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If you’re planning a family weekend in Windsor, Windsor Great Park is a fun day out. Covering around 4,800 acres, the park sits within the Windsor Estate and is beautifully maintained, from its intricate flowerbeds to trickling waterfalls.
Windsor Great Park has many royal connections; it’s an hour’s walk from Windsor Castle, and Prince Philip was the park’s longest-serving ranger. The park is also home to roughly 500 wild red deer, a magnificent sight.
If you’re planning a day at Windsor Great Park, we’re here to help. Find out more about this attraction and how to get there with South Western Railway.
How to get to Windsor Great Park by train
The nearest train station to Windsor Great Park is Windsor & Eton Riverside. You can get there direct from London Waterloo. Then, the park is an 18-minute taxi ride away.
Is it free to visit Windsor Great Park?
Windsor Great Park offers free entry for everyone, any day of the week. Some areas within the park charge to enter, like Adventure Play, The Savill Garden, and some sessions at the Environmental Centre.
How long does it take to walk Windsor Great Park?
This 5.2-mile circular walk takes just over two hours to complete. However, there are shorter and longer walking routes you can take. The famous Long Walk is 2.64 miles and takes around an hour to complete.
Things to do at Windsor Great Park
From the beautiful gardens to the adventure playground, there’s plenty to do at Windsor Great Park. Why not bring a picnic and make a day of your visit?
Gardens
The gardens at Windsor Great Park sit amongst the glorious woods, lawns and ponds and are a fantastic photo spot. There are two gardens to explore: The Savill Garden and The Valley Gardens.
The Valley Gardens
Opened in the 1940s with King George VI's and Queen Elizabeth's blessing, The Valley Gardens feature 250 acres of beautiful plant life.
Admire the park’s seasonal flowers and worldwide blooms, including rhododendrons, magnolia, and Himalayan and Chinese birches. Then, stroll through the winding paths in the thick woodland to find your perfect picnic spot. The Valley Gardens are free to visit and open year-round from sunrise to sunset.
The Savill Garden
The Savill Garden is a 35-acre garden with luscious plant life and woodlands. Created in 1932, the garden contains specimens from all over the world, including dwarf daffodils in spring, French musk roses in summer and beautifully scented daphnes in winter. Thanks to its seasonal nature, you’ll see something different each visit. The garden charges for entry; book online for a cheaper fee. Carers and children aged four and under can go free.
The Long Walk
Walking around Windsor Great Park is a fantastic way to admire all its beauty, and The Long Walk is one of the best routes to take.
How far is it to walk from Windsor Great Park to Windsor Castle?
The Long Walk is a 2.64-mile tree-lined avenue connecting Windsor Great Park to the south with Windsor Castle to the north. The historic route was created by King Charles II in 1682 and showcases Windsor Great Park’s royal grandeur.
How long is The Long Walk at Windsor Great Park?
It takes around an hour to complete The Long Walk by foot. Admire stunning scenery and historical relics along the way, including the famous Copper Horse statue of King George III.
Deer Park
The Deer Park was established over 70 years ago by Prince Phillip and is home to 500 red deer. Once a Norman hunting forest, it’s now a peaceful, deer-speckled stretch of countryside with a picturesque lake.
The Deer Park is on The Long Walk route. It’s the perfect place to stop, catch your breath and admire the deer in their natural environment. Stay safe and respect the deer with these rules:
• Don’t stray from the main tracks
• Keep dogs on a short lead
• Don’t get too close to the deer, and do not approach them
Adventure Play
The Adventure Play is a must if you’re visiting Windsor Great Park with kids. Located next to The Savill Garden, this unique playground features wooden treehouses, tunnel slides, rope walkways and sculptures to entertain children for hours.
Adventure Play is suitable for children aged 2-12. Each session lasts for two hours; find prices here.
Toddler Play is free for children under two and features swings, low-level climbing frames and small slides. It’s located on Obelisk Lawn, just a few minutes from The Savill Garden Visitor Centre.
Food and drink at Windsor Great Park
All that walking and playing will soon work up an appetite. Enjoy a picnic at a scenic spot, or choose from one of the park’s dining and refreshment options.
The Savill Garden Kitchen is a popular place to eat in The Savill Garden Visitor Centre. It has a breakfast, lunch and pizza menu, plus a children’s menu for smaller tummies. As you dine, you’ll enjoy scenic views of The Savill Garden.
On Fridays and Saturdays, afternoon tea is a fantastic option at The Savill Garden Kitchen. You’ll be served a mouth-watering selection of sandwiches, scones and cakes to pair with your choice of tea. You’ll have 90 minutes to dine, and vegetarian afternoon teas are also available.
Heading into Windsor with family? Read our guide on travelling with kids to prepare for your trip. Discover cheap train tickets to Windsor by going off-peak, or purchase a Railcard to save even more. You may benefit from GroupSave or a Family and Friends Railcard if you’re travelling in a group.
