to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
It’s time to put away the chocolates, get off the sofa and walk away from the TV!
Even in winter, getting outdoors is great for everyone’s mind, body and spirit. No matter the weather, it's about wearing the right clothes, heading outdoors to stretch your legs and getting some much-needed fresh air in and around Windsor and the Royal Borough.
Enjoy a new perspective in the wonderful open spaces, parks and gardens in the Windsor area this winter. Bare trees open up new views that can only be seen in the colder months, and there are rich colours to be discovered too!
There’s so much outdoor space for you, your family and friends to choose from, and much of it is dog-friendly too making it perfect if you have a canine companion!
The Royal Borough features some beautiful countryside with more than 1,000 acres of National Trust land in the north and 4,800 acres of Crown Estate, not to mention the River Thames running through the heart of the region.
Here are our top recommendations for great places in the Windsor area to blow away the cobwebs. Reward yourself with a well-earned drink at the end; we've highlighted nearby pubs* and added a what3words reference too (*dog policies, where known, are correct at time of writing but please check the very latest details by contacting the relevant business).
The Copper Horse in winter
Windsor Great Park
Windsor Great Park is the only royal park managed by the Crown Estate. While the trees are bare, the iconic tree-lined avenue from the Copper Horse statue to Windsor Castle opens up with wide-ranging views, very different to any other time of year. The frosted monuments of the Prince Consort Statue, Cumberland Obelisk and Jubilee Statue also make for some atmospheric sights on a fresh winter walk.
Well-behaved dogs are welcome. Read more here about dog walking in Windsor Great Park.
For suggested walking routes in Windsor Great Park – including The Savill Garden to the Long Walk; The Savill Garden to Virginia Water; The Savill Garden to The Valley Gardens – check out their helpful walking page here.
For more information, maps and opening times please visit www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk
Pubs near Windsor Great Park
The Fox and Hounds, Bishopsgate, what3words ///wished.mint.rising (well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome in the bar area and in the garden)
The Bailiwick, Wick Lane, what3words ///noon.span.vase (dogs welcome in restaurant, but please notify pub in advance)
The Belvedere Arms, nr Virginia Water South what3words ///shades.blunt.rash (assistance dogs only indoors)
The Wheatsheaf, Virginia Water, what3words ///stay.cool.scary (dog friendly)
The Two Brewers, Cambridge Gate,Windsor, what3words ///belly.stale.hero (dogs welcome)
The Thatched Tavern, Cheapside (near Duke's Lane) what3words ///dairy.shine.panel (dog friendly)
The Savill Garden in winter
The Savill Garden
There is much to see and discover in The Savill Garden during winter. Colour is in abundance, from the stems, fruit and evergreen leaves of the winter beds and, in particular, the colourful stems of the dogwood and willows command attention. The bark of the cherry, maple and birch trees are also features to look out for. There is subtlety and atmosphere in a winter visit to The Savill Garden. Bare stately tree trunks open up new vistas to soak in, offset by the hazy light of the low winter sun.
The Savill Garden is open daily, excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Assistance dogs and emotional assistance dogs in The Savill Garden only; read more here.
Refreshments near The Savill Garden
The Savill Garden Visitor Centre, what3words ///scarf.chase.stocks (no dogs inside the visitor centre, but welcome on the terrace)
Virginia Water
The woodland shores of Virginia Water lake are an enticing experience as the areas of dappled sunlight through the winter trees draw you in. With features steeped in history – including the ornamental Cascade waterfall and the Leptis Magna ruins – and the abundance of wildlife that call the lake home, there is much to see and discover. Round off your walk with a hearty meal in the Virginia Water Pavilion Café* and stop by the Virginia Water Gift Shop* to explore the winter range of products or pick up a gift membership for someone special this Christmas. *Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Read more here about Virginia Water.
Read more about dog walking in Virginia Water.
Pubs near Virginia Water
The Belvedere Arms, nr Virginia Water South what3words ///shades.blunt.rash (assistance dogs only indoors)
The Wheatsheaf, Virginia Water, what3words ///stay.cool.scary (dog friendly)
Winter dog walks at Cliveden, image Megan Taylor
National Trust Cliveden
At National Trust Cliveden, the formal gardens of the estate soon give way to secluded glades, tree-lined avenues and picturesque riverside with miles of woodland walks to discover. Park in the main estate car park or start your walk from the Woodland car park. Find out more here about visiting Cliveden including suggested trails.
Dogs are welcome at Cliveden and there’s a dog walker's guide as to where they can go.
Pubs and refreshments near Cliveden
National Trust restaurant on the estate (dogs outside only)
The Feathers, opposite the main Cliveden visitor entrance what3words ///hotels.wins.sharp (dog friendly)
The River Thames
There is something particularly appealing about the River Thames on the stretch from Hurley to Runnymede as it is perhaps the most historic, offering easy strolls along the Thames Path.
The River Thames at Maidenhead, image Nicola Bell @VisitWindsor
Maidenhead
The river at Maidenhead is one of the many attractions of the town and wider area. A walk along the riverside offers amazing views of the Thames and great walks towards the villages of Cookham, Marlow and Bray. Explore the river’s towpaths and walkways on foot.
Pubs near the river in the Maidenhead area
The Boathouse at Boulter's Lock, Maidenhead Riverside, what3words ///stud.cooks.coins
The Kings Arms, Cookham High Street, what3words ///slug.asleep.leader
Bel and the Dragon, Cookham High Street, what3words ///soccer.handed.dome
The Ferry, Cookham, what3words ///organs.thigh.fires (assistance dogs only)
The White Oak, The Pound, Cookham, what3words ///hides.implore.assist
The Old Swanuppers, The Pound, Cookham, what3words ///eruptions.hoofs.restless (dog friendly)
The Crown of Cookham, Cookham Moor, what3words ///hazy.reefs.junction (dog friendly)
The Bounty, Cockmarsh, what3words ///exonerate.collected.proven
River Thames and view of Eton Brocas, image Nicola Bell @VisitWindsor
Eton
Enjoy a circular walk from Eton on to the Brocas then along the Thames Path, cutting back through Eton Wick on the return journey then finish by visiting one of Eton's pubs or cross back over the bridge to the Windsor side of the River Thames.
Pubs near the river in the Eton area
The George Inn, Eton High Street, what3words ///orange.oldest.dawn (dog friendly)
The Henry VI, Eton High Street, what3words ///bind.vent.socket
The Crown & Cushion, Eton High Street, what3words ///softly.discrepancy.grant
The Waterman's Arms, Eton, what3words ///divide.joins.mute (dog friendly)
Windsor & Eton Brewery Unit 4 Taproom, Duke Street, Windsor, what3words ///sank.boat.future
Hurley
Whilst walking the Thames Path on your riverside ramble, divert a short way away into the village of Hurley where you'll discover:
The Olde Bell, Hurley High Street, what3words ///chair.retiring.processor
Burnham Beeches
Located in Buckinghamshire, just north of Windsor, discover the ancient woodland of Burnham Beeches Nature Reserve. Walk amongst the 220 hectares of open space with lots of waymarked paths, including easy access paths, for visitors.
Pubs near Burnham Beeches
Chris Wheeler at The Crown Inn, Farnham Royal what3words ///pardon.model.jazz
Windsor and Maidenhead parks and open spaces
The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead is full of pockets of green space – parks and open areas in a range of different sizes but all perfect for a spot of relaxation or a bit of exercise. Many have features such as picnic facilities, play equipment, statues, fountains and water features. Others have a fascinating history, for example Baths Island in Windsor was the site of the town’s swimming baths back in the 19th century. You’ll find areas that are a haven for flora and fauna.
Read more about the Royal Borough’s parks and open spaces.
More information
VisitWindsor has more information and inspiration for a fabulous day out in nature. Read more on our countryside page.
Related
Windsor Great Park covers 4,800 acres, huge parts of which are open to the public. Windsor Great Park is the perfect place for picnics, eating, shopping, running, walking, cycling, horse riding and fishing. Families will love the children's play area near The Savill Garden.
Fancy sampling locally brewed beer? Then look no further than Windsor and Eton Brewery.
Located beside the bridge connecting Eton with Windsor Castle, The George Inn is Eton's most characterful inn, owned by The Windsor and Eton Brewery.
Chris Wheeler at The Crown Inn provides a warm and relaxed atmosphere, exceptional service and good quality homemade food made with passion and only the best ingredients.
The Savill Garden is a garden of beauty and colour where visitors journey through 35 acres of interconnecting gardens. It offers year-round interest, an iconic visitor centre with restaurant, gallery café, gift shop and plant sales.
Relax in the informal splendour of Cliveden's stunning gardens and enjoy exploring the peaceful woodlands and Thames riverbank. Discover a garden that delights through the seasons with colourful planting schemes, miles of walks and breathtaking views as well as a giant maze that will entertain all ages. Complete your day out with delicious home-cooked lunches and teas and a visit to the gift shop.
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