The Captain's Inspection

About

From April 2025, visitors to Windsor Castle will be able to see an extra Armed Forces ceremony when they visit the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world!

As part of a new trial, the Changing the Guard ceremony will be enhanced by an additional public display known as The Captain’s Inspection which will take place on days when the changing ceremony does not take place.

For hundreds of years, The Captain’s Inspection has been a core military tradition but was typically carried out in silence and away from public view.

Now, it will be on public display, offering visitors a glimpse into this historic event.

This formal Captain’s Inspection ensures the highest standards are always maintained.

The pilot will use the soldiers already in place and on duty to deliver this ceremonial duty, making for an efficient use of service personnel.

When operational commitments allow, the Bands of the Household Division will also provide musical accompaniment, making the experience even more vibrant and memorable.

Visitors are encouraged to check the official Duties Rota on the Household Division website for the latest schedule to avoid disappointment.
The British Army is proud to share more of its ceremonial excellence with the public, offering visitors a richer and more frequent opportunity to witness these iconic traditions.

When does The Captain's Inspection take place at Windsor Castle?

The Captain’s Inspection will take place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Please note Windsor Castle is closed to the public on Wednesdays.

On Mondays and Fridays this will be accompanied by a band and take place in the Quadrangle at Windsor Castle.

On these days, the Windsor Guard will march from the Parade Ground, via Advance Gate to the Quadrangle for the inspection and back again.

On Wednesdays when the Castle is closed, this will take place on the Parade Ground with no band.

The inspections will take place at 15:00 on each day, with associated activity taking place 14:30 – 15:30 in total.

The first inspection will take place on Monday 14th April.

There will be no Captain’s Inspection on Friday 18th (Good Friday) or Monday 21st (Easter Monday) April 2025.

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Windsor Castle admission prices apply

Facilities

Accessibility

Accessible Lift - gives access to State Apartments and Semi-State Rooms.
All Areas Accessible to Disabled Visitors
Facilities for Hearing Impaired Visitors - Induction loop on audio tour.
Facilities for Visually Impaired Visitors
Facility for service dogs - water available on request
Guide Dogs Permitted
Ramp/Level Access
Toilets for Disabled Visitors
Wheelchair user accessible

Audio Commentary in Foreign Languages

French audio guide
German audio guide
Italian audio guide
Japanese audio guide
Mandarin audio guide
Portuguese audio guide - Brazilian Portuguese
Russian audio guide
Spanish audio guide

Catering

Cafe
On-Site cafe/restaurant - Undercroft Café serving freshly prepared meals, including sandwiches, wraps, salads and sweet treats and an exclusive selection of teas
Refreshments Available
Vegetarians catered for

Children & Infants

Family Friendly, Children Welcome

Establishment Features

Audio Commentary in Foreign Languages
Gift shop - Step into the Windsor Castle shops and experience a world of exclusive gifts and royal souvenirs, including commemorative chinaware, glittering jewellery, sumptuous homeware, delicious food and drink and charming gifts for children.
Printed Material in Foreign Languages
Toilets

Parking & Transport

Green Transport - Green Line from London. Buses and coaches from Slough, Staines, Heathrow and Bracknell.
Parking (charge) - No car parking on site but follow the signs for LONG STAY PARKING in Windsor town centre; these car parks are better value if you are visiting the castle.

Payment Methods

American Express accepted
Approx length of visit - A typical visit lasts between 2 and 3 hours.
Blue Badge Guides admitted free
Delta accepted
Groups Accepted - Only Blue Bage Guides accredited to Windsor Castle are permitted to guide within the precincts of the Castle.
Maestro Accepted
MasterCard accepted
Max group size - 9999
Min group size - 15
Special group rates - Reduced admission charges apply to groups of 15 or more visitors
Sterling Travellers Cheques accepted
Visa accepted

Printed Material in Foreign Languages

French printed material
German printed material
Italian printed material
Japanese printed material
Mandarin printed material
Portuguese printed material - Brazilian Portuguese
Russian printed material
Spanish printed material

Provider Preferences

In town/city centre
No Smoking Attraction

Specialist Features

Family Fun - In addition to trails and a children's audio guide we now offer an exciting family programme every Saturday throughout the year, linked to the amazing history of Windsor Castle, the magnificent art works on display and the royal residents past and present who have lived here.

Tours and Demonstrations

Educational Visits Accepted
Guided Tours Available for Groups
Guided Tours Available for Individuals

Travel & Trade

Group discounts available

Join in and share your images

Share your images on Instagram and your images could appear in our gallery like the images below!

Map & Directions

Map Link

View Map

Opening Times

Open (25 Apr 2025)
Day	Times
Friday	15:00

Open (28 Apr 2025)
Day	Times
Monday	15:00

Windsor Castle's Round Tower. © Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2025 | Royal Collection Trust. Photographer Peter Packer.

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Windsor Guard March & Changing the Guard | image Nicola Bell @ VisitWindsor

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