Yes, Virginia Water in Surrey is absolutely worth visiting for its scenic, 2-mile-long lake, beautiful landscaped surroundings, and historic features like the Cascade waterfall and Leptis Magna Roman ruins. Located within Windsor Great Park, it offers a serene, free-to-enter nature escape suitable for walking, picnics, and families, particularly in the warmer months.
Virginia Water offers beautiful walks around its lake with highlights like the Cascade waterfall and Roman ruins (Leptis Magna), plus nearby attractions in Windsor Great Park such as The Savill Garden, Valley Gardens, Wentworth Golf Club, and access to Windsor Castle, with options for dining at the Spa Café or exploring the village's shops and links to London.
Virginia Water, an affluent leafy village in Surrey, is known for its natural and beautiful surroundings, luxurious properties and highly regarded educational facilities and schools.
One walk (9 km=5½ miles) follows the classic circuit of the lake visiting the Ruins and the Cascade. The other walk (14 km = 9 miles) takes you into the great open areas of Windsor Great Park, with great views, passing the Bronze Horseman, the Savill Garden and the Obelisk.
Shot: Virginia Water was used to represent Hogwarts' lake where Harry rode on the Hippogriff in the Prisoner of Azkaban and where Hermione passed on messages to Harry and Ron in the Goblet of Fire.
Properties are expensive and typically reach beyond the £1 million mark. The main building is Grade I listed, the highest category of recognition and protection.
The "nicest" place in Surrey depends on your priorities, but top contenders often cited for their blend of amenities, green space, and commute include Guildford (vibrant, historic, great transport), Oxted (North Downs views, foodie scene, family-friendly), and Farnham (boutiques, cafés, good schools). For villages, Shere and Ripley are noted for charm, while Cobham, Esher, and Weybridge are popular affluent spots.
Annual total crime rate in Virginia Water (ward) is 58 per thousand resident population. This can be rated as 3 out of 10 or low crime level compared to other wards in England and Wales. Virginia Water (ward) is located within Runnymede (borough).
Located at the main entrance to Virginia Water, the Virginia Water Café offers a tempting selection of hot and cold dishes inspired by Italian flavours, perfect for both indoor and outdoor dining. To help you plan your visit take a look at the menus below.
Originally conceived as a Royal pleasure ground, Virginia Water lies at the Southern edge of Windsor Great Park. The 2-mile-long lake is a popular destination for families, walkers and wildlife lovers. In addition to tree-lined shores and vistas, its highlights include The Cascade and The Leptis Magna Ruins.
Virginia Water Lake is busiest during weekends, public holidays, and school breaks, particularly between 10am and 3pm. Arriving earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon can help you secure a space with less competition.
Portmeirion has become known as one of the most successful British architectural projects of the twentieth century. Using an eco-friendly approach, he designed his architectural vision around a Mediterranean piazza.
Virginia Water offers beautiful walks around its lake with highlights like the Cascade waterfall and Roman ruins (Leptis Magna), plus nearby attractions in Windsor Great Park such as The Savill Garden, Valley Gardens, Wentworth Golf Club, and access to Windsor Castle, with options for dining at the Spa Café or exploring the village's shops and links to London.
What makes Virginia Water so posh? Aside from the usual metrics of poshness (low crime rates, high value homes, Waitrose and an M&S foodhall), Virginia Water boasts a number of luxury amenities that attract high-profile individuals.
Today, Peter Aven – Russian banker (formerly Vijay Mallya's residence), Boris Berezovsky – Oligarch, Thomas Bjørn – golfer, Sultan of Brunei, Ernie Els – golfer, Bruce Forsyth – entertainer, Gary Numan – musician, Cliff Richard – singer, Andriy Shevchenko – Striker For Chelsea FC, Bryan Forbes – Actor and film director ...
Swimming in the lake is not allowed, but there's a pleasant beach-type clearing near the Leptis Magna Ruins. It is suitable for just having a rest, a picnic or playing with the little ones. If you go to the Obelisk in the Valley Gardens, there are a kiddies play area and picnic benches near Obelisk Pond.
