The Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace

About The Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace

The Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace is the working stables and coach house of the British monarchy, tucked just to the side of the palace on Buckingham Palace Road. It's one of the finest working stables anywhere, and it still does its job: this is where the horses and historic carriages used for royal and state occasions are kept and cared for. On a visit you can usually see the carriage horses in their stalls, along with the harness rooms and the vehicles that carry the royal family on ceremonial days.

The centrepiece is the Gold State Coach, an enormous gilded carriage built in the 1760s that has been used at every coronation since the 1820s. Alongside it sit other historic carriages, including the Diamond Jubilee State Coach and the Australian State Coach, plus the cars and older vehicles that make up the royal fleet. The building itself, designed by John Nash in the 1820s, is worth a look on its own, and staff and grooms are often around to explain how the Mews still functions day to day.

The Royal Mews is a fairly compact site, so most people spend around an hour to an hour and a half here, which makes it easy to pair with other stops around the palace and St James's Park. Opening times are seasonal and it can close for state events when the horses and carriages are needed, so it's worth checking current visiting arrangements before you go. Entry is a separate, paid ticket, and booking ahead is sensible in summer and around big royal occasions.