Buckingham Palace Royal Mews: State Coaches & Working Stables

Inside the Stables That Move a Kingdom

You get admission to a working royal stable where the horses and carriages that serve the Crown are still in active use. The multimedia guide is included and available in multiple languages. You'll see the Gold State Coach used at coronations for over 200 years, the Diamond Jubilee Coach, and the Australian State Coach, plus the horses trained to pull them. Bring photo ID and allow time for security screening on arrival.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Buckingham Palace Royal Mews

• Explore the working royal stables
• See historic coaches and carriages
• View the Diamond Jubilee State Coach
• Observe the Australian State Coach
• Admire the Gold State Coach
• Learn about royal horses and transport

The Experience

Handlers brush down the Windsor Greys in their stalls, their coats catching the light as they prepare for the next state occasion. That's the Royal Mews — not a museum frozen in time, but a working stable that has kept Britain's Royal Family mobile since 1760. You walk through the same space where grooms still train the Cleveland Bays and Greys that pull the ceremonial carriages, and the whole operation runs exactly as it did when George III moved his carriage collection here to sit closer to Buckingham Palace.

The Gold State Coach dominates the display — the one used at every coronation since William IV, most recently for King Charles III in 2023. It's ornate in a way that photographs don't quite capture; the detail work alone takes a moment to absorb. Alongside it sits the Diamond Jubilee State Coach that carried Queen Elizabeth II to the State Opening of Parliament in 2014, and the Australian State Coach with its central heating and electric windows, which transported the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh from Westminster Abbey after the 2011 Royal Wedding. You're standing in front of objects that have shaped the visual memory of the nation, and they're not behind velvet ropes — they're part of an active working collection.

The multimedia guide comes free in eight languages, including tailored versions for families and visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing, so you can move at your own pace and dig into whatever catches your attention. Security screening happens on arrival — airport-style, so travel light — and the Royal Mews does close at short notice when the Palace requires it, which is worth knowing if you're planning around a tight schedule. Queues build during peak periods, so arriving early in the day makes a real difference.

What’s included

Your visit includes admission to the Royal Mews, a complimentary multimedia guide available in eight languages with specialized versions for families and visitors with hearing or sight loss, and access to the full collection of state coaches, historic carriages, and the working stables where the royal horses are trained and kept. Security screening is required on arrival.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by RST GLOBAL

Is this one for you?Right for anyone wanting to see the working heart of royal ceremonial transport without arranging separate tickets or navigating the Palace itself — the Royal Mews stands alone as a functioning stable, so you're watching the actual operation that moves the Crown, not a historical recreation.

Top questions

Can you take photos at the Royal Mews?

Yes, photography and filming for non-commercial purposes are welcomed.

Is the Royal Mews wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is wheelchair accessible. Public transportation options are also available nearby.

What languages is the multimedia guide available in?

English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Russian, and Spanish. English guides include versions for families and for deaf or hard of hearing visitors, plus audio-descriptive guides for blind or partially-sighted visitors.

Do I need to bring ID?

Yes, valid photo ID or a passport is required and must be displayed at the entrance.

Can the Royal Mews close unexpectedly?

Yes, closures can happen at short notice because it is part of a working royal palace.

How long do queues typically get?

During peak periods the Royal Mews can experience long queues. Arriving early in the day helps.

What happens if I don't arrive on time?

Failure to report on time results in a No Show, and no rescheduling or refund will be provided.

Are children allowed?

Yes, children are welcome. They must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Infants can ride in a pram or stroller, or sit on an adult's lap.