Windsor Castle with kids - the guards' march and the Changing of the Guard

When is the Changing of the Guard at Windsor? Usually on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 11:00, but dates change, so check the Household Division calendar before you go. We saw it on Thursday 15 August 2019: first the soldiers marching through the streets of the town, and then the Changing of the Guard in the grounds of Windsor Castle.

This was day five of our trip around Great Britain with four kids. The day before we visited Brooklands Museum, and the plan of the whole trip is in our post UK road trip with kids.

From Chertsey to Windsor

From our campsite in Chertsey it was only 17 km to Windsor, just over 20 minutes by car. The castle was one of the planned stops on our route, and we had to be there at the right time to see the parade.

The guards marching through Windsor

Before we went into the castle, we saw soldiers in red uniforms and tall black hats marching along a street in the town centre. People stood along the pavements to watch the guards. You can watch the march in the street without a ticket.

Changing of the Guard at Windsor Castle

In the castle grounds we watched the Changing of the Guard. The guards in red uniforms stood in a line by the walls, with quite a big crowd around them. Of course, we took a family photo.

Visiting Windsor Castle with kids

We visited the castle with audio guide headphones. Inside the State Apartments you cannot film or take photos, so our video only shows the outside. The rooms are beautiful and richly decorated, and the walls and towers look impressive from the courtyards too.

At the end we bought some souvenirs: for the grandparents and, of course, for ourselves.

Fun fact: the oldest occupied castle

Windsor is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. William the Conqueror built the first fortress here in the 11th century, and today it is still one of the homes of the British royal family.

After the visit we went back to our campsite in Chertsey.

The next day: Stonehenge

On Friday we packed the tent and headed west, towards Cornwall. On the way we stopped at the famous stone circle (Stonehenge with kids).

Practical info

We checked the dates and rules in November 2026.

• Changing of the Guard: usually on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 11:00, and it takes about half an hour. The Household Division publishes the calendar, and the ceremony can be cancelled, for example in bad weather.
• The march: the soldiers march along the street through the town, and you can watch this part for free from the pavement.
• Photos: you cannot take photos or film in the State Apartments or in St George's Chapel. In the outdoor areas you can.
• Tickets: it is best to buy them online. The castle is a working royal palace and can close at short notice, so check that it is open before you go.
• For kids: the guards, the march and the Changing of the Guard were the most exciting part for ours, so try to plan your visit on a ceremony day.