Windsor Guard March & Changing the Guard

About

The Guard March/Changing the Guard is one of Windsor’s most popular and unique sightseeing activities and one of the highlights of a visit to our town.

The days on which the guards march along Windsor's streets and into Windsor Castle are scheduled by the British Army and can 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.

Where to watch the Changing of the Guard in Windsor

If you want to see the actual ‘changing’ ceremony you need to buy an entrance ticket to Windsor Castle 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 when the monarch is at Windsor during Easter Court when the change takes place in the Quadrangle.

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 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, weather permitting.  See below for exceptions to this schedule.  The schedule is set by the British Army and is subject to change.  Please check the Household Division website for the Windsor Changing the Guard schedule and to read more about which guards are marching and which bands are providing the musical support.

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.

December 2024: the guards will march on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays with the following exceptions: Tuesday 3 December (no guard change); Tuesday 10 December (no guard march); Thursday 26 December (no guard march).

Which guards are marching in Windsor?

Here's a guide to which guards are marching and which bands are providing the musical support in December 2024.

Sun 1st Dec: 1st Battalion Welsh Guards NO MUSIC OR CEREMONY
Thu 5th Dec: 1st Battalion Welsh Guards with Corps of Drums of 1st Battalion Welsh Guards
Sat 7th Dec: 1st Battalion Welsh Guards with Corps of Drums of 1st Battalion Welsh Guards
Tue 10th Dec: Number 12 Company Irish Guards NO MUSIC OR CEREMONY
Thu 12th Dec: Number 12 Company Irish Guards with Pipes of Number 12 Company Irish Guards
Sat 14th Dec: Number 12 Company Irish Guards with Pipes of Number 12 Company Irish Guards
Tue 17th Dec: 1st Battalion Welsh Guards with Corps of Drums of 1st Battalion Welsh Guards
Thu 19th Dec: Number 12 Company Irish Guards with Pipes of Number 12 Company Irish Guards
Sat 21st Dec: Number 9 Company Irish Guards with Pipes of Number 12 Company Irish Guards
Tue 24th Dec: Number 9 Company Irish Guards with Band of the Coldstream Guards
Thu 26th Dec: Number 9 Company Irish Guards NO MUSIC OR CEREMONY
Sat 28th Dec: Nijmegen Company Grenadier Guards with Band of the Coldstream Guards
Tue 31st Dec: Number 9 Company Irish Guards with Band of the Welsh Guards

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).