- Daily Event
- Demo
International Jousting Tournament
Book Tickets Now
Royal Armouries are delighted to be able to bring live-action jousting to the heart of Yorkshire this Easter bank holiday weekend. Three teams from the United Kingdom, Germany and USA, will compete for honour and trophies in this live sporting event from medieval times.
Don't miss the only jousting tournament at the Royal Armouries Museum in 2025.
International Competition
From Friday 18 to Monday 21 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, Germany and the USA, 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
- 10:30am Talk: The English Longbow
Hear about the fascinating backstory of one of our most iconic medieval weapons. - 11am International Jousting Tournament
Book your tickets now - 12pm Meet the jousters
Royal Armouries Square - 12:30pm to 1:30pm
Have-a-go pool noodle jousting - 12pm Decide their demise
Join our hilarious jester in this interactive game all about the ruling classes. Let's see if you can match the monarch to their death! - 12:30pm Combat: Armoured pollaxe demonstration
Watch our knights battle, as they demonstrate the challenges of fighting with these formidable medieval staff weapons. - 1:30 pm Combat: Two-handed sword fighting demonstration
Watch our sword masters demonstrate the challenges of battling with these fearsome, medieval weapons. - 2pm International Jousting Tournament
Book your tickets now - 3pm Meet the jousters
Royal Armouries Square - 3pm Decide their demise
Join our hilarious jester in this interactive game all about the ruling classes. Let's see if you can match the monarch to their death! - 3:30pm Talk: The knightly sword
Learn about the medieval ‘arms race’ between swords and body protection. - 10am to 4pm Craft activities
Horses and knights make-and-take craft activities, suitable for ages 5+
All materials will be provided. Children must be supervised at all times. These activities are free. Please consider making a donation to support future activities. Suggested donation £5.
We reserve the right to alter the programme without prior notification.
Please check the timetable on arrival at the museum.
Please check the tournament frequently asked questions.
Book your tickets now
Daily 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.
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.
Please check your order carefully as refunds and transfers are not permitted.
- Silver: £10
A clear view of the central tilt rail where the knights clash. Tiered concrete steps with wooden seating. - Red: £5
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. We've reduced the price of these seats to make the joust more accessible for everyone to enjoy. - Balcony: £25
Best view of the arena. This area is reached by a steep narrow staircase. - 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. They will require a full price ticket. Please email bookings@armouries.org.ukPlease pre-book your tickets. You will receive your tickets via email from Eventbrite. Your tickets will be checked at the gate to the jousting arena. Please show them on your mobile device, no need to print them out.
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. Please dress appropriately.
Please check your order carefully as refunds and tickets transfers are not permitted.
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.
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