Windsor Great Park: The Long Walk
Berkshire
The Long Walk is one of those places that photographs cannot prepare you for. Four-point-eight kilometres of dead-straight plane and chestnut avenue pointing directly at Windsor Castle, flanked by ancient oaks that have been growing since before the park was formally laid out. The circuit from Bishops Gate adds deer park grassland, veteran sweet chestnut woodland, and the Copper Horse statue on Snow Hill to make a 10.5 km loop that feels genuinely grand throughout.
The catch — and it is well enforced — is that dogs are on leads throughout the park at all times, without exception. Red and fallow deer graze across the open grassland year-round and can appear anywhere; the wardens take the rule seriously. What this means in practice is a lead walk through one of the most spectacular open landscapes in the south of England, with ancient trees, sweeping views, and the kind of space that even a dog on a lead can feel in. The graded gravel surface of the Long Walk is particularly kind to older dogs or those with joint issues.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 10.5 km (6.5 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 3 hr
- Walk Type
- Park, Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- Savill Garden café nearby; toilets at main car parks
- Parking
- Bishops Gate car park, Windsor Great Park, SL4 2HP
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Windsor Great Park: The Long Walk dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome at Windsor Great Park: The Long Walk, and it makes for a genuinely spectacular outing. The graded gravel surface of the Long Walk is especially good for older dogs or those with joint issues, and the scale of the landscape , ancient trees, sweeping deer park grassland, and views up to Windsor Castle , means even a lead walk feels like a proper adventure.
Can dogs be off lead at Windsor Great Park: The Long Walk?
No , dogs must be on leads throughout the park at all times, without exception. Red and fallow deer graze across the open grassland year-round and can appear anywhere, and the rule is well enforced by wardens. It's worth going in with that expectation, but the grandeur of the place more than makes up for it.
What should I know before visiting Windsor Great Park: The Long Walk with my dog?
The key thing to know is that leads are mandatory throughout , no exceptions , so come prepared. The full circuit from Bishops Gate car park (SL4 2HP) is around 10.5 km, taking in the Long Walk avenue, veteran sweet chestnut woodland, and the Copper Horse statue on Snow Hill, so make sure your dog is up for the distance. There are toilets at the main car parks and the Savill Garden café nearby if you need a post-walk stop.
What’s Nearby?
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