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.
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.
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.
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.
A striking tree with several seasons of interests and regarded one of the most ornamental flowering cherries.
We have some noble examples of this conifer, with its large visible cones, in The Valley Gardens.
Kurume azalea
A very early start to the Punch Bowl display in The Valley Gardens this year. Peaking now
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.
Commonly known as Giant Redwoods, these trees are part of the 19th century plantings around Virginia Water lake.
The deciduous azaleas provide stunning colour in this late spring show.
One of the winter flowering heathers in our Heather Garden. Enjoy good flowering period.
We are now starting to see the trees budding with promise.
One of many flowering dogwoods in flower at the moment.
Flowering Explained
Some flowering
Good display of flowers
Peak of display and looking spectacular
These useful links will help you to make the most of your visit to Windsor Great Park.
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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