Windsor Guard March & Changing the Guard

About

The Windsor 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 guard march 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.

In April 2025, the guards will march on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays (weather permitting) plus Monday 21 April.  Easter Court: The Changing the Guard ceremony will take place in the Quadrangle on 17, 19, 21 and 22 April.

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.

Which guards are marching in Windsor?

Here's a guide to which guards are marching and which bands are providing the musical support in April 2025

Tue 1st April: Number 12 Company Irish Guards. Guard Change 11:00 with Band of the Household Cavalry
Thu 3rd April: 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards. Guard Change 11:00 with Corps of Drums of 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards
Sat 5th April: Number 7 Company Coldstream Guards. Guard Change    11:00 with Corps of Drums of 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards
Tue 8th April: 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards. Guard Change 11:00 with Corps of Drums of 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards
Thu 10th April:  Number 12 Company Irish Guards    Guard Change    11:00    Corps of Drums of 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards
Sat 12th April:  1st Battalion Grenadier Guards    Guard Change    11:00    Corps of Drums of 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards
Mon 14th April:  1st Battalion Grenadier Guards    Captain’s Inspection    15:00    Band of the Irish Guards
Tue 15th April:  F Company Scots Guards    Guard Change    11:00    Band of the Household Cavalry
Wed 16th April:  F Company Scots Guards    Captain’s Inspection    15:00    NO MUSICAL SUPPORT
Thu 17th April:  1st Battalion Grenadier Guards.Guard Change (Quadrangle) 11:00 with Band of the Scots Guards
Sat 19th April:  Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment. Guard Change (Quadrangle)    11:00 with Band of the Irish Guards
Mon 21st April:  1st Battalion Grenadier Guards. Guard Change (Quadrangle) 11:00 with Band of the Grenadier Guards
Tue 22nd April:  Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment. Guard Change (Quadrangle)    11:00 with Band of the Scots Guards
Wed 23rd April:  Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment. Captain’s Inspection 15:00 NO MUSICAL SUPPORT
Thu 24th April:  1st Battalion Grenadier Guards. Guard Change 11:00 with Band of the Grenadier Guards
Fri 25th April:  1st Battalion Grenadier Guards    Captain’s Inspection 15:00 with Band of the Coldstream Guards
Sat 26th April:  Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment. Guard Change 11:00 with Band and Bugles of The Rifles
Mon 28th April:  Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment. Captain’s Inspection 15:00 with Band and Bugles of The Rifles
Tue 29th April:  1st Battalion Grenadier Guards.    Guard Change 11:00 with Band and Bugles of The Rifles
Wed 30th April:  1st Battalion Grenadier Guards. Captain’s Inspection 15:00 NO MUSICAL SUPPORT

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).