Virginia Water Lake — Attraction in Borough of Runnymede

Title: A Cherished Family Visit to Virginia Waters!

Review: Reflecting on our visit to Virginia Waters with friends and their children two years ago, I'm reminded of the wonderful time we had as parents. The sprawling landscapes, picturesque lake, and abundance of family-friendly activities made it an ideal destination for a relaxing yet engaging outing.

The serene atmosphere at Virginia Waters provided the perfect backdrop for quality time with friends while ensuring a safe environment for the kids. The well-maintained pathways and bridges made strolling around hassle-free, a huge relief for parents. The kids were absolutely thrilled by the playgrounds, and the swan and duck sightings on the lake were a source of excitement for the little ones.

One of the highlights for parents was the ample space available for picnics. As any parent knows, finding a suitable place for a family picnic can sometimes be a challenge, but Virginia Waters exceeded expectations in this regard. We enjoyed watching the kids play on the grass while we could relax and share stories with friends.

The cascading waterfall and the peaceful aura of the lake provided a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. As parents, we appreciated the chance to unwind while the children reveled in the natural beauty and open spaces.

Looking back, Virginia Waters offered a truly refreshing experience for both parents and children. The thoughtful design and range of activities available make it an ideal spot for families to bond and create lasting memories. If you're a parent looking for a place that caters to both adult relaxation and kids' entertainment, Virginia Waters is definitely worth a visit. Even after two years, the memories of that day remain...

Honest review, I don't really get the hype, I can agree it's a nice place for long walks, nice scenery and views around the lake and area. We'll looked after, and upkeep is very good. But its just far too busy. Chaotic if I'm completely honest. I went on a nice warm 22°C day at the end of May 2023. Which is lovely. But litreally there's bloody people everywhere, dogs not on leads, kids roaming around running, on scooters and screaming. College and uni students in certain areas screaming in groups just as loud as the kids. Don't get me wrong, it's a warm day. It's also half term with a bank holiday. But I'd honestly come to this location maybe not on a weekend, I think the whole experience would be peaceful and more enjoyable on a calmer more peaceful day. If you like me who takes alot of pics, videos and nature it's a good place but very difficult to do so when so busy. Another thing I didnt like was the fact the actual area is so large. There is actually not enough clear signage. So before you set off or walk around, please make sure you have a map or a picture of a map to help you on your way. Also not enough toilets in designated areas. When we first arrived from a hour drive. We then had to walk 40mins to the pavilion area for the toilet. Bare in mind also there is 3 allocated car parking areas with what I saw. So a top tip is to park to the nearest one where the cafe and toilet are. All in all, please come here prepared, with food drink ect because its a...

Extensive park with easy walks around a large lake and lots of interesting features along the way, with highlights including The Cascade and Leptis Magna Roman Ruins at the eastern corner of the lake. The totem pole near The Valley Gardens was an impressive feature, as is the towering obelisk near the upper pond. Wildlife seems to thrive here - I saw lots of birds and a grass snake by the lakeside. Late spring is the best time to visit, when the azaleas and rhododendrons are in full bloom, providing truly stunning displays of colour. The Punchbowl is a must see at this time of year. Parking is fairly expensive at £3 per hour, but there's plenty available across multiple sites, and the facilities are immaculate. The high end café offers a good range of drinks and cakes, with more substantial lunch options available at The Savill Garden visitor centre, where there's also a large shop. Toilet facilities are located near the main entrances. Virginia Water is free to visit, but The Savill Garden is charged separately - visitors purchasing a ticket are entitled to a refund on their parking charge. If you've got a couple of extra hours The Savill Garden is well worth a visit, particularly in May when the azaleas are at their peak. There's plenty more to see including a tropical glasshouse, Mediterranean garden and...