Want to see the Changing of the Guard in Windsor? From timings to best locations, this guide has everything you need to know.
Windsor is famed for its huge castle and royal history stretching back over 1,000 years. If you’re visiting for the first time, chances are you’ve already got Windsor Castle on your itinerary. But, my tip? Don’t miss the opportunity to see the Changing of the Guard too! It’ll make your day trip to Windsor even more memorable.
The first time I saw it, I was in awe! Seeing the guards in all their military splendour, marching through the centre of our little town, accompanied by brass instruments and bass drums – it gave me goosebumps! You don’t need to be a royalist to appreciate it either. There’s just something special about the pomp and ceremony of it all. It’s an experience I’d recommend you make time for if you happen to visit Windsor on a guard change day.
We’ve seen the procession several times now, both on the streets and from inside the castle walls. So, we thought it was time to share some tips on the best ways to see the iconic guard march and how to make the most of your experience. From key times and facts, to tips on where to stand, this guide to the Changing of the Guard in Windsor has it all!
The Ultimate Guide to the Changing of the Guard in Windsor
What is the Changing of the Guard in Windsor?
In basic terms, this ceremony is where guards from the Household Division swap duties. These are the famous guards you’ll see on postcards of Windsor! You know, the ones who wear those bright red tunics and tall bearskin hats. The guards are usually accompanied by a military band, and the official ceremonial elements take place within Windsor Castle itself. However, you can watch the guards marching through the streets of Windsor as they make their way to the castle, and the old guard as they depart again.
What is the history of the Guard Change?
The tradition of guarding the monarch dates back to the reign of Henry VII (1457–1509), who was protected by elite soldiers. While there’s evidence that the guards rotated duties even then, it likely wasn’t the formal ceremony we know today.
The Changing of the Guard began to take shape during the reigns of James I (1566–1625) and Charles I (1600–1649), when it evolved into more of a public spectacle, complete with military music and drill routines.
As the monarchy grew more established, so did the need for a permanent royal guard, particularly at key royal residences like Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace.
These days, the guards aren’t so essential for safety or security, but it’s a wonderful sight to see, and is one of the oldest military ceremonies still performed anywhere in the world.
If you’re interested in learning more, read our quick overview of the history of Windsor and these amazing facts about Windsor Castle.
What happens during the Changing of the Guard?
The guards start marching from Victoria Barracks on Sheet Street, through the street of Windsor, usually entering Windsor Castle through the Henry VIII Gate. Usually, they’re accompanied by music played by one of the military bands. Once inside the castle grounds, they perform a handover ceremony with the old guard, and then take over the royal duties.
It’s hard to know exactly what’s happening during the ceremony (without being part of the military!) but you’ll hear a senior officer shouting various commands, guards moving in various formations (often while carrying bayonets, swords or rifles) and marching to set rhythms.
You’ll also get to hear some military music from the brass band, and occasionally a modern song or two. On our last visit, we heard a rendition of Mr Blue Sky by Electric Light Orchestra, which sounded amazing on a sunny day against the backdrop of the castle!
Once the handover is done, the old guard marches back to Victoria Barracks, passing Windsor Guildhall once more.
Who Takes Part in the Changing of the Guard at Windsor Castle?
The first time I watched the full ceremony from within Windsor Castle, I wondered who all the different people involved were. There are a number of guards, officials and lots of different uniforms, too.
As a quick overview, these are the key parties you’re likely to see if you watch the ceremony:
The New and Old Guard – They are usually Foot Guards from the Household Division regiments, which include Grenadier Guards, Coldstream Guards, Scots Guards, Irish Guards and Welsh Guards. You may also see guards from two regiments of the Household Cavalry – the Life Guards and Blues and Royals.
These regiments are all responsible for ceremonial duties. They all wear the classic red tunics and bearskin hats, but they’ll have different markings depending on their regiment.
The Military Band – These are often from one of the regiments mentioned above, but you’ll occasionally see others, including the Band of the Household Cavalry.
The Guard Commander – This senior officer will speak orders to the guards and essentially run the handover ceremony.
The Regimental Sergeant Major – This officer will watch the ceremony and ensure it runs smoothly.
When can you see the Changing of the Guard in Windsor?
Unfortunately, this ceremony doesn’t happen every day in Windsor. To watch the Changing of the Guard, you’ll need to plan your visit for a Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday morning.
This website has a full schedule of dates and times, and includes info on which guards you’ll see marching and who will be performing musical duties. This is England, so you can expect the odd date to shift because of poor weather such as rain or snow.
Occasionally for royal events, you’ll find the route changes, with the guards marching down The Long Walk and the ceremony taking place in The Quadrant.
Approximate schedule for the Changing of the Guard
This does vary by a few minutes here and there, but as a rough overview, these are the timings:
10:45 am – New Guard leaves Victoria Barracks, Sheet Street
10:48 am – New Guard marches along High Street
10:52 am – New Guard enters Windsor Castle
11:20 am – Old Guard departs Windsor Castle
11:25 am – Old Guard arrives at Victoria Barracks, Sheet Street
The guards leave Victoria Barracks around 10:45am and arrive at Windsor Castle shortly before 11am. The ceremony then takes place within the castle walls. The handover is usually complete by around 11.20am, then the old guard march back through town and return to Victoria Barracks.
If you are wanting to see the procession out on the streets of Windsor, I’d recommend being in position by 10.35am, so you see the guards pass between 10.45 – 11am.
Best places to watch the guards marching through Windsor
Having watched from various spots, here are my top recommendations for where to stand:
- Castle Hill – Arrive early to grab a spot right by the Queen Victoria memorial. There’s a great buzz here as you’re right by the entrance to Windsor Castle.
- Sheet Street – Wait outside Victoria Barracks and you’ll see the guards as they set off at 10.45am.
- High Street – This is the main street to wait on. Personally, I love standing right outside the Castle Hotel as you can see the guards pass, with a backdrop of Windsor Guildhall and the castle. If you stand on the Guildhall side, you’ll have the shops as the backdrop, which is a little less pretty.
- Peascod Street – Stand at the very top of Windsor’s main shopping street and you’ll see the action. It’s usually quite busy here, but you’ll have a pretty view of the castle and Queen Victoria statue in the background.
- The Shambles Bar – Why stand, when you could have a seat at this beautiful, and very wonky café/bar?! It opens at 9am, so you’ll have plenty of time to grab a drink and a table with a view. The table upstairs in the window is ideal!
- Inside Windsor Castle – Obviously, this is the best view in the house! You’ll get to see the actual ceremony itself. It’s a great addition if you’re already visiting the castle
Do you need tickets to see the Changing of the Guard in Windsor Castle?
Yes, but only if you want to see the official handover ceremony. For that you’ll need to be within the castle grounds, and the only way in is with a pricey entrance ticket. It’s quite a spectacle seeing all the guards in formation, the officers shouting their commands, and watching the band perform. The ceremony within the Lower Ward area of the grounds lasts around twenty minutes.
If you’re planning to visit Windsor Castle anyway, then it’s definitely worth buying a morning ticket so you can see the ceremony as part of your time there. We’ve enjoyed seeing it in the past, and it really elevates the experience of visiting the castle.
However, there’s so much to see from the streets of Windsor, you’ll still have a great experience outside the castle! In many ways, the parade on the streets has more atmosphere!
Things to know before watching the Changing of the Guard in Windsor
- If you want to see the actual guard change ceremony, you’ll need to buy a ticket to enter Windsor Castle. However, if you’d just like to see the action out on the streets, you don’t need to pay to do so.
- Thames Street and the High Street are closed to traffic before the ceremony begins. You’ll see signs about the restrictions, but I’d avoid driving in this area on the morning.
- You’ll see marshals in the area on guard change days. They show people where to stand and ensure it’s safe for the guards to march along the streets.
- Once you’ve chosen which side of the road to stand on, and the guards are close by, you’re not allowed to cross the road until after they’ve passed.
- The route changes occasionally, if there’s a State Visit or a royal event. You should be able to see the info on this website.
- The guard change happens come rain or shine, in winter and summer. If it’s rainy, the band doesn’t tend to accompany the guards.
Whether you’re into pageantry or just looking for something unique to do in Windsor, the Changing of the Guard is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in British tradition. It’s steeped in history, is very photogenic, plus watching out on the streets is totally free!
Looking for more tips for visiting Windsor? Check out these guides:
- 13 Things To Know Before Your First Visit To Windsor
- Spending One Day In Windsor: The Perfect Day Trip Itinerary
- 13 Tips For Visiting Windsor Castle For First-Timers
- How To Travel From London To Windsor
- When Is The Best Time To Visit Windsor?
- The History of Windsor, UK – A Quick Timeline
- 17 Fun Facts About Windsor, England
- 20 Amazing Things To Do In Windsor In Summer
- 9 Best Things To Do In Windsor In The Rain
