Travel bucket list idea:
The Royal Mews
London, United Kingdom (UK)
The Diamond Jubilee State Coach at the Royal Mews
Photo: Royal Collection Trust © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2019
Last updated: 20 February, 2024
The Royal Mews house an impressive collection of Royal State Coaches and Carriages, including the instantly recognisable Gold State Coach, commissioned in 1760 and used at the coronation of every British monarch since George IV.
Designed by John Nash, the architect responsible for redesigning Buckingham Palace, the Mews takes in the pre-existing riding school (constructed in 1760s), a grand clock tower, quadrangle, coach houses and two sets of state stables.
As a working branch of the Royal House, the Mews is responsible for all royal road travel, by car, horse and carriage plus the care and training of the Queen’s Windsor Greys and Cleveland bays horses.
Logistics
Price from: £14
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around
Getting there & doing it
The entrance to the Royal Mews is on Buckingham Palace Road, a short walk from the palace itself. Victoria is the closest station (mainline rail, and London Underground services: Victoria, Circle and District Lines). There is no parking at the site but several paid car parks are available nearby.
Tickets include a multi-media tour. There are several guided tours daily, where Wardens offer up fascinating details about the historic carriages, cars and the stories behind the events they’ve been part of. You may get to see some of the royal horses exercising or being groomed during your visit. This is less likely in summer season, when the horses are often transferred to Hampton Court for a holiday.
Visiting in the summer months allows you to purchase the combination ticket and see the Palace, Mews and Queen’s Gallery on a combined ticket – a popular option as the Mews itself is a modest spot, involving no more than about two hours to take in.
When to do it
The Royal Mews is open all year round, Thursday to Monday. Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and during state visits and royal events.
