Explore the wonders of Windsor Great Park on foot and lose yourself in the magic of its delightful gardens, rolling countryside and ancient woodland.
With many different trails and routes on offer, Windsor Great Park inspires walkers to come back and visit time and time again. Here are just a few of our recommended walks:
Designed to offer stunning scenery all year round, The Savill Garden is the perfect place to unwind as you take in the sights and scents of the shrubs, plants and trees. A stroll in Spring Wood offers pretty pastel views of its rhododendron during April and May - then in Summer you can head to the manicured lawns of the Summer Gardens, stroll along the 100 metre Herbaceous Borders and look out for the colourful displays of over 3,500 roses in the Rose Garden. Later in the year, wander amongst the glorious displays of maple and cherry trees in Autumn Wood, and don’t miss the fiery cornus stems which cover the banks of the stream in the Winter beds.
On the northern shores of Virginia Water lies the picturesque Valley Gardens - with 250 acres of landscaped blooms, and twisting woodland trails that offer their own unique views of the great lake. Explore the rising roots of the beech trees, or make your way through the flowering forest, wild grass meadows and exotic shrubs.
During autumn, the rust-coloured canopies are enriched with intense reds - as oaks, sweet chestnuts and maples display their autumn hues, and crisp leaves crackle underfoot. But don’t forget to plan a visit in May as well, to see the Azalea Walk filled with varieties of coloured azaleas.
You can choose from one of three marked routes around the gardens, each of which is around 1.5 miles (2.5km) in length - or just explore at your own pace. These routes range in difficulty, from the accessible Hilltop Route, to the steep Discovery Route, or the lengthier Lakeside Route - with stunning views over Virginia Water.
Enter the Park through Cambridge Gate, as you walk along the formal avenue of the Long Walk, all the way to the Copper Horse at the top of Snow Hill. A perfect afternoon walk of just over 2.5 miles (4.2km), with an even tarmac path for the whole route. Take in the impressive views of Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and look out for the rare sight of our deer herds, enjoying the shade of an old oak tree.
As you reach the Copper Horse statue you will be greeted with wonderful views across the tree canopies and Windsor rooftops - with Eton College, Windsor Castle and arch at Wembley stadium all visible. Then if you enjoy the challenges of off-road hillwalking, the ancient forest of the Deer Park offers a route through stunning woodland, filled with some of the Park’s oldest oaks.
From the impressive heights of the Cascade to the ancient Leptis Magna ruins, a walk around Virginia Water never fails to surprise and impress. You certainly won’t have to walk far before you encounter one of our many points of interest! An entire circuit of the lake is around 4 ½ miles (7 km) in total. And however long you decide to make your walk at Virginia Water, the Pavilion will always be ready and waiting to greet you with a welcome coffee and a snack afterwards.
Visit our Opening Times and Parking pages for specific details about each of these locations. Or for a wider explanation about each one, and other practical information, visit the relevant pages in our Explore section - using the links within each Recommended Walk description above.
Please note that as you walk, you will see a few areas clearly marked 'Private'. Unfortunately, these are not open to the public, but there is still plenty for you to see!
Whether you're a keen horticulturist looking for inspiration, a dog owner who wants an unrivalled variety of short and longer walks, or a family looking for a place to enjoy nature and history there is a membership type to suit you.
Useful information to help make your visit informative and enjoyable.
