Behind the scenes at the Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace

Nobody does flag-waving royal processions like the Brits. But behind the fancy outfits and Crown Jewels, is an army of talent bringing the magic to life. Muddy popped into the Royal Mews – responsible for all Royal road transport – for a nose.

THE LOWDOWN

Royal Mews Buckingham Palace London coaches in coach house at the Royal mews
King Edward VII Town Coach

The Royal Mews could be considered a Cinderella attraction to Buckingham Palace – its glitzy, grand neighbour. The reality is that this working department, responsible for all the road travel arrangements for The King and Royal Family, is a proper behind-the-scenes nosey at the inner workings of the Palace from the fairytale coach and horses to functional cars.

Royal Mews Buckingham Palace London sign by entrance

WHAT TO EXPECT

The entrance is low key – a gate in the high walls surrounding Buckingham Palace. Head though the entrance off Buckingham Palace Road and you’re met by a member of staff who checks your ticket and shepherds you towards the airport-style security checkpoint where you and your bag are scanned. 

Now pick up the audio guide headset, there’s a setting for adults and one designed specifically for kids (nice touch). Fight the urge to turn down the audio headset, it’s really informative, gives more info than you’ll read and actually a lot more engaging. Guided tours also run daily at 10:15am, then every hour between 11am and 4pm. 

Horse at Royal Mews Buckingham Palace London

With the entry admin complete, you make your way to the quad and follow the path. There are a couple of stables on the left and during our visit the most beautiful horse was having his breakfast in the stable. You don’t always get to see the horses in residence as they’re often working elsewhere. 

HIGHLIGHTS

Gold State Coach Royal Mews Buckingham Palace London
The Gold State Coach

There are coaches and then there’s the 260-year-old Gold State Coach. For that real life Disney princess vibe, this is the real deal. It’s big, bold, ostentatious and looks like it weighs a ton – four tonnes, to be exact. You may recognise it from the Coronation of King Charles III, and every coronation since William IV and it made an appearance during Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant in 2022. 

Gold State Coach Royal Mews Buckingham Palace London
Gilded sculptures on The Gold State Coach

Measuring 7m long and 3.6m wide, the Gold State Coach is exhibited in an enormous room of its own, with eight life-size model grey horses. What you may not have spotted off the telly, is the stunning painted panels of Roman gods and goddesses and gilded sculptures including three cherubs on the roof representing England, Scotland, and Ireland, and four massive triton figures above each wheel. It’s a work of art, even if Queen Victoria found the ride uncomfortable.

Modern Diamond Jubilee Coach
The Diamond Jubilee Coach

Don’t miss the Diamond Jubilee Coach which is a bit tucked away. Built to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s 60yr reign, it’s the newest coach at the Mews not that you would know that to look at it with the same traditional craftsmanship, but with secret mod cons. It has an aluminium body, hydraulic stabilisers and the gilded crown on top of the coach can hold a camera to film journeys. The interior is particularly special as it’s made from objects donated by historic sites and organisations including Blenheim Palace, Windsor Castle, Royal Yacht Britannia, the Antarctic bases of Captain Scott and Sir Ernest Shackleton, a Spitfire and an Avro Lancaster from 617 Squadron.

Stable Block Royal Mew Buckingham Palace London

One of our favourite parts of tour was the stable block. It’s basically the equine equivalent of Claridge’s. But in here you can sit in a replica Semi-State Landau and practice your royal wave. Heads up, it sways a bit as you climb in and out but is a unique insight to the Royal processions we love. In this part of the Royal Mews you can also play dress up in replica livery (it’s popular so you may have to wait a little for your turn), tack up a wooden pony and see Santa’s sleigh.

Rolls Royce Limo Royal Mews Buckingham Palace London

There is a Rolls Royce to ogle, but for us the coaches steal the show. Each one framed by the carriage doorways with video, audio and written panels to explain the history and significance. The attention to detail, large glass windows so the public can enjoy maximum visibility are all small but important considerations. It’s fascinating. 

GETTING THERE

London Underground is your best bet. Victoria, Hyde Park and St James’s Park are roughly a 10min walk from the Royal Mews. 

OUT & ABOUT

Buckingham Palace exterior London

While you’re in the ‘hood, you might as well go for the full royal experience. Right next door to the Royal Mews is The King’s Gallery which has regular exhibitions from the Royal Collection – Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography opens on 17 May, charting the evolution of royal portrait photography, including Snowden’s iconic shot of Princess Margaret (below). Follow the crowds and you’ll soon find yourself outside Buckingham Palace, where you’ll have to jostle for position to get that all important snap. For the full experience, in the summer months why not book the Royal Day Out package, the best value and most complete visit and includes tickets to Buckingham Palace, the Royal Mews and the exhibition at The King’s Gallery.  

The King's Gallery Royal Portraits Princess Margaret Photograph Snowdon

For free fresh air, take a stroll around Green Park and head down the flag-waving famous Mall. In the opposite direction, you can walk to Hyde Park, Mayfair and Oxford Street for lunch and a shopping spree. It’ll take about 30mins, but if you can’t wait that long or have little ones or golden oldies with you, hop on the bus or taxi. 

EATING OUT 

Mercato Metropolitana Mayfair London
Mercato Mayfair

It’s London, you’re spoilt for choice. On sunny days, you could grab sarnies and picnic in the tranquil Green Park, but we’d recommend heading up to Mercato Mayfair – a food court in the former St Mark’s Church on North Audley Street (an 8min bus ride or 30min walk). Gastronomy is a religion in here and you can choose from fresh pasta, pizza, Thai, burgers, Indian street food, salads and cocktails. It’s the perfect dining destination if mealtimes often cause a row. Head upstairs and there’s a lovely sunny terrace with views across London’s rooftops. 

THE MUDDY VERDICT

Rachel Jane Muddy Stilettos Royal Mews

Good for: Royal fans, transport geeks, history buffs and the nosy. This is a real behind-the-scenes look at some of the pomp and ceremony from fairytale to the functional.

Not for: Those who have their heart set on seeing the horses. Visitors don’t always get to see the equine superstars as they’re often working elsewhere, so it’s pretty special when some of them are in residence.

The damage: Book ahead and save yourself a few quid. Adults £17, young person (18-24yrs) £11, child (5-17yrs) £8.50, under 5s free. Good value for a stand-alone visit, or add it on to your mooch around the Buckingham Palace in the summer.

The Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace Rd, London SW1W 0QH

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