If you are looking for somewhere to take a leisurely walk, to run the perimeter or to simple relax and enjoy the view – then Virginia Water is the perfect place. This area is steeped in a rich history that spans centuries – from ancient monuments, to cascading waterfalls and stunning scenery. Created originally as a royal pleasure ground it’s now a popular outdoor family attraction, halfway between Windsor in East Berkshire and Woking in North Surrey. It would make a great countryside escape as a day trip from London too.
Located within Windsor Great Park, the walk around Virginia Water lake is around 4.5-5 miles on good paths. It is suitable for dogs although they must be on a lead in the Valley Gardens. Along the walk there are various things you will come across:
- The Cascade – the ornamental waterfall – originally built in the 1750’s, this 10-metre cascade is now one of the grandest remaining features at Virginia Water
- Roman ruins, “The Temple of Augustus” – in fact, they are not real Roman ruins but a replica. However, many of the stones for the folly were imported from Leptis Magna, a Roman city.
- Five-Arch Bridge – after walking the first side of the lake, you’ll cross the stone five-arch bridge.
- 100 ft totem pole – the government of British Columbia gave the totem pole to Queen Elizabeth II as a gift in 1958. They carved it from a single 600-year old log of Western Red Cedar. If you look up you’ll see carvings of birds, odd looking men and animals such as a whale and sea otter.
There is a children’s play area on Obelisk Lawn. This playground has a shipwreck theme with all things nautical – ships, rigging, sand and a crow’s nest. There is also a sand pit which you can bring your own toys to play in, toddler swings and various climbing apparatus too. The floor is covered in soft bark which is ideal for the little ones to walk on.
When we visited the Windsor Great Park Illuminated lights event was still running and they had various fairground rides still on site which we were able to use.
Noah had great fun going on the carousel and there was also a helter skelter available at an additional cost too. During this event there was also pop up coffee and food stalls too, but think these are only there for the duration of the Windsor lights.
The walk around the lake is easily accessible and is buggy friendly, there was alot of children on pushbikes and scooters also. There is also a cafe onsite serving hot and cold refreshments, plus toilets too. The only downside to our visit to the lake is the car parking charges, we were there just over 2.5hours and cost us £9 which seemed a little steep.
New Play Park at The Savill Gardens
There is some exciting news for Summer 2023 where a new playground is opening called Adventure Play at The Savill Garden which are part of Windsor Great Park. I caught a glimpse of it myself and it looks like a spectacular play area that will consist of lots of gorgeous wooden structures for youngsters to hide in, climb on and explore. Hidden among the trees, there will be tunnels and slides as well as bridges in the treetops.
