridge, the river crossing fought over before Towton
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Towton (29 March 1461), probably the large and costly battle fought on English soil, fought in a snowstorm
Day 3: Blore Heath, Ludford Bridge and Mortimer's Cross
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Blore Heath and Audley's Cross (1459)
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Ludford Bridge at Ludlow, a largely bloodless confrontation (1459)
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Mortimer's Cross (1461), where Jasper Tudor's Welsh force was beaten and his father Owen Tudor captured
Day 4: Tewkesbury, Edgcote and Northampton
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Tewkesbury (4 May 1471), a decisive Yorkist victory in which the Lancastrian heir was killed
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Edgcote (24 July 1469), fought between the royal army and supporters of the Earl of Warwick
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Northampton (10 July 1460), near Delapre Abbey, where Henry VI was captured
Day 5: Bosworth, Leicester and Barnet
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Bosworth Battlefield (22 August 1485), where Richard III became the last English king to die in battle
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The King Richard III Visitor Centre and his tomb in Leicester
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Barnet (14 April 1471), where Warwick the Kingmaker was killed
Return to London at about 18:00.
Itineraries are subject to change for operational reasons. Any changes will be advised before departure.
Price: From £995.00 GBP per person
Based on: departure from London; six people touring; a dedicated tour vehicle driven by an expert battlefield historian; two people sharing a twin room.
Notes: Costs may vary with hotel availability and selection. Single occupancy supplement £160.00. A supplement may apply for anniversary dates. Deposit is 30% or £200.00 per person, whichever is greater. Booking indicates acceptance of the Standard Terms and Conditions.