The Royal Mews, one of the finest working stables in existence, is responsible for all road travel arrangements for The Queen and members of the Royal Family. Among the historic coaches and carriages on display is the spectacular new Diamond Jubilee State Coach, which conveyed Her Majesty The Queen to the State Opening of Parliament on 4 June 2014; and the luxurious Australian State Coach, with central heating and electric windows, which carried The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace after the Royal Wedding in 2011. The most dazzling of all is the Gold State Coach, which has been used at every coronation since that of George IV in 1821.
Price includes a new multimedia guide in nine languages or a family multimedia guide in English.
Important: During admission to the attraction, all visitors will pass through airport-style security checks. Visitors should arrive with one small bag where possible to ensure an efficient entry process.
Please note that 100% cancellation fees apply for this ticket. No refunds are available after booking is made.
Between April and October, you can take a free 45-minute guided tour of the Royal Mews. The tours are led by the Wardens, dressed in their striking red and navy livery, and depart at regular intervals throughout the day at the start of the visit.
The tour introduces the work of the Royal Mews, whose staff are responsible for all road travel by The Queen and members of the Royal Family, whether by historic carriage or modern car. You hear how the Mews serves The Queen in the performance of her official duties and prepares for major State and ceremonial occasions, as well as introduce the latest addition to the Mews, The Diamond Jubilee State Coach.
Tours take place daily from the Security area at 10:15, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00 and 16:00.
The Diamond Jubilee State Coach
The Diamond Jubilee State Coach was unveiled during the State Opening of Parliament in 2014. Built to celebrate The Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012, it is only the second coach to be built for the Royal Household in over a century and has successfully combined traditional craftsmanship with modern technology.
On the roof of The Diamond Jubilee State Coach is a carved Imperial Crown created from specially selected oak from Admiral Lord Nelson's ship HMS Victory. Another unique quality is that the crown was hollowed allowing for the installation of a small camera to film the crowds lining the route. Other modern conveniences such as electric windows, interior lighting and heating can all be controlled via an interior hand panel concealed in the teak armrests.
The Diamond Jubilee State Coach is now on permanent display within the Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace and can be viewed as part of any visit.
The Carriage Horses
During your visit to the Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace, you will see some of The Queen’s horses that draw the coaches and carriages housed in the Mews.
The Cleveland Bays are used to escort newly appointed High Commissioners and Ambassadors to their audience with The Queen, when they present their formal credentials from their country’s Head of State.
You may also see the famous Windsor Greys (shown in the image above), so called because they were kept at Windsor during the reign of Queen Victoria and drew the private carriages of the royal family. They are at least 16.1 hands (1.65 metres) high and are chosen for their steady temperament and stamina.
Coaches and Livery
The Royal Mews houses the royal collection of historic carriages and coaches, which you may see in use during your visit. The most dazzling vehicle of all is the Gold State Coach, which was built for George III in 1762. Weighing almost four tonnes and requiring eight horses to pull it, it has carried every monarch to their coronation since 1821.
Among the vehicles on display are the Irish State Coach, purchased by Queen Victoria for £858 in 1852. Queen Victoria, King George VI and Her Majesty The Queen have all travelled to the State Opening of Parliament in this carriage. The 1902 State Landau, built by the firm of Hoopers in 1902 for King Edward VII, has been used for recent royal weddings including that of Prince William and Catherine Middleton. The newest coach on display at the Mews is The Diamond Jubilee State Coach. Built to celebrate The Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012, it is only the second coach to be built for the Royal Household in over a century.
Visitors to the Royal Mews can also see some of the fine livery worn by The Queen’s coachmen. Apart from a few small details, it remains much the same as it was in Victorian times. Remarkably, some of the tailors used for production of liveries today are the same companies employed during the reign of George III in the 18th century.
For safety and security reasons, a one-way system operates along the visitor route.
On arrival, you and your belongings will be subject to airport-style security checks. Please try to bring as little as possible with you as it will help you to get through security screening more quickly.
Certain items such as large items of baggage, pen-knives and scissors are not allowed to be brought into the Royal Mews as there are no cloakroom facilities available.
Your assistance will enable us to move you through the security area as quickly as possible. Please remove all metal objects from your pockets before going through the security arch and pack cameras, phones, keys and wallets in your bag before placing the bag through the security scanner.
You may carry handbags and use pacemakers, hearing aids and other electrical or electronic equipment needed for health reasons. Please approach a Warden if you have any concerns or require assistance.
Smoking, including e-cigarettes is not permitted.
As the Royal Mews is part of a working royal palace, security and opening arrangements may be subject to change at short notice.
The Royal Mews is fully accessible and welcome visitors with different access requirements. For visitors with disabilities an accompanying companion is admitted free of charge.
Most of the site is outside, with some cover. The flooring is cobbled and uneven in places.
Manual wheelchairs are available to borrow free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis for the duration of a visit. Mobility scooters can be used at the Royal Mews.
Ticket Information
Opening Dates: Open daily between February to November excluding all Sundays in February, March & November and during State Visits and royal events. The opening arrangements for Official Residences may change at short notice, please ensure you check the Royal Collection Trust website for the latest closed dates before your visit.
Opening Times: February-24 March & November between Monday to Saturday 10:00-16:00 (last admission 15:15) and 25 March to October daily 10:00-17:00 (last admission 16:15).
IMPORTANT: CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE ALSO PURCHASED TICKETS TO VISIT THE BUCKINGHAM PALACE STATE ROOMS DURING THE SUMMER OPENING AND INTEND ON VISITING BOTH ATTRACTIONS ON THE SAME DAY PLEASE BE ADVISED THE ROYAL MEWS’ LAST ADMISSION TIME IS 16:15.
Duration: A typical visit lasts 1 hour approx.
Address: The Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA.
Transport: Nearest Train Station is London Victoria. Nearest Underground: Victoria, Green Park and Hyde Park Corner. Bus Numbers 11, 211, C1 and C10 will stop on Buckingham Palace Road.
Additional Information: A valid form of ID is required upon arrival when purchasing a Senior ticket for over 60 years or Student ticket (International Student or NUS identity card). Manual wheelchairs are available to borrow free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis for the duration of a visit. Mobility scooters can be used at the Royal Mews. Children under the age of 12 years must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 17. For safety reasons, you may be required to deposit all baggage and other items into the security cloakrooms during your visit. The use of photographic, film and video equipment is not permitted inside The Royal Mews.
Important: During admission to the attraction, all visitors will pass through airport-style security checks. Visitors should arrive with one small bag where possible to ensure an efficient entry process.