A view looking down to the Punchbowl, circled by colourful rhododendron and azaleas.

The Valley Gardens

On the northern shores of Virginia Water lies a woodland of twisting trails and seasonal flowers.

The Valley Gardens cover 101 hectares (250 acres) of undulating valleys with azaleas, magnolias and exotic blooms from all over the world … including National Collections of magnolia, rhododendron, Glenn Dale azaleas, as well as Himalayan and Chinese birches.

Every season offers something to surprise and delight even the most seasoned of horticulturists.

Visit our seasonal highlights page to see what you might expect.

History of The Valley Gardens

Although Windsor Great Park is a showcase for native woodland, many of the Keepers of the Gardens have chosen to celebrate more international plants and trees.

The Valley Gardens, first established in the 1940s, is a prime example.

With the blessing of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, Deputy Ranger Eric Savill and his Head Gardener, later to become Keeper of the Gardens, Hope Findlay, turned to the undulating valleys above Virginia Water to house these plants.

The Cascade, Virginia Water Lake, Windsor Great Park.

After clearing the central valleys and restoring the views to Virginia Water Lake, they created paths and rides to form the structure of the new Garden. Clusters of plants were added, flooding the landscape with vivid colour and flowering shrubs.

By the end of the Second World War, The Valley Gardens were transformed, with gardeners from all over the country kindly donating shrubs.

These displays continue to grow and evolve today as our Garden Team carefully select each new introduction and placement, to add to the artistry of the landscape.

The Valley Gardens frequently asked questions

Accessibility

For our visitors with access requirements, we work with AccessAble to provide detailed access guides for popular areas of Windsor Great Park. More information and links to the AccessAble guides can be found here.

Where is The Valley Gardens?

The Windsor Great Park map & guide can be found here.

Can I cycle in The Valley Gardens?

Cycling is not permitted in The Valley Gardens. To find out more about cycling in Windsor Great Park, take a look here.

Can I walk my dog in The Valley Gardens?

Dogs can be walked in The Valley Gardens. To help protect the biodiversity of this area, dogs must be kept on a lead. For more information about walking dogs in Windsor Great Park please take a look here.

Discover more

These useful links will help you make the most of your visit to Windsor Great Park.

The Savill Garden

Commissioned by George V in 1932 The Savill Garden is a 35-acre haven of gardens, woodland and seasonal displays.

Find out more

Aerial view of the Jubilee Garden (within The Savill Garden).

Seasonal highlights

Windsor Great Park, The Savill Gardens and Valley Gardens is home to an ever-changing array of flora and wildlife. Take a look at the highlights, for the next month.

Find out more

Bird of Paradise (Strelitza Reginae). Orange and Blue flowers.

Visitor updates

As an operational Estate, it is sometimes necessary to close parts of Windsor Great Park. Please check visitor updates before you travel.

Find out more