Household Cavalry Museum, London

If you linger around Horse Guards long enough, chances are you'll spot a member of the Household Cavalry either frozen in place like a regal statue or clip-clopping past you with practiced pomp. These aren鈥檛 just any soldiers, mind you, but the crimson-clad, brass-armored elite, looking like they galloped straight out of a painting and into your vacation photos. Drawn from two of the most prestigious regiments in the British Army鈥攖he Life Guards and the Blues and Royals鈥攖hese troops don鈥檛 simply protect the monarch, they are the monarch鈥檚 muscle, front and center for state occasions and that crowd-pleasing ritual known as the Changing of the Guard.

Just behind all that ceremonial splendor is the Household Cavalry Museum, tucked inside what used to be the cavalry鈥檚 17th-century stables. Inside, you鈥檒l find an exhibit game strong enough to rival the soldiers themselves鈥攇leaming weapons, historic uniforms dating back to 1661, and modern interactive displays that show the cavalry鈥檚 current duties (note: it鈥檚 not all parades and photo ops).

In the tack room, you can try your hand at trooper life鈥攍iterally. Feel the weight of a saddle, size up some bridles, and even suit up in full regalia, complete with the iconic brass helmet and horsehair plume that makes everyone look ten percent more heroic. And if that鈥檚 not enough equestrian magic, just head to the glass wall overlooking the stable block, where you can spy on the horses as they鈥檙e groomed, fed, and no doubt wondering why the humans aren鈥檛 wearing helmets more often.

In short, it鈥檚 where history meets horsepower鈥攁nd both wear very shiny boots.

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Sight Name: Household Cavalry Museum
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

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