The Household Cavalry Museum

Great little museum, actually in horse guards itself so you can see the regiment looking after it's horses first hand. The history is niche but wonderful, with a compelling sense of the ethos and character of the place through exhibits of armour, medals, photos, uniforms, writing and so on. Be aware that the museum is necessary small but still it is a wonderful insight into the regimental life.

This museum is great for a couple of hours. There is a very good audio guide. The museum explains the history of the household cavalry. Starting with the beautiful uniforms, and lots about the horses, but also about the combat experience of the guards, from Waterloo and the world wars to present conflicts.

I was disappointed. The displays were good but limited in their historical scope. Their history is so much more but sadly limited by space. I paid 50% of standard price with a voucher...do not pay full price.

Horse Guards building is located in Whitehall, London, United Kingdom, SW1A 2AX, between Whitehall and St. James's Park. It was built in 18th C, replacing an earlier building, to be used as barracks and stables for the Household Cavalry. The first Horse Guards building was commissioned by King Charles II in 1663, on the same site of the cavalry stables, on the tiltyard of the Whitehall, during the Common wealth. Built of red brick then and at a cost of 4000 £. Horse Guards, originally formed the entrance to the Palace of Whitehall and later St James's Palace. Entry to the park, then an enclosed private garden, was controlled by special ivory passes issued to favoured courtiers, a tradition which continues even today. Horse Guards has been the site where the King's Life Guards have been mounted, since the Restoration of King Charles II in 1660. The building is famous for the daily ceremonies of the Changing of the King's Life Guard, conducted by soldiers of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment. Though still in military use, part of the building houses the Household Cavalry Museum, which is open to the public. It still functions as a gateway between Whitehall and St James's Park. The Household Cavalry Museum is official and is located in the Horse Guards. Visitors can view the horses in the 18th C working stables, through a glazed partition. Exhibits explain the training and history of the regiment. Visitors to the museum are also welcome to watch the afternoon inspection of the guards and horses that happen's daily at 4 pm Two mounted sentries guard the entrance of the HG building, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily, with an hourly change. Since this change happens hourly, it offers, tourists like us, to take over the clicking of photo's happily. I loved their smartness and the dignified way of perching themselves on the horseback, with a straight spine and NO droop what so ever.

Amazing museum with so many information. Very interactive as you can try on a guard uniform. The staff is super helpful and know a lot.