Virginia Water

About

Important Information

Following Government advice, Windsor Great Park is now accessible in the following ways:

Car Parks

The following car parks are open with reduced capacity: 

• The Savill Garden 
• Virginia Water 
• Virginia Water South

• Wick Road is open to Members only

Top Tip: Virginia Water and Virginia Water South car parks are busier. The last car park to fill is often The Savill Garden car park at TW20 0UJ. 

Car parks at The Valley Gardens, Buttersteep Forest and at Swinley Park remain CLOSED.

Facilities

• There will be NO toilet or catering facilities throughout the Great Park and the Children’s Play Area will remain CLOSED
• Picnicking is now permitted, but only in household groups or if an individual from one household is meeting an individual from another household. At all times, you should continue to observe social distancing guidelines, ensuring you are 2 metres away from anyone outside your household
• Unfortunately, litter is becoming more of a problem than usual in some areas of the Park and so please dispose your rubbish in the bins provided or take it home with you. Thank you

Please take a look at the Great Windsor Park Visitor Updates page before you make your visit.

The woodland shores of this magnificent lake are hugely popular amongst people who love to take part in the wide range of activities that are possible here - from walking or running the perimeter, dog walking, to simply relaxing and enjoying the view. This area is steeped in a rich history that spans centuries - from ancient monuments, to cascading waterfalls and stunning vistas.

Virginia Water is very popular all year round, with its glittering waters and abundance of wildlife. The ornamental Cascade waterfall is always a favourite feature - while children love the towering 100 foot Totem Pole, being fascinated by the ten mystical totem characters.

Virginia Water Lake was first dammed and flooded back in 1753 under Duke of Cumberland in his role as Park Ranger, it was the largest man-made lake of its time.  Under the guidance of George III the lake and its grounds were re-instated as a place of pageantry and spectacle.  It was a favourite picnicking spot of Queen Victoria.

The Leptis Magna Ruins arrived in 1818, as a folly that was built to look like a genuine Roman relic, the fashion of the time.   

The Totem Pole was gifted to HM The Queen in 1958 from the government of British Columbia to mark their centenary.  Built by a master craftsman Chief Mungo Martin of the Kwakiutl Indians, a tribe which is located on Vancouver Island.  It weighs 12 tons and is 100ft high!

Enjoy a rich cup of authentic Italian coffee and light bites from bacon sandwiches to ice creams at the Virginia Water Pavilion, overlooking stunning views of the lake. Enjoy your food on the timber decking outside the Pavilion or take advantage of the glazed seating area especially if the weather becomes inclement.

Toilets and baby changing facilities are available in the Pavilion.

Top Tips:

Make a day of your visit especially during the week and have a lakeside walk to The Savill Garden, where our main visitor centre is based with shop, restaurant, gallery café, toilets and baby changing facilities.  The walk is 5.1 miles, 8.2 km return trip, you will pass the Totem Pole and Obelisk Lake on your walk and be able to explore The Savill Garden, our beautiful 35 acre ornamental garden, admission charges apply.  

During the weekends the car park on the A30 can be busy, so we recommend you park at The Savill Garden car park and walk to Virginia Water Lake.

In springtime, visit The Valley Gardens on the banks of Virginia Water for colourful displays of spring flowers and return in the Summer for huge displays of hydrangeas.