Royal Armouries

Royal Armouries
Royal Armouries featuring a skyscraper, a city and a river or creek
Royal Armouries
Royal Armouries featuring interior views
Royal Armouries featuring interior views


Discover the world of weaponry at this purpose-built museum, which contains the national collection of arms and armour 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 armour organised 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 armour. 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 centre. 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.

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Things to do near Royal Armouries

While visiting the Royal Armouries in Leeds, you can indulge in a variety of activities nearby, including shopping at local boutiques and enjoying a vibrant theatre scene. The area offers a delightful mix of cultural experiences, making it an ideal destination for both history enthusiasts and those seeking lively entertainment.

Shopping

The Leeds Kirkgate Market, located 373m from the Royal Armouries, offers a vibrant atmosphere for local goods and unique finds. Trinity Leeds Mall, just 435m away, features a variety of shops and eateries. If you're up for a drive, the White Rose Shopping Centre is 1.9km away, providing a family-friendly experience.

Recreation

O2 Academy Leeds offers vibrant music concerts just 1.6km from the Royal Armouries, perfect for an energising night out. For sports enthusiasts, Elland Road Stadium, located two miles away, provides thrilling football matches, while Alwoodley Golf Club, five miles distant, features beautiful outdoor golf courses amidst scenic landscapes.

Adventure

Embark on the Meanwood Valley Trail, a scenic hiking route 1.9km from the Royal Armouries, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. For family fun, visit Snozone, a ski venue located 6.2km away. Alternatively, enjoy leisure time at Castleford Queens Park, situated 5.6km from the museum.

Nightlife

Enjoy a night out at the Leeds Grand Theatre, just 497m away, for a captivating performance. Alternatively, catch a film at The Light, located 559m away. For some fun, head to Hollywood Bowl, 1.2km away, for an exciting arcade adventure with family and friends.

Find the best attractions near Royal Armouries

Whether you're a culture enthusiast or visiting with family, the Royal Armouries in Leeds offers a wealth of attractions. Explore the Royal Armouries Museum itself, delve into the Leeds City Museum, and enjoy nearby urban parks and historic houses. With so many engaging experiences available, your visit promises to be both educational and enjoyable.

  • University of Leeds: This historic university, located 621m from the Royal Armouries, offers a vibrant cultural atmosphere with stunning architecture and beautiful green spaces, perfect for a leisurely stroll or an immersive educational experience.
  • First Direct Arena: Situated 621m away, this modern entertainment venue hosts a variety of performances and events, making it a family-friendly destination ideal for enjoying concerts, shows, and sporting events in a lively atmosphere.
  • Headingley Stadium: Located 1.9km from the Royal Armouries, this historic sports stadium is renowned for its rich heritage in cricket and rugby, providing a great opportunity to witness thrilling matches and soak up the local sports culture.

Best time to go to Royal Armouries

The best time to visit Royal Armouries can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Royal Armouries falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Royal Armouries falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January38.7°F (3.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February39.7°F (4.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
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 LowAverage
July60.8°F (16.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
August60.3°F (15.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
September56.5°F (13.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
October50.9°F (10.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November44.6°F (7.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
December40.3°F (4.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Royal Armouries

To save money on your visit to the Royal Armouries, consider travelling during the off-peak months of January to March, when accommodation prices are lower. Mondays are generally the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia to compare room rates, book in advance, and look for package deals that combine flights and hotel stays. For public transport, take advantage of Leeds’ affordable bus services. Don’t forget to explore free activities nearby to enhance your experience without straining your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Royal Armouries are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May, July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Royal Armouries is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Royal Armouries is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy potential savings by combining your hotel reservation at the Royal Armouries with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.