Royal Armouries has three museums across the United Kingdom and cares for one of the most important national collections of arms and armour in the world. Our collection is displayed and housed in our historical home at the White Tower in the Tower of London, at the purpose-built Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds, and at Fort Nelson near Fareham, Hampshire.
We have a long history, dating back to the Middle Ages. Our celebrated core collection originated in the nation's working arsenal, which was assembled over many centuries at the Tower of London. Since 2005, we have also managed the national collection of firearms, started in 1631 by Charles I and assembled by the British Army, now housed at the National Firearms Centre.
We have a long history, dating back to the Middle Ages. Our celebrated core collection originated in the nation's working arsenal, which was assembled over many centuries at the Tower of London. Since 2005, we have also managed the national collection of firearms, started in 1631 by Charles I and assembled by the British Army, now housed at the National Firearms Centre.
Services
Fort Nelson is home to the Royal Armouries' national collection of artillery and historic cannon. Step back in time and explore a fully restored Victorian fort with its high ramparts, original fortifications, massive parade ground and underground tunnels. Explore our national museum housing over 700 pieces of artillery from across the world and spanning 600 years of history.
Plan your visit and find out more about how we are welcoming visitors back safely on our FAQs page. If we are sold out for your required time slot, we do have walk-up tickets available. However, we may ask you to wait up to 30 minutes, during which time you can still visit our shop, cafe and see the outdoor activities.
We offer venue hire facilities at all three of our museums - Leeds, Tower of London and Fort Nelson. You will be taken to separate websites where you will find extensive venue information and enquiry forms. Whether for business or pleasure Fort Nelson offers a range of spaces to hire for your event.
Reviews (27)
Jeannie Randall
Jan 13, 2022
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Chris Ld
Jan 11, 2022
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We’re very lucky to have a place as amazing as this on our doorstep. Staff are friendly, demonstrators are incredibly knowledgeable, and the exhibits are world class. There’s something for all ages and for those less keen on weaponry there’s decent cafes inside, as well as in the area if certain people want to wander off and meet later.
Sheryl Yu
Jan 10, 2022
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Such a good place to go and spend hours, either alone or with friends or families! The staff are very welcoming and friendly. A variety of interesting stories and stuff, from the west to the east, from ancient time to modern time. Some of the displays are just breath-taking - take your time to explore! The shopping area and food area are also good. The food and drink served are pretty decent. I really had a wonderful time here. It is a fantastic place that I would recommend to all of my friends!
Christopher Addison
Jan 04, 2022
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Home of the national collection of arms and armour that features five theme-galleries: War, Tournament, Self-Defense, Hunting, and arms and armour of the Orient.
We really enjoyed the First World War Somme Mud presentation, the actor kept the audience engaged for 20 minutes.
We had an thoroughly brilliant day a must if your in the area.
Thank you.
We really enjoyed the First World War Somme Mud presentation, the actor kept the audience engaged for 20 minutes.
We had an thoroughly brilliant day a must if your in the area.
Thank you.
Agnieszka B.
Jan 01, 2022
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Helen
Dec 24, 2021
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One of the best museums I have ever visited where every moment of the visit was considered and very clever exhibition design. An example was when you were on higher floors, you could look down and find hidden details - displays were placed at a height so it was a new discovery element. It had natural flow and direction so you could easily navigate the museum.
Simon Heckle
Dec 09, 2021
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Stephen Evans
Oct 15, 2021
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Had a wonderful afternoon with my family here. There's so much to see and do and they have shows running throughout the day. I definitely recommend booking and coming early in the day to try and see / experience everything.
The staff are very helpful and are part if what make this a great day out. We will certainly be coming back in the near future to see the things we missed this time.
The staff are very helpful and are part if what make this a great day out. We will certainly be coming back in the near future to see the things we missed this time.
Shaun Harrison
Sep 14, 2021
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Really enjoyed our day at the royal armouries. The display in the atrium is fantastic. They have demonstrations on every hour and the guys were very enthusiastic and made it entertaining. Guide books are £5 and are very well presented. Really nice walk along the canal to the museum with the option to go on the river taxi either way for £1 which we did for the return.
Hannah M.
Jun 17, 2018
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I have spent hella time in Leeds Royal Armouries for many different purposes.
I love history, I love military history, I love wearable history- and this is all of them.
I've been here as a normal visitor, I've spent days at a time here sketching for my degree, eaten at the cafe here, fought in tournaments here, and eaten at lovely gala dinners here- it is a cracking setting for them.
If you can, organise a behind the scenes tour of some of the things that aren't on show- prepare to wear some white gloves and be amazed. I've done a couple, and both were excellent, with some
I love history, I love military history, I love wearable history- and this is all of them.
I've been here as a normal visitor, I've spent days at a time here sketching for my degree, eaten at the cafe here, fought in tournaments here, and eaten at lovely gala dinners here- it is a cracking setting for them.
If you can, organise a behind the scenes tour of some of the things that aren't on show- prepare to wear some white gloves and be amazed. I've done a couple, and both were excellent, with some
Lynsey H.
Jun 14, 2016
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Lovely museum. I was visiting a friend in Leeds and it was somewhere she had always wanted to visit, so we went along. Entry is free, which is always a bonus. The museum is quite large. My favorite part was seeing all the weapons that were on display in the Hall of Steel and the section looking at different cultures and their weapons in the oriental gallery. There was also an interesting section on the police, which I really enjoyed.
I was impressed to find that the museum has activities that take place throughout the day, including jousting in the tournament gallery and I discovered that a jousting
I was impressed to find that the museum has activities that take place throughout the day, including jousting in the tournament gallery and I discovered that a jousting
Rebecca S.
Jul 05, 2015
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Do not go to Leeds and miss this museum. You could easily spend an entire day here and not get bored. It is five(?) floors of all different types of weapons and the history of them etc. every exhibition is as amazing as the last and it never seizes to amaze me. Also it is free entry so even if you don't enjoy it, it won't cost you anything and you can still support them buy taking advantage of the coffee shops or buying something in the gift shop. Trust me go to the royal armouries museum (it is a nice walk from the city centre - approx 20mins).
Sue T.
Apr 12, 2015
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I've been a few times and went today with 2 children, 2 oldies and 3 of us the samish age. It took awhile to get there from town as it was a bit of a trek for the oldies but on average it would be about 15 minutes.
Was lots to see and read about the various weapons and the layout on the stairs was impressive. We were greeted by one of the staff who gave us a brochure of the things on that day. This was helpful and good to plan out our day. The lifts were fast, 4 of them and a welcome relief for the oldies too.
We started by going to the second as there was Morbid Monarchs on at the cinema
Was lots to see and read about the various weapons and the layout on the stairs was impressive. We were greeted by one of the staff who gave us a brochure of the things on that day. This was helpful and good to plan out our day. The lifts were fast, 4 of them and a welcome relief for the oldies too.
We started by going to the second as there was Morbid Monarchs on at the cinema
Thomas M.
Feb 25, 2015
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Superb military (history) museum for all ages.
When in Leeds make sure you'll find the time to visit the Royal Armouries, a spectacular military history museum on the banks of the Leeds-Liverpool canal (or close to it). It's a 12-15 minute walk from the railway station or the city centre.
The sheer number and beauty of the exhibits is astounding. I went there twice, in consecutive years, and I found it just as intriguing the second time. There are three floors with military objects (lots and lots of firearms, cannons, uniforms, and other accessories), all well-presented and well-documented
When in Leeds make sure you'll find the time to visit the Royal Armouries, a spectacular military history museum on the banks of the Leeds-Liverpool canal (or close to it). It's a 12-15 minute walk from the railway station or the city centre.
The sheer number and beauty of the exhibits is astounding. I went there twice, in consecutive years, and I found it just as intriguing the second time. There are three floors with military objects (lots and lots of firearms, cannons, uniforms, and other accessories), all well-presented and well-documented
Soniya A.
Feb 13, 2015
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This museum was right across the street and Ibhad delayed seeing it but when I walked in... and explored a couple of levels I was left in awe. There is an excellent collection of arms and vests and even the modern day warfare materials.
The museum has 6 levels I guess and there are various exhibits to keep you busy for hours
The museum has 6 levels I guess and there are various exhibits to keep you busy for hours
Jessica H.
Dec 13, 2014
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On a windy Sunday with no desire to go shopping, the Royal Armouries was our destination of choice.
To be honest, we actually started our visit with a trip to the cafe - ever thinking about our stomachs before culture! But who can really soak in facts about swords on an empty stomach? The food is simple, paninis and the like, with staff who probably would rather be anywhere else, but cheap (especially considering how expensive some museum/gallery cafes can be).
We went to the top of the museum and worked our way down via the stairs, and I think we actually missed some floors out. These stairs
To be honest, we actually started our visit with a trip to the cafe - ever thinking about our stomachs before culture! But who can really soak in facts about swords on an empty stomach? The food is simple, paninis and the like, with staff who probably would rather be anywhere else, but cheap (especially considering how expensive some museum/gallery cafes can be).
We went to the top of the museum and worked our way down via the stairs, and I think we actually missed some floors out. These stairs
Rick H.
Feb 11, 2014
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The reviews of residents of the UK will likely provide more detailed accounting of the coolness that is the Royal Armouries, I want to draw your attention to the seminar offerings being made available to the public.
Covering a variety of topics to broaden and deepen your understanding of the collection and its relevance, the seminars (some of which, at least, take place after hours) provide a rare opportunity to hear from the Armouries' subject matter experts.
I was fortunate to be able to coordinate my travel to Leeds to sync up with an excellent presentation given by Thom Richardson (Keeper
Covering a variety of topics to broaden and deepen your understanding of the collection and its relevance, the seminars (some of which, at least, take place after hours) provide a rare opportunity to hear from the Armouries' subject matter experts.
I was fortunate to be able to coordinate my travel to Leeds to sync up with an excellent presentation given by Thom Richardson (Keeper
Matt D.
Jan 08, 2014
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Went here for the first time in a long while. As always really enjoyed the museum, it was good to see it all open again after it's refurbishment. Was worth the wait. Had a member of staff on the top floor talking to us about some of the items which was interesting and was good to listen to. Rarely find staff in museums that interact much with visitors, so it was a nice treat to have a guide.
Rowena H.
Nov 05, 2013
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OK, so you might judge me for this. But I have a confession, and I'm preparing for the onslaught... I've only just, this last weekend, had a proper nosy around the Royal Armouries. *Ducks the flying objects* I know, right? How can I have left it so long before taking a look around? I don't know, guys. I don't know. But I did, and now I've been, and now I know what the fuss is about.
The fuss is about mother flippin' awesome sword collections. Insight into armies and armouries of old, weaponry of all kinds, tradition, history - the things that got us to where we are
The fuss is about mother flippin' awesome sword collections. Insight into armies and armouries of old, weaponry of all kinds, tradition, history - the things that got us to where we are
Lorraine W.
Apr 14, 2012
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The Royal Armouries in Leeds is a great day out, there's so much too see that it'd be a real challenge to see, read and do everything in one visit! There are a few very reasonably priced coffee shops and cafes in the museum and also indoor 'picnic' areas with tables and chairs where you can bring your own food to eat.
Li F.
Jan 05, 2010
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I was really excited about my little excursion to the Royal Armouries, and after finding it easily on foot thanks to the Leeds signposting from the Railway Station, we were there looking at the large modern building in about twenty minutes.
Boring bits, you walk in, announce that you'd like to wander around; they print off two tickets and give you a map. They (museum crew) also tell you what is and what isn't on that day. Ok I feel informed.
Step into the elevator, hit the floor button, step off...hmm. The thing I generally love about a museum is its intentional layout to steer you
Boring bits, you walk in, announce that you'd like to wander around; they print off two tickets and give you a map. They (museum crew) also tell you what is and what isn't on that day. Ok I feel informed.
Step into the elevator, hit the floor button, step off...hmm. The thing I generally love about a museum is its intentional layout to steer you
Rachael D.
Dec 03, 2009
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Oh the men seem to love this place. Full of war paraphernalia, live outdoor shows and lots of gory things to look at.
I got a little bored looking at the swords and things but found the outdoor shows very entertaining. And a little scary!
I loved going to the cafe aftwards for banoffee pie and coffee...lush!
I got a little bored looking at the swords and things but found the outdoor shows very entertaining. And a little scary!
I loved going to the cafe aftwards for banoffee pie and coffee...lush!
Jonny S.
Oct 04, 2009
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Going back to the Royal Armouries recently was a bit of a let down. Probably because the last time I went there I was 11 and ten years on, I'm not as impressed with a knight's shining armour as I used to be.
The museum itself is full to the brim with, as you might expect, swords and shields and other silver stuff of that ilk but it's not that which seperates the Armouries from other museums in the country.
It's the exhibitions and the events, often held outside, often recreating medieval scenes, that are well worth the entry fee. When I was a young man, I remember being overwhelmed
The museum itself is full to the brim with, as you might expect, swords and shields and other silver stuff of that ilk but it's not that which seperates the Armouries from other museums in the country.
It's the exhibitions and the events, often held outside, often recreating medieval scenes, that are well worth the entry fee. When I was a young man, I remember being overwhelmed
Qype User Jowadd
Jan 30, 2009
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Qype User RigsVi
Nov 20, 2008
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Qype User Savoca
Nov 19, 2008
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I have been there two times in the past year an I have enjoyed it very much. So did the people that went with me. The museum is huge, you will need at least two hours to see all the stuff that is on display.
Every floor has weapons and weapon related item from a different place of the world or a different age. My favorite ones are the modern and Japanese ones.
The entry to the museum is free, but you have to pay for your souvenirs (obviously) and for some of the shows such as the brilliant falconry display (about 50p or so).
Great place for a day out in Leeds.
Every floor has weapons and weapon related item from a different place of the world or a different age. My favorite ones are the modern and Japanese ones.
The entry to the museum is free, but you have to pay for your souvenirs (obviously) and for some of the shows such as the brilliant falconry display (about 50p or so).
Great place for a day out in Leeds.
Qype User Moosic
Oct 07, 2008
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