Royal Mews
Buckingham Palace Road, London, Greater London, SW1W 0QH
Officially the provider of road transport for the King, the Royal Mews by Buckingham Palace in London is better known for its horses. And, it’s one of the most elegant working stables that you’ll ever see, complete with smartly attired horse grooms, immaculate Windsor Greys and Cleveland Bays, and the golden royal carriages that the horses are trained to pull.
The Basics
Book ahead for a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the mews’ historical royal displays. Take the opportunity to dress up in livery, or pose like a queen in a replica carriage. Deals like the London Pass allow you to combine your visit with other top London experiences, while hop-on hop-off tours enable flexible exploration of the area. If you have time, conclude your visit with afternoon tea at one of the nearby fancy hotels.
Things to Know Before You Go
As the Royal Mews are part of Buckingham Palace, expect airport-style security.
Entry includes a multimedia guide, available in nine languages.
Remember your umbrella and coat in the rainy months, as most of the site is outside.
The Royal Mews is fully accessible to visitors with disabilities.
How to Get There
London Victoria is the nearest mainline station, while Victoria, St. James’s Park, Hyde Park Corner, and Green Park underground stations are all a short walk away. The 11, 211, C1, and C10 buses all stop nearby, as do hop-on hop-off services. Driving is best avoided where possible in the capital.
When to Get There
The Royal Mews are open between February and November, seven days a week in spring and summer and every day except Sunday in winter. Be aware that the working stables can occasionally experience unforeseen closures due to official business.
The Royal Manure
Buckingham Palace is famous for its pristine lawns and long-blooming flowers, but few know that the queen’s soil owes its fertility to the manure collected at the Royal Mews. It’s possible to tour the royal gardens to admire the products of the fresh fertilizer yourself—book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Ways to explore
You can pass by the Royal Mews and peer in from the street, or pay the entry fee to go inside and meander around the horses and carriages. While lines are unlikely, a discount is available if you book online. A prebooked ticket also guarantees your entry (as a working stable, it can be subject to unforeseen closures).
Once inside, follow a free 45-minute multimedia guide to get the lowdown on the history of the mews and the monarchy, or catch one of the Blue Badge guides for an official tour, going straight to highlights such as the Gold State Coach that’s used for coronations and jubilees. These tours take place regularly throughout the day, and the meeting point is opposite the stables.
Accessibility
The Royal Mews is wheelchair-accessible with level access throughout. As it’s a historic place, the floors may be uneven in spots due to cobblestones. Accessible restrooms are on-site.
Age limits
None; children under 5 enter free
What to pack
As little as possible—all bags must go through an airport-style security check
What to wear
Comfortable shoes
Not allowed
Cigarettes or vapes, large bags, drones, selfie sticks
Amenities
Water fountain for bottle refills, restrooms with baby-changing facilities
Address
The Royal Mews is next to Buckingham Palace in central London and is walkable from St. James’s Park, Hyde Park, and Green Park. It’s also walkable from Knightsbridge and Westminster, home to many top London attractions.
Driving
You need to pay the London Congestion Charge and the ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) fee, if applicable for your vehicle. Parking is limited and expensive, so it’s better to leave the car behind.
Public transportation
Take the tube (via the Victoria or District and Circle lines) or overground train to London Victoria, then walk for 10 minutes to Buckingham Palace. The Royal Mews entrance is signposted from here. Buses Nos. 11, 211, C1, and C10 all stop on Buckingham Palace Road.
Best times to visit
The Royal Mews is busiest in the middle of the day, so visit when it opens at 10am, or later in the afternoon (last admission is 4pm) to see it with fewer people.
Best days to visit
Avoid weekends if you can, and visit on a weekday instead. Note that the Royal Mews is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, except during most of July and August, when it’s open daily.
Best months to visit
Skip the summer crowds and visit in April, May, September, or October when the weather is mild.
Special events
Family-friendly events take place at the Royal Mews throughout the year, including the Hooves and Horses sessions, which offer art and craft activities for children.
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