The Royal Mews, on Buckingham Palace Road in London, is a working stable and home to royal horses, ceremonial carriages and state vehicles. Its collection includes the Gold State Coach, the Diamond Jubilee State Coach and modern royal cars. Displays and audio guides explain the history and craftsmanship behind the vehicles. Allow about an hour to look around; the site is compact, but the carriages reward a closer look. It is a quieter way to explore royal transport than a visit to Buckingham Palace itself.
A working stable beside Buckingham Palace
The Royal Mews is responsible for royal horses, carriages and road transport. It has been based at Buckingham Palace since the 1820s, after earlier occupying a site at Charing Cross. The complex was built for the palace during the reign of George IV, and its Buckingham Palace Road entrance is marked by a Doric archway topped with a clock tower.
The mews remains a working stable. Alongside its historic collection, it houses horses and vehicles used by the royal household. That combination gives the visit a practical focus: the objects on display are part of a continuing transport operation, not simply a collection of decorative coaches.
The Gold State Coach and ceremonial carriages
The Gold State Coach is the most prominent carriage in the collection. George III first used it to open Parliament in 1762. The coach has appeared at coronations, including that of King Charles III, and its elaborate finish gives visitors a close view of the workmanship behind a state vehicle.
Other carriages show different sides of royal transport. The Diamond Jubilee State Coach is among the collection, alongside vehicles associated with royal ceremonies and older examples such as Queen Victoria’s Pony Phaeton. A sleigh presented by Canada adds a different form of transport to the display. Some open carriages may not be on view, so the collection can vary in what visitors see.
Horses, cars and the visit
The collection extends beyond horse-drawn vehicles. Royal state cars, including a Rolls-Royce, show how the household’s transport has changed over time. Horses are also kept at the mews, though they may not be visible or active during every visit.
Displays and a free audio guide help explain the history of the vehicles and the ceremonies they serve. Guided tours are also available, with sessions reported at intervals during the day. The visit is relatively short, but taking time with the exhibits helps bring out details in the coaches and their use.
FAQ
How long do you need at the Royal Mews?
Plan for about an hour. The site is compact, with carriages, horses, vehicles and displays to explore.
What can you see at the Royal Mews?
The collection includes the Gold State Coach, the Diamond Jubilee State Coach, other historic carriages, royal horses and state vehicles.
Is there an audio guide?
Yes. A free audio guide provides information about the displayed items.
Is the Royal Mews part of Buckingham Palace?
Yes. The mews is within the Buckingham Palace complex, with its visitor entrance on Buckingham Palace Road.
