Windsor Great Park
Vast Royal Park with stunning lakes, gardens, and wildlife. Perfect for walks, picnics, and enjoying nature's beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Azaleas & rhododendrons bloom
Windsor Great Park
Best Time
Azaleas & rhododendrons bloom
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vast Royal Park with stunning lakes, gardens, and wildlife. Perfect for walks, picnics, and enjoying nature's beauty.
"Extensive park with easy walks around Virginia Water lake and beautiful gardens."
🚶♀️ Easy Lakeside Walks
Enjoy flat, well-marked paths around Virginia Water Lake, suitable for all fitness levels. :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Parking Costs
Be prepared for parking fees, which can add up. Consider carpooling or arriving early. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Virginia Water Lake
Virginia Water
A stunning lake with easy walking paths, featuring an artificial waterfall and Roman ruins. Perfect for a relaxing stroll.
The Valley Gardens
Valley Gardens
Famous for its breathtaking displays of azaleas and rhododendrons in late spring. A riot of color!
The Savill Garden
The Savill Garden
Explore diverse garden styles, including a tropical glasshouse and rose garden. Well worth the separate entry fee.
Totem Pole & Obelisk
Various locations
Discover impressive landmarks like the totem pole and a towering obelisk, adding unique points of interest to your walk.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Peak Blooms
Parking and Entry Fees
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Windsor Castle and then....
🚶♀️ Easy Lakeside Walks
Enjoy flat, well-marked paths around Virginia Water Lake, suitable for all fitness levels. :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Parking Costs
Be prepared for parking fees, which can add up. Consider carpooling or arriving early. :car:
Things to do in Windsor/Richmond?
Is Windsor Castle worth the trip out of London?
☕ Cafes & Facilities
Good facilities available at Virginia Water and The Savill Garden, including cafes and clean restrooms. :coffee:
🏰 Walk to Windsor Castle
For the adventurous, a scenic 6.5-mile walk connects Virginia Water to Windsor Castle. :walking:
Can You Do Windsor + Bath in One Day? Plus any Overground /Train Tips
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Easy Lakeside Walks
Enjoy flat, well-marked paths around Virginia Water Lake, suitable for all fitness levels. :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Parking Costs
Be prepared for parking fees, which can add up. Consider carpooling or arriving early. :car:
☕ Cafes & Facilities
Good facilities available at Virginia Water and The Savill Garden, including cafes and clean restrooms. :coffee:
🏰 Walk to Windsor Castle
For the adventurous, a scenic 6.5-mile walk connects Virginia Water to Windsor Castle. :walking:
🌸 Garden Entry Fee
The Savill Garden has a separate charge, but it's well worth it for the stunning floral displays. :ticket:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the immense beauty and tranquility of Windsor Great Park, particularly the stunning Virginia Water Lake and the vibrant floral displays in The Valley Gardens during spring. While parking costs are noted as high, the free entry to the park and the abundance of well-maintained walking paths make it a highly recommended destination for a day out in nature.
"Extensive park with easy walks around the Virginia Water lake and beautiful gardens. The park is home to many interesting features, including The Cascade (a dramatic artificial waterfall) and Leptis Magna Roman Ruins at the eastern corner of Virginia Water. The totem pole near The Valley Gardens was an impressive feature, as is the towering obelisk near the upper pond. Wildlife seems to thrive here - I saw lots of birds and a grass snake by the lakeside.
Late spring is the best time to visit, when the azaleas and rhododendrons in The Valley Gardens are in full bloom, providing truly stunning displays of colour. The Punchbowl is a must see at this time of year.
Parking is fairly expensive at £3 per hour, but there's plenty available across multiple sites, and the facilities are immaculate. A high end café at Virginia Water offers a good range of drinks and cakes, with more substantial lunch options available at The Savill Garden visitor centre, where there's also a large shop. Impeccably maintained toilet facilities are located near the main entrances.
The park is free to visit, but The Savill Garden is charged separately - visitors purchasing a ticket are entitled to a refund on their parking charge. If you've got a couple of extra hours The Savill Garden is well worth a visit, particularly in May when the flowers are at their peak. There's plenty to see including a tropical glasshouse, Mediterranean garden and rose garden.
Windsor Great Park is easily a full day out if you explore everything it has to offer - set aside another day for Windsor Castle and you can enjoy an excellent weekend here."
Andrew Thomas
"Very beautiful place to visit in summer... ❤️ Parking at Virginia Water is really convenient, with a large car park right by the entrance—though it did cost nearly £15 for the day as I remember. From there, it’s easy to access the toilets and start your walk into the park. The main path is well-marked and takes you on a scenic route that can lead all the way to Windsor Castle if you're up for it. Along the way, you’ll pass some truly lovely spots like the Deer Park, Cow Pond, and several other picturesque attractions. It’s a perfect place for a relaxing day outdoors!"
Madu De Silva
"Virginia Water to Windsor Castle,, 6.5 miles walk. Amazing view on the way.
Park is so convenient at Virginia Water car park,, it charge me almost 16 pounds for the day. From the car park, using toilet, u can start ur walk to the park,, if you follow the path, it will take u all the way to Windsor Castle. On the way don't miss the amazing Deer park, cow pond and many more attractions. Best view from King's George statue to Windsor Castle.
Make sure to book a return ticket from Windsor Castle to Virginia Water,, avoid bus while u can.
There's many toilet facilities available. Ice cream ban, café an, restaurant and a playground."
SOHAG AHMED
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Windsor Great Park by train from London Waterloo to Virginia Water station, which is conveniently located near the park entrance. Alternatively, trains to Windsor & Eton Riverside or Windsor & Eton Central are also options, though may require a bus or taxi to reach the main park areas.
While it's possible to walk from Virginia Water to Windsor Castle (approx. 6.5 miles), doing both extensively in one day might feel rushed. Many visitors opt to dedicate separate days to the park and the castle for a more relaxed experience.
The most convenient parking is at Virginia Water, with a large car park right by the entrance. Other parking areas are available throughout the park, but be aware of hourly or daily charges.
Yes, Windsor Great Park is very popular with cyclists, offering quiet roads and scenic routes, especially on the less-developed sides of the park.
Yes, train services to Virginia Water station provide good access. Local bus services may also connect to various points within or near the park, though checking schedules is recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The park itself is free to enter. However, The Savill Garden, a distinct area within the park, has a separate admission fee.
Parking fees vary, but expect to pay around £3 per hour, with daily rates potentially reaching up to £15-£16 at popular spots like Virginia Water.
Yes, visitors who purchase a ticket for The Savill Garden are often entitled to a refund on their parking charges.
Windsor Great Park is generally open from dawn until dusk. Specific opening times for facilities like cafes or The Savill Garden may vary, so it's best to check their official website.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets for The Savill Garden in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons or weekends, to guarantee entry and potentially save time.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Don't miss Virginia Water Lake with its waterfall, The Valley Gardens for stunning spring blooms, and The Savill Garden for diverse horticultural displays. Also look out for the Totem Pole and Obelisk.
Absolutely! The park offers numerous well-maintained walking trails, from easy lakeside strolls around Virginia Water to longer routes connecting to Windsor Castle.
Yes, the park has playgrounds, open spaces for running around, and easy walking paths that are great for families. The variety of sights keeps children engaged.
You might spot various birds, deer in the Deer Park, and even smaller creatures like grass snakes by the lakeside. It's a thriving natural habitat.
Yes, there are numerous toilet facilities located near main entrances and visitor centers. Cafes and restaurants are also available.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There's a high-end café at Virginia Water offering drinks and cakes, and more substantial lunch options are available at The Savill Garden visitor centre café.
Yes, the vast open spaces and scenic areas make Windsor Great Park ideal for picnics. Remember to take all your litter with you.
Yes, ice cream vans and kiosks are often present, especially during warmer months and at popular spots like Virginia Water.
While specific menus can change, most cafes in visitor centers aim to offer a range of options, often including vegetarian choices. It's advisable to check their current menus online or inquire upon arrival.
The cafes at Virginia Water and The Savill Garden offer pleasant settings, often with views of the surrounding gardens or lake, providing a lovely dining experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Virginia Water Lake, especially with the waterfall and surrounding landscape, is very photogenic. The Valley Gardens in bloom and the formal gardens of The Savill Garden also offer stunning photo opportunities.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a warmer glow. Golden hour can be particularly magical.
Drone usage is generally restricted in Royal Parks to protect wildlife and visitor experience. It's essential to check the specific regulations for Windsor Great Park before flying a drone.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for landscapes and details. A wide-angle lens can capture the expansive views, and a telephoto lens is useful for wildlife spotting.
The view from King George's statue towards Windsor Castle is often cited as a great photo spot. The bridges and pagodas around Virginia Water also make for picturesque shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing a picnic to enjoy amidst the scenic beauty, and take advantage of the available facilities like toilets and cafes. While parking can be a bit pricey, the sheer amount of space and natural attractions make it a worthwhile outing for a family day trip.
🚶♀️ Walkers and Hikers
Cyclists also find the park very accommodating, with many car-free roads perfect for a leisurely ride. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring water, especially if you plan on undertaking longer routes.
🌸 Garden Enthusiasts
Even outside of peak bloom times, the structured beauty of The Savill Garden and the natural landscapes of the park provide year-round interest. The opportunity to see a wide variety of plant species makes it a rewarding visit for anyone with a passion for gardening.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Gardens of Windsor Great Park
For a more naturalistic spectacle, The Valley Gardens are a must-visit, particularly in late spring. This area is famous for its vibrant displays of azaleas and rhododendrons, creating a breathtaking carpet of color. The Punchbowl is a particularly celebrated section during this blooming period.
Beyond these formal gardens, the park's natural landscape, including the expansive Virginia Water Lake, offers its own charm. The lake itself is a focal point, with walking paths that meander past features like an artificial waterfall, Roman ruins, and impressive follies, providing a picturesque backdrop for any visit.
Navigating Windsor Great Park: Parking and Transport
While the park itself is free to enter, The Savill Garden has a separate admission fee. Visitors who purchase a ticket for The Savill Garden may be eligible for a refund on their parking charges, making it a good incentive to explore this area. Other parking sites are scattered throughout the park, offering access to different zones.
For those relying on public transport, Virginia Water train station is a key access point, placing you close to the park's amenities. While cycling is a popular and enjoyable way to explore the park's quieter roads, remember that facilities are more concentrated around the main entrances like Virginia Water and The Savill Garden.
Wildlife and Natural Beauty
The areas around Virginia Water Lake are particularly rich in birdlife, and you might even spot smaller creatures like grass snakes basking by the water's edge. The well-maintained paths allow for easy observation without disturbing the natural environment.
The park's natural beauty is further enhanced by its carefully curated gardens. The seasonal blooms in The Valley Gardens and the diverse plant collections in The Savill Garden add layers of color and texture, creating a visually stunning experience throughout the year.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit