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Frogmore House and Gardens

An intimate royal retreat where centuries of monarchy found solace in elegant gardens and private chambers.

4.6

A serene 17th-century royal retreat nestled within Windsor Castle's Home Park, Frogmore House has served as a private sanctuary for the British Royal Family for over three centuries. Originally purchased for Queen Charlotte in 1792, the house and its 35-acre gardens showcase elegant Georgian architecture, rare botanical specimens, and the ornate Royal Mausoleum where Queen Victoria and Prince Albert rest. Open only on select charity days and by group arrangement, this tranquil estate offers an intimate glimpse into royal domestic life and horticultural passion.

A brief summary to Frogmore House and Gardens

  • Home Park, Frogmore Dr, Windsor, Windsor, SL4 2JG, GB
  • +443031237305
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 2 to 4 hours
  • Budget
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

  • Confirm opening dates well in advance through official Royal Collection Trust channels, as Frogmore opens only three times yearly for individuals and during August for groups. Dates vary annually and must be verified before planning your visit.
  • Bring cash only—credit and debit cards are not accepted. Plan to purchase separate tickets for the house and gardens, each costing £10 for adults, with children under 5 admitted free.
  • Pack a picnic to enjoy in the gardens during your visit. The peaceful lakeside setting and Queen Victoria's Tea House provide ideal spots for a leisurely afternoon among the historic landscape.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for gravel paths. Allow 10–15 minutes to walk through the gardens to the house, and note that the Changing of the Guard ceremony in Windsor town centre (typically 10:45–11:30 AM) may affect traffic on open days.
  • If visiting with mobility considerations, note that gravel paths may be challenging for wheelchairs in the gardens, though most house rooms are ground-floor accessible. No lift is available inside the building.
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Getting There

  • Train from London

    From London Waterloo, direct trains reach Windsor and Eton Riverside station in approximately 50 minutes. From London Paddington, take a train to Slough (15 minutes), then change to a service toward Windsor and Eton Central (20 minutes). From Windsor town centre, walk approximately 20 minutes to the Long Walk Gate entrance on Park Street, or take a taxi if preferred. No advance booking required for train travel.

  • Bus from London or surrounding areas

    National Express and local bus services operate from Victoria Coach Station and various surrounding areas to Windsor town centre, with journey times ranging from 45 to 90 minutes depending on the service and traffic conditions. Upon arrival in Windsor, proceed on foot to the Long Walk Gate entrance (approximately 20 minutes) or use a local taxi. Fares vary by operator; check current schedules and pricing with the bus provider.

  • Car with parking

    Drive to Windsor and park in one of the town's public car parks. From the car park, walk approximately 20 minutes to the Long Walk Gate entrance via Park Street. On open days, temporary parking may be available near the Long Walk entrance, but in wet weather, visitors are directed to town car parks. Satnav coordinates: Park Street, Windsor, or postcode SL4 1LB. Parking fees vary by location and duration; expect £2–£6 for a few hours in town car parks.

  • Taxi or ride-share from Windsor

    From Windsor town centre, a taxi ride to the Long Walk Gate entrance takes approximately 5–10 minutes. Ride-share services such as Uber operate in the Windsor area. Typical fares range from £6–£12 depending on exact pickup and drop-off points. This option is convenient if you prefer not to walk or are carrying picnic items.

Frogmore House and Gardens location weather suitability

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Discover more about Frogmore House and Gardens

A Royal Sanctuary Through the Centuries

Frogmore House stands as one of Britain's most exclusive royal residences, a place where centuries of monarchy have found refuge and inspiration. Built in the 1680s and set within the expansive Home Park of Windsor Castle, the house has evolved from a modest country retreat into a cherished symbol of royal domesticity. When King George III purchased the property for his wife Queen Charlotte in 1792, she transformed it into a botanical wonderland, cultivating rare and unusual plants that reflected her passionate interest in horticulture. The house subsequently became a favourite retreat for Queen Victoria, who found solace in its peaceful gardens and intimate rooms. King George V and Queen Mary also treasured Frogmore for entertaining during Ascot Week, while Prince Philip's naval memorabilia and Queen Mary's extensive collections still grace the interior rooms, offering tangible connections to royal personalities across generations.

The Gardens: A Picturesque Landscape of Contemplation

The 35-acre gardens at Frogmore represent a masterpiece of late 18th-century landscape design. Laid out for Queen Charlotte in the 1790s according to the fashionable 'picturesque' model, the grounds feature winding lakes, wooded mounds, secluded glades, meandering walks, and charming bridges that invite leisurely exploration. Ancient trees provide dappled shade, while tranquil ponds reflect the sky and surrounding vegetation. Queen Victoria's Tea House, an elegant structure overlooking the water, remains a focal point for contemplation. The gardens embody the Romantic era's celebration of nature as both aesthetic and spiritual experience, offering visitors a chance to understand the emotional landscape that captivated the royal residents who walked these paths.

The Mausoleum: A Monument to Love and Legacy

Perhaps the most poignant feature of Frogmore is the Royal Mausoleum, an architectural testament to Queen Victoria's devotion to Prince Albert. After Albert's death, Victoria commissioned this elegant structure to house his remains, and later chose to be buried alongside him—a break with royal tradition that underscored their partnership. The mausoleum, with its ornate design and solemn grandeur, stands as a reminder of the deep personal bonds that existed within the royal family and serves as the final resting place for other family members as well. Visitors can view the exterior and surrounding grounds, experiencing the reverence and intimacy that Victoria sought to preserve at Frogmore.

Georgian Elegance and Royal Collections

The house itself showcases the refined taste and varied interests of its royal inhabitants. The interior features elegantly decorated rooms that reflect different periods and personalities. Queen Mary's remarkable collection of objects—gathered with a collector's eye for beauty and historical significance—fills the rooms with character and narrative. The dining room contains a fascinating assemblage of items from the Royal Yacht, curated by Prince Philip, offering glimpses into royal leisure and naval heritage. The majority of rooms occupy the ground floor, though a select few first-floor chambers remain accessible only by staircase. The handsome proportions, quality furnishings, and personal touches throughout create an atmosphere far more intimate than the grand state rooms of Windsor Castle, revealing how royalty lived in private retreat.

Visiting This Exclusive Retreat

Frogmore House remains a private royal residence, open to the public only on carefully selected occasions. Individual visitors may access the house and gardens on three Charity Open Days each year, typically held during summer months, with all admission proceeds donated to designated charities. Pre-booked groups of 15 or more people may arrange visits during August when the Royal Family is not in residence. Opening times typically run from 10:00 AM with last admissions at 4:00 PM and gates closing at 5:30 PM. Visitors should bring cash, as credit and debit cards are not accepted. The walk from the Long Walk Gate entrance takes approximately 5 to 15 minutes through the gardens to reach the house, with gravel paths throughout. Photography is permitted in the gardens but not inside the house itself.

Planning Your Visit to Windsor's Hidden Gem

Frogmore House rewards those who plan ahead, as access is strictly limited and dates must be confirmed well in advance through official channels. The location lies approximately one mile from Windsor Castle, accessible via the Long Walk entrance. Visitors are encouraged to bring picnics to enjoy in the serene gardens, creating a leisurely afternoon of exploration and reflection. The Changing of the Guard ceremony in Windsor town centre typically occurs between 10:45 AM and 11:30 AM, which may affect traffic flow on open days. For those seeking a deeper understanding of royal history and the private world of the monarchy, Frogmore offers an unparalleled opportunity to walk the same gardens, view the same rooms, and experience the tranquility that captivated generations of royal residents.

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