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The Valley Gardens

Discover this enchanting woodland of twisting trails and sweet smelling flowers, located on the northern shores of Virginia Water.

Created by the shared vision of Sir Eric Savill and Hope Findlay, these 250 acres of undulating valleys were planted with exotic azaleas, magnolias and other blooms from all over the world. Our visitors love to wander through the remarkable maze of twisting woodland tracks and exotic scented blooms.

Every season offers collections that will surprise and delight even the most seasoned of horticulturists all year round, including National Collections of Magnolia, Rhododendron Species and Glenn Dale Azaleas, as well as Himalayan and Chinese Birches.

We are currently undertaking a comprehensive restoration project for the Punch Bowl display in The Valley Gardens. More information.

While the heaths and clusters of native trees have historically been part of the landscape, more substantial plantings of exotic plants and trees were initiated by the Duke of Cumberland in the 18th Century. It was the end of the Second World War however, that saw The Valley Gardens transformed – with gardeners from all over the country kindly donating shrubs, in particular azaleas and rhododendrons.

With the blessing of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, Deputy Ranger Sir Eric Savill and his head gardener, Hope Findlay, turned to the undulating valleys above Virginia Water to house these plants - inspired by the parallel valleys and ancient trees that lined the horizon.

After clearing the central valleys and restoring the views to the 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 creating a flowering forest of exotic shrubs. These displays continue to grow and evolve today as our Gardens team carefully select each new introduction and placement, to add to the artistry of the landscape.

Flowering highlights

Each season brings with it something new, transforming the scene with fresh displays to explore. For more information about what you can see all year round, please visit our Seasonal Highlights section.

Our guide to the Garden Highlights indicates which flowers, plants and trees within The Savill Garden are most attractive at the moment, so you can plan your visit accordingly.

Sequoiadendron giganteum

Commonly known as Giant Redwoods, these trees are part of the 19th century plantings around Virginia Water lake. 

Sorbus x kewensis

We have a National Collection of Sorbus. It is a hybrid between a British native, Sorbus aucuparia and one of the best Chinese species, Sorbus pohuashanensis. 

Meliosma pinnata var. oldhamii

At the top of the Valley, near the Heather Garden gate. This is a rare tree in cultivation and has ash like leaves. 

Mahonia sp.

Mahonias are one of our National Collections. Usually associated as winter flowering shrubs. This particular one flowers in early spring, producing a lovely cluster of dense yellow flowers.

Erica x darleyensis 'Rubina' 

One of the winter flowering heathers in our Heather Garden. Enjoy good flowering period.

Exchorda ‘The Bride’

Commonly known as the pearl bush, This is a medium-sized shrub with weeping habit can be found in the Heather Garden. 

Flowering explained

Some flowering

Good display of flowers

Peak of display and looking spectacular

Visitor Information

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

Opening times & charges

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How to find us

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Parking

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Visiting the Gardens

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Group Visits

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Dog walking

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Due to the nature of the landscape, The Valley Gardens is naturally less easily accessible for visitors with restricted mobility. There are however a number of wheelchair friendly routes from which to enjoy the ever-changing displays – including a wheelchair accessible viewing point at the Punch Bowl, which offers a new perspective of this breath-taking seasonal display, which is at its best in May. The viewing point is clearly signposted from The Valley Gardens car park. Below is a map of routes around the Valley Gardens.

Windsor Great Park Membership

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.

 

 

 

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Other activities in and around The Valley Gardens

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Find key visitor information points, places of interest, restaurants, cafes and so much more.

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Explore other areas of Windsor Great Park.

The Savill Garden
Virginia Water
The Long Walk and Deer Park