London Tourist Attractions: The Household Cavalry Museum – A Display of British Royal Splendor

There are many royal attractions in Britain, from the Queen's official residence Buckingham Palace, to Windsor Castle, one of the largest inhabited castles in the world today, to the solemn and magnificent Westminster Abbey, all of which attract the attention of tourists from around the globe. The London Pass today takes you to visit a unique tourist attraction showcasing British royal splendor – The Household Cavalry Museum.

Located in the heart of London at Whitehall, which has long been the headquarters of the Household Cavalry, the museum offers a unique perspective into the 'behind-the-scenes' work of the Household Cavalry soldiers, telling the story of the Queen's Cavalry through engaging equestrian experiences, interactive explanations, and rare artifacts.

Founded in 1661, the current Household Cavalry consists of the two most senior regiments in the British Army – the Life Guards and The Blues and Royals. Together they play two crucial roles: first, as the cavalry regiment responsible for protecting Her Majesty the Queen in a series of ceremonial events in London and the UK, showcasing British royal splendor; and second, as a fighting force deployed worldwide, equipped with various armored vehicles, carrying out humanitarian operations and participating in peacekeeping missions.

Image source: The Household Cavalry Museum

The Household Cavalry Museum

Opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 2007, the Household Cavalry Museum offers a unique perspective and important way to learn about these two vital British regiments, their traditional ceremonies, and combat duties.

Image source: The Household Cavalry Museum

The museum combines the daily activities of the Horse Guards with rich interactive exhibits. You can watch soldiers caring for horses in the historic stables through the museum's glass walls, and guards preparing before duty. Through a wide array of exhibits, such as ceremonial uniforms, royal standards, gallantry medals, musical instruments, saddlery, and silverware (with Chinese audio guide), you can learn about the regiment's history and stories in both royal ceremonies and war conflicts.

Image source: The Household Cavalry Museum

The museum has a sentry change every hour, with the morning changing of the guard being especially notable. In the afternoon, there is also a guard inspection event.

Image source: The Household Cavalry Museum

Here, you can even dress up in the cavalry's iconic tunic, armor, and helmet, and take photos as a cavalryman.

Museum address: Horse Guards, Whitehall, London SW1A 2AX

Opening hours: April to October 10am–6pm, November to March 10am–5pm

Changing of the Guard times: Monday to Saturday 11am, Sunday 10am

Ticket price: £9.5 (free with The London Pass)