Wednesday 15 February Half Term Open Day
Half Term Open Day – Wednesday 15 February tickets HERE or see below for FAQs on pricing and how to book
We’ve been really lucky to have the Regiment’s support with some hugely success Half Term Open Day family events in the recent past and are thrilled to be able to announce another one- on Wednesday 15 February 2023.
As ever, we hope to have the full gambit of amazing experiences on offer and you can meet some very special Household Cavalry Regiment members. Ready to meet you on site we’ll have our:
- Farriers
- Tailors
- Saddlers
- Veterinarians
- and of course… HORSES!
We will offer 4 opportunities to go behind the scenes and meet our wonderful Regimental family, at: 09.30am, 10.45am, 12.30pm, and 1.45pm. Each session 75mins long (though and we recommend arriving at least 5min early).
We hope to welcome you to make a day of it and book as many sessions as you’d like. Each one will aim give you time with the soldiers and that all important time with the horses.
To make the most of the day we recommend you not only meet the horses, but also ask our experts how to:
- Make a saddle and the leatherwear used by our Regiment
- Care for our horses’ health
- Change a horse’s shoe
- Make our beautiful uniform unique to every wearer
You’ll also be able to:
- Hear all about the busy year the Regiment have had
- ‘Ask a soldier anything’ when you meet them face to face
- Do a find & seek trail around the Museum
- Take away colouring in and activity sheets to enjoy at home
You could also link your visit to our daily:
- Mounted Guard Change on Horse Guards Parade (11am)
- Garrison Inspection in the Front Yard (4pm)
- Hourly sentry changes on Whitehall (10am-4pm inclusive)
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Open Day FAQs
What is a Household Cavalry Museum Open Day?
It is a rare opportunity to delve even deeper and to meet our soldiers and horses face to face when they aren’t on duty on Whitehall. We invite the Saddler, Farrier, Vet, Tailor, and Engagement Team to join us and you can ask them anything. You’ll even be able to feed their trusty Cavalry Black horses in one of the oldest Stable Yards in town.
You could say that you’ll learn what it takes to be a member of the Monarch’s Mounted Bodyguard ‘from the horses mouth’!
All proceeds help preserve over 350 years of heritage and support our charity which cares for our soldiers and horses.
How do I book tickets?
Once the Regiment has confirmed their support and the date has been announced, please go to: https://householdcavalry.co.uk/museum/visitor-information-bookings/ The booking widget is at the top of the page on a desktop and the bottom of the page when on a mobile device.
Select the number of tickets you want, choose the date, e.g.: Wednesday 15 February, and then pick your time slot.
How do timings work?
There are 4 sessions available in arrival times of 09.30am, 10.45am, 12.30pm, and 1.45pm. Each session is 75mins and we recommend arriving at least 5min early so you can get in on time and make the most of your session.
We do recommend you plan additional time to enjoy the wider site and to watch the hourly public duties, planning a 90min visit to site at a minimum.
Why are there timed sessions?
Based experience and helpful feedback we’ve found that this is the best way to ensure everyone has the best chance to enjoyably experience everything we have on offer.
This format of arrival time slots ensures that all guests get to enjoy talking to each serving soldier and, crucially for most people, a chance to meet the horses in not too large a group.
We do also recommend making time to visit the shop as part of your session- we will politely clear the site at the end of each slot to allow the next visitor group to have the same amazing experience as the group before them.
Why is the price different to the normal day tickets?
As well as our regular offer there will be additional activities available such as meeting our Farriers, Tailors, Saddlers, Veterinarians, and of course horses. Including our Engagement team, support from the Stable Yard team, and planning behind the scenes it takes over five times the number of personnel to deliver an Open Day than it does a normal day at the Museum.
Ticket prices also are benchmarked against other local offers to ensure they’re reasonable and we believe that our prices for these rare events are good value not only for their unique nature and the effort we put into them, but also in comparison to other local offers:.
For example, in October 2022, ticket prices within a 10min walk of our site included:
– A local Royal behind the scenes tour at £90pp for a 90min tour.
– A local family friendly river cruise at £62 for a family of 4 for a 45min session.
– A West End show at £99.50pp or just under £500 for a family of 5 for a 3hr production.
Our Open Day prices are: £20/adult or £50 for a family of 5 for a 75+min session. Under 5s are free of charge.
Plus, all proceeds help preserve over 350 years of heritage and support our charity which cares for our soldiers and horses.
Will my family enjoy it?
Yes, absolutely! But don’t just take our word for it; see the feedback and photos from previous events:
I have a little boy who has not stopped talking about what he saw and learnt, especially his chat with the vet .. he loved trying on the uniforms and it was great the way the lady who took us to the stables later showed him the proper way to salute and told him about the uniform … he will be back… this day in London and especially the Museum has done a lot for him.
Open Day feedback 2021
Today my son (age 10) and I attended the Household Cavalry Museum Family Open Day. What a wonderful experience this was. There was nothing I could fault. The articles on display were beautiful and seeped in history. The staff were super friendly, especially Alice. The knowledgeable tours and chats given were great. Being able to talk to serving military personnel was wonderful and gave a fabulous insight into the life as a soldier and all the amazing opportunities available to those who have the desire to join the army and serve in this incredible regiment. I learnt a great deal myself and despite the torrential rain left the museum beaming like the absent sunshine.
Open Day feedback 2019