Plan your visit to the Household Cavalry Museum in London. Buy entry tickets, see the Changing of the Guard, and explore Horse Guards Parade
If regular museums bore you, I highly recommend that you take a trip to the Household Cavalry Museum in London. It’s not just a museum – it’s a living exhibit complete with horses!
The Household Cavalry Museum offers a unique glimpse into one of Britain’s most historic and recognisable military regiments. Located at Horse Guards in the heart of London, the museum combines centuries of tradition with a working military environment that visitors can experience first-hand.
This page provides everything you need to plan your visit, including information on entry tickets, what you will see inside the museum, and how to experience the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony.
Book Household Cavalry Museum Tickets
Entry tickets to the Household Cavalry Museum allow you to explore interactive exhibitions, historic uniforms, royal ceremonial traditions, and a working stable where Household Cavalry soldiers prepare their horses for daily duties.
Booking in advance is recommended, particularly during busy holiday periods and weekends in central London.
- Discover the history of the Household Cavalry from the 17th century to the present day
- See authentic uniforms, medals, and ceremonial equipment
- Watch troopers at work through a glass screen into the operational stables
- Learn about the role of the regiment in modern Britain
The museum sits directly on Horse Guards Parade, one of London’s most iconic ceremonial locations, close to Buckingham Palace, Downing Street, and St James’s Park.
What You Will See at the Museum
The Household Cavalry Museum is more than a traditional gallery. It is part of a living military headquarters where history and daily ceremonial duties meet.
Visitors can explore:
- Historic uniforms worn by the Life Guards and Blues & Royals
- Royal standards, swords, helmets, and armour
- Personal stories of soldiers who served in war and peace
- Multimedia displays explaining modern ceremonial duties
- The working stables used by the mounted regiment today
To learn more about the distinctive dress you will encounter, see our detailed guide to Household Cavalry uniforms.
Changing of the Guard at Horse Guards
One of the highlights of any visit is witnessing the Changing of the Guard at Horse Guards Parade. This centuries-old ceremony takes place close to the museum entrance and is an essential part of London’s royal heritage.
The ceremony features mounted troopers in full ceremonial dress and is a daily reminder of the regiment’s continuing role in protecting the Sovereign.
For full details on timings and the best places to watch, visit our guide to the Household Cavalry Changing of the Guard.
The Household Cavalry Today
The Household Cavalry is both a ceremonial and operational regiment of the British Army. While famous for royal duties in London, its soldiers also serve on active military operations around the world.
You can explore this modern role in more depth on our page about Household Cavalry training and duties.
Further background on the regiment’s current role is available through the official British Army Household Cavalry overview.
Household Cavalry Parade and Band
The mounted musicians of the Household Cavalry Band are a spectacular part of London’s state ceremonial life. Their performances accompany major royal and national events throughout the year.
Learn more about their history and public appearances on our page about the Household Cavalry Parade and Band.
Plan Your Visit
The museum is located within the historic Horse Guards building on Whitehall, just minutes from Trafalgar Square and Westminster. It is easily reached on foot from many of London’s most popular attractions.
Helpful resources for planning your day in London include:
- Official London visitor information from Visit London
- Travel and transport guidance from Transport for London
- Heritage information about the surrounding area from The Royal Parks
Many visitors combine the museum with nearby sights such as Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and the Churchill War Rooms, making it an ideal stop on a London sightseeing itinerary.
Why Visit the Household Cavalry Museum?
The Household Cavalry Museum offers a rare opportunity to experience British ceremonial tradition up close while also learning about the modern realities of military service. Few museums in London provide such direct access to a living, working regiment.
Whether you are interested in history, military heritage, royal pageantry, or simply looking for a memorable London experience, the museum provides an engaging and informative visit for all ages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book Household Cavalry Museum tickets in advance?
Advance booking is recommended, particularly during weekends, school holidays, and the main London tourist season. Booking ahead guarantees entry at your preferred time and helps you plan your day more easily.
How long does a visit to the Household Cavalry Museum take?
Most visitors spend between 60 and 90 minutes exploring the exhibitions, learning about the history of the regiment, and watching activity in the working stables.
Can I see the Changing of the Guard from the museum?
Yes. The Household Cavalry Changing of the Guard takes place directly outside on Horse Guards Parade, just a few steps from the museum entrance, making it easy to combine both experiences.
Is the museum suitable for children and families?
Yes. The museum is family-friendly, with engaging displays, real horses to see, and interactive exhibits that appeal to younger visitors as well as adults.
Where is the Household Cavalry Museum located?
The museum is located at Horse Guards on Whitehall in central London, within easy walking distance of Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, and St James’s Park.
Is the Household Cavalry Museum accessible for wheelchair users?
The museum is committed to accessibility. Step-free access is available, and staff are happy to assist visitors with mobility needs. Contact the museum in advance for specific accessibility information.
Are photography and filming allowed inside the museum?
Personal photography is generally permitted inside the museum for non-commercial use. Flash photography and tripods may be restricted in certain areas to protect exhibits and working horses.
What is the best time of day to visit?
Mornings are often quieter, especially midweek. Visiting earlier in the day also makes it easier to combine your visit with the Changing of the Guard ceremony and other nearby attractions.
Can I combine the museum with other London attractions?
Yes. The museum is ideally located for a day of sightseeing. Many visitors combine it with Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the Churchill War Rooms, and the National Gallery.
Are there group or school visit options?
Yes. The Household Cavalry Museum welcomes school groups and organised tours. Special arrangements and educational resources can be provided when booked in advance.
Do museum tickets include entry to Horse Guards Parade?
Horse Guards Parade is an open public area and can be visited without a ticket. Museum tickets provide access to the exhibitions and the working stables within the Household Cavalry Museum.
Great for Children
The museum often has craft sessions on holidays and weekends, where children can discover the Household Cavalry, its history, all the while letting their creativity flow. They get to take a handmade present home that they themselves made, which makes a wonderful souvenir.
Every day they can try on Cavalry helmets and armour and talk to the Cavalrymen. They’ve also got a word search and a detective trail that runs through the museum.
During the summers, they also hold workshops to teach children what it takes to be a Trooper by having them learn how to shine boots and cuirass in order to pass daily inspection! Keep an eye out for the Household Cavalry Open Day.
Address: Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall, London SW1A 2AX
Hours: Open today · 10am–5pm
Phone: 020 7930 3070