The Royal Mews | Historic carriages, coaches & more
RECOMMENDED DURATION
2 hours
The Royal Mews | The royal transport hub of Buckingham Palace
The Royal Mews isn't just stables, it's a backstage pass to royal travel! Established in the 19th century, it's still a working hub for the King's road travel arrangements. From the Gold State Coach to working stables with horses, the Royal Mews is all about equestrian traditions and historic carriages. Perfect for history and horse lovers alike!
Where is it located?
The Royal Mews is located on the grounds of Buckingham Palace, with its entrance on Buckingham Palace Road.
How to access?
Access requires a separate timed-entry ticket for the Royal Mews. Note that the Royal Mews are currently closed.
What is the Royal Mews?
The Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace are the royal stables, home to historic royal carriages and horses, including the Windsor Greys! Originally established in the 14th century and moved to its current spot in the 1820s, it's a mix of tradition, elegance, and working stables.
The word "Mews" comes from the days when the site housed royal hawks during their molting (or "mewing") season. These days, it's all about horses and carriages and making sure the King and the Royal Family travel in style.
Prepare to be amazed by the royal collection on display! You'll see legendary carriages like the Gold State Coach, the Diamond Jubilee State Coach, and even the Australian and Scottish State Coaches.
Founder: Commissioned by King George IV and designed by the renowned architect John Nash.
Must-see highlights: A visit to the Royal Mews is a must for its collection of royal carriages, including the Gold State Coach used for every coronation since 1831. You can also admire the modern Diamond Jubilee State Coach and see some of the Windsor Grey and Cleveland Bay horses up close.
Current use: This is a working facility that provides road transport for the King and other members of the Royal Family, from daily use to major state occasions.
Unique fact: The Gold State Coach weighs four tons and requires eight horses to pull it, making it one of the heaviest coaches in the world.
Why visit the Royal Mews?
Admire the carriage collection: The Royal Mews is home to an incredible collection of carriages, including the Gold State Coach, which has been used in every coronation since 1820, along with others like the Irish and Scottish State Coaches!
Meet the royal horses: The Royal Mews is one of the best working stables you'll ever see, home to the Windsor Greys and Cleveland Bays that pull the royal carriages. Watch these horses in action and see their training up close.
Get insight into royal transportation: From royal weddings to state visits, the Royal Mews manages all the Royal Family's road travel and offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how these iconic events unfold.
Embrace the architecture: With its neoclassical charm, the Royal Mews, designed by John Nash, features a beautiful Doric arch and graceful stable buildings, making it an eye-catching spot for visitors.
Things to know before booking Royal Mews tickets
Access requires a separate ticket: Access to the Royal Mews is not included with a ticket for the Buckingham Palace State Rooms. You must purchase a dedicated ticket specifically for the Royal Mews. This ticket can be bought individually.
Opening schedule: A significant advantage of visiting the Royal Mews is its opening schedule. Unlike the State Rooms, which are only open for a limited summer period, the Royal Mews is generally open for much longer throughout the year, from Thursday to Monday. Note that the Royal Mews are closed for 2025 and will reopen on March 5, 2026.
Entry: The Royal Mews is located on the Palace grounds, and its entrance is just a short walk from the main Buckingham Palace gate.
Accessibility: The majority of the visitor route is wheelchair accessible, though it's still advisable to inform staff upon arrival if you require assistance.
Photography: Photography is permitted for personal use, allowing you to capture the carriages and surroundings.
Working royal facility: As a working stable, you might be lucky enough to see some of the Windsor Grey and Cleveland Bay horses. This is a working royal facility, so be prepared to see staff going about their daily duties, adding to the authenticity of the experience.
What to see at the Royal Mews
The Gold State Coach
Built in 1762 for King George III, the Gold State Coach is gilded in 22-carat gold and features intricate carvings of cherubs and dolphins. Eight Windsor Grey horses pull it, and it's still used today for royal events, including King Charles III's coronation.
Diamond Jubilee State Coach
Say hello to the Diamond Jubilee State Coach, a modern marvel which celebrated Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee in 2012! With its sleek aluminum body, hydraulic stabilizers, and wood from HMS Victory, this 3-tonne beauty combines British history with cutting-edge design, first used in 2014.
Irish State Coach
The Irish State Coach, made in 1851 for Queen Victoria, is a masterpiece with its blue and black exterior and plush blue damask interior. It's been through a fire, but after restoration, it continues to wow at significant events like the State Opening of Parliament!
Scottish State Coach
Built in 1830 for Prince Adolphus, this beauty was restored in the '60s and now shines with its big glass windows and the Crown of Scotland. Now, it's used for big events like the Church of Scotland's General Assembly opening!
Horse Stables
Inside the Royal Mews, the Windsor Greys and Cleveland Bays horses receive top care and training to pull the royal carriages. You can witness the daily routines of horse care and training in this charming, close-knit community of staff, deeply rooted in royal equestrian history.
Wooden Pony
Meet the Wooden Pony, a life-sized training model at the Royal Mews! It's used to teach staff how to harness and prep horses for their carriage duties, offering a safe way to practice without using a live horse. This keeps the royal equestrian standards high and safe! Your kids can even try their hand at tacking it up!
Carriage operations and conservation
The Royal Mews is a fully operational working stable that maintains the Royal Family's carriages. The operational systems of the Mews are overseen by a dedicated team of experts, from the Crown Equerry to the skilled carriage restorers and blacksmiths.
Traditional and modern techniques: The carriages are meticulously cared for using a blend of historic craft and modern preservation science. While traditional methods of cleaning and restoration are passed down through generations, modern technology and materials are used to ensure the longevity of these precious artifacts.
Behind-the-scenes expertise: Experts at the Mews perform everything from daily cleaning and polishing to intricate repairs and restoration. Their work guarantees the safety, authenticity, and immaculate condition of the vehicles for ceremonial and regular use.
Living history for visitors: The Mews offers live, guided talks by wardens that provide details on the historic coaches and the daily routines of the staff. On some occasions, you may even be lucky enough to see a staff member performing maintenance or working with the horses.
Architectural highlights of the Royal Mews
Elegant & functional design
Designed by John Nash for King George IV and completed in 1825, the Royal Mews is a masterclass in elegant, functional architecture. Its Neo-classical style, with symmetrical lines and grand archways, was intended to complement the grandeur of Buckingham Palace while serving as a working hub for the royal household’s transport.
The Great Mews Yard
The building is arranged around a large, open courtyard known as the Great Mews Yard, which is flanked by the carriage houses and stable blocks. This layout ensures a practical, efficient space for staff, carriages, and horses, while the classical elements make it a visually impressive extension of the royal residence.
Historical and cultural significance of the Royal Mews
The Royal Mews is a key symbol of royal pageantry and tradition, acting as the heart of the monarchy's transport for centuries. It is where the carriages used for every coronation since 1831, state openings of Parliament, and royal weddings are maintained. Its continued function as a working stable ensures that the Mews is not just a historical exhibit, but a living testament to the enduring customs of the British royal family.
Plan your visit to the Royal Mews
The Royal Mews are currently closed and expected to reopen in March 2026.
However, you can still visit the Christmas pop-up at the Mews from November 14 onwards.
2026 opening dates:
March 5-October 24, 2026: 10am-5pm (last entry: 4pm)
October 25-November 1, 2026: 10am-4pm (last entry: 3pm)
Address: London SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom | Find on Maps
By train: Southern or Southeastern railway line Nearest station: London Victoria or London Charing Cross
By tube: Jubilee, District, or Circle line Nearest station: Green Park or St. James Park
By bus: Bus numbers 11, 211, C1, and C10 Nearest stop: Victoria Coach Station
By car: Via Birdcage Walk Nearest parking: Victoria Car Park or Q-Park Victoria
Hands-on activities: Children can get a feel for royal tradition by dressing up in specially created footman's livery and practicing tacking up a wooden pony to prepare it for pulling a carriage. You can also climb aboard a replica of the Semi-State Landau and practice a royal wave.
Family multimedia tour: Your ticket includes a complimentary family multimedia tour guided by two of the royal horses, Majesty and Scout, and Rex the Corgi. The guide features games, videos, and fun facts aimed at children aged 7-11.
Activity trails: For younger visitors, a "Little Trekkers" activity trail is available, guiding them to discover some of the highlights of the Mews.
Buckingham Palace unveils its first-ever Christmas pop-up
Buckingham Palace is adding a new layer of festive magic to London's holiday calendar with the launch of its first-ever dedicated Christmas pop-up shop, located within the historic Royal Mews. This unique boutique transforms a section of the 200-year-old stables into a glittering shopping destination, running from November 14, 2025, to January 5, 2026.
Explore a curated collection of exclusive royal gifts and gourmet treats, including small-batch gin infused with botanicals sourced from the Royal Estate, luxury homeware inspired by the Great Kitchen at Windsor Castle, and hand-decorated chinaware and crystal accessories nodding to Queen Victoria’s heritage.
Absolutely! You can catch a glimpse of the royal horses in action during their training sessions. It's an excellent opportunity to learn about the care, grooming, and preparation that go into keeping these animals ready for royal duties.
Yes, the staff wear traditional livery uniforms. These are designed with royal colors and intricate details, paying homage to centuries-old royal customs.
Absolutely! Kids can enjoy hands-on experiences like dressing up as royal footmen or learning how to harness a horse, making it a super fun and family-friendly visit!
Photography is allowed in some areas, but restrictions are placed near certain carriages to help preserve their condition. Look for signs indicating where photos are welcome!
Absolutely! The Royal Mews is fully accessible, with features like accessible toilets, seating, and support for visitors with disabilities, ensuring everyone can enjoy the experience comfortably.
Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
Large bags are not allowed on this experience.
Selfie sticks cannot be used near the horses.
Accessibility
Your guide dogs are welcome at the venue.
This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
Additional information
The Royal Mews are open for the summer from March 13 to November 2, 2025. It is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, except July 10 to August 31, 2025, when it is open daily.
The Royal Mews are closed on May 24, May 30, June 2, June 7, and June 14, 2025.
The opening time for the Royal Mews is 10am. The last admission is at 4pm, and the closing time is 5pm.
Plan for some wait time when lining up for the experience, especially on weekends and holidays.
When you arrive, you will pass through an airport-style security check.
The Changing the Foot Guard Ceremony at Buckingham Palace currently takes place on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday (subject to availability). On other days, you will see the Changing the Horse Guard instead.
Inclusions
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Entry into the Royal Mews
Multimedia guide in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian, and Mandarin
Additional paid upgrades:
Walking tour of Westminster
Changing the Guard ceremony (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays)
Changing the Horse Guard Ceremony (Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday)
Local English-speaking guide
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
