The Windsor Castle Guard change takes place in the spectacular surroundings of the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world.
Traffic is stopped and the bustling High Street is transformed into a Parade Ground, lined by residents and visitors, waiting to see the Guards led by a Regimental Band march to and from changing the Windsor Castle Guard.
To see the Changing the Guard ceremony inside the castle, where the Regiment, which has been on duty for the previous 24 or 48 hours hand over to the New Guard, you will need to purchase a Windsor Castle ticket.
Unless The King is in official residence the Windsor Castle Guard change on the Lower Ward with the New and Old Guard entering and leaving through the Henry VIII Gate.
When The King is in official residence the ceremony takes place on the lawn of the Quadrangle outside the Royal Apartments when the Guards march all the way up to the top of Castle Hill and enter through the St George's Gate.
Following the ceremony the Band lead the Old Guard back to barracks via High Street to Victoria Barracks.
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The Guard Mount begins with the New Guard and Band forming up outside the Guard Room at Victoria Barracks from where they will step off at approximately 10:45 to march up Sheet Street, wheeling left into the High Street, past the Parish Church and the Guildhall, then turning right onto Castle Hill by Queen Victoria's Statue and up Castle Hill into Windsor Castle.
Discover what you can see, from the various locations, along the Guards Route, complete with a map and pictures.
Changing the Windsor Castle Guard normally takes place outside the Guard Room in the Lower Ward.
Standing by the railings, just below St George's Chapel, will give you a good view of the ceremony. Plan to be there by 10:30, at the latest, as when the Old Guard turn out the crowd grows quickly.
There are uniformed Wardens who will point you in the right direction and provide advice.
When His Majesty The King is in official residence at Windsor Castle the ceremony takes place in the Upper Ward, on the lawn of the Quadrangle, close to the entrance to the State Apartments.
Standing next to St George's Gate, inside the Castle, will let you see the Guards and Band march right past you literally close enough to touch.
From the railings at Engine Court you can see the entire ceremony with The King's Private Residence providing a spectacular backdrop.
From time to time other areas, including the Moat Path, are opened to let visitors watch the ceremony.
The friendly uniformed Wardens will guide you to these when available.
The Windsor Castle Guard is normally provided by one of five Regiments of Foot Guards, of the Household Division, in their full-dress uniform of red tunics and bearskin caps accompanied by a Regimental Band, Corps of Drums or occasionally by a Pipe Band.
Changing the Guard, also known as the Guard Mount, begins with the Windsor Castle Guard forming up outside the Guard Room to await the arrival of the New Guard.
(When The King is in Official Residence they form up on the Quadrangle, close to the entrance to the State Apartments).
The New Guard march into the Castle, behind the Band, and halt before turning to face the Windsor Castle Guard.
The New Guard slow march towards the Windsor Castle Guard with the Band playing their Regimental Slow March.
Coming to halt the Windsor Castle Guard and New Guard 'Present Arms' before the Captains of the Guard hand-over, with a symbolic touch of their left hands, the Castle keys.
From that time forward the New Guard will be responsible for the security of Windsor Castle until they are relieved..
Handover complete the Band form a semi-circle and play a selection of music.
Sentries are then posted to relieve those from the old guard who have remained at their posts during the handover.
When all the sentries have been relieved and the Old Guard is complete the duty bugler informs the Director of Music that the handover is complete and the Band reforms.
Advancing towards the New Guard, to the strains of their Regimental Slow March, the Old Guard wheel right, and as they approach the Castle Gates break into quick time for the march back to Victoria Barracks.
Windsor is 30 miles (50km) West of London.
From London you can get to Windsor from both Waterloo and Paddington stations.
Trains from Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside Station depart every half hour throughout the day, hourly on Sundays.
The journey takes about an hour and 20 minutes.
Trains from Paddington to Windsor Central depart every 10 to 15 minutes throughout the day.
The journey takes about 35 minutes. You have to change trains at Slough.
Greenline bus number 702 leaves from Victoria Colonnades, near London Victoria Coach Station every half hour, approximately, during the day. The journey takes about an hour.
Windsor is accessible via the major motorway networks of the M3, M4, M25 and M40
The journey time from London is approximately 40 minutes and Heathrow airport is about 15 minutes away.
Parking throughout Windsor is controlled and quite expensive.
Consider the Long Term parking if you are visiting Windsor Castle as a 20 minute walk saves about a third of the cost of short term parking in Windsor centre.
Another option is to use the Park and Ride in Windsor services at Legoland Windsor or Windsor Home Park. Parking at Legoland is free.
Parking at Windsor Home Park is "pay and display". There is a small charge for bus fare.
Confirmed dates and times the Windsor Castle Guard is scheduled to change.
Where to watch the Guards and Band marching to and from the Windsor Castle Guard change with maps and pictures.
About the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace.
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