The Queen’s Horses and Carriages/ Royal Mews Tour in London
If you’re planning a Royal Day Out in London and want a peek into real-life royal magic, you can’t miss the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace. It’s the place where all the Queen’s horses and ceremonial carriages are kept — and trust me, it’s like stepping straight into a fairy tale (without the whole pumpkin situation).
The Royal Mews is part of Buckingham Palace and has been around since the days of George IV. It’s still a fully functioning stable today, making it one of the finest working stables anywhere in the world.
Besides housing some seriously magnificent horses like the famous Cleveland Bays and the Windsor Greys (who go through special training!), it’s also home to the gorgeous fleet of royal carriages.
When we went it wasn’t crowded at all. So it was nice to just enjoy without being around a bunch of people.
A Little Royal Mews History
Originally, the Mews were at Charing Cross (around where Trafalgar Square is now), but in the 1820s, George IV decided it was time to move things to Buckingham Palace (then called Buckingham House) to be closer to the king’s official London residence.
Since then, the Royal Mews have handled the road travel arrangements for the British monarchy — everything from state visits and royal weddings to the grand State Opening of Parliament. If a member of the royal family needs to ride in style, chances are, it all gets organized here.
Today, it’s also a fun place for us regular folks to get a unique glimpse of the royal collection of historic coaches — with plenty of clear explanations of the different types of carriages through a multimedia guide or audio tour.
Star Carriages You’ll See
Here’s where it gets even better. Some of the stunning state carriages you’ll get to see up-close include:
Gold State Coach: This is the ultimate “star of the show.” It’s massive, covered in gold leaf, and used for grand state occasions like coronations. (Queen Elizabeth II used it for her coronation, although she later said it was so uncomfortable it felt like riding in a ship during a storm! 😅)
Diamond Jubilee State Coach: This beauty was built in honor of the Golden Jubilee Year and has bits of historic materials hidden in it — like pieces from Hampton Court and even a sliver of the Mayflower ship!
Irish State Coach: Often used by the monarch on the way to the State Opening of Parliament.
Australian State Coach: A gift from Australia for the Silver Jubilee, and bonus — it has heating and electric windows. Royal comfort, 21st-century style!
Glass Coach: Used often for royal weddings, including for Princess Elizabeth before she became Queen Elizabeth II.
Horses, History, and Hands-On Fun
The riding school at the Mews trains the horses to get used to crowds, noise, and carriages — it’s serious business! You’ll learn a lot about the training of the famous Windsor Greys and Cleveland Bays.
The tour is super easy to follow, thanks to the audio guide or multimedia tour included with your entrance ticket. There’s also a gift shop at the end with all sorts of royal goodies (I’m talking top hats, postcards, and works of art from the Royal Collection Trust — perfect for a souvenir that doesn’t scream “tourist”).
If you love royal history or you’re a full-on history buff, you’ll geta a unique opportunity to walk through places that are still in use today — not just dusty museum pieces.
The Mews are close to places like Green Park, Hyde Park Corner, and of course, Buckingham Palace State Rooms, Throne Room, and Queen’s Gallery if you get the combined tickets (highly recommend for the overall experience!).
Sit Like Royalty: Climb Inside a Carriage and Dress the Part
Now this part was one of my personal favorites—you actually get to sit inside a replica royal carriage!
Yep, there’s a hands-on area where you can climb into a carriage just like the royals (minus the pressure of a state visit or waving at a thousand people). It’s the perfect spot for taking some fun photos—especially if it’s your first time seeing something like this up close. And let’s be honest, who hasn’t imagined themselves as royalty at least once?
And just when you think it couldn’t get better, there’s a dress-up area too! 🧥 This is where you can try on some of the uniforms worn by the coachmen—complete with a top hat and jackets similar to those used on various occasions.
It’s not just for kids either. Adults are welcome to jump in, strike a pose, and channel their inner royal staff member. It’s fun, informative, and makes the whole visit feel a bit more immersive.
These interactive experiences add so much to the overall experience, giving you a real up-close look at not just the history, but the traditions and roles that keep this place running today.
Some Need-to-Know Tips Before You Go
Closest tube station: Green Park or Victoria Station.
Bus routes: Easy to access from all over London.
Large bags: Not allowed inside (airport-style security checks in place).
Security measures: Expect airport-style security checks at the entrance.
Free cancellation: Check your ticket if you’re booking online — many offer this.
Small group size: Tours tend to be more personal and not too crowded, especially if you go in the summer months or late July.
Meeting point: Usually near the Ticket Office at Buckingham Palace grounds.
Current exhibition: Sometimes there’s a special exhibit featuring new displays of royal cars, Rolls Royces, or even temporary displays linked to the Crown Jewels or works of art by painters like Van Dyck.
A Royal Wrap-Up
Visiting the Royal Mews was definitely a nice experience — but for me, once was enough. It’s not the kind of place I’d return to for a second, third, or fourth trip. There are some interesting things to see, and it’s fun to sit in the replica carriage and try on the coachmen’s clothes if you’re into that kind of thing, but overall, it’s not exactly thrilling.
Still, if you’re planning to tour London’s royal landmarks, it’s worth checking off your list at least once — along with Westminster Abbey, the Queen’s Gallery, and catching the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace.
And just a little bonus tip: after your visit, stroll through Green Park and grab a coffee. Even if you’re not feeling royally impressed, you’ll still leave feeling just a little more posh by association. 😄☕👑
If you could ride in one royal carriage for the day, which one would you pick — the grand Gold State Coach or the comfy, heated Australian State Coach? Let me know in the comments!
10 thoughts on “The Queen’s Horses and Carriages/ Royal Mews Tour in London ”
Loved this peek into the Royal Mews! The carriages are stunning. Thanks for sharing!
What a great activity to do in London, with so much history and culture!
It sounds like a good alternative to other attractions, and this is actually the first I’ve heard of it. It makes me want to reconsider a stay in London, hopefully in the near future! Thanks for the tips and for sharing this article!
What a magical experience! The history, the craftsmanship, and those stunning carriages, I’m definitely adding the Royal Mews to my London list!
Adding this to my London bucket list. Some of those carriages are incredible. Thanks so much for the info.
Great post! Those royal historic coaches are absolutely stunning! Thanks for sharing :)
What cool stuff to do! Awesome experiences and thank you for sharing
This tour looked like such a wonderful experience. I really enjoyed how you captured the elegance and history of the Royal Mews. Your photos and descriptions brought it all to life in such a graceful way. A visit like this feels both enriching and unforgettable
Thanks! It was fun!
This is great activity to do , instead of the mosts touristic attractions. And the London feel is definitely there, historical and majestic!