Windsor Great Park (and the Long Walk)
Windsor castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle on earth, overlooking the River Thames. Walk through Great Park to see ancient oak trees and herds of red deer. The Long Walk, a straight path lined with trees leading to the castle, offers some of the best views in the county.
Dogs must be well-trained and kept under control, and away from resident deer and other wildlife. There have been recent reports of blue-green algae on Obelisk Ponds, so the council says to keep dogs away (and don’t let dogs drink the water either) until further notice.
There are many horse tracks here (identified by orange/red sand) so stay off these and keep dogs on lead, if not good on recall. Read this guide for dog guardians and horse riders to safely share space.
Controversy Over Dog Walking Exclusions
For many years, Windsor residents have happily walked their dogs here. Although they can still do so, there is now a huge exclusion zone of over 2 miles, to protect the privacy of new residents at Windsor Great Park, the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Obviously they need privacy, but when they could have chosen many other homes, the exclusion zone has meant that many people now have to change their routes, which is difficult for some without cars. One local said:
Many of us have been walking our dogs here for 20 years. We pay annually towards the upkeep of a park but we are no longer going to be allowed to use part of it.
They’ve only given us a few days’ notice to say this section of forest is closing for ever. Now I’ll need to get in my car to drive further afield to take my dog for a walk.
What is surprising is that Prince William is known to adore dogs, yet now people locally can’t walk their dogs on favourite routes, due to the six-mile exclusion zone.
Get to Windsor Great Park from London
From London, the simplest option is the train to Windsor. Depending on your route and connections, travel time is often around 30 to 60 minutes, then a short walk puts you in town. From there, you can reach the park on foot.
Most visitors begin in one of these places:
- Windsor town and the castle area: best for stepping straight onto the Long Walk.
- Park gates near Virginia Water: handy for the lake and woodland routes.
- Other edges of the park: useful if you’re coming from nearby towns or cycling in.
After you arrive in Windsor, you’ve got choices. You can walk up towards the castle, take a local bus towards Virginia Water, hop in a taxi, or cycle if you’ve brought a bike. Before setting off, check the day’s rail plan, especially on Sundays, because engineering works can change the route.
When to visit for the best views
Each season shifts the mood. Spring brings fresh green and blossom. Summer feels shaded under the trees, although midday can get busy. Autumn adds colour and softer light, and the paths often feel calmer. Winter can be crisp and clear, with long views, but mud appears quickly after rain.
Early mornings usually give you the quietest paths and the cleanest photos. Also, the castle view down the Long Walk looks sharper before the day hazes up.
Weather changes fast, so dress in layers and pack a waterproof. If the forecast shows heavy rain, expect puddles and soft ground. It’s also smart to check for event days and occasional closures, because access can shift without much warning.
Walking the Long Walk: the classic route
The Long Walk is simple on paper, a straight line between Windsor Castle and the Copper Horse statue. In real life, it’s a slow reveal. The castle sits behind you at one moment, then it’s framed by trees, then it’s suddenly huge again when you look back.
Read dog-walking advice for Windsor Great Park (to keep all creatures safe).
The path feels formal, even a bit ceremonial, but it’s also relaxed. Because it’s wide, you don’t need to keep stepping aside. Because it’s straight, you don’t need to keep checking directions.
The route runs from the castle end of Windsor (at the top of the Long Walk) to the Copper Horse, a statue of King George III on Snow Hill. One-way distance is about 4.3 km. If you walk there and back, it’s roughly 8.6 km.
Time depends on your pace and how often you stop:
- Easy pace with photos: about 60 to 80 minutes one way
- Brisk walk: about 40 to 55 minutes one way
The Long Walk is mostly flat and broad, with a firm surface in many places. Still, edges can get muddy after rain, and puddles can linger in winter. Pushchairs usually manage fine, and many wheelchair users find it workable, although conditions vary after bad weather.
The Nearby Town of Windsor (Berkshire)
Windsor is an affluent town with views of the castle, situated 3 miles north of the village of Old Windsor (300 years older). Situated on the River Thames, it overlooks its twin town of Eton. One person born here was former pop star Chesney Hawkes, who famously sang the one-hit wonder ‘I am the one and only!’
