Changing the Guard

About

The Changing the Guard is one of the highlights of a visit to Windsor and the days on which they march are scheduled by the British Army and change every month.

A band usually accompanies the guards, although this is subject to weather conditions.

Where to watch the guards marching in Windsor

The guards march from Victoria Barracks on Sheet Street, up the High Street and into Windsor Castle.  The best places to see them are on Windsor High Street or on the Corn Exchange under Windsor Guildhall.

If you want to see the actual ‘changing’ ceremony you need to buy a Windsor Castle ticket and allow plenty of time to get into the Castle.

The Changing the Guard ceremony takes place in the Lower Ward of the Castle, outside the Guardroom, except during Easter Court.

To watch the guards march up the High Street takes only 10 minutes; to watch the actual ceremony inside the Castle takes about 30 minutes.

When to watch the guards marching in Windsor

The Guard March takes place all year round, dependant on the weather, but never on a Sunday. 

December 2018: Changing the Guard will take place at 11:00; weather permitting on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays in December, aside from week commencing the 24 December, where it will take place on Monday, Thursday and Saturday.
January 2019: Changing the Guard will take place at 11:00, weather permitting on Tuesday 2 and Wednesday 3 January then on Saturdays, Tuesdays and Thursdays in January.

The schedule is set by the British Army and is subject to change.  Please check the Royal Collection's website for latest information and for a link to the British Army website.

The new guard step off from Victoria Barracks on Sheet Street at approximately 10:45am and march through the Town Centre.

The Changing the Guard Ceremony then takes place in the Lower Ward inside Windsor Castle at 11:00am. The sentries are changed throughout the day.

The old guards then march back to the barracks at about 11:25am.

The guard march and Windsor traffic

Please note that traffic is stopped when the guards make their way between the barracks on Sheet Street, along the High Street and into the Castle.

Traffic Wardens and Police control traffic on the following approaches to the centre of town: Thames Street, the junction of Victoria Street and Sheet Street and near the junction of Frances Road and Sheet Street.

Traffic is usually stopped between 10:45am and 11:00am (as the guards march to the Castle) and between 11:15am and 11:30am (as they return to the Barracks).

You can also find out more information about Changing the Guard from the Household Division's website.