Free
- Activity
Superheroes
14 to 22 February 2026
International Jousting Tournament
Book Tickets
It’s tournament time again at the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds.
Over the Easter bank holiday weekend (3 to 6 April), we will be welcoming international teams of knights from Poland and Portugal, as well as our home-grown Royal Armouries team competing for the UK.
This is no choreographed show of ‘black’ and ‘white’ knights in a contrived battle of good versus evil – this is full-on, all-out authentic competition with thrills and spills, victory and honour, plus plenty of pomp and pageantry.
Our highly skilled knights will compete in full armour, showcasing their horse-riding abilities and courage. The thud of hooves and cheers of the crowd will once more resound from the purpose-built outdoor arena at the Royal Armouries in Leeds as the teams battle it out for honour and trophies.
As well as the tournament shows there will be a packed programme of combat demonstrations, dramatic performances and have-a-go activities throughout the weekend.
Don't miss the only jousting tournament at the Royal Armouries Museum in 2026.
International Competition
From Friday 3 to Monday 6 April the museum’s impressive jousting arena will resound to the cheers of crowds and the clash of lances on armour, as knights from the UK, Poland and the Portugal, battle it out in an authentic medieval jousting tournament.
There are 2 tournament shows per day starting at 11 am and 2 pm, featuring knights and horses, plus plenty of pomp and pageantry.
There'll be music and medieval-themed food on offer, plus a packed programme of talks, combat demonstrations and have-a-go activities.
It promises to be spectacular day out for all the family.
Daily programme
Join us for an action-packed day, including live performances, have-a-go activities, opportunities to meet the jousters and their horses, plus two amazing tournament shows.
Don't forget to explore the museum, especially the Tournament Gallery where you can see the fabulous tournament armours of Henry VIII and discover the history of jousting. All included with your tournament tickets.
Book your tickets now
There are 2 tournament shows at 11am and 2pm.
Shows last approximately 45 minutes.
You have a choice of two main seating areas - Silver and Red - see below for details. Balcony tickets are available for some shows and Standing tickets can be pre-booked for the first time. Prices reflect the position of the seating in the arena.
- Prices are per person.
- Everyone over the age of 3 requires a ticket.
Tournament tickets also include entrance to the museum.
- Silver: £12.50
A clear view of the central tilt rail where the knights clash. Tiered concrete steps with wooden seating. - Red: £7
A clear view of the run-up and action but slightly further away from the central tilt rail. You get to see the knights close up as they prepare to make their advance and a great view of the run-up. Tiered plastic seats. - Balcony: £25
Best view of the arena. This area is reached by a steep narrow staircase. - Standing: £5
Situated at the end of the tiltyard this position gives a great head-on rather than side-on view of the action. This fenced area is not accessible. The surface is uneven so sensible shoes are advised. There are no seats in this area and you cannot bring your own. - Wheelchair users: £5
There are 4 spaces available at each show for wheelchair/motorised scooter users. A space for the wheelchair plus one complimentary companion seat will be reserved. - Carers: £0
We offer free tickets to carers when accompanied by the person they are supporting, who will require a full price ticket. Please email tickets@armouries.org.uk to apply for a free carer ticket, and include the booking reference so we can issue a ticket in the same seating area.
Museum Only Visits
The museum will be open from 10am to 5pm. You do not need to pre-book tickets if you just wish to visit the museum over the Easter weekend.
Tournament FAQs
No – seats are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis in all seating areas
For the safety of everyone in the arena late arrivals cannot be admitted. Please arrive in good time to take your seats (at least 20 minutes prior to the start time of the show).
Pet dogs are not allowed in the arena. Guide dogs and assistance animals are permitted.
You may print your ticket, but we prefer tickets to be displayed on mobile phones and tablets.
The Red and Silver seating areas of the arena are outside and are not covered. The Balcony is under cover. The Standing areas are not covered. Please dress appropriately.
Please check your order carefully as refunds are not permitted.
You can manage your booking, and transfer tickets to another date and time if there is availability, on Ticket Tailor by following links on your email confirmation.
On the day: The shows will take place whatever the weather. Refunds will not be given if you decide not to attend due to the weather.
If we have to cancel shows due to operational issues we will automatically refund tickets for the affected shows within 10 working days – no need to contact us.
The Red and Silver seating areas are banked and have steps. Lower tier seats will be reserved for visitors with mobility issues. Due the lack of space within the banked seating areas we may need to remove and safely store mobility aids, such as walkers, for the duration of the show. Our trained staff will be available on the day to help so please make yourself known to them if you require assistance.
Balcony - not accessible due to access via a steep staircase.
Standing area - not accessible due to the uneven surface. Portable seats are not permitted in this area.
Yes, there is a designated viewing area for wheelchair and mobility scooter users. There are 4 spaces per show available – these must be booked in advance using the Wheelchair User category. One free companion chair is included with the space reservation.
The toilets in the arena are wheelchair accessible.
Prams and pushchairs are not allowed in the arena but a secure buggy park will be provided.
Young people aged 15 and under must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times. More information Visitor Behaviour and Guidance | Royal Armouries
We will only close the museum and cancel events a last resort if we cannot open safely. All updates will be communicated on our Facebook and Twitter pages as well as here on our website.
If we are required to cancel Tournament shows we will automatically refund any tickets for the dates affected. Refunds will be issued within 10 working days.
Please email enquiries@armouries.org.uk
