Windsor Castle Changing of the Guard | Schedule & Visitor Info

The Changing of the Guard ceremony, also known as Guard Mounting, is a traditional military ceremony where a new group of guards replaces the current (old) guard at significant institutions or royal residences like Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace. This ritual dates back centuries and serves the practical purpose of ensuring continuous protection while also providing a display of military precision and pageantry.

What to expect during the Windsor Castle Changing of the Guard ceremony

Changing the Guard begins with the Windsor Castle Guard forming up outside the Guard Room. The Windsor Castle Guard is normally provided by one of five Regiments of Foot Guards, of the Household Division, in their full-dress uniform of red tunics and bearskin caps. In due course, the new Guard will arrive, led by a Regimental Band, Corps of Drums, or occasionally by a Pipe Band. During the 45-min ceremony, the handover of duties will take place, including the changeover of sentries. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the old Guard will return to Victoria Barracks in Windsor.

When the King is in official residence, the parade takes place on the Castle Forecourt, near the entrance to the State Apartments.

A timeline:

The ceremony begins with the Windsor Castle Guard forming up outside the Guard Room to await the arrival of the New Guard.
The New Guard marches into the Castle through the Henry VIII Gate, behind the Band, and halts before turning to face the Windsor Castle Guard.
The New Guard slowly marches towards the Windsor Castle Guard with the Band playing their Regimental Slow March.
Coming to a halt, the Windsor Castle Guard and New Guard 'Present Arms' before the Captains of the Guard hand-over, with a symbolic touch of their left hands, the Castle keys. From that time forward, the New Guard will be responsible for the security of Windsor Castle until they are relieved.
Once the handover is complete, the Band forms a semi-circle and plays a selection of music.
Sentries are then posted to relieve those from the old guard who have remained at their posts during the handover.
When all the sentries have been relieved and the Old Guard is complete, the duty bugler informs the Director of Music that the handover is complete and the Band reforms.
Advancing towards the New Guard, to the strains of their Regimental Slow March, the Old Guard wheel right, and as they approach the Castle Gates, break into quick time for the march back to Victoria Barracks via the High Street.

Best place to watch the Windsor Castle Changing of the Guard ceremony

On the Parade Route

The Guard Mount marches up Sheet Street, wheeling left into the High Street, past the Parish Church and the Guildhall, then turning right onto Castle Hill by Queen Victoria's Statue and up Castle Hill into Windsor Castle. The best places to see them are on Windsor High Street or on the Corn Exchange under Windsor Guildhall.

Inside Windsor Castle

Standing by the railings, just below St George's Chapel, will give you a good view of the ceremony. When the monarch is in residence, the ceremony takes place in the Upper Ward, on the lawn of the Quadrangle. Standing next to St George's Gate, inside the Castle, will let you see the Guards and Band march right past you, close enough to touch. From the railings at Engine Court, you can see the entire ceremony with The King's Private Residence providing a spectacular backdrop.

From time to time, other areas, including the Moat Path, are opened to let visitors watch the ceremony. The friendly uniformed Wardens will guide you to these when available.

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Origins of Changing the Guard

Elite soldiers have guarded the King or Queen since the reign of Henry VII, who made the Royal Body Guard a permanent institution that has spanned over 520 years of history.

Guards Regiments were formed to provide a personal bodyguard for the Sovereign, with the first Guards raised in 1656 to protect the exiled King Charles II. Composed of highly-trained officers and soldiers, they are among the oldest units of the British Army and have fought with great distinction in nearly every major conflict involving soldiers of the United Kingdom since the 17th century.

About the Guard

The privilege of guarding the Sovereign traditionally belongs to the Household Troops, better known as ‘the Guards’, who have carried out this duty since 1660. For operational and other reasons, this privilege is periodically extended to other regiments of the British Army. The Guards consist of five infantry regiments – the Grenadier, Coldstream, Scots, Irish, and Welsh Guards – and two regiments of the Household Cavalry – the Life Guards and Blues and Royals.

The Bands and music

The State Ceremonial Musicians of the Bands of the Household Division can be routinely seen performing music for the Changing of the Guard ceremony at all the Royal Palaces and Castles, State Visits and Guards of Honour, moments of National Celebration, as well as moments of National Commemoration and Remembrance. Resplendent in red tunics and bearskin caps of the Foot Guards, or the State Dress of the Household Cavalry, the Bands of the Household Division provide the very finest, most stirring and moving performances of music.

Drawn from British Army Music, the State Ceremonial Musicians of the Household Division each serve in one of 7 Regimental Bands or in the string orchestra: Grenadiers, Coldstream, Scots, Irish and Welsh Guards of the Foot Guards Bands, the Household Cavalry Band, which includes musicians of both the Life Guards and Blues and Royals, and the Duchess of Edinburgh's String Orchestra.

The Bands may be accompanied by the Corps of Drums of each Regiment. The Scots and Irish Guards have pipers who play distinctive tunes on their bagpipes. Music played during the guard changing ceremony has always been a mixture of traditional and popular music of the day. For Changing the Guard, a full Military Band is provided, usually from one of the Guards Regiments, accompanied by their Director of Music.

Plan your visit

Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays: 11am

10:45am: The New Guards leave Victoria Barracks, march up Sheet Street and High Street, and enter the Castle through the Henry VIII Gateway.
11am: The Changing the Guard Ceremony then takes place inside Windsor Castle.
11:25am: The Old Guards step off for the march back to the barracks.

Address: Windsor SL4 1NJ, United Kingdom | Find on Maps

By train: GWR, South Western Railway
Nearest station: Windsor & Eton Riverside Station
By bus: Greenline bus 702
Nearest stop: Parish Church (Stop J)
By car: M3, M4, M25 or M40
Nearest parking: Windsor Home Park

Don't touch, impede, or try getting too close to the Guards.
Ticket holders are recommended to arrive at Windsor Castle no later than 10am to allow sufficient time to get through the airport-style security checks before the ceremony starts.
Pets are not permitted inside Windsor Castle. If you're watching from the streets, ensure your pet is leashed and doesn't disrupt the ceremony.

Frequently Asked Questions about Windsor Castle’s Changing of the Guard ceremony

Do I need a ticket to see the ceremony?

Yes. Observing the guards as they march through the streets of Windsor is free. However, to witness the full ceremony inside the castle, you need to purchase an admission ticket.

Are guided tours available for the ceremony?

Yes, several tour operators offer guided tours that include the Changing of the Guard ceremony. These tours often provide historical context and the best viewing spots.

Can I combine the ceremony with a castle tour?

Absolutely! Many visitors watch the ceremony and then explore Windsor Castle's rich history and architecture.

What time should I arrive to get a good viewing spot?

It's recommended to arrive by 10:30am to secure a good spot along the High Street or near the castle gates. The New Guard typically marches towards the castle around 10:50am.

Does the ceremony happen in all weather conditions?

The ceremony is weather-dependent and may be canceled in adverse conditions. Always check the official schedule for updates.

Can I take photographs during the ceremony?

Yes, photography is allowed. However, be respectful and avoid obstructing the view of others.

Is the ceremony suitable for children?

Absolutely! The colorful uniforms, marching bands, and ceremonial precision make it an engaging experience for visitors of all ages.

Is there a dress code for attending the ceremony?

There's no formal dress code, but comfortable attire and footwear are recommended, especially if you plan to stand for an extended period.

Can I interact with the guards?

While it's okay to take photos, avoid interacting with the guards during the ceremony. They are on duty and must maintain their composure.

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