The Household Cavalry Museum

Inside the Horse Guards building on Whitehall, the Household Cavalry Museum explains the history, duties and traditions of the King’s Life Guard and the wider regiment. See ceremonial uniforms, armour, medals, photographs and other objects, then look through a glazed partition into the working stables where the horses are cared for. The displays also cover the regiment’s military service, alongside its ceremonial role. You can use an audio guide, speak with museum staff and, for younger visitors, try on cavalry clothing.

A museum inside the Horse Guards

The museum occupies part of the Horse Guards building on Whitehall, an 18th-century building that remains in military use. The site has a long connection with the Household Cavalry: the King’s Life Guards have been mounted here since the Restoration of Charles II in 1660. The building also functions as a gateway between Whitehall and St James’s Park.

The Household Cavalry comprises the Life Guards and the Blues and Royals. Its work includes ceremonial duties as well as military service. The displays introduce both sides of the regiment’s role, giving context to the uniforms and equipment on view.

Uniforms, equipment and the stables

Exhibits include ceremonial uniforms, armour, medals, photographs and objects connected with regimental life. They explain the history and training of the Household Cavalry, and the care and preparation of the horses. The collection is compact, so an audio guide can help you spend longer with the material.

A glazed partition looks directly into the working stables, where you may see the guards’ horses being cared for. The stable view links the exhibits to the building’s continuing military use. Some clothing is available to try on, giving children a hands-on way to engage with the displays.