We spoke to Nicola Ayrton-Guest, director of The Household Cavalry Museum, about her royal role and her favourite London locations
Why should The Household Cavalry Museum be on every first-time visitor’s itinerary?
The Household Cavalry Museum provides a unique window into the history, traditions and day-to-day life of the British Army’s most senior regiments: The Life Guards and the Blues and Royals. Set within the historic Horse Guards building in Whitehall, the museum brings to life more than 350 years of service, ceremony and sacrifice. We are a living museum about real people doing a real job in a real place.
What can we expect to see at the museum?
Through a large, glazed partition, visitors can look into the working stables to see the King’s Life Guards and horses at work, explore displays of rare artefacts and try on the genuine uniform of the Household Cavalry to get that all-important selfie! Try to time your visit for the 11am guard change or the 4pm daily inspection.
What appeals to you about working at the museum?
Sharing stories of the regiment, whether they be from 1660 or about those serving today, as I enjoy helping visitors connect with Britain’s ceremonial and military traditions. And, of course, being able to see the wonderful horses every day is a bonus!
How about the capital? Do you have any favourite locations or landmarks?
My favourite location is here in Westminster as we’re so spoilt with all this history and heritage on our doorstep: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. The buildings are iconic, and Buckingham Palace and tranquil St James’s Park are on the doorstep. What’s not to like?
Tell us about your favourite London attraction.
The Tower of London has always been a favourite of mine – when I was a child, I went on a school trip and was mesmerised by the Crown Jewels. Make sure you go on a tour with a Yeoman Warder as they have fantastic stories to tell.
If you could only eat at one restaurant in London, where would you go?
It would have to be the award-winning José Tapas Bar in Bermondsey Street. The food is amazing, and I love sitting at
the counter, eating and watching the chefs at work. If you’re lucky, you may even bump into José Pizarro himself.
And where do you let your hair down?
I love Bar Rioja near King’s Cross Station, which is dedicated purely to the wonderful wines of Northern Spain’s Rioja region. I also enjoy heading to Walthamstow Village after work on a sunny day and going to one of the many pubs and bars.
Could you recommend any hidden gems in London to a frequent visitor?
The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House is well worth a visit – its temporary art exhibitions are always brilliant and you can’t leave without buying something in the terrific gift shop.
Finally, what makes London stand out from the rest of the world?
London stands out because of its rich heritage – its royalty, architecture and culture. There is so much to see and do in our vibrant capital. Every street and building almost always has a hidden history or story to tell. Tour guide and author Jack Chesher, from Living London History, showcases this so well. And as Samuel Johnson famously said: ‘When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.’
Find out more at: householdcavalrymuseum.co.uk
