Changing the Guard at Windsor Castle
Windsor Guard Mount
The Windsor Castle Guard is provided by the resident regiment of Foot Guards, from the Household Division, in their full-dress uniform of red tunics and bearskins accompanied by the Guards Band.
Where to see the Guard Change
The new guard, accompanied by the band, march from Victoria barracks, up Sheet Street, left into the High Street, past the Parish Church and the Guildhall, then turn right onto Castle Hill by Queen Victoria's Statue and into the Castle.
The Guard Mount takes place inside Windsor Castle and you will need a ticket to the castle to see the old and new guard exchange duties.
After the Guard Mount the old guard and band return to Victoria barracks, following the same route.
Dates
January, February, March and April:
Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
May, June and July:
Daily
August, September, October, November and December:
Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
The ceremony starts at 11am (but we suggest you arrive by 10.45am) and ends at approximately 12.05pm.
Checking dates and times before you plan your visit
It is really important to double check the times, as activities such as major Sporting Events, State Visits and Trooping the Colour are all events that can affect the ceremony.
For the latest schedules, please vist the Household Division calendar page.
Our Authorative Guide
.... a full description of the Ceremony can be found in our Full Digital Guide.
How To Get There
By train
The nearest mainline train stations are both less than a 10 minute walk away.
Windsor & Eton Central (from London Paddington)
Windsor & Eton Riverside (from London Waterloo)
By bus
702 runs from near Victoria Station in central London
703 runs from Heathrow Terminal 5
By car
The nearest car parks are in Windsor town centre.
The Ceremony Route
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Visit Windsor Castle
What days is Windsor Castle open?
During July, August and September the Castle is open 6 days a week, closed on Wednesdays.
During the rest of the year the Castle is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
1 November - 29 February 10:00 - 16:15 (last admissin 15:00)
1 March - 31 October 10:00 - 17:15 (last admissin 16:00)
December 25 -26 - closed
During State Visits or ceremonial occasions the Castle is sometimes closed to the public.
