Children and families visiting the Royal Mews
The Royal Mews is now closed for the winter. We will reopen in March 2025.
The Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace offers a great day out for children. Here are some ideas to help you plan your visit.
Things to do with children
Take the free family multimedia tour
Explore a very special corner of London, a place of tradition and history, with your guides Majesty and Scout, two of the royal horses, and Rex the Corgi!
Find out what it’s like to drive a Rolls Royce car, train the magnificent horses and ride on a fairy-tale carriage through packed streets of cheering crowds.
The family multimedia tour features games, videos and facts aimed at children aged 7-11 years.
Pick up a Little Trekkers activity trail
The daily activities at this working stables makes the Royal Mews an exciting place for children of all ages to visit. The Little Trekkers activity trail for under 5s will help you discover some of the wonderful treasures at the Mews.
To help plan your visit make sure you read our practical information.
Learn to tack up a horse
In the State Stables children can have a go at tacking up a wooden pony to get it ready to pull a carriage. You can also dress up as a footman in specially-created livery for children and adults. Did you know the livery used today remains much the same as it was in Victorian times?
Try out a model carriage
Experience what it feels like to step into a royal carriage in the State Stables. Try out our model landau inspired by the Semi-State Landau, thought to be Queen Victoria's favourite carriage.
Top things to look out for
1. The Gold State Coach
This is the largest and most beautifully decorated carriage in the Royal Mews. It has been used at every coronation since that of William IV in 1831.
2. The miniature carriages
These tiny carriages were designed to be pulled by ponies, goats, sheep or dogs. Don’t miss the Donkey Barouche, a Christmas present for Queen Victoria’s children in 1846
3. The horses
There are two types of horse at the Royal Mews – the brown Cleveland Bays and the white Windsor Greys. Look out for the horses' name plates on your visit!
4. The sleigh
Decorated with bells, ribbons and tinsel, this unusual carriage is driven by Father Christmas when he visits the children who live at the Royal Mews.
5. The Rolls Royce Phantom VI
Used by Catherine Middleton to travel to Westminster Abbey, with her father Michael, on her wedding day.
What's on for children and families
At the end of your visit, don’t forget to ask a Warden to stamp your ticket and convert it into a 1-Year Pass to enjoy free re-admission for 12 months.
