The streets of London are no longer full of horses as they were in days past, but that doesn’t mean a horse lover can’t find plenty to do in the city. Check out these suggestions for a little quality horse time during your visit!
Changing of the Queen’s Life Guard
The Changing of the Guard is one of the most iconic spectacles in all of London. However, that also makes it one of the most crowded events. Getting a good viewing spot can require arriving an hour or more before the event…time that could be better used exploring the city. Thankfully (especially for horse lovers!) the Changing of the Queen’s Life Guard offers a different view, often with significantly less crowds and complete with horses.
There is also a formal afternoon inspection…an ongoing punishment after Queen Victoria caught several officers drinking and gambling on duty way back in 1894!
Both ceremonies take place at the Horse Guards Parade grounds. You can find out more on the Household Division website.
If you can’t make it to one of the ceremonies, mounted officers stand guard all day from approximately 11a to 4p at the gates. Perfect for photos!
Household Cavalry Museum
The Household Cavalry Museum is a small museum that spans the regiment’s history from the days of horses and camels through their more modern vehicular assignments. You can even peek in to the stables and see the horses and officers at their daily routine. The museum’s gift shop is full of horse themed souvenirs, so if you’re looking for something to take home for a fellow horse lover, this is the place to find it!
Ride in Hyde Park
There’s no better horse experience than saddling up and exploring by horseback! Pack your riding boots and plan on heading over to Hyde Park to explore the network of riding paths throughout the beautiful 350-acre grounds. There are stables in the area that will rent out horses appropriate for all levels of riding.
The Olympia London International Horse Show
The Olympia London International Horse Show has been a part of London’s history since 1907! A week long event, the show features competitions spanning a wide variety of disciplines including jumping, dressage, and carriage driving as well as fun spectator events such as pony racing and equine entertainment. If you’re in town during the event, be sure to check it out!
Royal Mews
The term “mews” refers to a row of stables and carriage houses. The Royal Mews in London houses the Queen’s horses and carriages. On select days, the stables are open to the public where you can view the horses and the coaches up close. And, for your non-horsey companions, there is also a display of vehicles used by the royal family as well. Just be sure to check their online calendar, the mews are closed any time that the horses are in use. On my last trip to London, I couldn’t visit for just that reason…but, better yet, I got to see the horses and carriages out on the street instead!
The Ham Polo Club
The last remaining polo club in greater London, the Ham Polo Club offers the chance to spend a leisurely afternoon enjoying the sport of kings. You can even bring your own picnic lunch (don’t forget the Champagne!) to enjoy from the edge of the pitch. On select days, they hold additional social events after the matches. A calendar of events (and ticket prices) can be found on their website.
