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 specific days of the week, weather permitting.  See below for this month's 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.

In August 2026, the Guard March will take place on Thursdays and Saturdays, weather permitting.

In September 2026, the Guard March will take place on Thursdays and Saturdays, weather permitting.

Which guards are marching in Windsor?

Here's a guide to which guards are marching and which bands are providing the musical support in August 2026:

Sat 1st August: Number 9 Company Irish Guards, Guard Change, 11:00, Band of the Welsh Guards
Thu 6th August: Nijmegen Company Grenadier Guards, Guard Change, 11:00, Band of the Household Cavalry
Sat 8th August: Number 12 Company Irish Guards, Guard Change, 11:00, Band of the Household Cavalry
Thu 13th August: F Company Scots Guards, Guard Change, 11:00, Band of the Household Cavalry
Sat 15th August: Number 12 Company Irish Guards, Guard Change, 11:00, Band of the Grenadier Guards
Thu 20th August: Nijmegen Company Grenadier Guards, Guard Change, 11:00, Band of the Grenadier Guards
Sat 22nd August: Number 12 Company Irish Guards, Guard Change, 11:00, Band of the Irish Guards
Thu 27th August: Number 7 Company Coldstream Guards, Guard Change, 11:00, Band of the Irish Guards
Sat 29th August: Nijmegen Company Grenadier Guards, Guard Change, 11:00, Band of the Coldstream Guards

Here's a guide to which guards are marching and which bands are providing the musical support in September 2026:

Thu 3rd Sept: F Company Scots Guards, Guard Change, 11:00, Band of the Coldstream Guards
Sat 5th Sept: Number 7 Company Coldstream Guards, Guard Change, 11:00, Band of the Grenadier Guards
Thu 10th Sept: Number 7 Company Coldstream Guards, Guard Change, 11:00, Band of the Household Cavalry
Sat 12th Sept: F Company Scots Guards, Guard Change, 11:00, Band of the Coldstream Guards
Thu 17th Sept: Nijmegen Company Grenadier Guards, Guard Change, 11:00, Band of the Irish Guards
Sat 19th Sept: F Company Scots Guards, Guard Change, 11:00, Band of the Scots Guards
Thu 24th Sept: Number 12 Company Irish Guards, Guard Change, 11:00, Band of the Irish Guards
Sat 26th Sept: 26 Engineer Regiment, Guard Change, 11:00, Band of the Scots 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).