Visitor updates

Park map and rules

Before you visit download a map to your smartphone as well as familiarise yourself with the Park rules. Take a look here.

Improvements at the Virginia Water Pavilion

Thank you for your patience whilst we make improvements to the Virginia Water Pavilion for your future enjoyment.

Please follow the directional signage and use the alternative entrance whilst the work is in progress.

We will post the latest news and developments on this page.

Safety around areas of open water

Warm weather warning - There can be the temptation to enter the areas of open water in Windsor Great Park but please do not enter or attempt to swim at any of the ponds or lakes in the Great Park.

Here are just some of the potential risks of entering the water:

Hidden currents
Underwater hazards
Unexpected water temperature

Barbecues and camp fires

Windsor Great Park is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest by Natural England, and is incredibly valuable for conservation. The Park is potentially vulnerable and uncontrolled fires pose a significant risk to the park, its wildlife, and the many visitors that enjoy this beautiful landscape.

All forms of barbecue and camp fire are prohibited.

Information about ticks

While exploring Windsor Great Park during the spring, summer and autumn months it is important to be aware of the risk of ticks. Ticks can inhabit areas of woodland and heathland, and some tick bites can be dangerous, so we recommend thoroughly checking for bites at the end of your visit.

The following tips will also help you to avoid being bitten:

Stick to paths and avoid walking through long grass or other dense vegetation.
Wear long sleeved tops, trousers and closed shoes (not sandals) when walking through tall vegetation.
Wearing lighter colours can be helpful, as it makes it easier to see any ticks.
Inspect skin regularly, and make sure children’s head and neck areas are properly checked
At the end of the day, check thoroughly to make sure ticks are not brought home on clothes or pets.
Use insect repellent, and use tick repellent collars on pets. Tick treatments are also available from your vet.
If you do get bitten, remove ticks with care.

For more information, please see the Public Health England website.

Timber harvesting in Swinley Forest

Timber Harvesting is taking place this winter in Swinley Forest.

This is part of the sustainable management of the Forest and produces wood that is used in local sawmills to produce timber for construction, fencing and landscaping materials. Lower grade timber is used to make animal bedding or for biomass to produce heat and energy.

The cycle of felling and replanting of woodlands is important for the rare flora and fauna found in the forest, especially ground nesting birds which live in the open areas and young plantations created following felling.

Please be aware that the work is being done using large machinery and there will be timber lorries operating on the forest roads. Please keep well clear of working machinery and observe warning signs and directions from operators. Timber harvesting can be dangerous and they are here to keep you safe.

Visitor updates

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