A visit to Virginia Water Lake in Surrey makes a brilliant day out at any time of the year, whether you’re visiting with kids, taking the dog, or enjoying a peaceful walk on your own.
It’s especially lovely in autumn, when the colours around the lake are at their best and the paths feel a little quieter, but spring and summer also bring vibrant colours to the gardens and stunning scenery.
More than just a circular walk, Virginia Water Lake offers plenty to see and do along the way, from waterfalls and historic follies to playgrounds and picnic spots. We’ve been visiting Virginia Water and have explored every corner over the years, so it’s a place I know really well.
In this guide, we share what to expect on your visit, including the main highlights, practical tips and why Virginia Water Lake is one of the best outdoor places to visit in Surrey for families, walkers, and nature lovers alike.
Contents: click to jump to a section
About Virginia Water Lake
Where is Virginia Water Lake?
Virginia Water Lake is on the southern edge of Windsor Great Park, near Ascot. It is on the borders of Berkshire and Surrey.
See below for the Virginia Water Lake map:-
A brief history of Virginia Water Lake
Virginia Water Lake has a long association with the royal family. It was first dammed in 1753, making it the largest man-made lake of its time, and later became a royal retreat for both George III and Queen Victoria.
Today, Virginia Water is one of the most popular outdoor places in Surrey, attracting families, dog-walkers, joggers, and cyclists, who enjoy the scenic circular walk around the lake.
What can you see at Virginia Water Lake?
Virginia Water Lake is popular because it offers far more than a simple lakeside walk. Along the route, you’ll find spectacular scenery, play areas, picnic spots, and several unexpected landmarks that make the walk interesting for all ages.
The Cascade
If you start at the Virginia Water Visitor Centre and go clockwise, you’ll soon come to the ornamental waterfall. Originally built in the 1750’s, this 10-metre cascade is now one of the grandest remaining features at Virginia Water Lake.
At one point, children could climb on the surrounding rocks, but now watching the waters from the viewpoint has to suffice.
The Roman ruins
The first surprise for people new to Virginia Water Lake is the 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 in present day Libya.
They wanted it to look as much like a genuine Roman relic as possible, in keeping with fashion at the time.
Five-Arch Bridge
After walking the first side of the lake, you’ll cross the stone five-arch bridge. The bridge built between 1822 and 1827 and has remained relatively unchanged since.
You can stop for refreshments at this end of the lake. There is a take-away van and temporary outside seating area.
The Totem Pole at Virginia Water Lake
The second curiosity at Virginia Water Lake is the 100 ft totem pole, which is one of the best attractions for kids.
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 seating area around the totem pole and a circular pathway, which makes a popular runway for children.
Of course, you can also visit the totem pole without walking the full perimeter of the lake. To do this take a right turn at the Visitors Centre or park at Savill Garden and walk directly from there.
Nature and wildlife at Virginia Water Lake
The views around Virginia Water Lake are spectacular, with open water, ornamental trees, and shrubs lining the paths. Wildlife is abundant, with water birds easily spotted on the lake and the occasional deer crossing the path.
Around the perimeter of the lake, ancient trees create a natural playground for children, with dense rhododendron areas creating hidden labyrinths, that are perfect for hide and seek or tree climbing.
Beyond Virginia Water Lake
The Valley Gardens
The circular walk around Virginia Water Lake is approximately 4.5 miles, but it’s well worth taking a short detour to explore the Valley Gardens.
This beautiful area offers a constantly changing landscape throughout the year, thanks to an impressive collection of trees and shrubs from across the world. The Valley Gardens are managed by gardening experts and are one of the most rewarding places to explore in Windsor Great Park.
A network of winding paths and gentle trails leads down into the Punch Bowl, a dramatic natural ampitheatre that is impressive in every season.
In spring, the Punch Bowl bursts into colour, with vibrant pinks, purples, and reds from its extensive displays of rhododendron, magnolias, and azaleas. For even earlier colour, head to the Heather Gardens, where carpets of of purple heather brighten the landscape. Daffodil Valley is another highlight, offering one of the best daffodil displays in the area.
By autumn, the Valley Gardens transform once again, with rich shades of crimson, golds and russet creating some fantastic seasonal scenery.
The Savill Garden
A short walk from the totem pole at Virginia Water Lake will take you to The Savill Garden. Here you will find every horticulturalists’ dream, 35 acres of immaculate landscaped gardens.
There is an admission charge to enter Savill Gardens, but access to the restaurant or food counter is free.
Children's playground at Virginia Water Lake
If you are visiting Virginia Water Lake with toddlers or younger children, look out for the a small playground on the path to Savill Garden. This has a wooden ship, swings and a sandpit.
For older children, there are plenty of good climbing trees behind the playground. In front of the playground, Obelisk Lawn provides one of the best picnic spots at Virginia Water Lake.
Practical information for your visit to Virginia Water Lake
How to get to Virginia Water Lake
The easiest way to get to Virginia Water Lake is by car.
It is easily accessible from the M25, via the A30. It is also very close to Windsor (about 20 minutes from the town centre).
The nearest train station is Virginia Water Station, but the entrance to the lake is 2 miles away, so you would need to get a taxi.
Parking at Virginia Water Lake
There are two car parks for Virginia Water Lake and one for Savill Garden. The sat nav postcode for the main car park is GU25 4QF and for Savill Garden is TW20 0UJ.
All of the car parks can get very busy during the summer months, so it’s best to get there early. Details of charges and opening times can be found here.
Virginia Water Lake opening times
The car parks are open from 7.45am (or dawn if later) to 7pm (or dusk if earlier) throughout the year.
Entrance fees to Virginia Water Lake
Admission to Virginia Water Lake and the Valley Gardens is free, though hourly parking charges apply.
However, there is an admission charge for Savill Garden. It is currently £8.50 for adults, £5.50 for children (5-15 yrs) and free for toddlers. It’s cheaper during the winter months (from 1st November).
Top tip: If you purchase entrance to Savill Garden, you can get a refund on your parking ticket.
Refreshments
There are several places to eat at Virginia Water Lake. The Pavillion at the Visitor Centre has been renovated and provides a selection of snacks and drinks. You’ll also find several snack vans and ice-cream vans (seasonal) around the park.
Picnicking is also a very popular choice, as there are so many great places to stop.
For more formal eating, you can head to The Savill Garden.
Alternatively after a great walk we stop at one of the many pubs surrounding the lake for a refreshing pint and family friendly meal. We can recommend the Wheatsheaf Hotel, The Bailiwick or The Belvedere Arms which are all accessible on foot from Virginia Water Lake.
Pin For Later: A Visit to Virginia Water Lake Surrey in Autumn
