The Household Cavalry Museum - Image 1

The Household Cavalry Museum

London, United Kingdom•4.5(3.4k)•Historic House, Museum

Explore London's living museum celebrating the Household Cavalry with interactive exhibits, working stables, and daily ceremonial parades at Horse Guards.

The Household Cavalry Museum offers visitors an immersive journey into the history and daily operations of HM The King's bodyguard, the highest rank in the British Army. Located in the heart of ceremonial London on Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall, the museum provides a unique perspective on military heritage and equestrian excellence. Visitors can experience interactive exhibits featuring saddles, tack, and military artifacts while watching soldiers and horses at work in the adjacent stables. The museum includes an immersive multimedia audio tour available in multiple languages, bringing the stories and accomplishments of the Household Cavalry to life. The venue is particularly appealing for families interested in British history, military heritage, and horses. The museum's setting on Horse Guards Parade allows visitors to combine their visit with daily ceremonial experiences, including The King's Life Guard (Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 11:00 am) and the 4 O'Clock Inspection (daily at 4:00 pm). The museum café provides refreshment options, and the venue is pushchair-friendly. Special events and workshops, such as embroidery experiences with the Royal School of Needlework, offer additional cultural experiences throughout the year.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: 10:00 – 17:00
Tuesday: 10:00 – 17:00
Wednesday: 10:00 – 17:00
Thursday: 10:00 – 17:00
Friday: 10:00 – 17:00
Saturday: 10:00 – 17:00
Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00

Venue Details

Venue Type

Indoor & Outdoor

Typical visit duration

1-3 hours

Booking

Walk-in or book in advance

What this place offers

ToiletsToilets
Public transportPublic transport nearby
Accessible toilets
Free WiFi
Baby changingBaby changing facilities
Food available
On-site parking
🐕Dog-friendly
Parking nearby
Pushchair friendlyPushchair friendly

☕ Food & Drink

Household Cavalry Museum Café

On-site dining facilities available for visitors to the museum

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Google Reviews

4.5(3.4k reviews)
R
Rik

Rik

2 months ago

Great little museum, actually in horse guards itself so you can see the regiment looking after it's horses first hand. The history is niche but wonderful, with a compelling sense of the ethos and character of the place through exhibits of armour, medals, photos, uniforms, writing and so on. Be aware that the museum is necessary small but still it is a wonderful insight into the regimental life.

J
Jane Hodge

Jane Hodge

3 months ago

Been before and really enjoyed it so i took my grandson’s to see it. Not only did it cost me £29 to get in, when last time im sure we didn't pay, it seemed as if it has been made smaller not so much to see. What there was it see was interesting, my grandson’s said that they enjoyed it but we were in abd out in less than and hour and had seen it all.

N
Neeru Das

Neeru Das

4 months ago

Horse Guards building is located in Whitehall, London, United Kingdom, SW1A 2AX, between Whitehall and St. James's Park. It was built in 18th C, replacing an earlier building, to be used as barracks and stables for the Household Cavalry. The first Horse Guards building was commissioned by King Charles II in 1663, on the same site of the cavalry stables, on the tiltyard of the Whitehall, during the Common wealth. Built of red brick then and at a cost of 4000 £. Horse Guards, originally formed the entrance to the Palace of Whitehall and later St James's Palace. Entry to the park, then an enclosed private garden, was controlled by special ivory passes issued to favoured courtiers, a tradition which continues even today. Horse Guards has been the site where the King's Life Guards have been mounted, since the Restoration of King Charles II in 1660. The building is famous for the daily ceremonies of the Changing of the King's Life Guard, conducted by soldiers of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment. Though still in military use, part of the building houses the Household Cavalry Museum, which is open to the public. It still functions as a gateway between Whitehall and St James's Park. The Household Cavalry Museum is official and is located in the Horse Guards. Visitors can view the horses in the 18th C working stables, through a glazed partition. Exhibits explain the training and history of the regiment. Visitors to the museum are also welcome to watch the afternoon inspection of the guards and horses that happen's daily at 4 pm Two mounted sentries guard the entrance of the HG building, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily, with an hourly change. Since this change happens hourly, it offers, tourists like us, to take over the clicking of photo's happily. I loved their smartness and the dignified way of perching themselves on the horseback, with a straight spine and NO droop what so ever.

A
A Hanna

A Hanna

5 months ago

The parade is very well organized, the horses are magnificent, and the officers look very elegant and impeccable. It's a beautiful tradition that underscores the importance of each changing of the guard. Beautiful, elegant, and traditionally military.

H
HooglyB

HooglyB

7 months ago

The staff were very helpful and kind. The museum itself was nice and compact, filled with interesting historical facts and artifacts! Learned a lot in 30 mins.

Reviews last updated: 6 October 2026

Events at The Household Cavalry Museum

No upcoming events scheduled

Check back soon for new events at this venue.

This venue was last updated on 6 October 2026

Frequently asked questions about The Household Cavalry Museum

Is The Household Cavalry Museum free to visit?

The Household Cavalry Museum is a paid attraction — see the official website for current ticket prices.

Is The Household Cavalry Museum dog-friendly?

Dogs are not permitted at The Household Cavalry Museum.

Is there parking at The Household Cavalry Museum?

The Household Cavalry Museum doesn't have on-site parking, but parking is available nearby.

Is there food at The Household Cavalry Museum?

Yes — Household Cavalry Museum Café is on site at The Household Cavalry Museum. On-site dining facilities available for visitors to the museum

Is The Household Cavalry Museum pushchair-friendly?

Yes, The Household Cavalry Museum is pushchair, pram and buggy friendly — most areas are step-free so you can navigate easily with little ones in tow.

How long should we plan to spend at The Household Cavalry Museum?

Plan 1–3 hours for a visit to The Household Cavalry Museum.

How do I get to The Household Cavalry Museum by public transport?

The Household Cavalry Museum is well-served by public transport.

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