Royal Mews is one of those rare palace experiences that feels practical, not just posed. I love the fact that you’re stepping into a working stables setting, and that you’ll stand close enough to really take in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach and the famous Gold State Coach.

Two other things make this ticket especially worth it: you get to see the coaches up close (not on a screen), and you get a multimedia tour in 9 languages that keeps the story moving at a good pace. The main drawback to plan for is that on some visits, you may not see a long lineup of horses in the stalls, so your “horse time” may be shorter than you hoped.

What you’ll love most (and what to watch for)

When you arrive, expect airport-style security checks, so travel light. Also, this ticket is for the Royal Mews area—not a full Buckingham Palace visit—so it’s best if you’re buying specifically for the coaches, stables, and horses.

Key things that make this ticket special

• A genuine working stable: the Mews handles royal road transport and horse training.
• Gold State Coach history: used at every coronation since William IV; most recently for King Charles III in 2023.
• Diamond Jubilee State Coach: shown during the visit, including its link to the 2014 State Opening of Parliament.
• A “real in person” coach effect: you see scale and craftsmanship that cameras can’t fully capture.
• You’ll meet the horses indirectly: Windsor Greys and Cleveland Bays are part of the story, even if stall visibility varies.
• Multimedia guide in 9 languages: helps you get meaning fast while you walk at a comfortable pace.

Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace: what this ticket actually covers

The Royal Mews is the transport and stabling operation that supports the King and the Royal Family—both horse-drawn carriages and motor cars. This is why the experience feels different from many “palace” visits. Instead of only rooms and portraits, you’re seeing the tools of movement: vehicles, tack, stalls, and horses.

Your Royal Mews Entrance Ticket gets you into the Mews and includes a multimedia tour in 9 languages. If your goal is the coaches and the working parts behind the scenes, this ticket fits that mission perfectly.

One practical note: this is not a ticket that automatically includes broader Buckingham Palace rooms. You’re visiting the Mews on Buckingham Palace Road, and the value comes from the carriage displays and stable environment.

Tickets, timing, and small-group pacing

This ticket is valid for 1 day, but you need to check availability to see your starting time. That matters because the Mews experience runs as timed entry, and it’s easiest when you plan around that slot rather than trying to wander in “whenever.”

It’s also a small group, limited to 10 participants. That low ceiling is a big deal for comfort. You’re far less likely to be elbow-to-elbow in tight viewing areas, and staff can keep things moving without crowd pressure.

In my view, the best “style” for this visit is calm and curious. Go in expecting to look, read/listen, and then look again. A couple of well-paced passes usually gives you more than trying to sprint through everything.

Arrival and security: go light and keep moving

On arrival, you and your belongings go through airport-style security checks. The simplest strategy is to bring less than you think you need.

No luggage or large bags are allowed, and there’s no cloakroom facility. So if you’re the type who always carries a daypack plus a tote plus an extra layer, you might want to consolidate. Keep it small enough that security is quick and stress-free.

The good news: photography and filming for non-commercial purposes are welcomed. Mobile phones are allowed too, just be respectful of other people who are trying to read labels or listen to their guide.

Inside the working stables: Windsor Greys and Cleveland Bays

A lot of palace visitors focus on the big ceremonial moments. The Royal Mews adds a different kind of fascination: how the Royal Family’s transport system actually works day-to-day, with horses at the center.

The Mews is responsible for training the horses that pull the coaches and carriages—specifically the Windsor Greys and Cleveland Bays. Even if you’re not seeing every horse in every stall during your visit, the experience is built around that living, practical role.

If you’re an animal fan, keep your expectations realistic. Some visits may show only a couple of horses in view. That can still be rewarding because you’re seeing them in a working-stables context, not as background animals behind glass.

The coach highlights: Gold State, Diamond Jubilee, and the rest

This is where your ticket earns its keep: the coaches. You’re not just passing by replicas. You’re viewing vehicles with deep ceremonial use, and many have specific stories attached.

Gold State Coach: coronations since William IV

The most dazzling stop is the Gold State Coach, which has been used at every coronation since the coronation of William IV. Queen Elizabeth II used it for her Coronation Day in 1953, and it was most recently used for the Coronation of King Charles III in 2023.

When you stand close to it, the details matter more than you might expect. The craftsmanship and ornate structure look different in person than they do on television. If you love pageantry, this is your centerpiece.

Diamond Jubilee State Coach: 2014 State Opening of Parliament

Another major display is the Diamond Jubilee State Coach, which conveyed Queen Elizabeth II during the State Opening of Parliament on 4 June 2014. This link is powerful because it’s not just “old royal stuff.” It’s recent history—within living memory.

This coach is a great choice for photo lovers too, because you’re seeing the kind of grandeur that reads immediately at close range.

Australian State Coach: comfort tech for royal travel

You’ll also see the Australian State Coach, notable for features like central heating and electric windows. According to the information provided for this visit, it carried Queen Elizabeth II and The Duke of Edinburgh from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace after the Royal Wedding in 2011.

This is one of those “wait, really?” details that makes the Mews feel surprisingly modern under the gold and glamour. It’s a reminder that even historic transport still had to meet comfort needs.

Irish State Coach: bought by Queen Victoria

Among the vehicles, there’s the Irish State Coach, purchased by Queen Victoria in 1852. It’s tied to significant royal travel, including use by Queen Victoria, King George VI, and Queen Elizabeth II for the State Opening of Parliament.

If you like timeline thinking—who traveled where, and when—this is one of the coaches that helps you stitch centuries together quickly.

Expect the rest of the lineup

Beyond the headline coaches, you’ll see other carriages and vehicles connected to royal life, including a coordination carriage mentioned as a stunning feature by visitors. The exact mix is the draw for repeat visits, but the overall experience stays focused: the Royal Mews as the working transport hub.

How the multimedia tour works in 9 languages

Your ticket includes a multimedia tour in 9 languages: Spanish, Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, and Russian. That’s a serious plus for families and mixed-language groups, because you’re not stuck with only one narration style.

The big value here is timing. You’ll have enough structure to know what you’re looking at—without feeling rushed. Many visitors highlight how the tour is easy to follow and appropriate even for kids, which tells me the pacing is designed to hold attention.

A practical tip: start the audio/multimedia guide soon after entry so you don’t spend the first stretch guessing what each coach is and why it matters. When you match the narration to what’s in front of you, everything clicks faster.

If you’re the type who likes to keep moving, you can still do it. The experience generally supports a walk-and-stop rhythm rather than a strict guided march.

How long it takes and whether it feels crowded

Duration-wise, your ticket is valid for 1 day, and you’ll select a starting time based on availability. Actual time on site can vary, but many visitors describe it as a short tour—around 1–2 hours for a relaxed pace.

Crowding usually isn’t the issue it can be at the biggest palace sights. The small-group limit and the nature of the space help. You still want to aim for your time slot and be ready for security, but once you’re inside, it generally feels manageable.

If you’re visiting with children, this is a strong point. It’s long enough to feel like you got a real experience, but short enough that attention stays intact.

Who should book the Royal Mews entrance ticket (and who might skip it)

This ticket is a great match for you if you care about three things: vehicles, horses, and royal process without the massive crowds of the main attractions. It’s also ideal if you want something educational that doesn’t feel like a lecture.

Families often like it because the horses and coaches are visually immediate, and the multimedia tour can hold a child’s interest. Multi-generational groups can also do well here because everyone can focus on a different detail—coaches for one person, horses for another, and history context for the third.

You might consider skipping—or at least tempering expectations—if you’re only interested in the interior of Buckingham Palace or you want to see many horses at once. Horse visibility can be limited depending on what’s out in the stalls during your time slot.

Price and value: is $22.90 worth it?

At $22.90 per person, the Royal Mews ticket isn’t “cheap,” but it’s also not trying to be. You’re paying for access to a working stables environment plus multiple signature coaches tied to major royal events.

The value gets stronger when you consider what’s included:

• Entrance to the Royal Mews
• A multimedia tour in 9 languages
• Close viewing of major ceremonial vehicles like the Gold State Coach and Diamond Jubilee State Coach

For many people, the best part is proximity. Seeing the coaches in person lets you appreciate scale and craftsmanship that TV never quite captures. If that’s what you’re after, the price aligns well with the experience you’ll actually get.

Final call: should you book the Royal Mews?

If you want a meaningful Buckingham Palace-adjacent experience focused on horses and ceremonial transport, I’d book it. The working-stables setting plus the iconic coaches (especially the Gold State Coach) make it the kind of visit you’ll remember even after you’ve moved on from the big-ticket sights.

Book with clear expectations, though. This is a Royal Mews experience, not a full palace tour. And if seeing lots of horses is your #1 priority, give yourself a little flexibility—your stall view can vary by what’s out that day.

FAQ

Where do I exchange my voucher for the Royal Mews ticket?

You exchange your voucher at the ticket office, then proceed to the visitor entrance to the Royal Mews on Buckingham Palace Road.

What’s included with the Royal Mews entrance ticket?

The ticket includes entrance to the Royal Mews and a multimedia tour in 9 languages.

How long is the ticket valid?

The ticket is valid for 1 day. Starting times depend on availability.

Is the group size small?

Yes. The Royal Mews visit is limited to 10 participants.

What languages are available for the audio or multimedia tour?

The multimedia tour is available in Spanish, Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, and Russian.

Are bags or luggage allowed?

No luggage or large bags are allowed, and there are no cloakroom facilities.

Is photography allowed inside the Royal Mews?

Photography and filming for non-commercial purposes are welcomed.

Can I cancel my ticket for a refund?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What items are not allowed at the Royal Mews?

Certain items such as pen-knives and scissors are not allowed, and there’s guidance that some large items of baggage won’t be accepted.

Should you be able to use tickets bought via GetYourGuide for a 1-year Pass?

No. Tickets purchased through GetYourGuide cannot be converted into a 1-year Pass.

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