- All passes
- Family-friendly
- Indoors
Up to an hour
Household Cavalry Museum
Up to an hour
Unleash your inner equestrian and journey through centuries of royal tradition at The Household Cavalry Museum – where history comes to life in every hoofbeat!
What visitors are saying
4.7For kids the museum itself and St James's Park nearby is a great combination.
Aug 1, 2025This is a small, well run and very accessible museum.
Dec 30, 2025Sample of Cavalry uniforms, particularly the shiny breast plates were fun for males of all ages.
Aug 1, 2025Fortunately it appeared that everyone observing was respectful and we didn’t see anyone “step inside the box.”
Oct 18, 2025- Explore London with The London Pass®Your London pass includes dozens of other top attractions, all for one money-saving price
What you'll do
The Household Cavalry Museum gets you up close to The King’s Mounted Bodyguard. Explore their history and discover more about their present-day role. The museum offers views into the working stables operated by the regiment and tells the story of The Household Cavalry through compelling personal testimonies, interactivity and rare artifacts.
The Household Cavalry Museum located at the Horse Guards in Whitehall is one of the most historic buildings in the city. Dating back to 1750, the building is still the headquarters of the Army in London. Visitors to the museum learn about the traditions of the Household Cavalry and experience the daily ceremony of the King’s Life Guard that has remained unchanged since its founding in 1660. The museum's location provides a unique backdrop that helps immerse visitors in the rich history and ongoing activities of the regiment.
Opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 2007, The Household Cavalry Museum offers a unique behind-the-scenes perspective on two vital British Army regiments - the Life Guards and the Blues & Royals - and both the ceremonial and operational duties they perform. It offers a metaphorical and literal window into the prestigious history and everyday workings of the Household Cavalry, with a large glazed partition through which visitors see troopers tending to their horses in the original 18th century stables and a wealth of exhibitions covering the regiments’ history in theatres of conflict and during Royal ceremonial occasions.
This is a living museum, giving access to the heart of the modern working environment of a place the Household Cavalry has guarded for well over 350 years. The King’s Life Guard ceremony is performed here each morning, as is the daily afternoon inspection. The Household Cavalry Museum pairs the everyday activities at Horse Guards with a wealth of interactive exhibits, as well as personal testimonies from troopers regarding their training and responsibilities. There’s even the opportunity to try on the iconic uniform for yourself and dress like a cavalryman.
Household Cavalry Museum Highlights
In 1994, when the royal punishment officially expired, Queen Elizabeth II elected to persist with the daily inspections because by then they were a firmly established tradition.
Horse Guards Parade
Horse Guards Clock faces out onto Whitehall and Horse Guards Parade. You can’t miss it during your visit to the Household Cavalry Museum. Before Big Ben, it was the primary public clock in the Westminster area.
Facts
The afternoon inspection of guards and horses began in 1894 when Queen Victoria discovered the guards drinking and gambling instead of performing their protective duties. She doled out her punishment: the guards would be inspected at 4PM daily for the next 100 years.
In 1994, when the royal punishment officially expired, Queen Elizabeth II elected to persist with the daily inspections because by then they were a firmly established tradition.
Horse Guards Clock faces out onto Whitehall and Horse Guards Parade. You can’t miss it during your visit to the Household Cavalry Museum. Before Big Ben, it was the primary public clock in the Westminster area.
What's included
Pay nothing at the door—simply show your pass.
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.
Charing Cross Train or Underground - Bakerloo & Northern line (6 minute walk), Westminister Underground - Jubilee, District & Circle lines (6 minute walk)
Standard opening hours
Opening hours are also affected by security closures for ceremonial reasons. Please check the museum's website for the most up-to-date information.
Closings & holidays
Good Friday
London Marathon day
Remembrance Sunday
24 to 26 December annually
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