Household Cavalry Museum
The Household Cavalry Museum Whitehall SW1A 2AX
Tube: Near Charing Cross, Embankment, Westminster
From 5 to 11 years-old, 12 years-old+
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About Household Cavalry Museum
If your kids love horses, history, or the idea of wearing a shiny helmet and shouting “Yes, sir!”, the Household Cavalry Museum is a must-do. Tucked inside the iconic Horse Guards building just off Whitehall, this hidden gem lets families peek behind the scenes of the King’s official mounted bodyguards, complete with actual troopers mucking out stables in full view!
Inside, little ones can try on real ceremonial kit, spot glittering medals and swords, and get hands-on with interactive exhibits that explain everything from battlefield battles to royal parades. For teens, there’s loads of historical clout and a chance to see military life up close, including daily duties and royal traditions that are still part of the job today.
Watch through a glass wall as soldiers groom their horses just metres away, then time your visit to catch the Changing of the King’s Life Guard. It’s educational, fun, and just the right size for a pit stop on a family day out.
Top tip from the KidRated team:
Pair it with a stroll in St James’s Park – ice cream by the lake is practically compulsory.
Is the Household Cavalry Museum indoors?
Yes. It’s all undercover – perfect for rainy days. You’ll still get to see real horses in action through a big glass wall into the stables.
Can kids feed or stroke the horses?
Nope. The horses are working military animals, so no touching or feeding, but you can get really close for some brilliant photos.
How long should we spend there?
Most families spend 45–60 minutes. It’s small but packed with cool stuff, so it’s ideal as part of a bigger day out.
Is there an audio guide?
Yes. You’ll get a personal audio-visual guide (in English) with subtitles on the videos. Great for curious kids and history-loving grown-ups.
Is it suitable for children with horse allergies?
If the allergy is severe, best skip this one – there are live horses nearby. Mild allergy? Bring meds just in case and stick to the galleries.
Is it accessible for wheelchairs and prams?
Yes. Everything’s on one level with step-free access. The first room has cobblestones, but most areas are smooth. There’s a baby change and accessible loo too.
Is there food or a café?
Not inside the museum, but you’re just steps from St James’s Park Café, plus plenty of family-friendly spots around Trafalgar Square and Whitehall.
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Thanks Kid Rated for the recommendation — could just be our favourite secret museum in London. Being horse-mad helps, but it also feels like a real find for anyone wanting to feel like you’re having a quintessentially London experience. It takes about 30-minutes to explore the museum, then see the guards in the stables, and head out to see the change of guard in action. We combined with a trip to the playground in St James Park!