Royal Armouries

Royal Armouries
Royal Armouries featuring a river or creek, a skyscraper and a city
Royal Armouries
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 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.

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

Popular places to visit


Top Royal Armouries Hotel Deals

The Queens Hotel

The Queens Hotel

4 out of 5
City Square, Leeds, England
The Queens Hotel
Leeds Marriott Hotel

Leeds Marriott Hotel

4 out of 5
4 Trevelyan Square Boar Lane, Leeds, England
Leeds Marriott Hotel
Clayton Hotel Leeds

Clayton Hotel Leeds

4 out of 5
City Walk Sweet Street, Leeds, England
Clayton Hotel Leeds
Novotel Leeds Centre

Novotel Leeds Centre

4 out of 5
4 Whitehall, Whitehall Quay, Leeds, England
Novotel Leeds Centre
Hyatt Place Leeds

Hyatt Place Leeds

4 out of 5
2 Sovereign Square, Leeds, England
Hyatt Place Leeds
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Leeds City Centre

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Leeds City Centre

4 out of 5
Granary Wharf, 2 Wharf Approach, Leeds, England
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Leeds City Centre
Crowne Plaza Leeds by IHG

Crowne Plaza Leeds by IHG

4 out of 5
Wellington Street, Leeds, England
Crowne Plaza Leeds by IHG
ibis budget Leeds Centre Crown Point Road

ibis budget Leeds Centre Crown Point Road

2.5 out of 5
2 The Gateway North, Crown Point Road, Leeds, England
ibis budget Leeds Centre Crown Point Road
Park Plaza Leeds

Park Plaza Leeds

4 out of 5
Boar Lane City Square, Leeds, England
Park Plaza Leeds
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

While visiting the Royal Armouries in Leeds, immerse yourself in a variety of activities. Explore the fascinating exhibits at the museum, featuring arms and armour from across the ages. Don't miss the chance to enjoy local shopping and catch a theatrical performance nearby, enhancing your cultural experience in this vibrant city.

Shopping

The nearest shopping options are Leeds Kirkgate Market, a bustling public market just 966m away, and Trinity Leeds Mall, only 1.1km from the Royal Armouries, offering diverse shops and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, head to White Rose Shopping Centre, located 4.8km away, for family-friendly shopping.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at O2 Academy Leeds, a lively music venue perfect for enjoying concerts. For sports enthusiasts, Elland Road Stadium offers an exciting ambience, while Alwoodley Golf Club provides a serene outdoor setting for a round of golf amidst picturesque landscapes.

Adventure

Embark on the Meanwood Valley Trail for a scenic hike, located 4.8km from the Royal Armouries, where you can immerse yourself in nature. For thrilling indoor fun, head to Snozone, 16.1km away, offering skiing and sports activities perfect for families.

Nightlife

The nightlife around the Royal Armouries is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy a captivating performance at the Leeds Grand Theatre, indulge in a film at The Light cinema, or unleash your competitive spirit at Hollywood Bowl, where adventure awaits. Each venue offers unique entertainment for an unforgettable evening.

*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 explore a range of attractions, including historic houses, urban parks, and piazzas, providing a rich cultural experience for families and travellers alike. Nearby, you'll find various hotels for convenient accommodation. Don't miss the Royal Armouries Museum, which showcases an extensive collection of arms and armour, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts in the vibrant city of Leeds.

  • University of Leeds: Explore the historic University of Leeds, renowned for its stunning architecture and vibrant campus life. Enjoy the cultural atmosphere, with various exhibitions and events, making it a great spot for both learning and leisure.
  • First Direct Arena: Experience the excitement at First Direct Arena, a premier entertainment venue hosting concerts, family shows, and sporting events. With its modern design and lively atmosphere, it’s perfect for a fun-filled outing with family or friends.
  • Headingley Stadium: Visit the historic Headingley Stadium, home to thrilling cricket and rugby matches. Immerse yourself in the rich sporting culture and enjoy the electric atmosphere that makes every event unforgettable.

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

When planning your visit to the Royal Armouries in Leeds, consider travelling between January and March for lower accommodation rates, particularly on Mondays. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter options by budget and preferred hotel type, including eco-certified stays. For the best deals, sort hotel prices from lowest to highest and consider package bookings that combine flights and activities. Additionally, explore free activities in the area to enhance your experience without overspending.

  • 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: Make use of Expedia’s search tool to tailor your preferences, including 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, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy significant savings by combining your Royal Armouries hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.