Royal Armouries

Royal Armouries
Royal Armouries featuring a river or creek, a city and a skyscraper
Royal Armouries
Royal Armouries showing interior views
Royal Armouries which includes 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 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.

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Reviews of Royal Armouries

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
70
5 - Excellent 53%
4 - Good
50
4 - Good 38%
3 - Okay
12
3 - Okay 9%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 1%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

conference venue. Can get noisy in networking areas.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great

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Things to do near Royal Armouries

A trip to the Royal Armouries in Leeds offers a delightful range of activities, including engaging cultural tours and friendly exhibitions. Visitors can also enjoy the local theatre scene with classic plays and explore nearby shopping options. The area is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in both history and contemporary entertainment.

Shopping

Royal Armouries offers a delightful shopping experience with Trinity Leeds Mall, only 1.1km away, boasting a vibrant atmosphere. Leeds Kirkgate Market, 966m away, is perfect for local finds. If you're up for a drive, White Rose Shopping Centre is 4.8km away, featuring family-friendly entertainment.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at O2 Academy Leeds, where live music energises your spirit. For sports enthusiasts, Elland Road Stadium offers thrilling matches just a short distance away. Alternatively, enjoy the serene outdoors at Alwoodley Golf Club, perfect for a relaxing round of golf amidst beautiful scenery.

Adventure

The Meanwood Valley Trail, located 4.8km from the Royal Armouries, offers a scenic hiking experience through beautiful landscapes. For winter sports enthusiasts, Snozone, situated 16.1km away, provides indoor skiing and family-friendly fun. Meanwhile, Castleford Queens Park, 14.5km away, invites outdoor adventures in a lovely park setting.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Royal Armouries is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy a romantic evening at the Leeds Grand Theatre, or catch a film at The Light for a fun outing. For those seeking adventure, the Hollywood Bowl offers an exciting arcade experience, perfect for a lively night out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Royal Armouries

Visitors to the Royal Armouries in Leeds can delve into a rich tapestry of culture and history while exploring nearby attractions such as historic houses, urban parks, and vibrant piazzas. These points of interest provide a delightful family experience, perfect for those seeking a mix of leisure and education. Whether you're wandering through the lush greenery of a park or admiring the architecture of historic sites, there's plenty to enjoy in this captivating area.

  • University of Leeds: A prestigious institution steeped in history, the University of Leeds offers a vibrant cultural atmosphere. Explore its stunning architecture and lush green spaces, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.
  • First Direct Arena: This modern entertainment venue is renowned for hosting a wide range of events, from concerts to family shows. The arena's state-of-the-art facilities and dynamic atmosphere make it a must-visit for entertainment seekers.
  • Headingley Stadium: A historic sports venue, Headingley Stadium is famous for its passionate cricket and rugby matches. Experience the local culture and camaraderie while enjoying thrilling sports action in this iconic setting.

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 CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April46.4°F (8.0°C)No RainMostly 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 CloudyAverageAverage
December40.3°F (4.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Royal Armouries

To save money on your trip to the Royal Armouries in Leeds, consider visiting between January and March when accommodation prices are lower, especially on Mondays. Avoid Saturdays for the best rates. Use Expedia to filter hotels by budget and select eco-friendly options. Look for package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for additional savings. Also, keep an eye out for offers that include affordable rates, full refunds, and even free stays to maximise your budget while enjoying your visit.

  • 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 to July, 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 the type of hotel you wish to stay in. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You might find it beneficial to save some money by combining your hotel reservation at the Royal Armouries with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.