Windsor Castle is one of the most iconic royal residences in the world, and its surrounding gardens are a true delight for visitors. While there is no specific “Windsor Castle Garden Centre” within the castle grounds, there are several stunning gardens and garden-related attractions that are worth exploring during your visit.
The Gardens of Windsor Castle
The gardens at Windsor Castle have evolved over the centuries, reflecting the changing tastes and preferences of the royal residents. Today, there are three main gardens that visitors can explore:
1. Jubilee Garden
The Jubilee Garden was created in 2012 to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. This contemporary garden features a striking water feature and a variety of colorful flowers and plants.
2. Moat Garden
The Moat Garden is a tranquil oasis that surrounds the castle’s historic moat. This informal garden is home to a variety of native plants and wildlife, offering a peaceful respite from the bustling castle grounds.
3. East Terrace Garden
The East Terrace Garden is a formal garden that was created during the reign of George IV in the 1820s. This stunning garden features clipped yew domes, a central fountain, and over 3,500 rose bushes arranged in a geometric pattern.
The Savill Garden
While not technically part of the Windsor Castle grounds, the Savill Garden is a must-visit destination for garden enthusiasts. This 35-acre ornamental garden was commissioned by King George V and created by Sir Eric Savill in 1932. The Savill Garden features a variety of interlocking gardens, a visitor center, a restaurant, and a gift shop.
The Savill Garden Gift Shop & Plant Centre
The Savill Garden Gift Shop & Plant Centre is a great place to pick up unique gifts, plants, and accessories inspired by the Royal Gardens. Open daily from 9am to 6pm, this shop offers a wide range of products, from gardening tools and home decor to locally-sourced food and drink.
Opening Hours and Special Events
The gardens at Windsor Castle and the Savill Garden have varying opening hours and special events throughout the year. It’s important to check the Royal Collection Trust website or the Windsor Great Park website for the most up-to-date information.
Garden | Opening Hours |
---|---|
Windsor Castle Gardens | Open to visitors during the summer months, usually on weekends |
East Terrace Garden | Open to visitors at weekends during the summer months, usually in August and September |
The Savill Garden | Open daily from 9am to 6pm during the core season (March 4 to November 3) and from 9am to 4:30pm during the winter season (November 4 to December 31) |
Contact Information
For more information about visiting the gardens and attractions around Windsor Castle, you can contact the following organizations:
- Janet Redler Travel and Tourism: +44 (0)1743 360333, Suite 1, Network House, Badgers Way, Oxon Business Park, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY3 5AB, England.
- The Savill Garden Gift Shop & Plant Centre: No specific phone number provided, but it is located within Windsor Great Park.
Conclusion
While there may not be a dedicated “Windsor Castle Garden Centre” within the castle grounds, the gardens and garden-related attractions surrounding this iconic royal residence are truly a sight to behold. From the formal East Terrace Garden to the tranquil Moat Garden and the expansive Savill Garden, there is something for every garden enthusiast to enjoy during a visit to Windsor Castle.
References
- Royal Collection Trust. (n.d.). Windsor Castle Gardens. Retrieved from https://www.rct.uk/collection/stories/royal-gardens/windsor-castle-gardens
- Royal Collection Trust. (n.d.). East Terrace Garden at Windsor Castle. Retrieved from https://www.rct.uk/visit/windsor-castle/east-terrace-garden-at-windsor-castle
- Janet Redler Travel and Tourism. (n.d.). Windsor Castle’s East Terrace Garden opens to public for first time in 40 years. Retrieved from https://www.janetredlertravelandtourism.co.uk/news/windsor-castles-east-terrace-garden-opens-public-first-time-40-years/
- Windsor Great Park. (n.d.). The Savill Garden Gift Shop & Plant Centre. Retrieved from https://www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk/visit/shopping/the-savill-garden-gift-shop-plant-centre/
- Visit Windsor. (n.d.). The Savill Garden. Retrieved from https://www.windsor.gov.uk/things-to-do/the-savill-garden-p276241