Virginia Water
Lake Lake and ornamental park in Windsor Great Park
A lake and park within Windsor Great Park, Virginia Water attracts walkers to lakeside paths, an ornamental cascade and seasonal boat hire.
Virginia Water is an ornamental lake and parkland feature within Windsor Great Park in Surrey, England, known for its lakeside walks, waterfalls and landscape follies. It forms a major recreational area within the royal park.
Visitors use the site for its lakeside promenades, scenic viewpoints, a notable artificial waterfall and several classical-style follies and ruins set around the shore. The area is popular for walking, birdwatching and picnics.
The lake and surrounding pleasure grounds have been part of Windsor Great Park for centuries and were shaped into the present ornamental landscape during 18th- and 19th-century park improvements; the area has long been associated with the Crown estate.
Virginia Water lies within Windsor Great Park in Surrey, close to the settlement of Virginia Water and within the wider Windsor and Egham area; it is southwest of central London and readily reached by road and rail.
- Park setting and walk: Located within Windsor Great Park and managed as part of the park's landscape, the lake is surrounded by formal plantings, follies and a popular circular walking route of a few kilometres.
- Transport: Nearest rail access is the Virginia Water station, which provides direct connections to London and nearby towns for park visitors.
How to Get to Virginia Water #
Virginia Water is within Windsor Great Park in Surrey. From London, take the South Western Railway or a Great Western service to Windsor & Eton Riverside or Windsor & Eton Central, then a short taxi ride (10-15 minutes) or a 45-60 minute walk. By car use the A30/A329 approaches; parking is available at the Virginia Water car parks (follow Windsor Great Park signs). On-site footpaths link to nearby Savill Garden and Cumberland Gate.
Tips for Visiting Virginia Water #
- Use the Kings Road or Holly Hill entrance to Windsor Great Park and follow signs for Virginia Water to avoid the busy A30 approaches.
- Walk the full circuit clockwise in late afternoon-the light on the lake and the ring of pines is at its best then, and the crowds thin.
- Look for the model totem-people still toss coins into the small grotto near the cascade; the worn stone steps at the waterfall show centuries of feet.
Best Time to Visit Virginia Water #
Best visited spring through autumn for walking and photography; winters are quieter but chillier.
Weather & Climate near Virginia Water #
Virginia Water's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (654 mm/year).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. The wettest month with 67 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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