It's not a winter of discontent for Leicester now. With Greyfriars car park revealed as the final resting place of the last Plantagenet king of England, the East Midlands city is suddenly a must-visit destination.
Apart from the mysterious chill of the council-run car park (set your satnav for: LE1 5PH), what pleasures can intrepid holidaymakers seek out in the 10th-largest city in the UK?
A hunchback
The city has certainly got itself in good shape to seize every single Richard III PR opportunity. The city's Guildhall hosts a special exhibition about Richard, which opens on 8 February. There is also a 45-minute walking tour, and even a Richard III minibreak. King Richard III short breaks were launched today, featuring entry to two new exhibitions, guided walks, afternoon tea and hotel b&b for £79 for couples and £99 for families. Plus not forgetting a Facebook page, of course. Is the old boy tweeting yet? Get that account set up Leicester!
A field
The exact location of the defining battle of the Wars of the Roses is a little imprecise but the Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre was built in 1974 on a site 13 miles west of Leicester. Here, you can find a new exhibition on Richard III and children can dress up and re-enact Richard III's fatal final charge on Henry Tudor – or, at least, Tudor propagandist Shakespeare's version – by crying out: "A horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse."
An old wall
Leicester is one of the oldest cities in the country, but lost its city status for the best part of 800 years, only regaining it in 1919. Its first recorded name was as the Roman town, Ratae Corieltauvorum, and remains of the Roman baths can still be seen at the Jewry Wall, an impressive, 2.5m-thick piece of Roman walling.
Laughs
Dave's Leicester comedy festival, which claims to be the longest-running comedy festival in Europe, celebrates its 20th birthday this month. Sadly, Dave refers to the TV channel – the bloke who runs the festival is actually called Geoff. And Tony (Slattery) and Sue (Townsend) are patrons. Comedians love Leicester. "Leicester is the finest place on earth after Balham," declares Arthur Smith.
Curry
As you would expect from a city where the population is 28% Asian or British Asian Indians (the highest proportion in England and Wales), the food is better than average. Leicester is famed for its "Curry Mile" along Melton and Belgrave Roads, with the latter also nicknamed the "Golden Mile" for its jewellery and sari shops. One online dissenter argues there is little diversity on the Curry Mile and prefers the boutique shopping of St Martin's Square and the Stoneygate Shops.
Pork pies and stilton
Lovers of traditional British fare can still find rich pickings in Leicester: pork pies from nearby Melton Mowbray and stilton cheese both have EU protected status. Leicester hosts the East Midlands food festival every October. "We're very proud of our food and drink heritage," says Simon Gribbon of Leicester Shire Promotions.
Infinity and beyond
Handily placed midway between Leicester's inner and outer ring roads (every proper city needs two) is the National Space Centre, Britain's largest attraction dedicated to space. Don't let the fact that the website is still boasting that "the Olympic torch visited us" put you off. Leicester has long been a hub for space research and the centre is offering a science-fiction special this half-term, a Robin Ince comedy evening and a "Cosmic Valentine" special coming up. Shame they can't teleport visitors back to 1485, yet but I'm sure they are working on it.
This article originally appeared on guardian.co.uk
