The thunder of hooves, the clash of lances and a hearty dose of showmanship – it’s time for jousting!
It’s that time of the year again, as thrilling live-action jousting returns to Yorkshire for a spectacular contest. From Friday 18th to Monday 21st April 2025, the Royal Armouries’ Tiltyard will host teams of knights from the UK, Germany and USA as they compete in the International Jousting Tournament.
The best bit? Tickets have been frozen at last year’s prices, so you can catch all the action from as little as £5. Here’s everything you need to know.
Witness breathtaking live jousting
Credit: Royal Armouries
Nothing beats the excitement of live jousting. The thunderous gallop of horses charging full tilt, the roar of the crowd, the clash of lances on armour – it’s an electrifying display of courage and skill. And this isn’t staged combat, oh no. It’s a fiercely competitive sport where modern-day knights battle for glory in a test of strength, precision and nerve.
This year, elite jousters from the UK, Germany and USA will battle it out in an intense international showdown. Who will reign supreme and lift the coveted trophy? Only time will tell. But we do know one thing – this is the only jousting event to be held at the Royal Armouries in 2025, so don’t miss your chance to witness this edge-of-your seat spectacle.
The jousting will take place twice daily at 11am and 2pm from Good Friday to Bank Holiday Monday, with each exhilarating show lasting around 45 minutes. For the ultimate view, balcony seats are available for £25 – but act fast, as space is limited. Alternatively, grab a £10 silver or £5 red ticket to enjoy this unmissable event from the arena. Don’t wait too long – demand is high, and these tickets won’t last!
Make a day of it at the Royal Armouries
© Copyright Leeds-List 2025
Your tournament ticket gets you access into the Royal Armouries museum, so you can make a day of it while exploring one of Leeds’ most popular attractions. Home to 4,500 fascinating artefacts spread over five galleries, there’s plenty to see and do, alongside medieval-themed combat demonstrations each and every day.
On a day dedicated to jousting, the Tournament Gallery is the perfect place to begin your adventure. You’ll learn all about jousting, tourneys and foot combat, marvelling at real-life technical armour made especially for King Henry VIII, armours for horses and weapons used in competition. It’s equal parts educational and exciting.
Over in the Self Defence Gallery, you’ll find weapons designed to protect, dated from the Middle Ages through to the 21st century. It’s hugely varied, with everything from a vampire slaying kit to the iconic M-41A Pulse Rifle from the movie Aliens on display. After you’re done, you can test your aim over at the Crossbow Range – additional costs apply.
Don’t miss out – book your tickets below
As ever, jousting events at the Royal Armouries are hugely popular, so it’s advised to book your tickets early using the form below to avoid missing out. Tickets start at £5 and include full access to the museum, which opens at 10am and closes at 5pm. Jousting shows take place at 11am and 2pm. See you at the Tilt Yard!
