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 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 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

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Things to do near Royal Armouries

At the Royal Armouries in Leeds, visitors can enjoy a free museum showcasing an impressive collection of arms and armour. For those seeking a thrill, there are nearby activities perfect for adrenaline junkies. Additionally, the area offers vibrant shopping and theatre options, allowing for a well-rounded experience that combines culture, excitement, and leisure.

Shopping

The nearest shopping spots near Royal Armouries include Leeds Kirkgate Market, just 966m away, offering a vibrant city vibe, and Trinity Leeds Mall, 1.1km away, featuring a mix of entertainment and family-friendly options. If you're up for a drive, visit White Rose Shopping Centre, 4.8km away, for more diverse options.

Recreation

Experience live performances at O2 Academy Leeds, just 1.6km from the Royal Armouries, where vibrant entertainment awaits. For sports enthusiasts, Elland Road Stadium, located two miles away, offers an electrifying atmosphere, while Alwoodley Golf Club, five miles distant, provides a serene outdoor golfing experience.

Adventure

The Meanwood Valley Trail offers a picturesque hiking experience, located 4.8km from the Royal Armouries, perfect for nature enthusiasts. For winter sports, visit Snozone, 16.1km away, featuring indoor skiing fun for the whole family. Castleford Queens Park, located 14.5km away, provides a lovely outdoor space for relaxation.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Royal Armouries with a visit to Leeds Grand Theatre for a cultural show, or catch a film at The Light for a romantic evening. For a bit of adventure, head to Hollywood Bowl and enjoy some fun games with friends.

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

Find the best attractions near Royal Armouries

Within and around the Royal Armouries, visitors can delve into a rich blend of history and culture by exploring historic houses, urban parks, and vibrant piazzas. These attractions cater to families and those seeking a cultural city experience, making it an ideal destination for tourists looking to immerse themselves in the local heritage and enjoy leisurely activities in a picturesque setting.

  • University of Leeds: Immerse yourself in the historic charm of the University of Leeds, renowned for its stunning architecture and vibrant cultural atmosphere. With beautiful gardens and an array of museums, it offers a unique insight into academic life.
  • First Direct Arena: Experience the thrill of live entertainment at First Direct Arena, a premier venue hosting concerts and events. With a lively family-friendly atmosphere, it’s perfect for an evening of fun and excitement.
  • Headingley Stadium: Discover the rich sporting heritage at Headingley Stadium, home to cricket and rugby matches. The stadium radiates a vibrant cultural vibe, making it an ideal spot for sports enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

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. Aim to book your stay on a Monday for the best rates and avoid Saturdays, which are pricier. Use Expedia to filter for budget-friendly, eco-certified hotels, and sort results by price for the best deals. Additionally, look for package options that combine your hotel, flights, and activities for further savings. Public transport is affordable, so utilise it to explore the area without breaking the bank.

  • 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 tailor your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you desire. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the most affordable options and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your Royal Armouries hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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