Buckingham Palace: The Royal Mews Entrance Ticket

A working palace stable beats a museum, hands down. The Royal Mews is a behind-the-scenes look at how Britain moves royalty, with real horses and historic state coaches on display. I especially like how close you get to the vehicles, and how the place explains the job they do, not just the decor.

Second win: the coaches themselves. You’ll see the Diamond Jubilee State Coach tied to Queen Elizabeth II’s 2014 State Opening of Parliament, and the Gold State Coach, used at coronations for generations, most recently for King Charles III in 2023.

One thing to think about first: this is the Royal Mews, not a full Buckingham Palace ticket. Also, you’ll go through airport-style security, and you can’t bring large bags.

Key highlights at a glance

• Working royal transport stables: see how horse-drawn travel still matters
• Gold State Coach close up: used at every coronation since William IV
• Diamond Jubilee State Coach: linked to 2014 Parliament opening
• Horses you can spot: Windsor Greys and Cleveland Bays in the stables
• Small group feel: limited to 10 participants
• Multimedia tour in 9 languages: audio guide available in multiple languages

Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace: what you’re really paying for

The Royal Mews are where the road travel gets handled for the King and the Royal Family. That means you’re looking at working stables, not a theme park. The Royal Mews handle transport with both horse-drawn carriages and motor cars, and the horses aren’t random display animals. They’re part of the working set, including training for the Windsor Greys and Cleveland Bays—the breeds that pull royal carriages.

This is why the visit feels different from typical palace sightseeing. Instead of only looking at rooms and portraits, you’re watching history in motion. Even when the horses aren’t right in front of you, the space makes sense: tack, harnessing, routines, and the careful way the Royal Family’s travel is staged.

If you like horses, wheels, and engineering that looks like art, this ticket hits your sweet spot.

Price and value: is $22.90 a fair deal?

At about $22.90 per person, the Royal Mews ticket isn’t the cheapest thing near Buckingham Palace—but it’s also not trying to sell you a big, multi-building palace day.

Here’s what you get for the money:

• Entrance ticket to the Royal Mews
• A multimedia tour (including an audio guide) in 9 languages
• A small-group setup (limited to 10 participants)

For me, the value comes down to one point: you’re seeing multiple top-tier vehicles tied to real royal events. The display isn’t “a coach-shaped object over there.” These are the actual state coaches you’ve seen in documentaries, now at a scale you can register with your own eyes.

Also, you’re not forced into a fast schedule. The ticket is valid for one day and you choose from available starting times. That helps if your day is packed with other London stops.

Ticket flow at Buckingham Palace Road: from voucher to stables

Your visit starts by exchanging your voucher at the ticket office. Then you walk to the visitor entrance to The Royal Mews on Buckingham Palace Road.

The experience ends back at the meeting point, so you’re not wandering across half the palace grounds hunting for an exit. It’s a clean loop.

On-site, expect airport-style security checks. Try to bring as little as possible. That sounds like a no-fun rule, but it really helps your time, since there’s no cloakroom on site for bigger items.

One practical heads-up: the ticket can be confusing for first-timers if you’re expecting a full Buckingham Palace experience. This is a Royal Mews entrance ticket. It’s focused. You’re there for the stables and vehicles.

The multimedia audio tour in 9 languages (and how to use it well)

Included with your ticket is a multimedia tour in 9 languages. The audio guide options listed are: Spanish, Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, and Russian.

This matters because it changes the way you move. You can pace yourself like you’re on your own mini guided tour, without feeling lost.

The best way to use a multimedia guide here:

• Start it early so you’re oriented before you get surrounded by coaches and names.
• Listen for the event links (coronations, state openings, royal weddings). Those details make the vehicles more than impressive objects.
• Pause where the audio emphasizes specific features. The story tends to match what you’re looking at.

Some sessions are led with extra help from staff, and you may even hear the names Jorge or Lynne in the group experience, depending on timing. Either way, the audio keeps you on track even if you prefer quiet.

What you’ll see: Diamond Jubilee, Gold, and the event connections

The Royal Mews displays several major state coaches, and the standout is that each one is tied to a specific royal moment. That’s where the visit becomes satisfying: you’re not just admiring decoration. You’re connecting objects to history you’ve already seen on TV.

Diamond Jubilee State Coach: 2014 Parliament opening

The Diamond Jubilee State Coach is a major highlight. It conveyed Queen Elizabeth II to the State Opening of Parliament on 4 June 2014.

Why it hits: this is recent history compared to some of the others. It bridges “I’ve read about this” and “I remember watching it.” When you see it in person, the scale and craftsmanship feel more immediate.

Gold State Coach: coronations since William IV

Then comes the star of the show for many people: the Gold State Coach, used at every coronation since William IV.

It has also been used in:

• Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation day (1953)
• The most recent coronation use for King Charles III (2023)

Even if you’re not a royal-history superfan, this coach has a built-in cultural gravity. Seeing it in the Royal Mews lets you connect that tradition to the reality of how royals travel—carefully, ceremonially, and with a machine-like level of preparation.

If you’re choosing where to spend extra time, spend it with the Gold State Coach. That’s where your camera will be busy and your brain will start counting details.

Other state coaches worth your time (Australian and Irish)

The Royal Mews doesn’t stop at two famous coaches. You’ll also see other vehicles with distinct designs and practical features.

Australian State Coach: comfort meets technology

The Australian State Coach is noted for practicality that sounds surprising in a place like this: it has central heating and electric windows.

It carried Queen Elizabeth II and The Duke of Edinburgh from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace after the 2011 Royal Wedding.

This is a great stop if you enjoy the intersection of tradition and engineering. You can appreciate the formal look while also thinking about how royals stay comfortable during major appearances.

Irish State Coach: purchased in 1852

The Irish State Coach was purchased by Queen Victoria in 1852.

Queen Victoria, King George VI, and Queen Elizabeth II all traveled to the State Opening of Parliament in this carriage.

Why it’s valuable: it shows how long the monarchy’s ceremonial transport tradition has been evolving. It’s not frozen in time. It’s been used, maintained, and kept relevant for a very long stretch of British history.

Royal horses and the stables: what you might actually notice

The Royal Mews is also about the horses that power the whole show. This is where your expectations should be grounded.

You’ll have the chance to see some of the King’s horses that draw the coaches and carriages housed in the Mews. The training responsibilities include the Windsor Greys and Cleveland Bays.

A few important notes for your planning:

• The number and visibility of horses can vary. Sometimes you may see only a couple up close; other times the stables feel more active.
• You still get the meaning of the place even if you don’t catch a full “horse parade.” The stables explain the operational side of royal transport.

If you really care about spotting the horses, give yourself time to look around and don’t treat the first viewing spot as the final one. In a working stable, the best sightlines aren’t always obvious.

Practical stuff that saves you time: bags, security, and photos

This is one of those experiences where small decisions make a big difference.

Don’t bring large bags

Luggage or large bags are not allowed, and there’s no cloakroom. So travel light. If you’re doing a full day in London, consider storing big items before you head here.

Security checks

On arrival, you and your belongings will go through airport-style security checks. Bring as little as possible so screening moves quickly.

Photos and filming

Photography and filming for non-commercial purposes are welcomed. Mobile phones can be used, with the usual etiquette—be considerate of other visitors.

These rules help you enjoy the space without stress. You’re there for detail work, like looking at coach structures and noticing how things are arranged.

Timing and pacing: how long to plan for

Your ticket is valid for one day, and you should check availability for starting times.

In real terms, you’ll likely want to plan around 1–2 hours for the full experience. That range fits how the Royal Mews is set up: enough time to read/listen, move at an easy pace, and take photos without sprinting.

The small-group limit of 10 participants also supports a slower pace. You’re not packed shoulder-to-shoulder, and you can stop when something grabs you.

Who this Royal Mews ticket suits best

I think this works for a lot of different kinds of travelers:

• Royal-curious visitors who want the vehicles behind the headlines
• Horse lovers who want a real stable context (not just a postcard view)
• Families looking for a short, interesting outing with audio support
• People who like “how it works” more than “just what it looks like”

If you’re hoping to spend an entire day inside Buckingham Palace rooms, this isn’t that ticket. But if you want a focused, high-impact experience right at the palace, it’s a strong match.

The main drawback to factor in

The biggest consideration is visibility and expectations:

• The stables are working spaces, and horse access can be limited to what’s currently accessible.
• Some parts of the experience focus heavily on vehicles, so if you’re expecting wall-to-wall horses, you might feel a bit shortchanged.

Another common friction point is clarity around what you’re buying. Make sure you understand you’re getting a Royal Mews entrance ticket, not general Buckingham Palace admission to other areas.

Should you book the Royal Mews ticket?

Yes—if you want a compact experience with serious wow-factor. For the price, you’re getting multiple world-famous state coaches at real, walk-up scale, plus a 9-language multimedia tour that helps you connect names and events to what you see.

Book it especially if:

• you’re near Buckingham Palace anyway
• you like horses or vehicles
• you want an experience that’s both visual and educational without turning into a long-day slog

Skip it only if you need a broader palace-ticket day, or if you’re expecting guaranteed close-up horse viewing the entire time.

If you go in with that mindset, the Royal Mews delivers the goods.

FAQ

FAQ

How much does the Royal Mews entrance ticket cost?

The Royal Mews entrance ticket price is listed as $22.90 per person.

Where do I exchange my voucher and start the visit?

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

How long is the ticket valid?

The ticket is valid for 1 day. You’ll need to check availability to see starting times.

What’s included with the ticket?

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

What languages are available for the audio guide?

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

Is this tour a large group?

No. It’s limited to a small group of up to 10 participants.

Can I bring luggage or large bags?

No. Luggage or large bags are not allowed, and there are no cloakroom facilities.

Will I go through security screening?

Yes. On arrival, you and your belongings will be subject to airport-style security checks.

Are photos and filming allowed?

Photography and filming for non-commercial purposes are welcomed.

Can I convert this ticket into a 1-year Pass?

Tickets purchased through GetYourGuide cannot be converted into a 1-year Pass.