Built in the 1820s, the Royal Mews is one of the finest working stables in the world. It is also home to the Cleveland Bay and Windsor Grey horses which pull the coaches on ceremonial occasions; and houses the royal collection of historic carriages and coaches.

Among those on display are the Irish State Coach in which the Queen travels to State Openings of Parliament; the 1902 State Landau in which she meets foreign heads of state; and the massive Gold State Coach, built for George III in 1762: it weighs almost four tonnes, takes eight horses to pull it, and has carried every monarch to their coronation since 1821.

Visitors also see a collection of ceremonial harnesses and the colourful liveries worn by royal coachmen.

The Royal Mews is also running a new series of family programmes designed for 5-11 year-olds at weekends and school holidays - subjects include art and storytelling workshops.

Opening Times
The Royal Mews are open daily, except Fridays, until July 30; daily from July 31 to September 6, during the summer opening of Buckingham Palace; and then from Sept. 27 to Oct.31.

Admission
£5.50 adults, £4.50 pensioners and students, under-17 £3.