This session focusses on the historic and nationally significant 70 year reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Visit the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace and discover how the mews supported Queen Elizabeth II in her role as our Head of State throughout that time.

This workshop includes an introductory session to discuss how this year was celebrated with the Platinum Jubilee and is followed by a led tour to explore the Royal carriages and horses of the Royal Mews.

Session Learning Objectives:

• Explore the historical and cultural significance of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations
• Experience key events in the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, such as the 1953 Coronation ceremony
• Discover the role the Royal Mews staff and horses played throughout her reign

In this session children will:

• Tour the coaches and stables at the mews and discover when the carriages are used in important Royal processions 
• Handle related objects and explore archival materials highlighting the many people, heads of state and Royalty from across the world all involved in the 1953 Coronation.
• Role play the Coronation ceremony through dressing up and related props. 

Session times: 10:30 or 12:30

Duration: 90 minutes

Available on:

• Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays - 23 May-30 September 2022
   
• Tuesdays and Wednesdays - 11 October-30 November 2022
  • ​Please note:
    • to arrange a visit during the above period, all accompanying adults will require prior security clearance before the date of your booked visit. This is due to the site being closed to the public over this period.
    • for this period a maximum of 8 adults are allowed to accompany the school group when on site.

​An online version of this workshop is available, which has been adapted to be delivered over video conferencing platforms, such as Zoom. This option is available Mondays and Fridays from November 2022. Please see details at Royal Mews Calling - online workshops for schools.

For further information regarding the additional safety measures in place at our sites, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions.

Please note:  although this information is tailored for individual visitors and families, much of the advice will be useful in preparing for your visit. The advice/instructions for 'Groups' bookings does not apply to school groups. School groups visiting RCT sites will be treated as a class "bubble", in line with UK Government guidelines. 

Our learning programmes are designed to be accessible to all pupils.  Most of our sessions can be adapted to meet any educational or access needs your group may have.  Please ask for details when booking.

You may find the information for visitors on the Autism spectrum helpful when planning your visit to The Royal Mews.

Free access companion tickets are available for adults accompanying any pupils with a disability in your group.

Pre-booked school groups to The Royal Mews will have use of the facilities in the Learning Room, which is within the Royal Mews precinct.  This is your base for the duration of your visit to the mews.  Facilities include a space to eat packed lunches and a safe place to leave coats and bags.

If lunch spaces are unavailable, Green Park and St James’s Park are located nearby. Lunch room facilities are available at the nearby Girl Guiding UK ICANDO Centre on Buckingham Palace Road. For bookings please telephone 020 7592 1818.

To find out more or to make a booking contact the Learning Bookings team.

Please have to hand:

• Preferred date and possible alternatives, plus time of arrival
• Numbers of children and supervising adults
• The taught programme you would like
• Details of any special educational or access needs

Please use the downloadable Bookings Forms to send your details to the Learning Bookings Team.

You will then be sent a reservation letter, together with your teachers’ resource pack, giving a date by which full payment must be received to secure the booking.

Please note: you may be asked to cover the cost of the session if you cancel within short notice of your visit.  Non-booked schools will be charged at standard group admission rates.  Please see our Terms of Application for Learning Group Admissions.

Contact us

Learning Bookings Team
Ticket Sales and Information Office
Buckingham Palace
London SW1A 1AA

T. (+44) (0)303 123 7323
F. (+44) (0)20 7930 9625
[email protected]

Sharing Learning Objectives

You will find our learning objectives for each taught session on the relevant programme information page.  Sending us your learning objectives prior to your visit will help us tailor the session to your group’s requirements.

Planning Visits

Once you have made your booking, we offer two complimentary tickets for you and a colleague to conduct a planning visit.  If you would like to meet a member of the Learning team during this visit, please let us know at the time of booking.

Teachers' Packs for each site can be downloaded here.

Reduced-rate admission for school groups

Pre-booked school groups: £3.00 per pupil
Children in Reception or below: FREE

Please note the minimum school group sizes for booking taught workshops are:

• 15 Pupils
• 10 Pupils for SEN groups

All online workshops: £50 per class attending a booked session. 

Accompanying adults

One teacher or adult helper is admitted free of charge at the following ratios:

• Under 5s - 1 adult: 3 pupils
• Years 1 to 3 - 1 adult: 6 pupils
• Year 4 and above - 1 adult: 10 pupils

Please ask for details of rates for additional adults when booking.

Arrival

Following your booking a confirmation letter, with an agreed arrival time, will be sent to you; your letter serves as a ticket for your group. The group leader must have a copy of the confirmation letter to present on arrival.

Security Measures

Royal Collection Trust sites have airport-style security measures at all public entry points, through which all visitors, including school groups, are required to enter.  All adults and children will be asked to:

• Allow any bags to be searched by hand
• Walk through a metal detector arch, one at a time
• Switch off mobile phones

The Royal Collection Trust Learning section asks that teachers undertake the following guidelines to make entry to Royal Collection Trust sites as smooth and quick as possible:

• Please arrive at the Royal Collection Trust site at least 15 minutes before the scheduled time for the booked workshop
• Teachers and children should not bring the following: scissors, compasses, metal cutlery, sharp metallic implements
• Only bring what you need! The Royal Collection Trust Learning section will provide all necessary equipment such as clipboards, pencils and drawing materials (groups can bring their own sketchbooks if they prefer to use these)