An artificial lake, created in the 1750s, is part of Virginia Water. The circular route, Cascade, gardens and historic structures offer different perspectives on the landscape. For planning, specific route details are useful: they do not all refer to the same type of route and are best considered separately.
Circular Route and Orientation
The circular route around the lake is listed as 5.25 miles (8.5 kilometres). This distance helps you fit the route into your day’s plans; allow extra time for breaks and your own pace. From the Virginia Water South or Virginia Water car parks, the route passes a totem pole. This provides a specific landmark along the way.
There is a clear restriction for cyclists: cycling is not permitted on the south side of Virginia Water Lake, except for children under five who have not yet started school. As this is a current park rule, check the visitor information before your visit.
Cascade and Building History
The Cascade is a 30-foot (9.1-metre) waterfall fed directly by Virginia Water Lake. It was completed in March 1789. Its direct connection to the lake and its precise completion date give the structure both a landscape and a historical dimension. Virginia Water was originally designed as a royal pleasure ground.
The High Bridge at Virginia Water is a five-arched stone bridge dating from 1826 to 1827. The Leptis Magna Ruins offer a different perspective: this artificial ruin was created in 1826 and consists of columns, plinths and stone slabs recovered from the ancient Roman city of Leptis Magna in present-day Libya. Unlike the bridge, the origin of the materials used is part of the site’s history.
The ruins of the Temple of Augustus at Virginia Water are also a notable historical feature: they are the largest classical garden ruin ever built in this country. Together with the artificial Leptis Magna complex, they show how differently historic buildings and ruins can be designed as garden features.
Gardens and Walking Distances
The Valley Gardens lie on the north shore of Virginia Water and cover 101 hectares (250 acres). Their national collections include magnolias, rhododendrons, Glenn Dale azaleas, and Himalayan and Chinese birches. The collection’s focus may change over time; the plant groups listed nevertheless give an impression of the gardens’ variety.
The Savill Garden is located near Virginia Water. Its 35 acres include landscaped gardens, woodland and changing seasonal displays. It is 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometres) on foot from the Virginia Water Pavilion; path conditions may vary, so check the route before setting out. This distance refers to the walk to the garden, while 8.5 kilometres is the length of the circular route around the lake. This helps you consider the two distances as different planning options.
Practical Information
The Virginia Water Car Park at Virginia Water railway station has 85 spaces. As parking capacity may change, check the details before travelling if you plan to use this car park. Together with the length of the circular route and the restriction on cycling on the south side, these are specific points you can check against your plans in advance.
Discover more destinations: Brookwood, Walton-on-Thames, Crowhurst, Staines, Bisley, Sunbury-On-Thames, Hindhead, Epsom
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