Royal Mews |
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The Royal Mews was built by Nash in the 1820's as the Mews for Buckingham Palace. The entrance off Buckingham Palace Road is through a Doric archway surmounted by a clock tower, taking you into the quadrangle. The east side is occupied by the state coaches, and on the West and North sides are some of the best stables in existence. Behind the quadrangle are the state and private motor cars.
The Coaches
The breathtaking Gold State Coach which takes eight horses to pull it, was built for George III in 1762. Weighing four tons, it is gilded in 22 caret gold with decorations symbolic of Britain. Giovanni Battista Cipriani, a Florentine historical artist, executed the painted panels. The coach has been used for every coronation since that of George IV. For the first time in its history, it was regilded for Her Majesty The Queen's Silver Jubilee on June 7th 1997, when the Gold State Coach was used in the procession to the thanksgiving service held in St. Paul's Cathedral.Other famous coaches on view are The Irish State Coach, used by the Queen for the state opening of Parliament, the state Postillion landau used by the Queen to meet visiting heads of state and The Glass Coach, used for all the Royal weddings. On view also are barouches, chaise, wagonettes, phaetons and even sleighs.
The Carriage Horses
George I began importing horses from Hanover in 1714, these were the famous Creams used by the sovereign on high state occasions, they were bred at Hampton Court until 1920. Over the years, horses have been brought from Holland, France, Morocco and Spain. Two breeds of harness horses are in use today; the Cleveland Bays and the Windsor Greys. The riding horses and polo ponies are housed at Windsor Castle.Liveries and Harness
This is surely the finest collection to be seen today. Liveries for state, semi-state, every day and even for Ascot, all in regal colours, can only be marvelled at. The Harnesses, some dating back to the 18th century many decorated with brass ornaments, make up a very fine collection.
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Opening Times
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(2008 times)
15th March to 30th October 2008:Open Daily except Fridays 11.00 - 16.00 (last admission 5.15). Exceptions: 31st July to 29th September: Daily 10:00 - 17:00 (last admission 16:15). Closed: 21st March, 31st May, 7th June, 14th June and during State Visits. An audio tour is included in the ticket price, plus guided tours in English are available at intervals throughout the day. |
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Admission Charges
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(2008 prices)
The Royal Mews:Adult £7.50; Senior Citizen/Student (with valid ID) £6.75; Under 17yrs £4.80; Under 5yrs Free; Family (2 adults, 3 under 17yrs) £19.80. Or FREE with your Londonpass |
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Directions
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| Nearest Undeground stations: Victoria, St.James's Park and Green Park. |
| Show map of Royal Mews... |
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Royal Mews Postcode for SatNav: SW1W 0QH |
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Nearby Attractions
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 Buckingham Palace
(< 1 Mile)*
Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of the sovereign, and was first opened to the public in 1993. |
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Apsley House
(< 1 Mile)*
Apsley House, home of the first Duke of Wellington, is one of the capital's finest residences. Also known as 'Number One London', because it was the first house encountered past the toll-gate into London from the countryside. |
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Westminster Abbey
(1 Mile)*
The Collegiate Church of St. Peter in Westminster, better known as Westminster Abbey, holds a unique place in Britain's history. |
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Nearby Hotels
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