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Visitor Updates

Our team are working constantly to ensure that we keep the highest standards here at Windsor Great Park, to preserve this special place for future generations.

General Information

We will always do our best to let you know if essential work is taking place that may affect your visit.  

Please check the information below for general information and to see what’s happening around Windsor Great Park.

Visitor Information

If you are visiting the Great Park this weekend we look forward to welcoming you. If it's your first time you may want to take the time to familiarise yourself with the best places to park and where to get refreshments. Please follow the links listed below:

 

The Great Park is a fantastic place for dog walking and leisure cycling. There are however some guidelines that we would like you to observe so that this space can be enjoyed by everyone:

 

Cyclists looking for an area that is just for you might want to consider Swinley Forest.

 

 

Oak Processionary Moth caterpillars are now present in areas of Windsor Great Park. The hairs on these caterpillars can cause irritation and rashes on both humans and animals.

Please avoid contact with any caterpillars that you may see. The Estate is actively managing the situation.

 

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 

 

The next Windsor Park Equestrian Carriage Driving competition will be held on 01 and 02 June 2019. Maps of this years routes can be found here.

 

Dates for the remainder of the year are:

  • 13-14 July
  • 18 August
  • 14-15 September

As soon as we have maps we will update you.

 

  • The south side of Virginia Water lake and Virginia Water South car park will be closed to the public on Tuesday 18 June to allow film crew to move their large vehicles safely. We apologise for the inconvenience.
  • Areas of The Valley Gardens are currently closed due to tree management operations
  • Timber felling and re-planting programme begins at Swinley Forest. Some tracks closed - Please follow directional signs

  • At times, there is likely to be disruption along the Ribblesdale horse track (Blacknest Gate to Dukes Lane). China Bridge, which is half way up the track, requires some essential repairs. This involves the track being closed at times. 

We apologise for any inconvenience caused by these activities.

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.

Windsor Great Park and Forest is an international site of conservation, and some of the UK’s most important locations for fungi are found here. As such, the collection of fungi is strictly prohibited in Windsor Great Park. The ancient trees and acid grasslands are left as undisturbed as possible to create a unique habitat for fungal growth, resulting in an impressive collection of rare and interesting varieties. The collection of fruit bodies (mushrooms and toadstools), however, threatens the future of these species, and the other species they help to grow. 

We ask all visitors to comply with the following measures: 

  • No collection of mushrooms and toadstools for any purpose is permitted. 
  • Causing damage to, picking, or discarding unwanted fruit bodies is prohibited.
  • Anyone caught picking fungi will have any mushrooms or toadstools confiscated and may face prosecution.

Please find below a selection of information relating to specific regulations and policies.

Windsor Great Park regulations

Horse riding regulations

Scattering ashes

Dog walking

Cycling

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