Dog walking in Windsor Great Park
The Windsor Estate is home to a vast array of habitats, flora and fauna and, is an internationally recognised example of biodiversity, sustainability, and conservation.
Well-behaved dogs are welcome in Windsor Great Park and Forest with our lakes, forests, and fields offering a variety of walks along quality trails and tracks.
To protect the wildlife and habitats of the Windsor Estate and to ensure that all our visitors have a safe and enjoyable visit, we have a code of conduct that all dog walkers must follow.
Visitor updates
Sharing the space together
We want everyone who visits Windsor Great Park to have a safe and enjoyable experience.
To help achieve this, we ask dog walkers to follow a few simple rules. Please watch the short video and read on to familiarise yourself with these rules before you visit.
Assistance dogs and emotional assistance dogs are permitted in all public areas of Windsor Great Park. View information about accessibility at Windsor Great Park here.
Dogs who are under control are welcome in any of our public areas indicated on the map below with these exceptions:
- The Savill Garden Visitor Centre
- The Savill Garden
- Adventure Play
- Virginia Water Pavilion and Shop
You can find facilities for you and the dog with you at:
- The Savill Garden Visitor Centre terrace
- Virginia Water Pavilion dog terrace
Keeping a dog under control
A dog is considered under control if it is on a lead held by someone able to control the lead.
It is not necessary for a dog to always be on a lead as long as the dog:
- Can be recalled quickly, at first call or, can walk at heel when required
- Does not make a person fear that they, or someone with them, might be injured
- Is not disturbing other animals and wildlife with unruly behaviour and excessive noise
- Is not causing damage to the habitat e.g. digging or entering tunnels
To support responsible dog ownership, if it is considered that a dog is not under control, you will be asked to either place the dog on a lead or for you to leave Windsor Great Park.
The dog walking code of conduct
A dog walker must
- Not leave a dog unattended in a vehicle
- Not walk with more than four dogs at one time
- Not meet with other visitors that would lead to a group of more than eight dogs
- Be in control of the dog at all times ensuring that it is always in your sight
- Respect the on-lead and off-lead areas. Download the map here or see below
- Keep to the main paths so that the dog does not disturb the surrounding wildlife and vegetation
- Observe all signs
- Always be prepared to shorten the lead length or put the dog back on a lead when needed
- Pick up dog waste – see below
Dogs must
- Wear a collar with identification and contact details for the owner
- Be microchipped
More information about microchipping can be found on GOV.UK
On-lead areas
For everyone’s safety and enjoyment, dogs must stay on lead if they do not respond to recall quickly, at first call, and, in the following areas:
- In and around car parks
- Around the visitor centres at The Savill Garden and Virginia Water Pavilion
- Obelisk Lawn
- The Valley Gardens
- The Deer Park
- or, where signs dictate
Off-lead areas
Dogs are permitted to walk off-lead in the areas indicated on the map above. To walk off-lead in these areas the dog must:
- Be under control and always in sight
- Respond to recall at the first call or, can walk at heel when required
If this expected behaviour cannot be followed, the dog must be kept on a lead.
If it is considered that a dog is not under control, you will be asked to put it on a lead or leave Windsor Great Park.
Clearing up after your dog
Clearing up after your dog ensures that the landscape of Windsor Great Park and Forest remains pleasant and clean for everyone to enjoy.
Dog waste
As well as being unpleasant for other visitors, dog waste can:
- Spread disease in humans and animals
- Cause serious ecological damage to plants
Dog waste disposal
Dog walkers must:
- Carry sufficient dog waste bags for the number of dogs that are being exercised
- Pick up dog waste and ensure that it is appropriately sealed, disposed of in any of our outdoor bins or taken home
- Do not leave dog waste bags lying around or attached to fences or trees
Keep dogs and horses safe around each other
Windsor Great Park is home to Guard’s Polo Club as well as a place that our horse riding Members and Horse Riding Schools can enjoy all-year round.
Horse tracks in Windsor Great Park can be identified by orange/red sand. For everyone’s safety and enjoyment, when walking a dog, please stay off the horse tracks, and, if the dog cannot be recalled quickly, at first call, it must be kept on a lead.
The British Horse Society has produced a guide for both dog owners and horse riders outlining the safest way to share the space together.
Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspaces
The Windsor Great Park dog walking code of conduct may not be ideal for everyone, particularly for those who walk five or more dogs.
Greenspace on your doorstep is a guide to places to walk in the Thames Basin Heaths area of Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire produced by Thames Basin Heaths Partnership.
Thames Basin Heath Partnership work closely with local councils and land managers to promote these areas for everyone to enjoy.
Chobham Place Woods ©Thames Basin Heaths
Please be courteous to our people
Our team manage Windsor Great Park and safeguard the public. Please co-operate with them fully.
The Crown Estate will not tolerate any form of abuse towards our people whilst they are engaged in their duties and will take action with visitors who do not respect their reasonable requests.
Discover more
These useful links will help you make the most of your visit to Windsor Great Park.
Visitor updates
As an operational Estate, it is sometimes necessary to close parts of Windsor Great Park. Please check visitor updates before you travel.
Walking
Explore the wonders of Windsor Great Park on foot. Choose from one of our three favourite routes, each starting from The Savill Garden.
Food and drink
From tasty bacon rolls to exquisite freshly baked pastries – you’ll find a variety of seasonal eating options throughout Windsor Great Park.
Membership
With world-class gardens, stunning vistas, convenient parking and outstanding facilities, take out a membership from just £2.11 a week* to enjoy Windsor Great Park and The Savill Garden all-year round.
