The Household Cavalry Museum
The Household Cavalry Museum
4
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Situated at Horse Guards, Whitehall between Trafalgar Square and Westminster Abbey the Museum lies at the heart of historic London in magnificent mid 18th century vaulted stables. Dazzling displays of uniforms, weaponry and other prized exhibits present a celebration and history of the British Army's senior regiments the Life Guards and the Blues and Royals, who uniquely form Her Majesty The Queen's mounted bodyguard. Personal audio-visual guides are included in the admission price. These are available in English, French, German, Italian, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish. Open daily from 10am.
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Westminster
If you only had an afternoon to experience London on a grand scale, Westminster would be a wise place to start. The ornate Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey sit adjacent at a corner of Parliament Square, and a short stroll along The Mall leads to Buckingham Palace. Trafalgar Square and Nelson's Column are just up the road as well. As captivating as the architecture is, the wonders of Mother Nature are highlights of the area too. St James's Park (arguably London's loveliest), the expansive Green Park, and pedestrian friendly tree lined paths along the river showcase the exquisite manicure provided by English gardeners. Just beyond the landmarks and the gorgeous outdoor spaces, quiet residential squares and age old local pubs offer a more subdued take on this global seat of power in the heart of London.
How to get there
- Charing Cross • 4 min walk
- Embankment • 6 min walk
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Attractions
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
475 reviews
Excellent
216
Very good
181
Average
60
Poor
13
Terrible
5
Sandygranny
Sandy, UK934 contributions
Mar 2016 • Couples
This is only a small museum but it is a very interesting one and details the history of the Household Cavalry, the soldiers who protect the Queen, and it goes back as far as the Civil War.
You can try on ceremonial uniforms and helmets if you wish (I passed on that one as they looked so heavy) and you can view the horses through a glass partition. The soldiers have to spend many hours each day keeping their horses in such good condition – they are impeccably groomed.
There is a gift shop where you can buy some interesting little souvenirs.
You can try on ceremonial uniforms and helmets if you wish (I passed on that one as they looked so heavy) and you can view the horses through a glass partition. The soldiers have to spend many hours each day keeping their horses in such good condition – they are impeccably groomed.
There is a gift shop where you can buy some interesting little souvenirs.
Written April 1, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandygranny
Sandy, UK934 contributions
Jun 2017 • Couples
We had visited this little museum last year and thought we would have another look while we were in London.
We found the history of the soldiers protecting our Queen very interesting.
We visited the gift shop before leaving and bought some souvenirs to take home.
We found the history of the soldiers protecting our Queen very interesting.
We visited the gift shop before leaving and bought some souvenirs to take home.
Written July 2, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Taylor
Laurel, MD164 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Fantastic history & artifacts of the horse guards and cavalry! Various uniforms, equipment, and information throughout the years. Wonderful exhibits on the care of the horses. Highly enjoyed!
Written September 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ellie K
Cambridge, UK275 contributions
Sep 2021 • Friends
We were a family with small children that didn’t get much engagement from this small museum. The headphone recordings do not explain things as you go around but have different stories. The dressing up area had a few, really dirty, hats and costumes. We had no access to the real horses.. maybe due to covid. On a positive note, the location is amazing, it is nice to see the change of the guard (which anyone can see anyway) and the staff was very friendly.
Written September 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jdmlm
County Wicklow, Ireland67 contributions
Apr 2018 • Solo
I visited this museum around midday on Tuesday last.
There is an audio guide available, with a full tour or 20 minute highlight tour for those in a hurry. I work in a museum and have visited many more out of professional and personal interest. Normally I am not a fan of audio guides, but this one was very well done.
The museum is very well laid out, with a clear structure, that aids the understanding of the material covered. The content of the exhibit is very informative if you have an interest in military history or even vague interest in royal ceremonies.
The stable area is a highlight, with the ability to see into the area where the horses are housed and where the officers prepare for duty. On the visitor side of the glass there are uniforms and helmets to try on. This is a really nice touch. Usually, museums jump at technology when they want to add an interactive dimension to their tour, but this simple touch stood out.
I spoke to a very nice lady in the gift shop, called Christine. She was very helpful, approachable and good ambassador for the museum, as all staff should be in this industry.
There is an audio guide available, with a full tour or 20 minute highlight tour for those in a hurry. I work in a museum and have visited many more out of professional and personal interest. Normally I am not a fan of audio guides, but this one was very well done.
The museum is very well laid out, with a clear structure, that aids the understanding of the material covered. The content of the exhibit is very informative if you have an interest in military history or even vague interest in royal ceremonies.
The stable area is a highlight, with the ability to see into the area where the horses are housed and where the officers prepare for duty. On the visitor side of the glass there are uniforms and helmets to try on. This is a really nice touch. Usually, museums jump at technology when they want to add an interactive dimension to their tour, but this simple touch stood out.
I spoke to a very nice lady in the gift shop, called Christine. She was very helpful, approachable and good ambassador for the museum, as all staff should be in this industry.
Written April 29, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
letsgo000
Boulder, Colorado416 contributions
Jan 2018 • Couples
A couple years ago my wife and I greatly enjoyed the museum and the ceremony daily at 1600. This year we greatly enjoyed the changing of the horse guards.
We were curious exactly how the horse guards change position and what was involved with the actual parade at 1100.
Fun as well as interesting.
We were curious exactly how the horse guards change position and what was involved with the actual parade at 1100.
Fun as well as interesting.
Written January 31, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MagsCam
Glasgow, UK39 contributions
Feb 2013 • Family
Took my 2 boys 3 and 5 to Museum they loved seeing the guards and horses.Their are 2 guards on horse back in century boxes at the entrance and 1 on parade. It is not a big museum but well worth £6.00 admission. My kids love anything guards they were allowed to try on uniforms and hats and watch guards tending to their horses. One of the members of staff was telling us visitors the history of the guards had my older son at awe with her knowledge.Well worth a visit.
Written February 12, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rockport4
Rockport, MA381 contributions
May 2019 • Couples
This was one of the many attractions included in the London Pass. Our tour guide recommended seeing this along with Whitehall which is across the street. We enjoyed the museum with its history and exhibits. This would also be fun for kids as there is a room where you can dress up in the Guards uniforms.
Written July 10, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jason P
Wellington, New Zealand38 contributions
May 2018 • Couples
The Household Cavalry Museum is a great little attraction that's well worth taking an hour or so to wander around. Go immediately after the changing of the horse guard and you'll get to see the soldiers untacking their horses after coming off duty as a bit of a bonus.
Very informative attraction on the history of the Household Cavalry from their formation after the Civil War to their present day operational service.
Very moving memorial section dedicated to the soldiers and horses of the Blues and Royals killed by the IRA terrorist bombing on the Mall in the 1980s.
This is well worth a visit.
Very informative attraction on the history of the Household Cavalry from their formation after the Civil War to their present day operational service.
Very moving memorial section dedicated to the soldiers and horses of the Blues and Royals killed by the IRA terrorist bombing on the Mall in the 1980s.
This is well worth a visit.
Written May 13, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter J
Essex, UK19 contributions
May 2018 • Family
If like me you're a bit of a history buff, or have a keen interest in all things horse related, or British Militaria, then this great little museum should be right up your street; covering over three hundred years of the Household Cavalry in an audio guide that's included in the price.
Good for the kids too with an opportunity to try on various costumes.
Time your visit to coincide with the changing of the guard.
Good for the kids too with an opportunity to try on various costumes.
Time your visit to coincide with the changing of the guard.
Written May 7, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can you see the Changing of the Guard from inside the Museum? Apologies if this is a silly question!
Written July 20, 2022
Does anyone know the final resting place if Trooper Simon Tipper?
I visited the small memorial to pay my respects too him, but I wish too stand by his grave if there is one..
We trained together at pirbright in 1979-1980..
Flanders platoon..
Just want to say goodbye properly..
Written June 5, 2019
to Mark Tipper..
thank you for taking the time to let me know where I can pay my respects in full..
feel very emotional at this moment
Written November 27, 2019
I would like to know about the skull of Corporal John Shaw who fought at Waterloo, skull contributed by Sir Walter Scott. My name is Vincent Shaw Flack. My grandfather was D. A. Shaw of Quincy, Florida. He had a plantation named Amsterdam, where my mother went to a one room school house. We have relatives named John Shaw unless I misremember. Am I related to the brave Corporal? I would love to hear from the public on this. The Shaws have their own plaid in the lowlands of Scotland. I favor the revival of the Army of God, from the times of Magna Carta, as a truly democratic institution, with the reinstitution of Wager of Law to prevent oppression of the free man by the commune of the whole land. I live in Ellsworth, Wisconsin 54011. The post office will know me
Written April 25, 2018
Hi Vincent, that is a very interesting question, might I recommend an ancestry D.N.A kit, I'm sure England will be more than happy to check and confirm, I personally thought it was the missing head of the ' UNKNOWN SOLDIER ' who is buried in WESTMINSTER ABBEY, until I read through the literature that they have in the museum but they insist that that is Shaws skull, weather your related to him or not that is all down to you to find out,I would say that it is a possibility that you are many soldiers from that time used to travel all over Scandinavia Greenland Canada, who knows, get a d.n.a kit and check it out, and if you are let me know, and we can meet up for a drink when you come and collect your earnings,,, 'lol'
Written April 26, 2018
Bonjour audio-guide est-il en français?
Written December 21, 2017
If you time it with the horse parade at St James 1 hr plus. If you love horses and English history 45 min. You can buzz through in 20. Costumes to try on. Lots to see. Audio tour available. Really nice. Near by pub Westminster Arms good food. Also nearby is one of the coin bike rentals. And st james park. Really nice. Enjoy
Written January 5, 2017
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