Buckingham Palace: Admission ticket to The Royal Mews

If you’re visiting London and have a curiosity for royal traditions and history, a ticket to the Royal Mews is worth considering. While I haven’t personally taken this tour, based on what travelers say and the info available, it’s an experience that offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of royal transportation and craftsmanship. It’s not a large, sprawling exhibit, but it packs in enough ornate carriages, impressive horses, and historical context to make it memorable.

Two things that often stand out for visitors are the stunning collection of carriages—including the famous Gold State Coach—and the chance to see the working stables that are still responsible for royal travel today. At the same time, some mention that you’d want to manage your expectations about seeing horses all the time, as they’re not always out and about. The main drawback? It’s a relatively short tour, around 45 minutes, and at a price of just over $23 per person, it’s a fair but not cheap addition to your sightseeing list.

This experience is best suited for those who appreciate historic craftsmanship, royal history, or just want a quiet, well-curated peek behind the scenes at Buckingham Palace. If you’re already exploring the palace or are interested in British royal traditions, the Royal Mews can be a handy, compact side trip.

Key Points

• Short but sweet: The tour lasts about 45 minutes, making it easy to fit into a busy day.
• Rich in history and craftsmanship: You’ll see some of the most beautiful historic carriages, including the famed Gold State Coach.
• Expert insights: Guided by knowledgeable staff, you’ll learn about royal transport and carriage history.
• Limited horse sightings: While the stables are home to some majestic horses, many reviews mention they didn’t see horses in action during their visit.
• Good value: For about $23, you’re getting access to a working royal stable and a collection of exquisite carriages.
• Booking ahead is smart: Tickets are highly booked, often 48 days in advance, and a mobile ticket makes entry straightforward.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

What’s Included and What’s Not

Your ticket to the Royal Mews grants access to a self-guided tour with a multimedia guide. This means you can explore at your own pace, listen to detailed descriptions of each carriage, and absorb the information without needing a tour guide to stick to a schedule. Many reviews praised the knowledgeable staff, even if it was an audio tour only, noting that the guide provided plenty of interesting facts.

What’s not included? There’s no hotel pickup, meals, or drinks, which keeps things simple but means you’ll want to plan your visit around lunch or a coffee break elsewhere. Also, remember that last admission is an hour before closing, so check your timings.

The Itinerary: What You’ll See and Experience

Your visit starts at the Royal Mews, located just near Buckingham Palace. Here, you’ll find some of the world’s finest working stables. The stables are responsible for all royal road travel, and they date back to 1760—so there’s a lot of history tucked into those walls. The collection of historic coaches is truly impressive, especially if you’re into ornate craftsmanship or vintage vehicles.

The highlight for many is the Gold State Coach, used during major royal events like coronations. One reviewer noted, “The coach used at the coronation of King Charles was so big and spectacular, covered in gold leaf.” It’s a real showstopper, and seeing it up close gives you a sense of the grandeur associated with British royal ceremonies.

You might also get to see some of the Windsor Grey’s and Cleveland Bays—the horses that pull the royal carriages. However, as some visitors point out, horses aren’t always outside or visible on the day of your visit, so don’t go expecting a live horse show unless you happen to catch the right moment.

What Travelers Say

Visitors seem to agree that the tour is easy and accessible, often praising the audio guides and the beautiful carriages. For example, one review states, “Very knowledgeable guides. Interesting to see the carriages up close, so ornate.” Another adds, “Loved seeing the coaches. I had no idea they were made so many years ago.”

Some reviews mention that the horses are not always out, which can be a letdown if that’s the main reason you visit. One person said, “Loved the coaches but disappointed we did not see any horses,” highlighting that timing might impact your experience.

A notable point is that the tour can be quite peaceful and uncrowded—a stark contrast to some of London’s busier attractions. This makes it a good spot for those seeking a more relaxed, intimate experience.

Practical Tips for Visiting

• Book in advance: As it’s popular, tickets are often booked 48 days ahead, and availability can fill quickly.
• Timing matters: Remember the last admission is an hour before closing, so plan accordingly.
• Expect a moderate walk: The tour is manageable physically, but comfortable shoes are a good idea.
• Plan for photos: The carriages are stunning and make for great photo opportunities.
• Horses may not always be visible: If witnessing the horses in action is your goal, check if they’ll be out that day.
• Consider the price: At roughly $23, it’s affordable for what you get—an up-close look at royal craftsmanship—and makes a good addition to other Buckingham Palace visits.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re a fan of historic coaches, royal traditions, or just want a different perspective on Buckingham Palace, the Royal Mews is a solid choice. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy short, focused visits that don’t take up a whole day. The knowledgeable staff and beautiful carriages mean you’re guaranteed to walk away with some interesting stories and photos.

This experience might be less ideal if you’re expecting to see horses in action or want a lengthy, guided tour. It’s more of a curated, intimate peek into royal transport than an expansive museum.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. The tour’s brief duration and visual displays make it manageable for younger visitors.

Can I cancel my tickets?
Yes, tickets are cancellable for free if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience. Just keep the timing in mind to avoid losing your money.

Do I need to print my tickets?
No, a mobile ticket is accepted, making entry easier.

Are horses always visible during the tour?
Not necessarily. Visitors often mention that horses are not always out, so if seeing horses in action is important, plan your visit accordingly.

How long is the tour?
It’s approximately 45 minutes long, so it fits well into a busy sightseeing schedule.

Can I see the carriages outside?
Yes, many carriages, including the Gold State Coach, are displayed outside or in open spaces where you can get good photos.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
The tour requires a moderate physical effort; it’s best to check with the provider if you have specific accessibility needs.

What makes the Royal Mews unique?
It’s one of the world’s finest working stables, still responsible for royal travel, and home to some of the most ornate and historic carriages.

Final Thoughts

Visiting the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace offers a rare opportunity to see the craftsmanship behind royal carriages and learn about the logistics of royal travel. It’s a short, well-curated experience with friendly staff and stunning displays. While it doesn’t always offer horse sightings or a guide-led tour, it compensates with the beauty of the carriages and the historical significance.

This experience is perfect if you appreciate historic vehicles, royal pageantry, or simply want a peaceful, visually engaging activity during your London trip. It’s not a must-see for everyone, but for those with a soft spot for regal elegance and craftsmanship, it’s well worth the time and reasonable expense.

In brief, the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace is a charming, manageable peek behind the scenes of royal transportation. It’s best suited for those who want a mix of history, craftsmanship, and a touch of royal glamour without dedicating an entire day. If you’re looking for a quiet, elegant activity that adds a royal touch to your trip, this tour will serve you well.

Remember: Plan ahead, book your tickets early, and enjoy the regal sights up close. London’s royal secrets are waiting to be explored.