HorsePower: The Museum of the King's Royal Hussars
Regimental museum at Peninsula Barracks tracing 300 years of cavalry and armoured regiments, free for under-16s.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
HorsePower is the museum of the King's Royal Hussars and the regiments that came together to form it. It is based at Peninsula Barracks in Winchester and describes itself as Hampshire's only museum of cavalry. It is run by a charity, the King's Royal Hussars Museum CIO, and is accredited by Arts Council England.
The displays follow seven regiments over three centuries, from cavalry of horse and sabre to a modern armoured regiment. The 10th and 11th Hussars and the 14th and 20th Hussars all trace their origins to 18th-century dragoon regiments, and later amalgamations led to the King's Royal Hussars in 1992. The stories include the Peninsular War, the Charge of the Light Brigade, the two world wars and the holders of the Victoria Cross.
Visitors see life-size models, interactive exhibits, medals, swords, uniforms and photographs. An archive and reserve collection can be consulted by appointment, and the museum runs lunchtime talks and a programme of evening lectures. A development and refurbishment project is under way and donations currently support it.
Highlights
- Three centuries of hussar and cavalry regiments
- Charge of the Light Brigade and Peninsular War stories
- Victoria Cross recipients
- Medals, swords, uniforms and photographs
- Life-size models and interactive exhibits
Permanent exhibition
- Three centuries of the King's Royal Hussars – Life-size models, interactive exhibits, medals, swords, uniforms and photographs tell the story of seven cavalry and armoured regiments.
- Operated by
- The King's Royal Hussars Museum CIO
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £5 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 15 · Children under 16 are admitted free. |
| Visitors with disabilities | –companion free · Carers are admitted free. |
| Military service personnel (with valid ID) | £2.50 |
Friends of HorsePower and members of the KRH Association (with ID) enter free.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum states that accessible routes with seating run throughout and that accessible toilets are available. Access between floors is not described.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 15 |
|---|
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Stroller-friendly
Children under 16 enter free. The museum provides activity trails and family-friendly services in line with the Kids in Museums manifesto, and the building is accessible to families with pushchairs.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Winchester railway station · 15-min walk
About a 15-minute walk from Winchester railway station. Most buses stop at the railway station or at the High Street and bus station, a 10 to 15 minute walk away. Winchester has four Park and Ride car parks.
By car
Free parking
Free spaces outside or opposite the entrance are limited; numbered bays belong to Peninsula Barracks residents. Ask at the front desk for a parking permit to display in the windscreen.
On busy days the museum suggests using a Park and Ride car park.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Learning activities for schools are offered in partnership with the military museums of Winchester. Research appointments are available for the archive and reserve collection. |
Museums nearby
The Gurkha Museum
The Rifleman's Museum
Adjutant General's Corps Museum
Westgate Museum
Royal Hampshire Regiment Museum
City Museum
All 9 museums in Winchester All museums in South East England