Royal Armouries Museum
Britain's national collection of weapons and armour, with thousands of swords and suits of armour across five floors of galleries. Free to visit, and Leeds' top attraction.
The Royal Armouries Museum opened in 1996 on Leeds Dock, after part of its collection was moved from the Tower of London. Its five floors of galleries are organized by theme: war, jousting, hunting, the East and self-defence. The core highlights are the walls of layered shields, swords and spears in the central Armouries Hall tower, the jousting armour of Henry VIII and a complete set of Indian war elephant armour (the only one of its kind preserved intact in the world). Live demonstrations and talks take place every day, and the outdoor Tiltyard hosts mounted jousting displays on public holidays. The permanent galleries are free, while some special exhibitions charge admission. It is about a 15-minute walk from Leeds railway station, or you can reach it by water bus.
Opening hours
Daily 10:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Leeds Minster
- Victoria Quarter
- Leeds Corn Exchange
- Leeds Kirkgate Market
- Grand Theatre, Leeds
- Leeds City Museum
- Leeds Art Gallery & Henry Moore Institute
- Leeds Town Hall