Virginia Water Lake at Windsor Great Park
TRAVEL & DAYS OUT

A walk around Virginia Water Lake at Windsor Great Park

The first time we visited Virginia Water Lake at Windsor Great Park was two years ago. I took lots of pictures and we had a great time! Let me tell you more about our trip to Virginia Water Lake.

I remember that the first thing that we spotted between the trees was the cascade. It looked so nice and I thought it was so beautiful.

The construction work began in 1752 under the stewardship of William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland, with the help of his architect Henry Flitcroft. Unfortunately, 16 years later a great storm destroyed the pondhead and Cascade and emptied the lake, but soon after the disaster, under the guidance of George III, they started to reconstruct and extend the lake.

Next we saw the Leptis Magna ruins while our son was playing in dust.

 Leptis Magna ruins Virginia Water Lake

After we crossed the bridge, we arrived at The Valley Gardens. We were surrounded by flowers and colours, it was beautiful.

After the Second World War, in order to take care of Windsor Great Park, gardeners from all over the country donated shrubs. Shrubs like azaleas and rhododendrons are blooming in May, so we felt the taste of spring.

Before we finished our walk, we saw a totem pole. The Totem Pole is 100ft. high, it weights 12-ton and it was a gift from the government of British Columbia for the Queen to mark the centenary of British Columbia in 1958.

It was a long and nice walk that took us 2 hours and 45 minutes. Before adding the pictures, I have some recommendations for you when visiting Virginia Water Lake at Windsor Great Park:

  • take some snacks/ sandwiches and a bottle of water with you
  • take the stroller with you if you have a toddler; it is a long walk and carrying a toddler on the shoulders for so long, will be painful
  • don’t forget the raincoat and comfortable shoes
  • have cash
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A walk around Virginia Water Lake at Windsor Great Park

This trip was a spontaneous one and I thought it was a 40 minutes walk. Well, surprise! 😀 During the walk we got thirsty and we had no cash with us, then it started to rain. Luckily our son had his boots and raincoat on, so he was good. I wish I had taken my sneakers, because after 1 hour and a half, my feet were not comfortable in boots. So, my suggestions for you are coming after I learned my lesson 😀 .

The Valley Gardens at Windsor Great Park Berkshire with A3 Family blog

I thought about some questions that you may have, but if you have some more, feel free to comment below.

  • How long does it take to walk around Virginia Water Lake?- It took us 2 hours and 45 minutes, but we spent time playing too.
  • Are dogs allowed?- Yes, they are and there are areas with signs that let you know when you have to keep them in the lead.
  • Are we allowed with bicycles?- Yes.
  • Are there any shops along Virginia Water Lake?- 2 years ago there was a van that was selling coffee, juice and some snacks. They have a shop at the entrance and exit which is the same shop.
  • Is Virginia Water Lake free?- It is free, but if you come by car, you have to pay the parking which starts at 2.50£ per hour and 3£ per hour during the weekend and bank holiday.

If you are thinking about a day out with your loved ones, add Virginia Water Lake on your list.

Love,

Alexandra

walk around virginia water lake

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