The Long Walk and Deer Park at Windsor Castle

Capturing Windsor Great Park’s Royal Grandeur

by Jacqui Priestley

Windsor Great Park has hosted Royalty since William the Conqueror’s victory at the Battle of Hastings. Over the centuries it was enjoyed for its riding, hunting and stunning scenery. It wasn’t until William IV, however, that the Windsor Great Park as we know it was opened to the public, allowing visitors from far and wide to experience its splendour for themselves.

The Long Walk

Created by King Charles II in 1682-85, this treelined avenue stretches almost 2.5 miles down to the ancient fortress of Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. The initial work included the buying up of land to connect Windsor Castle to Windsor Great Park and the purchase of 1,864 young Elm trees. At the highest point, standing over the iconic view, is the famous Copper Horse statue depicting King George III. It was erected in 1831 to commemorate the King’s significant contribution to Windsor Great Park.

The Deer Park

Visitors following The Long Walk will pass through the Deer Park – which was once part of a vast Norman hunting forest. Windsor Great Park is home to one of the largest populations of ancient oak trees in Northern Europe. In fact, there are trees still standing today that saw William of Normandy ride past on Royal hunts. The current Deer Park was established over 70 years ago by the Ranger, The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and is home to around 500 Red Deer. These are descended from forty hinds and two stags that were introduced in 1979.

Walking in Windsor Great Park

Explore the wonders of Windsor Great Park on foot and lose yourself in the magic of its wonderful gardens, lakes, and ancient woodland. Regular visitors will have their favourite routes, but here is a firm favourite, starting from The Savill Garden.

Loop Distance:

3.8 miles (6 km)

Windsor Great Park is a place to see deer in their natural environment, but it is important to remember that these are wild animals and should be treated with respect. This is particularly the case during the autumn, when rutting stags fight for territory.

Deer Rutting Season

Deer rutting (breeding) season starts in September each year and lasts through until early November. During this period, the behaviour of the deer changes where they are likely to display aggressive behaviour. You will hear the stags roaring as well as defending their territory by challenging other stags and stamping the ground. This is normal behaviour. There may be occasions that we have to close the Deer Park during the rutting season. Find out more about deer at The British Deer Society.

Accessible Route: 4.2 miles (6.8 km) Surface: Mostly tarmac or smooth, compacted stone. Rough and loose stone in places.

Windsor Great Park offers stunning natural beauty, rich history, and a chance to explore expandive landscapes with breaktaking views.

From The Savill Garden, you can enjoy a 3.8 mile journey to the top of the Long Walk and back. As you reach the Copper Horse statue, you will be greeted with wonderful views across the tree canopies and Windsor rooftops – with Eton College, Windsor Castle and the arch at Wembley Stadium all visible. You can then return immediately, detour down the Long Walk or explore the ancient hills and forest areas of the Deer Park.

For more information, visit: windsorgreatpark.co.uk