Royal Mews is a historic site located at Buckingham Palace, serving as the official stables and carriage house of the British monarchy. It houses a collection of royal vehicles, including state coaches and horses used for ceremonial occasions. Visitors can explore the beautifully preserved interiors and learn about the traditions and history of royal transport. The Mews is not only a working stable but also a popular attraction where guests can enjoy informative guided tours that showcase the significance of royal ceremonies and the role of the Mews in supporting state functions.
What each source says
- Viator 3.8 12,061
- Google Places 4.5 3,728
- Tripadvisor 4.5 1,423
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-21.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Convenient Location Located near Buckingham Palace, the Royal Mews is easily combined with other royal attractions, creating a seamless and enriching London experience.
- Flexible Tour Options Choose between guided tours with engaging storytellers or self-guided audio tours, allowing you to explore at your own pace and delve deeper into areas of interest.
- Ideal for Families The Royal Mews offers interactive exhibits, dress-up opportunities, and activities specifically designed to engage children, making it a memorable experience for the whole family.
- Knowledgeable and Friendly Staff Engage with passionate and informative staff, some with generations of family history at the Mews, enhancing your experience with personal anecdotes and insights.
- Stunning Royal Carriages Witness a remarkable collection of meticulously maintained royal carriages, including the breathtaking Gold State Coach, offering an intimate glimpse into royal history and craftsmanship.
Criticised
- Inconsistent Ticket Process The process of having online tickets printed upon arrival can be seen as an illogical step in the entry process, causing delays.
- Limited Horse Sightings The number of horses present may be limited, with some potentially away at Windsor, which can be disappointing for visitors primarily interested in seeing the royal horses.
- Potential for Queues Even with pre-booked tickets, expect to potentially queue for ticket printing or security checks, so arriving early is advisable to minimize wait times.
- Short Visit Duration The Royal Mews can be explored in approximately an hour, which may not justify the ticket price for some visitors seeking a more extensive experience.
- Vehicles May Be Absent Some royal vehicles may be away for state events, such as Royal Week in Edinburgh, reducing the overall display of cars.
The longer read
The Royal Mews offers visitors a unique glimpse into the transportation history of the British Royal Family, showcasing a collection of meticulously maintained carriages, coaches, and royal vehicles. Many reviewers highlight the Gold State Coach as a standout exhibit, emphasizing its size, opulent details, and historical significance in coronations. Several reviewers noted the ability to get close to the exhibits for detailed viewing and photography. The Royal Mews is often described as a shorter experience, lasting from 30 minutes to an hour, making it manageable for families and visitors with limited time. Many found it easy to combine with a visit to Buckingham Palace or other nearby attractions. Several reviewers recommend purchasing tickets in advance, although some mention encountering a queue to print online tickets upon arrival. The staff receives consistent praise for being friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. Many reviewers specifically mentioned tour guides Mandy, Julie, Ruth and Lydia, for their engaging tours. The availability of both guided tours and self-guided audio tours offers flexibility for different preferences. Some reviewers appreciated the interactive elements, such as the opportunity for children to dress up in livery and sit in a smaller carriage. The exhibits are visually stimulating and informative for both adults and children. A number of reviewers have noted the absence of many horses. While some were able to see a few horses, others were disappointed by the limited number present during their visit, with some horses being away in Windsor. The Royal Mews is considered a working stable, so seeing the horses is not guaranteed. Several reviewers mentioned a gift shop with quality items. The Royal Mews is noted for its accessibility, with level access and accommodations for visitors with disabilities. The location is convenient, near Buckingham Palace, and easy to access. The Royal Mews is often included as part of a package with other royal attractions, offering a better value for those interested in seeing multiple sites. Several reviewers mentioned that re-entry for free is allowed for 12 months after the visit after getting your ticket stamped. Overall, the Royal Mews provides an educational and visually appealing experience, particularly for those interested in royal history and traditions, with the caveat that the presence of horses may be limited.
A synthesis of third-party reviews supplied by Mindtrip travel index. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 303 123 7302
- Website
- rct.uk/visit/royalmews
| Mon | 10:00 - 17:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | Closed |
| Wed | Closed |
| Thu | 10:00 - 17:00 |
| Fri | 10:00 - 17:00 |
| Sat | 10:00 - 17:00 |
| Sun | 10:00 - 17:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.0 against a median of 4.5 across the 2,371 venues we hold for London, where the most-reviewed is Trafalgar Square.
Still deciding?
- What time of year or specific weeks provide the best chances to see the Royal Mews in full ceremonial mode?
- How long do the guided tours at the Royal Mews typically last and are there options for shorter or extended visits?
- Which historic state coaches and other royal vehicles are currently on display at the Royal Mews for visitors?
- Is it possible for visitors to see the working horses up close or watch them being groomed during a Royal Mews visit?
- What are the current admission fees for the Royal Mews, and do tickets need to be booked in advance?
Where this comes from
Venue records are drawn from the Mindtrip travel index, which aggregates place data and review signals from Google Places, Tripadvisor and booking providers. Ratings are reproduced per source rather than merged into a single number. Distances to nearby venues are computed here as great-circle distances between the published coordinates, not walking or driving routes. Comparison figures are medians computed across the venues we hold for the same neighbourhood or city.
Source: Mindtrip travel index, captured 2026-08-21.
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.