Countryside, Parks and Gardens Itinerary

The phrase ‘England’s green and pleasant land’ could have been written for the beautiful countryside surrounding the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.  With more than 1,000 acres of National Trust land and 4,800 acres of Crown Estate there is so much to explore.  Enjoy the seasons, from the daffodils and bluebells at Dorney Court in springtime and the abundance of summer flowers at Cliveden, to the flaming autumn colours in The Savill Garden.

Day 1: The Savill Garden and Windsor Great Park

Morning: The Savill Garden

Begin the day at The Savill Garden, an internationally renowned ornamental garden set within Windsor Great Park.  Commissioned by King George V, the garden reflects centuries of royal heritage and includes highlights such as the Golden Jubilee Garden and the Rose Garden, opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 2010.  Laid out as a series of beautifully themed landscapes, The Savill Garden offers year‑round colour, mature trees and peaceful pathways, making it ideal for both relaxed exploration and group visits.  A guided tour can add so much to your visit!  Find out more about guided tours.

Lunch at The Savill Garden Kitchen

The Savill Garden Kitchen, located in the garden's visitor centre, is a convenient and welcoming place to pause for lunch.  Open throughout the day, it serves breakfasts, light bites, seasonal hot dishes, desserts and traditional Sunday roasts.  Group dining options, including set-menu lunch and afternoon tea, are available with advance booking.

Afternoon: Walks in Windsor Great Park

After lunch choose one of the many walks in Windsor Great Park starting from The Savill Garden

Walk to the Copper Horse (3.5 miles).  Walk to the top of the Long Walk and the Copper Horse with impressive views of Windsor Castle.

Walk to the Valley Gardens (1.7 miles).  Walk to the northern shores of Virginia Water and the picturesque Valley Gardens, with 250 acres of landscaped blooms and twisting woodland trails.

A lakeside walk to and around Virginia Water (5.1 miles).  Experience the impressive heights of the Cascade to the ancient Leptis Magna ruins.

Day 2: Historic Gardens & Thames‑side Walks

Morning: Gardens Beyond Windsor

Venture just outside Windsor to explore two more of the area’s celebrated historic gardens.

Dorney Court

Dorney Court is one of England’s finest stately houses and is well used as a film and tv location.  Grade 1 listed and renowned for its architectural importance and historical significance, any visit is a fascinating and unique experience.  Built in the 15th century, the Tudor Manor House has been home to the Palmer family for more than 450 years – this remarkable and characterful building has been passed from father to son over thirteen generations.  The house is surrounded by beautiful gardens and acres of mature parkland.   The lawns are divided by ancient yew hedges and herbaceous borders.  Groups of 20 or more are welcome by appointment on Private Tours and Connoisseurs‘ Tours.  Smaller groups can be accommodated but a minimum charge will apply.

National Trust Cliveden

Set high above the River Thames, Cliveden offers miles of walking routes through formal gardens and woodland.  Highlights include the Long Garden, Water Garden and Rose Garden, which features more than 900 varieties of roses.  Cliveden House now operates as a luxury hotel, with house tours available on certain weekdays, subject to hotel operation restrictions.

Afternoon: Cookham or the River Thames

Cookham Village & Riverside Walks

Combine countryside walking with culture in Cookham, a picturesque Thames‑side village associated with the British artist Sir Stanley Spencer.  Several easy routes allow visitors to explore at a relaxed pace:

Village Route (1.5 miles).  A largely flat walk following the Thames, passing the 11th‑century Church of Holy Trinity and the Stanley Spencer Gallery, housed in a former Methodist chapel.

Large Circular Route (4.7 miles).  A scenic route from Cookham Moor along open riverside paths, with views across Cock Marsh and towards Bourne End marina.

Cookham Lock Extension (+1.5 miles).  An optional addition for those wanting to extend their walk along the river.

Cookham is also well known for its independent shops and excellent choice of cafés, pubs and restaurants.

Windsor & the River Thames

Alternatively, return to Windsor to enjoy the River Thames, which forms a central part of the town’s landscape.  With more than 20 miles of riverside paths in the Royal Borough, visitors can enjoy gentle strolls along the Thames Path National Trail through Windsor and Eton.

Options include riverside dining in Windsor, a relaxing boat trip or a scenic lunch cruise with French Brothers from nearby Runnymede, offering views of Windsor Castle, the Royal Farm and Queen Adelaide’s Cottage.

Where to stay in Windsor and nearby

Macdonald Windsor – A modern hotel just two minutes’ walk from Windsor Castle, ideally placed opposite the Windsor Guildhall and close to the town centre. 

De Vere Beaumont Estate – An 18th‑century mansion set within 40 acres of landscaped parkland.

Cliveden House – A historic luxury hotel located within the 376‑acre Cliveden estate.

Coach parking and drop off

Coach parking is available at The Savill Garden, Dorney Court and National Trust Cliveden.

Cookham: Coach can drop off on Sutton Road and park at Riverside Gardens, Maidenhead.

Windsor Coach Park: Windsor Coach park, Alma Road, offers pay‑and‑display parking with 74 dedicated coach spaces.

Approximate distances from Windsor:
The Savill Garden – 5.5 miles
Dorney Court – 6.2 miles
National Trust Cliveden – 9.2 miles
Cookham – 9.4 miles
Runnymede – 4.2 miles