Household Cavalry Museum

Household Cavalry Museum: A Living Tradition in Central London

The Household Cavalry Museum offers visitors an engaging look into the lives of soldiers who continue to perform ceremonial and military duties today. Through a large glazed partition, visitors can watch horses in their working stables and observe troopers as they care for them. Interactive audiovisual displays and touchscreens provide fascinating insights into the history, traditions, and daily responsibilities of the Household Cavalry.

Located within Horse Guards in Whitehall, the museum occupies one of central London’s most historic settings. Dating back to 1750, Horse Guards remains the headquarters of the Household Division. The location has a strong connection to royal ceremonial traditions, with the Household Cavalry continuing to perform the King's Life Guard ceremony, a daily tradition that has remained broadly unchanged for more than 350 years.

The Household Cavalry was established in 1661 by direct order of King Charles II and today comprises two senior British Army regiments: The Life Guards and The Blues and Royals. Visitors can discover their distinguished history and gain a closer understanding of military life. The opportunity to try on parts of the traditional uniform adds an interactive element to the museum experience.

A visit also provides an opportunity to witness the continuing ceremonial traditions of the Household Cavalry. The Changing of the King's Life Guard takes place daily on Horse Guards Parade at 11am, while the daily inspection takes place at 4pm. Combining living military traditions, historic surroundings, working horses, and interactive exhibits, the museum provides a memorable insight into an important part of Britain's royal and military heritage.