Up to an hour
Household Cavalry Museum
Take a journey through time that is as immersive as it is enlightening!
What you'll do
Get ready to dive into the world of The King's Mounted Bodyguard at The Household Cavalry Museum! This isn't your typical museum experience – here, you'll get up close and personal with history as you explore the fascinating past and present-day role of the Household Cavalry. Wander through the working stables, where you can witness the troopers in action, and uncover the captivating stories of the regiment through interactive exhibits, personal anecdotes, and rare artifacts.
Nestled within the historic Horse Guards in vibrant Whitehall, The Household Cavalry Museum is a true gem of London's past. Dating back to 1750, this iconic building still serves as the beating heart of the Army in London. Step inside, and you'll find yourself immersed in the timeless traditions of the Household Cavalry, where the daily ceremony of the King's Life Guard has stood unchanged since 1660. The museum's setting provides a unique backdrop, transporting visitors back in time to experience the rich history and ongoing activities of the regiment.
Since its grand opening by Queen Elizabeth II in 2007, The Household Cavalry Museum has offered a rare glimpse behind the scenes of two esteemed British Army regiments – the Life Guards and the Blues & Royals. Through captivating exhibitions and a literal window into history, visitors can witness troopers tending to their horses in the original 18th-century stables. Dive into the regiments' history, from the theatres of conflict to Royal ceremonial occasions, and gain a deeper understanding of their ceremonial and operational duties.
More than just a museum, this is a living testament to over 350 years of history, where the spirit of the Household Cavalry thrives. Each morning, the King's Life Guard ceremony unfolds, alongside the daily afternoon inspection, offering a firsthand glimpse into the regiment's daily routine. With interactive exhibits, personal testimonies, and the chance to don the iconic uniform yourself, The Household Cavalry Museum invites you to step into the shoes of a true cavalryman and become a part of this storied legacy.
The Household Cavalry Museum Highlights
Changing of The King's Life Guard
On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, you can catch the captivating Changing of The King's Life Guard ceremony. Watch as members of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment ride from Hyde Park Barracks to relieve their fellow soldiers at Horse Guards. Following a route through Hyde Park Corner, Constitution Hill and The Mall, they arrive at Horse Guards Parade, just outside the Household Cavalry Museum, where the ceremony unfolds in all its grandeur.
Hourly Sentry Changes
See hourly sentry changes at the Horse Guards entrance and join the formal inspection on the Front Yard of Horse Guards daily at 4PM.
Facts
The daily inspections originate in 1894, when Queen Victoria caught guards slacking off, drinking and gambling while on duty – so she laid down the law: daily inspections at 4PM for the next 100 years.
Fast forward to 1994, and even though the royal punishment ended, Queen Elizabeth II decided to keep up the tradition because, by then it was a well established and loved tradition.
Don't forget to glance at the Horse Guards Clock as you wander around the Household Cavalry Museum. Before Big Ben stole the spotlight, this clock was the main timekeeper in Westminster, facing out onto Whitehall and Horse Guards Parade. You can't miss it!
What's included
See troopers performing their daily duties in the stables.
Dress up like a cavalryman.
See hourly sentry changes, daily morning guard changes and afternoon inspections.
Where you'll be
Horse Guards, Whitehall, London, GBHow to get there
Numbers 11, 12, 159, 24, 3, 453, 53, 87 and 88 all stop close to the attraction throughout the day.
London Underground: take Bakerloo or Northern lines. Get off at Charing Cross train station. Take Jubilee or District and Circle lines. Get off at Westminster train station.
Operating hours
April to October
Daily from 10AM to 6PM (last admission 5PM)
November to March
Wednesday to Sunday only from 10AM to 5PM (last admission 4PM)
Ceremonial Closures
Full list of dates and ceremonial closures can be found here.
Monday 24th June 1PM – 6PM (last admission at 5PM)
Tuesday 25th June 1PM – 8PM (last admission at 5PM)
Wednesday 17th July 2PM – 6PM (last admission at 5PM)
Closings & holidays
Good Friday
London Marathon day
6, 14 & 16 May 2024
24 to 26 December annually
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