The Royal Mews located near Buckingham Palace in Central London offers a fascinating look into royal history and the working stables of the monarchy. These stables serve as the ground transportation hub for the King and the Royal Family. Here you can see how the working horses ceremonial carriages and royal vehicles are cared for and maintained. Among the impressive collection is the iconic and 260-year-old Gold State Coach a true star of the show. From royal cars to horse-drawn carriages there’s something for everyone.

This unique stop is an enjoyable way to spend an hour with the chance to take an up-close look at the marvelous coaches and the majestic horses that have been part of the monarchy’s transportation arrangements for centuries. It's a relaxed and fun experience offering a true taste of the grandeur that surrounds the Royal Family.

Exploring the Royal Mews

When you visit the Royal Mews you’ll be stepping into a working transportation center that serves the Buckingham Palace area. The stables are not just for the horses but also a residential environment for some of the staff members who live in second floor apartments above the stables. As you explore be aware that this is a busy place where horses can be barrelling through at any moment. The layout with its rooms and flats around a central yard is a bit like a small village as Queen Elizabeth once described it. You’ll notice excellent signage providing details about each coach on display highlighting its historical events and significance.

For a deeper understanding be sure to grab a free multimedia guide or join one of the guided tours. The wardens are knowledgeable and share fascinating stories about the place though beware of the pollen overload from the flowering trees in the area! The tours are typically given in small groups ensuring a personal and enjoyable experience. And for families special family tours are available on weekends. Make sure to meet your group at the clearly marked meeting point which is right opposite the stables.

The Carriage Horses of the Royal Mews

The Royal Mews is home to the famous royal carriage horses including the Windsor Greys and Cleveland Bays. The Windsor Greys are renowned for drawing the carriages that carry the monarch royal family and guests at ceremonial and state occasions. While Windsor Greys are not a breed themselves the term refers to gray horses of the Royal Household that have been used for special duties since the time of Queen Victoria at Windsor Castle.

These horses are carefully selected by the Head Coachman for their steady temperament appearance size and stamina. They are washed every day to ensure their color remains vibrant and presentable. The Cleveland Bays one of the oldest English horse breeds pull other carriages including those for high commissioners and ambassadors presenting credentials. They are also the workhorses of the Royal Mews taking on the daily tasks that help maintain the rhythm of royal life.

A Few Fun Horse Facts

At the Royal Mews the reigning monarch has the special task of naming each horse. Queen Elizabeth II named horses after places she visited like Belfast or based on their bloodline such as Cinderella offspring of Fairytale. Each horse has a nameplate on their stall displaying their name and birth year so visitors can learn more about them. Training the horses is an important part of their care and leading up to the recent coronation of King Charles the staff prepared the horses with flags drums shouts and cheers to help them adjust to the noisy crowds they would encounter on Coronation Day. At any time there are about 30 horses stabled at the Royal Mews. For more interesting facts about Royal Horses be sure to check out the Horse Guards Parade in London.

The Gold State Coach

The Gold State Coach is the grand rock star of the Royal Mews. It’s displayed in its own garage a specially adapted stable with plenty of daylight highlighting its grand appearance. The coach is shown alongside life-sized models of gray horses and postillion riders giving visitors a glimpse of how it looks when transporting the monarch. This majestic vehicle is a massive 7 meters long and 3 and a half meters tall weighing in at a hefty four tons. To pull this four-ton hulk eight Windsor Greys are needed.

The coach’s bling factor is off the charts with its ornately decorated panels featuring Roman gods goddesses and gilded sculpted figures of cherubs and massive tritons. Even the wheels are gigantic making a kingly impression. Interestingly the royals themselves don’t enjoy riding in it as much as it’s said to be uncomfortable—in QEII’s own words it’s "Horrible." Despite this the Gold State Coach remains a symbol of tradition and has been used at every coronation since that of William IV including most recently for King Charles III's coronation and other state events.

The Diamond Jubilee State Coach

The Diamond Jubilee Coach built in 2012 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee brings a fresh take to the traditional horse carriage. While it may not have the same grandiose appearance as the Gold State Coach it still impresses with its blend of comfort and style.

This coach was built in Australia featuring a lightweight aluminum body and hydraulic stabilizers to prevent swaying—a real lifesaver as too much sway can make people feel seasick! The gilded crown on top hides a camera for point-of-view filming. Inside the wooden panels are made from objects donated by over 100 historic sites in Britain including pieces from the Royal Yacht Britannia a musket ball from the Battle of Waterloo and even materials from the Tower of London. This coach blends modern technology with thoughtful craftsmanship making it not just a ride for the royals but a British history monument on wheels.

The Royal Mews Collection

The Royal Mews is home to an impressive collection of historic coaches and vehicles. Among the many items the Gold State Coach and Diamond Jubilee Coach stand out. Queen Elizabeth II named horses after places she visited like Belfast or their lineage such as Cinderella a Fairytale descendant. A personal favorite is the Irish State Coach which I associate with historical events I've read about.

The collection includes landaus like the Pony Phaeton used by Queen Victoria at Balmoral and the Semi-State Landau seen at events like Royal Ascot. The Royal Mews also features motor cars like Rolls Royces Daimlers and Bentleys all in classic royal maroon and black.

One of the Bentleys on display is especially gorgeous and impeccably kept. You might even spot these cars in London with the Royal Standard flying taking a royal to their destination. The 1950 Rolls Royce Phantom IV once the most expensive car made was custom-built for Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. The Royal Mews also includes green Jaguar stretch limousines used for less formal occasions. The Royal Riding School founded by Queen Victoria continues to train royal children in horse riding today.

A Fun Experience for Kids

Visiting the Royal Mews with kids is a great experience especially since it's outdoors and relaxed. Although horses may get spooked the atmosphere is relaxed letting you enjoy the experience at your own pace. Families can benefit from family discounts and it's perfect for children as you can explore in under an hour. Kids will love being on Palace grounds experiencing the real world of the royal family.

See carriages horses and older vehicles in the State Stables on display. Kids can even try on royal livery ride a wood pony or pose in a royal landau for some fun photos. The multimedia guide is also available with family-friendly information and challenges to keep kids engaged. During selected months like April June and July you can also enjoy arts and crafts workshops in the Livery Room which are included with the standard admission. There’s also a gift shop where you can buy horse & carriage themed toys books and trinkets as a perfect souvenir of the day.

Planning your trip to the Royal Mews

Ticket Information and Opening Times

You can purchase tickets for the Royal Mews either through the Royal Collection Trust website or at the gate. However for popular attractions it's always best to book ahead. Adult tickets are priced at £17.00 while young people (18-24) can get theirs for £11.00. Children aged 5-17 will pay £8.50 and children under 5 can enter for free. The Royal Mews will be open from 1 March to 3 November 2024 from 10am to 5pm with last entry at 4pm. It is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays except from 11 July to 31 August when it's open daily. As a working transportation center it may be closed on short notice due to events.

Location and Directions to the Royal Mews

The Royal Mews is on Buckingham Palace Road within the Palace grounds directly across from the Buckingham Palace garden. From the Victoria Memorial head left and follow the wall until you see the Royal Mews sign. Victoria station a 7-minute walk away is served by the Victoria Circle and District lines. Alternatively St James’s Park Hyde Park Corner and Green Park stations are a 10-15 minute walk away. Bus numbers 11, 211, C1, and C10 stop on Buckingham Palace Road with Victoria Coach Station a 10-minute walk away.

Rules and Tips for Visiting

Remember no food is allowed at the Royal Mews but the visit typically lasts about an hour. Also keep in mind that selfie sticks are not permitted around the horses for safety reasons. The Royal Mews is centrally located ideal for a visit after Buckingham Palace or the Changing of the Guard. If you’re planning to explore it’s easy to include a visit to the Royal Mews while walking in one of the nearby Royal Parks making it a convenient and enjoyable experience.

FAQs

What is the Royal Mews?

The Royal Mews is a historic stable and transportation center located at Buckingham Palace. It houses the royal carriage horses coaches and modern vehicles used by the Royal Family for ceremonial events.

How do I get to the Royal Mews?

The Royal Mews is located on Buckingham Palace Road in central London opposite the Buckingham Palace garden. Reach the Royal Mews via Victoria Tube (7-min walk) or nearby stations like St James’s Park Hyde Park Corner and Green Park (10-15 mins walk). Buses 11, 211, C1, and C10 also stop near the Mews.

What are the opening hours of the Royal Mews?

The Royal Mews is open from 1 March to 3 November 2024, 10 am to 5 pm, with last entry at 4 pm. The Royal Mews is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays except from 11 July to 31 August when it's open every day.

Are there any discounts for families?

Yes family discounts are offered with kids enjoying activities like trying on royal livery and arts and crafts workshops.

Is food allowed at the Royal Mews?

No food is not allowed on the grounds of the Royal Mews. However the visit usually takes less than an hour so it’s easy to enjoy without needing to eat.

How much do tickets cost?

Ticket prices for the Royal Mews are as follows:

• Adult tickets: £17
• Young people (18-24): £11
• Children (5-17): £8.50
• Children under 5: Free

What should I not bring to the Royal Mews?

You should avoid bringing selfie sticks around the horses for safety reasons. Moreover food is not permitted on the grounds.

Conclusion

Visit the Royal Mews to explore royal transportation historic carriages Windsor Greys Cleveland Bays and the Gold State Coach. Just steps from Buckingham Palace the Royal Mews is a fun family-friendly addition to your London visit with interactive exhibits. The Royal Mews is a must-see for history lovers and anyone looking for a fun day out.