Yes, Windsor Great Park is located near Windsor Castle. The park is situated to the south of the town of Windsor, and it is adjacent to the private Home Park, which is nearer the castle. Windsor Great Park is part of the Windsor Estate, which includes Home Park Private, Windsor Great Park, Sunninghill Park, and Swinley Forest.
Distance and Accessibility
Windsor Great Park is accessible from Windsor town centre on foot via the Long Walk, which is a tree-lined avenue that stretches from Windsor Castle to the Copper Horse statue of George III on horseback. The park is also accessible by car, with car parks located along the A332 that goes through the park.
Walking Distance
The walking distance from Windsor Castle to Windsor Great Park is approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) via the Long Walk. This walk takes around 30 minutes at a moderate pace.
Public Areas and Attractions
Windsor Great Park offers several public areas and attractions, including:
| Attraction | Description |
|---|---|
| The Savill Garden | A 35-acre garden with seasonal displays and a large shop stocking seasonal gifts and an outdoor plant area. |
| Virginia Water Lake | A tranquil lake with woodland trails, a cascade, and a 100-foot totem pole. |
| Adventure Play | A unique, hand-crafted children’s play area. |
| The Long Walk and Deer Park | A tree-lined avenue and deer enclosure where visitors can see the famous Red Deer. |
Opening Times and Parking
Windsor Great Park is open year-round from 7am to dusk. Entry is free to public areas, except for the Savill Garden, which has an admission fee. Car parking charges apply, with some car parks being free and others making a charge.
Membership and Events
Windsor Great Park offers various membership options to help visitors enjoy the park all year round. The park also hosts several events throughout the year, including open-air theatre performances, summer games, and sculpture exhibitions.
Historical Significance
Windsor Great Park has a rich history dating back to the 13th century, with the park being the private hunting ground of Windsor Castle. It is managed and funded by the Crown Estate and is the only royal park not managed by The Royal Parks.
Environmental and Scientific Importance
Windsor Great Park is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including over 1,000 species of fungi, many of which are rare and endangered.
Visitor Information
For more information on visiting Windsor Great Park, including opening times, parking, and events, visitors can check the park’s website or contact the park directly.
References:
– Windsor Great Park. (n.d.). Welcome to Windsor Great Park. Retrieved from https://www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk/
– Visit South East England. (n.d.). Windsor Great Park. Retrieved from https://www.visitsoutheastengland.com/things-to-do/windsor-great-park-p1906371
– Windsor.gov.uk. (n.d.). Windsor Great Park. Retrieved from https://www.windsor.gov.uk/things-to-do/windsor-great-park-p236491
– London Toolkit. (n.d.). Windsor Great Park. Retrieved from https://www.londontoolkit.com/whattodo/windsor_great_park.htm
– Wikipedia. (n.d.). Windsor Great Park. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windsor_Great_Park