The Royal Armouries Museum, set by Leeds Dock, houses one of the finest collections of arms and armour in the world. From medieval knights and samurai warriors to modern military history, the museum brings to life the art, skill, and innovation of warfare across centuries.
Inside, you’ll find glittering suits of armour, legendary swords, muskets, and even full-sized war elephants in armour. The museum’s galleries explore themes such as Tournament, War, Hunting, Self-Defence, and Oriental arms, showing how weapons were made, used, and celebrated in different cultures.
On our visit, we will explore these diverse collections and watch live demonstrations in the outdoor arena, where expert performers showcase jousting, sword fighting, and archery. Along the way, you’ll discover stories of bravery, craftsmanship, and conflict that shaped history. There will be time to explore the galleries, ask questions, and experience the thrill of stepping back into the world of warriors and battles.
The Timetable for the Trip
0:00 – Meet at The University of Law’s common room for a welcome and safety briefing by Activity Leaders.
0:05 – Depart The University of Law and walk to the Royal Armouries Museum at Leeds Dock.
0:35 – Arrive at the Royal Armouries. The group gathers outside the entrance. Activity Leader gives an introduction to the museum.
0:40 – Begin the museum visit with a self-guided quiz. Students explore the galleries in small groups and find answers around the museum.
1:30 – Regroup at the hall to prepare for the live show or performance (e.g., jousting, sword-fighting, or archery demonstration).
1:45 – Watch the live show/performance together.
2:15 – Free time for students to explore selected galleries or revisit favourite displays.
2:45 – Meet at the museum entrance. Prepare for departure; students gather belongings and use restrooms if needed.
2:55 – Leave the Royal Armouries and walk back to The University of Law.
3:15 – Arrive back at The University of Law.
Step into the colourful world of medieval jousts and knightly competitions. Here you’ll find shining suits of armour, heavy lances, and decorated helmets once used in tournaments. These contests weren’t just battles for honour – they were also big social events, drawing crowds to watch knights show off their skill and bravery.
Discover how weapons have shaped the history of war, from ancient times to the modern age. The gallery shows swords, crossbows, muskets, and even machine guns, tracing the evolution of combat technology. You’ll learn how armies prepared for battle, how strategy developed, and how warfare changed societies.
Travel across Asia through arms and armour. See Japanese samurai swords and armour, ornate Indian shields, and even a life-sized model of an armoured war elephant. The gallery highlights not just the power of these weapons, but also their artistry and cultural meaning.
Learn how ordinary people protected themselves in times of danger. From small pistols and pocket daggers to unusual concealed weapons like sword-canes, this gallery shows the many clever ways people stayed safe in uncertain times.
One of the most striking sights in the museum, this tower is filled with thousands of swords, pikes, and muskets arranged in dramatic patterns up the walls. It’s a breathtaking display and the perfect spot for group photos, symbolising the scale of the museum’s collection.
Outside the museum, the arena brings history to life with exciting live performances. You might see armoured knights jousting on horseback, expert archers hitting targets, or swordsmen demonstrating medieval combat techniques. It’s an unforgettable way to experience history in action.