Virginia Water: Lake, Gardens and History

Lake, Cascade and royal origins

Virginia Water includes an artificial lake created in the 1750s. The Cascade is a clearly identified structure within this waterscape: the waterfall is 30 feet (9.1 metres) high and is fed directly from the lake. The Cascade was completed in March 1789. Virginia Water was originally conceived as a royal pleasure ground. The creation of the lake and the completion date of the waterfall are two distinct historical reference points for this designed landscape.

Paths and practical information

The circular route around the lake is 5.25 miles (8.5 kilometres) long. From the Virginia Water South or Virginia Water car parks, the route passes a totem pole. This lets you combine a precisely measured distance with a named landmark. Check local path conditions before setting out, as they can vary. Cycling is not permitted on the south side of the lake, except for children under five years of age who are of preschool age. Check the visitor information for the current cycling rules before travelling. The Virginia Water Car Park at Virginia Water railway station has 85 parking spaces. As parking capacity may change, check this information before travelling.

Gardens by the lake and nearby

The Valley Gardens lie on the north shore of Virginia Water Lake and cover 101 hectares (250 acres). Their national collections include magnolias, rhododendrons, Glenn Dale azaleas, and Himalayan and Chinese birches. The composition of the collections may change over time. Nearby, The Savill Garden covers 35 acres and features landscaped gardens, woodland and changing seasonal displays. The Savill Garden is 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometres) on foot from the Virginia Water Pavilion; path conditions may vary. The Valley Gardens and The Savill Garden differ both in area and in their stated highlights. Check current dates if the seasonal displays are important to your plans.

Bridges and historic ruins

High Bridge at Virginia Water is a five-arch stone bridge dating from 1826–1827. The ruins of the Temple of Augustus at Virginia Water are the largest classical garden ruin ever built in this country. The Leptis Magna Ruins are an artificial ruin complex created in 1826. Their columns, bases and stone slabs were recovered from the ancient Roman city of Leptis Magna in what is now Libya. These structures offer different historical points of interest: the five-arch stone construction of High Bridge and the provenance of the building materials at the Leptis Magna Ruins. The Temple of Augustus provides its own point of comparison, as the country’s largest classical garden ruin.

How to interpret the walking distances

Two different distances are relevant for planning: 8.5 kilometres refers to the circular route around the lake, while 2.4 kilometres is the walking distance from the Virginia Water Pavilion to The Savill Garden. These are different routes with different starting points, which you can factor into your plans separately.

Discover more destinations: Ewhurst, Ottershaw, Frimley, Buckland, Effingham, Brookwood, Woking, Capel.

For the broader travel overview: Surrey.