Virginia Water Lake

Address: Virginia Water, Windsor Great Park, Surrey, England

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.

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.

• 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.