It’s cowboy time at the Royal Armouries this May half-term, with live stunt riding horse shows and plenty of interactive activities.
The Royal Armouries is hosting a rootin’ tootin’ week of events this May half-term, with nine action-packed days of cowboy-themed fun from Saturday 27th May to Sunday 4th June 2023. Stunt riding, gun firing and combat demos – expect all this and more. If you’re looking for family-friendly fun this half-term, book your tickets and treat the brood to a rip-roaring day out at Tales from the Old West!
Marvel at daredevil live action stunts
Credit: Gavin Forster
The story begins in the Old West – a time where cowboy adventurers, buffalo hunters, sheriffs and outlaws roamed the land. Discover their fascinating stories and gasp in amazement as Tales from the Old West lands at the Royal Armouries from Saturday 27th May to Sunday 4th June 2023. It’s free to visit the museum, but booking is recommended to guarantee your visit as it’s sure to be popular.
The cowboy-themed event is a must for fans of guns, stunts and horses. Alongside gun-firing demonstrations from western gunfighters, you’ll be able to try your hand at have-a-go activities including a tin can alley shooting range – how’s your aim? Activities take place throughout each day of half-term from 10am to 5pm, so there’s plenty of chance to take in all the action.
But the highlight of the event is the horse shows. Led by a crack team of TV and film daredevil riders and their highly-trained horses, these breathtaking shows feature sharp-shooting, trick-riding, liberty displays and a high-adrenaline stagecoach battle – just like in the movies! Shows take place twice-daily at 11am and 2pm, with tickets priced separately to museum entry at £7.50.
Explore over 4,500 incredible artefacts
The fun doesn’t stop there. There’s so much to see and do while you’re at the Royal Armouries – there’s a reason it’s one of the best museums in Leeds. Explore five floors of galleries and over 4,500 objects from the UK’s national collection of arms and armour. Swords, pistols and crossbows – it’s all here, and then some, from ancient world treasures through to modern day marvels.
Visit the War gallery to dig into the history of warfare and find out how it’s changed from hand-to-hand combat to the tech-based weaponry used today. Over in the Tournament gallery you’ll discover all about the dangerous sporting events of old and learn about Henry VIII’s history as a prolific jouster. With new discoveries around every corner, it’s bound to be an eye-opening visit.
Away from the galleries, there are plenty of other ways to make a day out of your trip. Watch as the Royal Armouries team bring history to life via live combat demonstrations, grab a bite to eat from the ground floor cafe, or bring your own treats and find a spot at the picnic area. Fancy carrying on the fun at home? The gift shop sells replica arms and armour, as well as children’s toys and figurines.
Tales from the Old West comes to the Royal Armouries from Saturday 27th May to Sunday 4th June 2023.
Cover image credit: Charlotte Graham
