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The Valley Gardens

London Road, Virginia Water, Windsor, Berkshire, GU25 4QF

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Access Guide

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Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • The Valley Gardens are located the at the centre of Windsor Great Park. It does not have it's own car park. The nearest parking is The Savill Garden Visitor Centre (off Wick Road), Wick Road Members Only Car Park (off Wick Road), and Virginia Water Pavilion Car Park (Off London Road).
    • The Savill Garden Visitor Centre Car Park (off Wick Road), Wick Road Members Only Car Park (off Wick Road), and Virginia Water Pavilion Car Park (Off London Road) all have Blue Badge parking available.
  • By Bus View
    • There is not a bus stop within 150 metres of the venue.
  • By Train View
    • The nearest railway stations are Egham, Windsor Central and Windsor Riverside, Ascot and Virginia Water. From London Paddington, First Great Western trains operate a service to Windsor Central via a change at Slough. South West Trains operate services from London Waterloo to the other stations. A taxi will be needed to complete your journey into the Park, this usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes depending on traffic.

Getting Help and Assistance

  • For general enquiries prior to your visit please click here to contact the venue.
  • There are park wardens located around the gardens and park areas to provide assistance if needed.
  • In an emergency call: 01753 860 222 or the Emergency Services on 999.
  • For car park issues call: 07825 430 192.
  • There is a defibrillator available at the main counter in The Savill Garden Visitor Centre.
  • A member of staff can get the defibrillator and bring it to a visitor elsewhere in the grounds.

Parking (Virginia Water Pavilion)

  • Parking View
    • The venue does have its own parking facilities.
    • The car park is located off A30 London Road.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park does have a barrier control system.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • Clearly marked/signposted parent and child parking bays are available.
    • All parking spaces are provided on a first come first served basis.
  • Blue Badge Parking View
    • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • There is/are 10+ designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 250cm x 450cm (8ft 2in x 14ft 9in).
    • The Blue Badge parking bays do not have a marked zone around them.
    • The marked zones around the Blue Badge parking bay(s) have not got at least the recommended width of 120cm.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
    • Please note that parking charges apply to all users, including Blue Badge holders.
  • Paying View
    • There are parking charges for the car park.
    • Parking charges apply for all users (including Blue Badge holders).
    • Parking is free for Friends of The Savill Garden and Members of Windsor Great Park.
    • Payment signs are provided.
    • Payment signs are clearly presented.
    • Payment signs are located at the entrance to the car park and at the payment machines in the car park.
    • Payment term signs do make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
    • Payment for parking charges is made at a payment machine.
    • Payment machines are located close to the Blue Badge parking bays.
    • There is a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
    • There is a level turning space (minimum 185cm x 210cm) in front of the payment machine(s).
    • To see the parking charges please click here (opens new tab).
    • The payment machines have a button to lower the touchscreen for wheelchair users.
  • Access from the Car Park View
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user unaided.
    • The entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
  • Drop-off Point(s) View
    • There is not a/are not clearly marked drop-off point(s).
  • Comments View
    • More information about parking at Windsor Great Park can be found at www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk/parking.

Virginia Water Pavilion Car Park to The Valley Gardens

  • The Virginia Water Pavilion Car Park is approximately 800m from the Totem Pole in the Valley Gardens.
  • There is clear directional signage to The Valley Gardens.
  • There is step free access along the path.
  • The surface of the path is tarmac.
  • There is bench seating available at regular intervals.
  • The Totem Pole is located at the start of The Valley Gardens.

Approach (Virginia Water Pavilion)

  • Approach View
    • The surface of the approach is compacted gravel.
    • There is a/are fixed bollard(s) on the approach.
    • The minimum width between the bollards/wall is 155cm.
    • The height of the bollard(s) is 88cm.
    • The bollards do not contrast visually with the paving.
    • There are some bollards which have a height of 62cm.
    • There is step-free access on the approach.

Parking (The Savill Garden and Adventure Play)

  • Parking View
    • The venue does have its own parking facilities.
    • The car park is located off Wick Road.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park does have a barrier control system.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • Clearly marked/signposted parent and child parking bays are available.
    • All parking spaces are provided on a first come first served basis.
  • Blue Badge Parking View
    • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • There is/are 12 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 250cm x 600cm (8ft 2in x 19ft 8in).
    • The Blue Badge parking bays have a marked zone to one side but not at the rear.
    • The marked zones around the Blue Badge parking bay(s) have at least the recommended width of 120cm.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
    • Please note that parking charges apply to all users, including Blue Badge holders.
  • Paying View
    • There are parking charges for the car park.
    • Parking charges apply for all users (including Blue Badge holders).
    • Parking is free for Friends of The Savill Garden and Members of Windsor Great Park.
    • Payment signs are provided.
    • Payment signs are clearly presented.
    • Payment signs are located at the entrance to the car park and at the payment machines in the car park.
    • Payment for parking charges is made at a payment machine.
    • Payment machines are located close to the Blue Badge parking bays.
    • There is a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
    • There is a level turning space (minimum 185cm x 210cm) in front of the payment machine(s).
    • To see the parking charges please click here (opens new tab).
    • The payment machines have a button to lower the touchscreen for wheelchair users.
  • Access from the Car Park View
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user unaided.
    • The entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
    • The surface on the approach to the entrance is tarmac.
  • Drop-off Point(s) View
    • There is not a/are not clearly marked drop-off point(s).

Approach

  • Approach View
    • The surface of the approach is stone/concrete tiles and block paving.
    • There is a/are fixed bollard(s) on the approach.
    • The minimum width between the bollards/wall is 160cm.
    • The height of the bollard(s) is 84cm.
    • The bollards do not contrast visually with the paving.
    • There is step-free access on the approach.

The Savill Garden Car Park to The Valley Gardens

  • The Savill Garden car park is approximately 1.7km from The Valley Gardens.
  • There is clear directional signage to The Valley Gardens.
  • There is step free access along the path.
  • The surface of the path is tarmac.
  • There is bench seating available at regular intervals.
  • The route passes the Obelisk Lawn and Pond, it also passes the playground.
  • There is a food and drink kiosk located next to the lawn.
  • There are slight slopes on the path leading up to The Valley Gardens.

Parking (Wick Road - Members only)

  • Parking View
    • The venue does have its own parking facilities.
    • The car park is located off Wick Road.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does have a height restriction barrier.
    • The maximum height of the restriction barrier is 240cm (7ft 10in).
    • The car park does have a barrier control system.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • Clearly marked/signposted parent and child parking bays are not available.
    • All parking spaces are provided on a first come first served basis.
  • Blue Badge Parking View
    • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are signposted but have no markings.
    • There is/are 3 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The Blue Badge parking bays do not have a marked zone around them.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
  • Paying View
    • This car park is only available for Friends of The Savill Garden and Members of Windsor Great Park.
  • Drop-off Point(s) View
    • There is not a/are not clearly marked drop-off point(s).

Wick Road Valley Garden Park to The Valley Gardens

  • Wick Road Valley Gardens car park is approximately 1km from the Totem Pole in The Valley Gardens.
  • There is clear directional signage to The Valley Gardens.
  • There is step free access along the path.
  • The surface of the path is tarmac.
  • There are slight and steep slopes in places along the paths.
  • There are speed bumps in places along the paths.
  • The Totem Pole is located at the start of The Valley Gardens.

The Valley Gardens - Red Path - Hilltop

  • There is step free access along the red path route.
  • The red path route leads from the Totem Pole to the Breakheart Hill and includes the Heather Garden, the toilet block and the Food and Drink kiosks.
  • There is a long slight slope leading from the Totem Pole to the Hilltop area.
  • The majority of the paths have a compacted sand/stone surface.
  • There is clear directional signage next to the paths.
  • There are map information boards available in places.
  • There is bench seating available.
  • There are a number of view points which overlook The Valley Gardens.
  • There are gates to access the Heather Gardens, the gates open away from you and are 90cm and 180cm wide.
  • There are 8 steps leading to a sheltered seating area.
  • There are 15+ steps leading down from the red paths to the yellow paths or alternatively, there is a long slight slope which is located near Breakheart Hill or off the path leading up from the Totem Pole.

The Valley Gardens - Yellow Path - Discovery

  • There is step free access along the main yellow path.
  • The main yellow path route leads from near Johnson Pond to the red path, leading up from the Totem Pole.
  • The main path has a compacted sand and stone surface.
  • There is a long slight slope leading up from near Johnson Pond and down from the red path.
  • There are also 15+ steps leading down from the red path to the yellow path.
  • There are a number of grass lawn areas.
  • There are some areas off the main path which only has stepped access.
  • There is clear directional signage.
  • There is bench seating available.

The Valley Gardens - Blue Path - Lakeside

  • There is step free access along the blue path route.
  • The blue path route leads from the Totem Pole along the lakeside to the Johnson Pond.
  • There is step free access along the path.
  • The path has a compacted stone and sand surface.
  • There is bench seating available.
  • There is clear directional signage along the path.
  • There are view points off the path over the lake.
  • There are some slight slopes and steep slopes along the path in places.

Eating and Drinking (The Valley Gardens)

  • Location and Access View
    • The following information is for the café.
  • Service and Menus View
    • There is a counter where food and drink can be ordered.
    • Menu types include: written wall menus.
    • Menus are clearly written.
    • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
    • The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.
    • Takeaway cups are available.
    • Adapted cups are not available.
    • Adapted cutlery is not available.
    • Drinking straws are available.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system .
  • Service Counter(s) View
    • The height of the counter is 133cm.
    • There is a moveable card machine available for payment.
    • The type of flooring in this area is tarmac.
  • Tables and Seating View
    • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • The majority of tables are accessible to wheelchair users.
    • The surface height of the highest table is 72cm.
    • All tables are permanently fixed.
    • All chairs are permanently fixed.
    • No chairs have armrests on both sides.
    • In this area there are picnic tables with fixed seating.
    • The type of flooring in this area is grass.

Toilet with Adaptations (The Valley Gardens - Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located at the top of the Hill Top area, near to the food and drink vans.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is medium.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is low.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 173cm x 190cm (5ft 8in x 6ft 3in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is medium.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is medium.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is medium.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are sanitary and nappy/incontinence items bin disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is not a mirror.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is medium.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is low.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is low.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 100cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is high.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a flip down baby change table available.
    • The height of the baby change table is 78cm.

Step(s) (Standard Toilets)

  • There is a/are step(s) located at the entrance to the male and female standard toilets.
  • There is/are 1 step(s).
  • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are not between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are 12cm.
  • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).

Standard Toilet(s) (The Valley Gardens)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female and male toilets are located at the top of the Hill Top area, near to the food and drink vans.
    • There is stepped access into the toilet(s).
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is medium.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 81cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is sensor.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.

Related Access Guides (Windsor Great Park)