For many years we have been to this place and never really appreciated it for its actual beauty.
Virginia Waters is situated on the main A30 just outside of Egham and Sunningdale. The park is part of the The Crown Estate which for many years has belonged to the Royal Family. This particular park has been established since 1066, in the 1700's an artificial lake was introduced which now is the main focal point and an excellent way to walk of those extra pounds and wear the children
out.
The only disadvantage of this place is the lack of toilets and the parking fee which is £3.00 but, when you break it down it usually takes us a good 3-4 hours to walk round, and longer if we take a football and a picnic. The first toilets are in the Old Wheatsheaf Pub which is an excellent starting place as we used to have a lunch then walk it off after.
It is a good 5 miles round the lake with plently to look at. If you park in the main entrance car park when you enter the park the lake is directly infront of you with a wide footpath running round the entire perimeter of the lake. If you go left you walk up to the waterfall which is fantastic when the water is frozen. If you walk right you come to the usual refreshment van which I have to say they do not mind charging, then this is where we have only just discovered the true delights of this park.
When you come to the Totum pole we used to turn left and follow the lake, this is the path we used when we took the dog out for a long walk. But, if you carry on up the hill the scenery starts to change dramatically from the wooded and water scene to something that is superb.
The Valley Gardens is part of Virginia Water and also linked to the RHS Saville Gardens. Now then this is where you can park your car for free and have the use of the toilet facilities. Instead of parking in the main car park we followed the sign for the Saville Garden's. At this entrance you can park for free and walk through to the Valley gardens, or if you wanted to make it an extended day visit Saville Gardens and the admission fee is not bad either at around £5.00 per adult and £2.00 per child.
When you walk up the hill the trees and the plants are magnificient, you can walk off through the grass paths and discover all the wonders of that is Magnolia trees, Azalea's and Rhododendrons plus many more. This makes an excellent place for a picnic. If you keep on walking and follow the signs for the Azalea gardens you walk down into the punchbowl garden, when in spring this place is in abundance with daffodils and narcissus it just has to be seen to be believed, you can not believe that this place is just next door to the lake and all for us to see for a few pounds, or even free if you park your car wisely.
This park is restricted to dogs on leads if you are walking round the lake and no dogs permitted in the gardens, cycling is prohibited, but every time we have been there have been cyclists. And very few litter bins, so you have to carry the picnic rubbish with you until you find a bin. The park is patrolled by park keepers, who keep a close eye on things.
All these years and never walking up the right path is a shame, the best time to visit the Valley Gardens to appreciate the plants and shrubs in the spring and early summer, but the park is just as pretty when the tree turn to the autumn shades, and the winter takes on a bleak dramatic effect.
Just one word of warning though it gets awfully busy when the weather is nice, the car park fills up quite quickly but when you are in the park with over 300,000 acres you never seem to find it overcrowded and there are plenty of places to go and have your own piece of solitude for an excellent value for money day out with the whole family.
Every time we have been we have always managed to see the occasional deer, horses are often seen being exercised on the far side of lake. And don't forget to take you left over bread to feed the ducks and swans. You can go fishing at this lake but you have to apply for the appropriate permit from the Estate.
In my opinion this is a great value for money day out for everyone young and old alike. If you are into plants or not you will find something that will suit every one.
Cheers
Zoe x
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