Rainy Day Activities: Discover military history at The Royal Armouries

Leeds, West Yorkshire

Britain’s national museum of arms and armour is home to a fascinating and unique collection, including the only existing suit of armour built for an elephant.

The Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds is a sister attraction to the Tower of London and home to the UK’s largest collection of arms, armour and artillery. The collection is displayed across six galleries, each with a different theme: War, Tournament, Asia and Africa, Self-Defence, Hunting and Peace.

Get up close to the royal armours of the Tudor and Stuart kings (including Henry VIII), and reveal the secrets of how soldiers defended themselves in the English Civil Wars. Your historical experience could also include sword fighting and jousting as events take place regularly throughout the year, offering visitors a true taste of sporting spectacles dating back thousands of years. Movie fans should look out for iconic film props including Ripley's famous M14A "pulse rifle" from James Cameron's 1986 film, Aliens.

The Royal Armouries Museum is open every day (except 24-26 December) from 10am to 5pm. Entry is free to all adults and children.

Read more Close

Refine your search:

Royal Armouries Leeds: Interpretation of 'The Horned Helmet' - Royal Armouries Leeds: Interpretation of 'The Horned Helmet' © The Royal Armouries
Jousting at the Royal Armouries, LeedsJousting at the Royal Armouries, Leeds. © The Royal Armouries
The 'Hall of Steel' at Royal Armouries, LeedsThe 'Hall of Steel' at Royal Armouries, Leeds. © The Royal Armouries
The War Gallery at Royal Armouries, LeedsThe War Gallery at Royal Armouries, Leeds. © The Royal Armouries

VisitEngland would like to invite you to take part in a short survey about our website, it should take no more than a couple of minutes.

Go to the survey

To add items to favourites …

… you need to be logged in.

If you already have an account, log in.

Or register a

Access your account

Enter your e-mail address or username.
Enter the password that accompanies your e-mail.
Forgot your password? Recover your account
Don't have an account? Register an account