Windsor Great Park
Windsor Great Park
4.5
About
Part of the Windsor Estate, Windsor Great Park is an ancient Royal landscape of forests, grasslands, lakes and gardens. Visit and you will discover 1,000 years of history including historical monuments, rare wildlife and National Collections of plants and Champion Trees. There is so much to explore throughout the seasons at Windsor Great Park. Take a look at the areas you can visit including the gardens, Adventure Play, the Environmental Centre and Swinley Forest.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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- Jeffry bEssendon, Australia14,153 contributionsPlayground for kings and princesWindsor Great Park has been the playground for kings and princes for over a thousand years. The ancient woodland harbors wild deer, who can be seen taking advantage of the freedom of the park. Visitors can wander through the winding paths, while admiring the diverse foliage. Windsor Great Park is the highlight of any trip to Windsor's Royal residence.Visited January 2023Written 19 March 2023
- Amy JiangGreater London, United Kingdom2,311 contributionsWonderful walking on the Long WalkPerfect walking route from Virginia Water all the way to Windsor Castle down this road. Can see numerous deer on either side, as well as kites and other birds of prey on occasion as well as sheep. It can be a tiring path with not particularly much substantial change in scenery for a long time as well as no places to throw rubbish or sit down, but you can always bring a picnic blanket and take up shop anywhere on the route. Plus there are plenty of places to rest and eat in Windsor itself!Visited July 2022Written 1 April 2023
- JoanJhSaratoga, California524 contributionsGreat open space for a strollWe only did a small part of the park because we were time constrained. This is a great place to walk, run, or bike in. The part we walked in was left in its natural and wild state and beautiful with the castle in the very distance.Visited May 2023Written 1 May 2023
- MirmurphCounty Carlow, Ireland12 contributionsAdventure PlaySuch a great day out for all the family. 6 and 3 year old thoroughly enjoyed all the amenities of an amazing playground. Even though the weather had been wet, we wrapped up and got out to play, followed by treat afterwards in cafe. Excellent for all ages.Visited June 2023Travelled with familyWritten 30 July 2023
- Mohr AmySoutham, United Kingdom10 contributionsGood reviewWe only did a small part of the park because we were time constrained. This is a great place to walk, run, or bike in. The part we walked in was left in its natural and wild state and beautiful with the castle in the very distance.Visited August 2023Travelled with familyWritten 15 August 2023
- Marilyn M53 contributionsLunch at Windsor Great Park - Virginia Water CafeWe visited the Virginia Water Cafe yesterday as we have done on numerous occasions for a lunch. As always the food was excellent and we had a lovely lunch there. All the staff are courteous and helpful but I have to mention by name Jay. He goes above and beyond to help customers and his people skills are exceptional. He is an asset to his team. Always remembers our names and is such a lovely person. Always can be sure of great food and great service from the staff of Virginia Water Cafe. Well done all of you.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 6 September 2023
- hollyReading.BerksWokingham, United Kingdom982 contributionsWindsor Great Park IlluminatedWindsor Great Park Illuminated Visited on a busy sunday, we went last year but really enjoyed it. The layout was set out different but all the favourites were still there. We loved that they used the lights on the water as last year they didn’t and can do this so well and great use of the water. Our son loved the fairy disco and marshmallow roasting. Yes drinks/ food is pricey but expected- the rides were reasonable priced and enjoyed by our son! Defo recommend a visit at Christmas time it’s so magical and pretty!Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 3 January 2024
- Lighter111Surrey, United Kingdom170 contributionsWindsor illuminated showWent to visit Windsor illuminated, saville garden was nice enjoyed the walk, and lights with different themes. Book your parking spot with tickets additional cost. Some food spots dotted around.Visited November 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 4 January 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
1,663 reviews
Excellent
1,208
Very good
372
Average
51
Poor
19
Terrible
13
Brian C
Belfast, UK4 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Deeply disappointed with exorbitant parking fees if they were less we would visit more often and stay longer there are plenty of other alternatives so the ball is in your court
Written 30 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review, the parking charges contribute towards the maintenance of our car parks, facilities and Windsor Great Park for which there is no entry fee.
If you are a regular visitor you may wish to consider a Windsor Great Park membership which includes free parking in selected car parks as well as other benefits.
Written 5 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lighter111
Surrey, UK170 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
Went to visit Windsor illuminated, saville garden was nice enjoyed the walk, and lights with different themes.
Book your parking spot with tickets additional cost.
Some food spots dotted around.
Book your parking spot with tickets additional cost.
Some food spots dotted around.
Written 4 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hollyReading.Berks
Wokingham, UK982 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
Windsor Great Park Illuminated
Visited on a busy sunday, we went last year but really enjoyed it.
The layout was set out different but all the favourites were still there.
We loved that they used the lights on the water as last year they didn’t and can do this so well and great use of the water.
Our son loved the fairy disco and marshmallow roasting.
Yes drinks/ food is pricey but expected- the rides were reasonable priced and enjoyed by our son!
Defo recommend a visit at Christmas time it’s so magical and pretty!
Visited on a busy sunday, we went last year but really enjoyed it.
The layout was set out different but all the favourites were still there.
We loved that they used the lights on the water as last year they didn’t and can do this so well and great use of the water.
Our son loved the fairy disco and marshmallow roasting.
Yes drinks/ food is pricey but expected- the rides were reasonable priced and enjoyed by our son!
Defo recommend a visit at Christmas time it’s so magical and pretty!
Written 3 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Simona
Weybridge, UK1 contribution
Dec 2023 • Family
Illuminated show!!!
Definitely did not worth the money... a lot much nicer Kew Garden (unfortunately tickets were sold out).
Very much disappointed for the food and drink prices ...outrageous!!!
14 £ for a hotdog? you must be joking!!!
Definitely will not go again and not recommending !!
Definitely did not worth the money... a lot much nicer Kew Garden (unfortunately tickets were sold out).
Very much disappointed for the food and drink prices ...outrageous!!!
14 £ for a hotdog? you must be joking!!!
Definitely will not go again and not recommending !!
Written 23 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brittraveller2014
London, UK9 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
Windsor illuminated 2023.
Booked tickets for a family (2adults 2children) plus 2 additional adults and the price was peak time Friday 15th December, and the total cost was about £150 so expectations were high.
We booked the tickets 2 weeks in advance and the option to purchase parking in advance was not possible with the Windsor illuminated website stating “CAR PARKING UNAVAILABLE/sold-out”
Every day for 10 days 3x adults in the party checked the website incase parking became available - which didn’t happen.
Looking at the impact on the local community there is a one way system in place to and from Savil Gardens and we know the area, parking on the street isn’t an option.
Having contacted the entertainment company responsible via email (not replied to) and Facebook (contact established) the answer was to park in Egham station carpark (2 cars @£2.80 for two hours off peak) And then get 2x taxis/uber to Windsor illuminated at a cost of £15-17 each car.
Imagine our “surprise” at 2000 on the Friday arriving at the gates to find the car in front were paying for parking at the gate/entrance having NOT PRE PAID - if this was an option it would have been considerate to let us know this was even a possibility. (Yes I checked with the occupants of said car just in case we were wrong and there were about 15-20 spare parking spaces we counted walking through the main car park from Savile gardens main building to Windsor illuminated.)
So … here’s my advice - no pre booked parking available … try the main gate and have a plan B and lots of cash just incase .. the UBER XL back to Egham cost £22 so an additional £60 (approx) in taxi/parking costs which weren’t needed.
The lights were lovely btw and the music great - will we return next year, probably not given Kew and other historic sites have parking available.
-Happy Christmas
Booked tickets for a family (2adults 2children) plus 2 additional adults and the price was peak time Friday 15th December, and the total cost was about £150 so expectations were high.
We booked the tickets 2 weeks in advance and the option to purchase parking in advance was not possible with the Windsor illuminated website stating “CAR PARKING UNAVAILABLE/sold-out”
Every day for 10 days 3x adults in the party checked the website incase parking became available - which didn’t happen.
Looking at the impact on the local community there is a one way system in place to and from Savil Gardens and we know the area, parking on the street isn’t an option.
Having contacted the entertainment company responsible via email (not replied to) and Facebook (contact established) the answer was to park in Egham station carpark (2 cars @£2.80 for two hours off peak) And then get 2x taxis/uber to Windsor illuminated at a cost of £15-17 each car.
Imagine our “surprise” at 2000 on the Friday arriving at the gates to find the car in front were paying for parking at the gate/entrance having NOT PRE PAID - if this was an option it would have been considerate to let us know this was even a possibility. (Yes I checked with the occupants of said car just in case we were wrong and there were about 15-20 spare parking spaces we counted walking through the main car park from Savile gardens main building to Windsor illuminated.)
So … here’s my advice - no pre booked parking available … try the main gate and have a plan B and lots of cash just incase .. the UBER XL back to Egham cost £22 so an additional £60 (approx) in taxi/parking costs which weren’t needed.
The lights were lovely btw and the music great - will we return next year, probably not given Kew and other historic sites have parking available.
-Happy Christmas
Written 16 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AlinaRC
Hertfordshire1,526 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
The Windsor illuminated light show is a seasonal but not overly Christmasy affair. It is of a similar quality and scale to Kew Gardens, helped by having the lake and many wonderful trees as a backdrop. Some of the displays sound children focused, but even these - the fairy disco - are technically intriguing. Some installations take a two or three minutes to run through their cycle - its bemusing to find people walking straight past without pausing to watch the spectacle. Some will be familiar to light trail visitors here and elsewhere - the tunnel of light. Others were new - including the sipra-light trees and swirlpools; which draped over the forest floor, with a sense of bring under water. Also impressive was the display over the lake, this year called myths of the lake - a light projection onto fine mist including winged horses, a winter story book and a dragon.
If you are travelling from some distance and are a good walker, it can be combined with a visit earlier in the day to Savill gardens. The starting point for the trail is in Savill car park. The charges vary a lot depending on the day of the week and time, mid week are cheeper. A few tips - earlier slots are better, it is dark by 16.30 and less cold to walk around. You can easily spend a couple of hours going around, longer if you spend time taking photographs and stop for a hot drink. There are toilet facilities 2/3 of the way around and at the start/end. There are benches to sit at two points but these stay very damp, a good idea to take something to sit on top of. The shop at Savill gardens (and toilets) stay open. The cafe and restaurant will also be open in the peak season. This has a good range of vegetarian and vegan choices.
If you are travelling from some distance and are a good walker, it can be combined with a visit earlier in the day to Savill gardens. The starting point for the trail is in Savill car park. The charges vary a lot depending on the day of the week and time, mid week are cheeper. A few tips - earlier slots are better, it is dark by 16.30 and less cold to walk around. You can easily spend a couple of hours going around, longer if you spend time taking photographs and stop for a hot drink. There are toilet facilities 2/3 of the way around and at the start/end. There are benches to sit at two points but these stay very damp, a good idea to take something to sit on top of. The shop at Savill gardens (and toilets) stay open. The cafe and restaurant will also be open in the peak season. This has a good range of vegetarian and vegan choices.
Written 24 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura S
2 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
Please take note…. The route the event takes you is full of pot holes. Our evening was ruined as we had a blow out by going over a pothole full of water (it had been raining heavily). It ruined what was supposed to be a lively family experience. What made it worse was that most of the event organisers said this has happened previously. I understand it’s not their fault for the pot hole but I would hate for another family to have the same experience we did! Please be careful!! X
Written 17 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Firsthand Experience
6 contributions
Sept 2023 • Friends
Amazing MEMORY filled visit via private carriage experience through Windsor Carriages (Rebecca S), Coachman Jonathan, Guide Crispin and Horse Bell.
If you seek an extraordinary experience this is it, tailored made to your requests.
If you seek an extraordinary experience this is it, tailored made to your requests.
Written 9 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marilyn M
Maidenhead53 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
We visited the Virginia Water Cafe yesterday as we have done on numerous occasions for a lunch. As always the food was excellent and we had a lovely lunch there.
All the staff are courteous and helpful but I have to mention by name Jay. He goes above and beyond to help customers and his people skills are exceptional. He is an asset to his team. Always remembers our names and is such a lovely person.
Always can be sure of great food and great service from the staff of Virginia Water Cafe. Well done all of you.
All the staff are courteous and helpful but I have to mention by name Jay. He goes above and beyond to help customers and his people skills are exceptional. He is an asset to his team. Always remembers our names and is such a lovely person.
Always can be sure of great food and great service from the staff of Virginia Water Cafe. Well done all of you.
Written 6 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mohr Amy
Southam, UK10 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
We only did a small part of the park because we were time constrained. This is a great place to walk, run, or bike in. The part we walked in was left in its natural and wild state and beautiful with the castle in the very distance.
Written 15 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lesley W
Maidenhead, UK4 contributions
is it free to park at bishipsgate?
WindsorGreatPark
Windsor, UK
The Crown Estate do not manage a car park at Bishops Gate, this car park is managed by the local council and will be able to help you further.
Lesley W
Maidenhead, UK4 contributions
is it free to park at bishopsgate ?
T E M P
London, UK367 contributions
When I arrived , I got to Virginia Water gate entrance there was a car park but i wasn't driving i walked in, so i'm afraid I can't help you with that, but if you call Virginia Water gate entrance i'm sure they'll be able to help you with your quiery.
C.C.
United Kingdom13 contributions
Which aspects of the park would be most enjoyed by a family with an 8 year old child please?
Ray
Staines, UK786 contributions
It's not a public park with rides in traditional sense. It's more like a nature reserve/botanical garden/historical place cluster so lots of walking in woods involved. But maybe the resident deer around the The Long Walk area interest you. Or you can visit the Virginia Water lake which probably is the most touristy part of the park.
There's also a little playground for infants near Savill Gardens but once again if the visit is mostly for your 8 year old then Legoland in Windsor is a purpose built theme park.
Ann-Marie_Skill
Southampton, UK73 contributions
Is it free to walk around the park? I can see that you have to pay for some areas but wondered if there was a cafe and walking available without booking. Any help greatly appreciated. Going today!
Julie H
York, UK18 contributions
Yes it is.
J0j028
Leighton Buzzard, UK193 contributions
Hi,
My husband and I haven't seen our two children since Christmas. We are arranging to meet in Windsor inorder to have a walk and a picnic. My husband will still be shielding. Where do you suggest we park for a walk and picnic please.
Thank you for any advice given
Kelly
Reading, UK10 contributions
I would like to see the sunrise from here, could anyone tell me the easiest place to park that is quite close. I’ve not walked along here before.
Has anyone seen the sunrise from this location?
Many thanks
LES P
Cambridge. UK40 contributions
Lots of local parking. Enjoy the walk around on your way to the park
lucianocl
Pordenone, Italy18 contributions
Volevo sapere la lunghezza del parco dal cancello centrale fino all'ippodromo Grazie
Jonathan H
London, UK16 contributions
Do we have to pay if we only want to enter The Long Walk to photograph Windsor Castle? What are the opening hours? Thanks
Peter N
Ashford, UK79 contributions
Free. Opening hours are daylight hours. If you enter at the Bishopsgate entrance and walk through the deer park to the metal horse for best castle views.
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Claim your listingWINDSOR GREAT PARK: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Windsor Great Park
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Windsor Great Park:
- Windsor Day Trip from London with a Local: Private & 100% Personalized (From £307.55)
- Windsor Independent Day Trip from London with Private Driver (From £254.92)
- Private Windsor Roundtrip Transfer from London (From £573.06)
- Private Windsor Trip from London - Windsor Castle, Great Park, Eton, Long Walk (From £335.10)
- Windsor Duck Tour: Bus and Boat Ride (From £27.68)
- Hotels near Windsor Great Park:
- (0.43 mi) Cumberland Lodge
- (1.02 mi) Fairmont Windsor Park
- (1.66 mi) Coworth Park
- (3.05 mi) Park Farm Bed & Breakfast
- (4.16 mi) The Old Farmhouse
- Restaurants near Windsor Great Park:
- (1.44 mi) Bluebells Restaurant
- (1.66 mi) Woven by Adam Smith
- (1.65 mi) The Drawing Room at Coworth Park
- (1.67 mi) Caspari
- (2.11 mi) The Beehive
- Attractions near Windsor Great Park:
- (0.61 mi) Ascot Carriages
- (3.83 mi) Windsor Castle
- (0.72 mi) Savill Garden
- (0.70 mi) The Valley Gardens
- (4.00 mi) Escape In 60