The Long Walk
A majestic 2.65-mile tree-lined avenue through royal parkland, connecting Windsor town to Windsor Castle.
The Long Walk is a magnificent tree-lined avenue stretching 2.65 miles through Windsor Great Park, connecting Windsor town centre directly to Windsor Castle. This iconic route winds through ancient forests, open grasslands, and the historic Deer Park, offering spectacular views of the castle and the surrounding royal landscape. Free to access and open daily from dawn to dusk, it's one of England's most celebrated ceremonial pathways and a perfect blend of natural beauty and royal heritage.
A brief summary to The Long Walk
- The Long Walk Rd, Windsor, GB
- +441753860222
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.75 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds. The avenue is particularly beautiful during golden hour when sunlight filters through the mature trees.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water, especially in warmer months. The full walk is 2.65 miles each way, so plan accordingly for your fitness level.
- Keep a respectful distance from the deer in the Deer Park. Do not attempt to feed them, as they are wild animals and can be unpredictable.
- The Copper Horse statue at the midpoint offers excellent views and a natural rest point. It's also one of the best vantage points for photographing Windsor Castle.
- Check visitor updates on the Windsor Great Park website before your visit, as parts of the park occasionally close for maintenance or operational reasons.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Walking from Windsor town centre
The Long Walk is directly accessible on foot from Windsor town centre via the Bishopsgate entrance. The walk from the town centre to the start of The Long Walk takes approximately 10–15 minutes. This is the most popular and scenic approach, allowing you to experience the full 2.65-mile avenue at your own pace. The route is flat, well-maintained, and clearly marked. Allow 45 minutes to 1.5 hours for the full walk depending on your pace and stops.
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Driving and parking
Multiple car parks serve Windsor Great Park. Virginia Water car park is the most convenient for accessing The Long Walk from the castle end, with ample parking available. Parking charges apply at most locations, typically around £3 per hour or up to £15–£16 for a full day. Some car parks offer free parking if you purchase a ticket for The Savill Garden. The A332 runs through the park with several car park access points. Visitors purchasing Savill Garden tickets receive a refund on parking charges.
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Cycling through the park
The Long Walk and surrounding park paths are suitable for cycling. You can cycle the full 2.65-mile route, which takes approximately 15–20 minutes depending on your pace. Cycling provides an efficient way to cover the distance while still enjoying the landscape. Ensure you follow park rules and yield to pedestrians on shared paths.
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Horse riding
Equestrian access is available throughout Windsor Great Park, including along The Long Walk. Horse riders can enjoy the avenue as part of a broader riding experience through the park. Ensure your horse is comfortable with the landscape and other visitors. Check park guidelines for any seasonal restrictions or designated bridleways.
The Long Walk location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The Long Walk
A Royal Avenue Through Time
The Long Walk stands as one of Britain's most celebrated ceremonial pathways, a magnificent tree-lined avenue stretching 2.65 miles through the heart of Windsor Great Park. Created during the reign of King Charles II in the 1680s as part of grand landscaping improvements to the royal estate, this iconic route was designed to connect Windsor town centre directly to Windsor Castle, serving both as a processional way and a recreational landscape. The avenue is lined with mature trees that create a natural cathedral of greenery, particularly striking in spring when new foliage emerges and in autumn when the canopy transforms into shades of gold and crimson.Walking Through the Deer Park
As you traverse The Long Walk, you pass through the historic Deer Park, a landscape feature that has existed for over a thousand years. This ancient hunting ground, once favoured by Saxon kings, remains home to a population of fallow and muntjac deer that roam freely across the open grasslands. The deer add an element of wild beauty to the experience, though visitors should maintain a respectful distance. The park's open vistas alternate with wooded sections, creating a dynamic landscape that reveals different perspectives of Windsor Castle as you progress along the route. The Copper Horse, an equestrian statue of King George III, stands prominently at the midpoint, serving as both a landmark and a testament to the royal connections that define this landscape.Legends and Mystique
Windsor Great Park, through which The Long Walk passes, is shrouded in mystery and legend. For over a thousand years, the story of Herne the Hunter has captivated imaginations—a ghostly figure said to appear wearing the antlers of a stag, riding a phantom black stallion at the head of a pack of black hounds. According to local lore, Herne's apparition gallops through the park to warn of times of trouble, only to vanish into thin air. These tales add a layer of intrigue to your walk, particularly during twilight hours when the ancient forest takes on an atmospheric quality.A Landscape for All Seasons
The Long Walk offers distinct experiences throughout the year. Spring brings bluebells and fresh growth, summer provides cool shade beneath the mature trees, autumn delivers spectacular colour, and winter reveals the skeletal beauty of the woodland structure and distant castle views. The route is well-maintained and accessible, with the main path clearly marked and suitable for walking, cycling, and horse riding. The terrain is generally flat and easy to navigate, making it accessible to visitors of varying fitness levels, though the full 2.65-mile walk requires a reasonable level of stamina.Gateway to Windsor Castle
While The Long Walk itself is free to access, it serves as the primary pedestrian gateway to Windsor Castle, one of the world's most iconic royal residences. Many visitors use the walk as an approach to the castle, enjoying the gradual reveal of this magnificent structure as they progress along the avenue. The castle views from various points along The Long Walk are particularly striking, with the Bishopsgate entrance providing some of the most photogenic perspectives. The walk can be completed in approximately 45 minutes to an hour at a leisurely pace, though many visitors spend considerably longer, pausing to appreciate the landscape and wildlife.Integration with Windsor Great Park
The Long Walk forms a crucial part of the broader Windsor Great Park experience, which encompasses 1,942 hectares of historic landscapes, gardens, and recreational facilities. The park itself is free to enter, though certain attractions such as The Savill Garden and Adventure Play carry separate admission fees. Throughout Windsor Great Park, visitors will find cafés, gift shops, and visitor facilities, with the main park open daily from 7 am to sunset. The Long Walk connects seamlessly to other park features, allowing visitors to extend their experience beyond the avenue itself and explore the wider estate.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Harry Greenwood Blue Plaque
0.2 km
Discover the legacy of WWI hero Lt Col Harry Greenwood at his birthplace marked by a blue plaque in historic Windsor.
The Windsor Lady (The Queen and her Corgis)
0.3 km
Celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s enduring love for her iconic corgis at Windsor’s charming historical landmark, The Windsor Lady.
Mary Delany and Fanny Burney blue plaque
0.5 km
A commemorative plaque honoring Mary Delany’s botanical artistry and Frances Burney’s literary legacy at Windsor Castle’s historic wall.
H. G. Wells White Plaque
0.5 km
Discover the H. G. Wells White Plaque on Windsor’s High Street, marking the early footsteps of a legendary science fiction pioneer.
Queen Victoria Statue
0.5 km
A majestic bronze tribute to Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee, standing proudly at Windsor Castle’s entrance, celebrating Victorian royal heritage.
King Edward III Tower
0.5 km
Explore the majestic King Edward III Tower, a stunning medieval landmark within Windsor Castle offering rich history and scenic Thames views.
Windsor Castle Quadrangle
0.6 km
The ceremonial heart of Windsor Castle where royal pageantry, Gothic architecture, and 700 years of monarchy converge.
The Curfew Tower
0.6 km
Explore the medieval Curfew Tower, a historic bell tower and fortress sentinel within Windsor Castle’s ancient walls.
Bronze Plaque № 10828
0.7 km
A subtle yet significant bronze plaque marking Windsor’s rich historical heritage on Thames Street.
Windsor Martyrs' Memorial
0.7 km
A solemn tribute in Windsor honoring Protestant martyrs who bravely faced persecution during England's Reformation.
Sydney Camm Memorial
1.2 km
A full-size Hawker Hurricane replica honouring the Windsor-born designer who shaped aviation history.
Burning Bush
1.6 km
A striking Gothic iron lamp embodying Eton College’s royal heritage and scholastic tradition on the historic High Street.
Miniland
3.7 km
Explore Miniland at LEGOLAND® Windsor, where famous landmarks are reimagined in stunning LEGO detail, offering a family-friendly adventure for all ages.
King George III & His Horse Statue
3.8 km
Majestic bronze statue of King George III atop Snow Hill, crowned by stunning views along Windsor Great Park’s historic Long Walk.
John F Kennedy Memorial
4.5 km
A solemn tribute to President Kennedy on historic English soil, linking liberty's roots across the Atlantic at Runnymede.
Unmissable attractions to see
WMServices
0.2 km
Discover the charm of WMServices in Windsor, a must-visit tourist attraction rich in culture and history, perfect for all travelers.
Soldier's Statue
0.3 km
Explore Windsor's Soldier's Statue, a historic landmark honoring the courage of soldiers amidst the beauty of the city.
Ancient well
0.3 km
Discover Windsor’s Ancient Well: a tranquil historic landmark nestled near the royal castle, rich with centuries of local heritage and timeless charm.
Bachelor's Acre
0.3 km
Royal tribute meets family fun in Windsor's cherished town-centre park.
Windsor Parish Church of St John the Baptist
0.4 km
Historic Gothic Revival church in Windsor with rich heritage, artistic treasures, and a welcoming spiritual community near Windsor Castle.
Windsor Guildhall
0.4 km
Historic 17th-century Guildhall in Windsor offering regal wedding ceremonies with royal portraits and elegant event spaces for up to 100 guests.
Windsor & Royal Borough Museum
0.4 km
Explore Windsor’s rich heritage through thousands of artifacts and stories within the historic Guildhall’s welcoming museum.
The Crooked House of Windsor
0.5 km
Discover England’s oldest teahouse with its charming crooked architecture and cozy café atmosphere just steps from Windsor Castle.
Queen Charlotte Street
0.5 km
Discover England’s shortest street, a charming cobblestone lane steeped in history and Victorian elegance, right by Windsor Castle.
Frogmore Cottage
0.5 km
Historic royal retreat nestled in Windsor’s Frogmore Estate, blending serene gardens with centuries of British monarchy heritage.
Queen Elizabeth II: Windsor memorial drinking fountain
0.5 km
A regal and sustainable tribute to Queen Elizabeth II offering free drinking water in the historic heart of Windsor.
Historical Windsor
0.5 km
Step into Windsor’s rich past and vibrant present on historic Peascod Street, where royal heritage meets charming shopping.
The Windsor Castle
0.5 km
Explore Windsor Castle, the world's oldest inhabited castle, blending royal history, stunning architecture, and British tradition in a majestic palace setting.
Windsor Castle
0.6 km
Explore Windsor Castle, the historic royal residence, and uncover centuries of British history within its majestic walls and beautiful gardens.
FUZZY BEAR Cocktails & Comedy
0.6 km
Experience vibrant comedy nights and creative cocktails in a unique railway arch venue in the heart of Windsor’s nightlife.
Essential places to dine
À la Russe
0.3 km
Experience authentic French cuisine and elegant dining just steps from Windsor Castle at À la Russe, a cherished culinary gem on High Street.
Meat At The Parish
0.4 km
A vibrant steakhouse and cocktail bar in Windsor offering expertly dry-aged steaks and a cozy, contemporary atmosphere near Windsor Castle.
Long Walk Grill
0.4 km
Cozy Mediterranean dining with stone-baked pizzas and fresh seafood in the heart of historic Windsor’s High Street.
Latino
0.4 km
Experience authentic Latin American flavors in a vibrant, spotless setting at the heart of Windsor’s lively dining scene.
1423 China Kitchen
0.4 km
Experience authentic Chinese flavors in a historic Windsor setting, blending centuries-old heritage with vibrant Cantonese, Sichuan, and Shanghainese cuisine.
Maison Meejana
0.4 km
Discover authentic Lebanese cuisine in a cozy Windsor setting, blending traditional flavors with modern hospitality near Windsor Castle.
The Queen Charlotte
0.4 km
A welcoming British pub near Windsor Castle, offering hearty roasts, local ales, and cozy charm in the heart of Windsor.
Eighteen
0.4 km
Elegant dining on Windsor’s High Street, blending classic charm with modern culinary excellence and warm hospitality.
Leaf At The Castle
0.4 km
Elegant British dining with a botanical touch, steps from Windsor Castle, featuring seasonal menus and a celebrated Royal afternoon tea.
Clarence Brasserie & Tea Room
0.4 km
A cozy blend of Italian flavors and traditional English tea near Windsor Castle, perfect for relaxed dining and classic afternoon tea.
Plate at No. 6
0.4 km
An intimate Windsor tapas restaurant serving vibrant Mediterranean small plates in a stylish, open-kitchen setting with al fresco views of Windsor Castle.
K Kitchen
0.5 km
Discover authentic Korean cuisine with fresh flavors and warm hospitality in Windsor’s charming K Kitchen.
Bluegrass BBQ
0.5 km
Authentic American barbecue flavors served in a lively Windsor setting near the iconic castle.
Duck & Dim Sum Chinese Restaurant
0.5 km
Authentic Chinese flavors with aromatic crispy duck and delicate dim sum in the heart of Windsor’s vibrant dining scene.
Sebastian's
0.5 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors in Windsor’s cozy family-owned Sebastian's, where fresh ingredients and warm service await.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Great British Gifts
0.5 km
Discover authentic British souvenirs and artisan treasures just steps from Windsor Castle at Great British Gifts.
Windsor Gifts & Souvenirs
0.5 km
Discover charming and affordable keepsakes at Windsor Gifts & Souvenirs, your perfect stop for memorable treasures near Windsor Castle.
House Of Gifts
0.5 km
Discover charming Windsor souvenirs and gifts at House Of Gifts, your friendly stop near the castle for memorable keepsakes and affordable treasures.
A Little Present
0.5 km
Explore 'A Little Present' in Windsor - your destination for unique gifts, handcrafted souvenirs, and local treasures to cherish forever.
King & Queen Gift Shop
0.5 km
Discover royal-themed gifts and charming souvenirs steps from Windsor Castle at the King & Queen Gift Shop.
Glorious Britain
0.5 km
Discover authentic British souvenirs and gifts in the heart of historic Windsor at Glorious Britain gift shop.
The Edinburgh Woollen Mill
0.5 km
Discover timeless Scottish knitwear and classic styles at The Edinburgh Woollen Mill in Windsor’s historic Castle Hill.
Indelibly Windsor
0.5 km
Discover Windsor’s culture and heritage through unique gifts and expert visitor services at Indelibly Windsor on High Street.
Crew Clothing
0.5 km
Classic British smart casual wear in the heart of historic Windsor, blending timeless style with quality craftsmanship.
Temptation Gifts
0.5 km
Discover unique gifts and over 1,000 greeting cards in Windsor’s welcoming and ever-changing Temptation Gifts store on Peascod Street.
huttons
0.5 km
Discover unique gifts and homeware at Huttons, a charming family-run independent store in the heart of historic Windsor.
Marks and Spencer
0.5 km
A reliable Marks & Spencer department store in central Windsor, offering fashion, homeware and a well-stocked food hall on Peascod Street.
The Works
0.5 km
Affordable books, crafts, toys, and stationery in the heart of Windsor’s vibrant shopping district.
Windsor Royal Station
0.6 km
Independent shopping in a Victorian railway arch at the heart of historic Windsor.
Daniel Department Store
0.6 km
Historic family-run department store in Windsor offering luxury fashion, homeware, dining, and personalized services in a modern setting.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Two Brewers
0.2 km
Historic 18th-century pub near Windsor Castle offering classic British ales, cozy ambiance, and a charming floral exterior.
The Corner House
0.2 km
A lively two-floor pub and sports bar in Windsor, offering great drinks, live sports on HD screens, and versatile event spaces.
The Acre
0.4 km
A lively Windsor bar with engaging karaoke, live music, and a welcoming atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.
The Prince Harry
0.4 km
Historic pub steps from Windsor Castle, serving traditional British fare and real ales in a charming, centuries-old setting.
The Cobbles
0.4 km
Cozy cocktail bar in a historic 17th-century building opposite Windsor Castle, blending heritage charm with exceptional drinks and warm service.
The Shambles
0.5 km
Discover Windsor’s award-winning bar housed in a charmingly tilted historic building, famed for creative cocktails and warm hospitality.
The Carpenters Arms
0.5 km
Historic pub in Windsor serving classic British fare and cask ales in a welcoming, artisan-inspired setting near Windsor Castle.
The Horse & Groom
0.5 km
Historic and welcoming English pub opposite Windsor Castle, offering hearty food, local ales, and cosy accommodation in the heart of Windsor.
The Sinner Bar
0.5 km
A stylish cocktail bar in Windsor offering vibrant nightlife, expertly crafted drinks, and an intimate, seductive atmosphere.
No5 St Leonards Road
0.6 km
Elegant cocktails, sparkling chandeliers, and a welcoming atmosphere combine at No5 St Leonards Road, Windsor’s premier cocktail bar.
The Piper Art Bar
0.6 km
Discover a vibrant Scottish-themed bar and contemporary art space in the heart of Windsor, offering an extensive whisky selection and eclectic ambiance.
The Queen Victoria
0.6 km
Step into The Queen Victoria for an authentic 18th-century English pub experience with hearty food, real ales, and a welcoming, dog-friendly atmosphere in Windsor.
The King & Castle - JD Wetherspoon
0.6 km
A spacious, friendly JD Wetherspoon pub in Windsor offering affordable drinks and classic British fare near the historic Windsor Castle.
All Bar One Windsor
0.6 km
A stylish wine bar near Windsor Castle offering vibrant vibes, crafted cocktails, and shared plates in a historic yet modern setting.
Upstairs Windsor
0.7 km
A refined cocktail bar in Windsor offering expertly crafted drinks and a grown-up atmosphere for stylish weekend nights.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Labyrinth Nightclub Windsor
0.6 km
Experience Windsor’s vibrant nightlife with live DJs, multiple bars, and an electrifying atmosphere at Labyrinth Nightclub.
The Scotch
0.6 km
Windsor’s iconic Victorian arch nightclub blending historic charm with eclectic music and circus-themed nightlife.
The Boom
0.6 km
Historic arches meet vibrant beats at The Boom, Windsor’s energetic nightclub and bar for unforgettable nights.
Pink Gentleman's Club.
0.6 km
Sophisticated adult entertainment with exclusive VIP rooms and topless pole shows in the heart of Windsor’s nightlife scene.
The Binfield Club
13.9 km
Historic social club in Binfield offering vibrant nightlife, live music, sports, and community events in a welcoming atmosphere.
Winkers Nightclub
15.0 km
A lively, budget-friendly nightclub in Gerrards Cross offering energetic music and a casual local vibe for weekend partygoers.
Diligence
17.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and dynamic music scene at Diligence, High Wycombe’s energetic nightclub on London Road.
Trilogy Nightclub High Wycombe
19.6 km
A lively multi-room nightclub in High Wycombe offering dynamic music, vibrant crowds, and late-night fun on Paul’s Row.
The Venue, Bucks
19.6 km
Experience High Wycombe’s vibrant nightlife at The Venue, Bucks – a lively nightclub with great music, friendly staff, and a welcoming atmosphere.
3sixty
23.9 km
Experience vibrant student nightlife and live events at 3sixty, the University of Reading’s premier nightclub and entertainment venue.
Popworld Watford
24.4 km
A vibrant late-night hotspot in Watford playing all your favorite 90s and 2000s pop classics with fun cocktails and a lively dancefloor.
Canvas Bar & Nightclub
24.4 km
Experience vibrant nights of music, dancing, and cocktails at Canvas Bar & Nightclub in the heart of Watford’s High Street.
Q Club
25.6 km
Experience Reading’s energetic nightlife at Q Club, a lively nightclub and bar offering music, drinks, and late-night fun on Friar Street.
Gun Street Garden
25.7 km
Experience Reading’s vibrant nightlife in an urban jungle-themed club with diverse music, rooftop bar, and VIP lounges.
Reading Lola Lo
25.8 km
Experience Reading’s premier tiki-themed nightclub with vibrant cocktails, lively music, and a unique Polynesian atmosphere on Friar Street.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Romantic
- Tranquil
- Adventurous
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
- Sunrise Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Myth & Legends
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Pet Friendly
