FAQs

I have additional access needs, what can I expect when I visit?

We’re committed to being accessible for every visitor. Please visit our dedicated Accessibility page to find out more, including ways to get in touch with us.

Do you have toilets?

We have toilets on the first, second and fourth floors and a gender neutral toilet on the fourth floor.

Do you have baby changing facilities?

There are baby changing facilities on the first and second floors.

Do you have a changing places toilet?

We have a changing places toilet on the ground floor of the museum, which is available for any member of the public to use – you don’t need to be a visitor to the museum. Find out more about the Changing Places Toilet on our Accessibility page.

Are there lockers?

Lockers are available on the ground floor that require a £1 coin to operate them, which is non-refundable.

There are 25 lockers in total, four lockers sized 90 cm x 40 cm and 21 lockers sized 60 cm x 30 cm.

Can I bring my dog?

Assistance dogs are welcome in the Museum. There’s lots of space outside the museum for them to take a walk and toilet, and we’ll happily provide a bowl of water to drink in our café. Pet animals are not permitted.

Where is the Museum?

The Museum address is: Royal Armouries Museum, Armouries Drive, Leeds, LS10 1LT.

Get directions from Google maps.

The Museum is located at Leeds Dock and can be accessed by water taxi from Leeds Train Station as well as by bus and train. Find out more about how to get to the museum by public transport.

Is there a car park?

Yes, there is a car park operated by CitiPark on Armouries Drive, next to the Museum. Visit CitiPark's website for more information.

Do not stop your vehicle in the no stopping zone on Armouries Drive as you may be fined.

Please use the drop-off bays outside the Royal Armouries Arena.

Are there parking spaces for people with disabilities?

Yes, there are five free parking spaces for Blue Badge holders opposite the Holiday Inn, approximately 100 metres (110 yards) from the Museum's entrance. More accessibility information including the location of additional car parking is detailed on our Accessibility page.

Is the Royal Armouries Museum free?

Entry to the Museum is free. All galleries, daily live shows, and combat demonstrations are also free.

Charges may apply for special events and exhibitions.

When is the Royal Armouries Museum open?

The Museum’s opening times and days vary throughout the year:

• 10 am to 5 pm, every day during school holidays and Bank holidays
• 10 am to 5 pm, Tuesday to Sunday during term time

Do I need to book my visit?

We recommend booking online especially at weekends and during the school holidays. Book your free visit.

You can still visit if you haven’t booked, and we are usually quieter during the week and after 2pm.

If you are unable to book online and would like to, please contact us by telephone: 0113 220 1916​.

Lines are open 10 am to 4.30 pm every day.

Do I need to print my online booking?

No. You will receive your booking by email from Eventbrite. There is no need to print this.

Our staff will check your booking using the ticket booker’s name when you arrive.

Visitors are welcome to take photographs and record video of the collection but you may only use what you create for your own personal use, and not for any business or commercial or promotional purposes - read our Photography and Filming policy (pdf, 129 KB) for full details.

What is there to see and do?

We have one of the largest collections of arms and armour in the world. We have over 4,500 objects from the ancient world to the modern day. Explore our displays and galleries.

The former Hunting gallery is currently closed for refurbishment and preparation as a new temporary exhibition gallery opening December 2023.

Can I see the arms and armour in action?

You certainly can! Every day we have free, live combat demonstrations, handle objects and ask questions about the arms and armour.

Our live interpretation team also provide free, daily shows where they bring to life the true stories behind our collection objects. They’re usually in costume and the shows are always full of adventure, emotion and intrigue.

Our performances are a form of theatre and our staff are fully trained in stage combat techniques. To fully enjoy the show and to keep yourself safe, please pay attention to their instructions and avoid using mobile phones during demonstrations.

You can find out about the schedule for our daily performances on arrival at the Museum.

Can I touch any of the arms and armour?

No, objects on open display must not be touched as the transfer of dirt and oils causes damage. However, to make your visit as enjoyable and our collection as accessible as possible, we run regular object handling sessions with both historical and modern replica objects in the galleries.

What special events do you have?

We regularly put on additional events and activities, including our world-famous jousting tournaments, plus family activities during every school holiday.

Do you have horse shows?

During selected school holidays, we have free, live shows featuring horses in our outdoor arena.

When is the Escape Room open?

The Escape Room is open at weekends and school holidays and is suitable for ages 8+. Tickets start from £10, and family tickets are available.

Where can I find out what is on at the Museum?

Our events calendar lists all upcoming Museum events, exhibitions, horse shows, and other  activities.

Do you have a café?

The café is located on the ground floor next to the Museum entrance. 

The Masters is opening times and days vary throughout the year:

• 8 am to 5 pm, every day during school holidays and Bank holidays
• 8 am to 5 pm, Tuesday to Sunday during term time 

It has indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the canal.

The Masters serves a delicious range of hot drinks, light bites and tasty treats, including gluten free and vegan options and a special children’s menu. Visit the café's webpage for more information.

The café is open to non-visitors as well as visitors to the Museum.

Card payments only - we do not accept cash.

Can I bring my own food?

You are welcome to bring your own food to enjoy. We have an indoor picnic area on the 4th floor and there are picnic tables outside the Museum too, in Armouries Square.

Visitors must not eat or drink in the galleries to avoid any damage to the collection.

Do you have a shop?

Yes, our shop is located on the ground floor next door and adjoined to The Masters and is open Tuesday - Sunday, 10am - 5pm during term time, and every day during the school holidays.

From Darth Vader baubles and Game of Thrones dragon eggs, to Anne Boleyn rubber ducks and a fairy-tale range for kids, the Royal Armouries shop has something for all tastes and budgets.

Can’t make it to the museum? We’ve got you covered with our award-winning, online shop.

We accept both cash and card payments in the shop.

The shop is open to non-visitors as well as visitors to the Museum.

How do I book a school visit?

Self-guided visits are free of charge.

To get the most out of your visit, we recommend booking in advance by emailing educate.leeds@armouries.org.uk.

Do you offer workshops?

We have an award-winning programme of workshops for school groups ranging from EYFS up to KS4. Visit our Learning page to find out more and to book.

We’re too far away to travel to one of your sites. Can I access your school workshops online?

If you’re unable to visit us in person, you can still access our free, online teaching resources. Visit our Learning Resources page to see videos and activities from the Early Years Foundation Stage to Key Stage 4.

How do I book an adult group visit?

Please email bookings@armouries.org.uk to book an adult group visit.

The library is open Monday* to Thursday, from 10am to 1pm and from 1.30pm to 4.30pm.

You’ll need to book an appointment before you arrive. Once you’ve booked, we will be in touch to confirm the details. Please don’t book any travel before you’ve received confirmation.

Full day access is possible, depending on the availability of our staff. You’ll need to arrange this before you arrive.

You’re free to browse the shelves in our library, but we ask that you request as much material in advance as possible, by browsing our online library catalogue.

We are working to open our other libraries to the public. If you have any queries regarding the Tower of London or Fort Nelson, please contact bookings@armouries.org.uk

* The Museum is closed to general visitors on Mondays during term time, but a member of staff would meet you at the main Museum entrance.

Do you have any safety measures in place?

We have several hand sanitiser stations available throughout the museum, and enhanced cleaning regimes are also in place across the museum.

In line with government guidance, face coverings are not mandatory but visitors are welcome to wear one if preferred. Some of our staff may continue to wear face coverings in crowded spaces.

Booking your ticket in advance also helps us manage visitor numbers, so please book in advance if you are able to.

If you have tested positive for Covid-19 we ask that you wear a mask when visiting, or consider rearranging your visit. 

Read the latest guidance from the UK Government.

If you’ve got a specific question, please email us at enquiries@armouries.org.uk or call 0113 220 1916. Our phone lines are open Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm.