Royal Armouries Tours

Royal Armouries featuring interior views as well as a small group of people
Royal Armouries showing a river or creek, a city and a high rise building
Royal Armouries featuring interior views
Royal Armouries showing interior views
Royal Armouries showing interior views


Discover the world of weaponry at this purpose-built museum, which contains the national collection of arms and armor from throughout the ages.

The Royal Armouries Museum is a comprehensive museum that displays a vast collection of weaponry spread across six galleries. Explore the extensive galleries and find displays of arms and armor organized into intriguingly curated exhibitions. Check out over 2,500 objects in the Hall of Steel or learn about the art of warfare and the history of hunting. Catch a live demonstration of jousting at the Tiltyard.

Enter the museum via Armouries Square, the small plaza fronting the museum by the waterfront. The collection was formerly on display in the historic Tower of London. Discover the gallery dedicated to war, which includes ancient and medieval warfare, as well as war between the 17th and 20th centuries. Within this gallery, you’ll also find the exhibition Peace – Farewell to Arms?, which imagines a future without arms.

Check out the hunting gallery, which follows the history of hunting from survival to sport. Another gallery focuses on Asian and the Ottoman Empire’s arms and armor. See a two-floor gallery that displays the equipment used for jousting. Peruse the items on display in the intriguing Self-Defence Gallery. As you move between the museum’s floors via elevator, you’ll return to the central Hall of Steel, where you can marvel at the mass displays of arms. Little ones can spend time in the Jester’s Yard while you explore the galleries. This play area has medieval costumes to play with as well as craft workshops and juggling lessons.

Head outside to the Tiltyard, which is an arena that runs along the banks of the river. You might catch a jousting tournament or military demonstration. For refreshments, you can visit the bistro, coffee shop or picnic area within the museum building. Stop by the museum shop to check out books and souvenirs.

The Royal Armouries Museum is located by the River Aire, near Leeds Dock. The museum is free to enter however, some special exhibitions may have an entrance fee. It is open daily, except for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. The museum is located to the east of the city center. It is a pleasant 20-minute stroll along the waterfront or a 15-minute bus ride from Leeds Railway Station. A multi-level parking lot is located nearby.

Plan a trip to see Royal Armouries

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Leeds Centre by Charles Hope
West Mount Flats
 Quebecs Luxury Aparthotel

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Best Lodging Options Near Royal Armouries

Clayton Hotel Leeds

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Leeds Marriott Hotel

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Leonardo Hotel Leeds

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Park Plaza Leeds

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Radisson Blu Hotel, Leeds City Centre

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Novotel Leeds Centre

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Royal Armouries

Near the Royal Armouries in Leeds, you'll find a vibrant entertainment district filled with shopping and theaters. Explore fascinating Leeds museums that showcase the city's rich history, or embark on exciting adventures in Leeds Adventure. With so much to see and do, your visit to the Royal Armouries promises a delightful blend of culture and entertainment.

Food and drinks

For a unique experience near Royal Armouries, try Holmfirth Vineyard, a charming winery 20 miles away, perfect for romantic evenings. Alternatively, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at Magic Rock Brewing Co. Ltd, located 14 miles away, offering craft beers and entertainment for a fun night out.

Shopping

Experience shopping near the Royal Armouries at Leeds Kirkgate Market, only 0.6 miles away, offering a vibrant city atmosphere. Only 0.8 miles away, Trinity Leeds Mall features a mix of shops and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, Xscape Yorkshire is 10 miles away, perfect for family fun.

Recreation

Elland Road Stadium, a vibrant sports facility, offers an energetic atmosphere just 2 miles from Royal Armouries. Oulton Hall Golf Course, located 4 miles away, provides scenic outdoor vibes for golf enthusiasts. For ultimate relaxation, visit the Turkish Baths and Health Spa, 14 miles away, perfect for rejuvenation.

Adventure

The Meanwood Valley Trail, located 3 miles from the Royal Armouries, offers scenic hiking through beautiful landscapes. For adrenaline junkies, F1 Indoor Karting, 8 miles away, provides thrilling karting experiences. Alternatively, unleash your competitive spirit at Delta Force Paintball Wakefield, situated 10 miles from the venue.

Nightlife

The nightlife near Royal Armouries offers a blend of culture and entertainment. Enjoy a captivating performance at Leeds Grand Theatre, only 0.8 miles away, or catch a film at Hyde Park Picture House, 2 miles away. For a fun, adventurous night, visit MFA Bowl Leeds, just 1 mile away.

Find the best attractions near Royal Armouries

When visiting the Royal Armouries in Leeds, immerse yourself in local culture by exploring attractions like the Leeds Arena and the historic Town Hall. Enjoy a stroll along the scenic canalside wharfs, perfect for family outings and outdoor experiences. Don't miss the opportunity to delve into the impressive collections at the Royal Armouries museum, where history comes to life, making it a must-see for any traveler.

  • University of Leeds: This historic university offers a rich academic atmosphere, stunning architecture, and vibrant campus life. Enjoy walking through its beautiful grounds and immerse yourself in the culture of one of the UK's leading educational institutions.
  • First Direct Arena: A premier entertainment venue, First Direct Arena hosts an array of concerts, shows, and family-friendly events. Experience the excitement and energy of live performances in a modern setting designed for optimal viewing and acoustics.
  • Leeds City Square: A charming public square, Leeds City Square is perfect for leisurely strolls. Surrounded by impressive buildings, it's a cultural hub where you can relax, enjoy public art, and soak in the city's vibrant atmosphere.

Best time to go to Royal Armouries

Visitor numbers around Royal Armouries is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Royal Armouries is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January38.7°F (3.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February39.7°F (4.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March42.4°F (5.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April46.4°F (8.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May51.8°F (11.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High
June57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High
July60.8°F (16.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August60.3°F (15.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
September56.5°F (13.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October50.9°F (10.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November44.6°F (7.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
December40.3°F (4.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Royal Armouries

Visiting the Royal Armouries in Leeds offers several money-saving opportunities. Entry is free, and you can also explore nearby attractions like Leeds Beckett University and Kirkstall Abbey without spending a dime. For budget-friendly accommodation, consider visiting between November and January when rates are lower. Booking a month in advance or checking Expedia’s last-minute deals can secure you great savings. Use their search tool to compare prices and filter for eco-friendly options. Additionally, joining Expedia’s One Key membership can unlock exclusive discounts and allow you to earn cash for future bookings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Royal Armouries are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Royal Armouries is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool makes it easy for you to specify your budget, desired location, and other preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from the lowest to the highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel category—if you select the "Eco-certified" filter, you'll see a range of sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by booking an Expedia package that combines your hotel stay at the Royal Armouries with your flights and activities.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.