VIRGINIA WATER, SURREY

Virginia Water is a village in Surrey in the United Kingdom. The village is named after a lake of the same name in the nearby Windsor Great Park. A lake of that name has existed from at least the 17th century and may well be named for Elizabeth I, the Virgin Queen, although this is not certain.

Virginia Water lake was begun in 1746 by William, Duke of Cumberland who was then Ranger of the Park. Few details are recorded of the building of the lake, however it has been suggested that Prisoners-of-war from the recent Jacobite risings, who were encamped at the nearby Breakheart Hill, were involved. The original lake was much smaller than the current form, and was destroyed in a flood in 1768. In 1780 Paul and Thomas Sandby began construction of a much larger lake at the site, and went on the add an artificial waterfall, Meadow Pond and Obelisk Pond. The lake is probably named after Queen Elizabeth I, who was known as the Virgin Queen, however it is not known why they should have named it after a Monarch of 150 years before.

Virginia Water is noted by bird-watchers [3] as the best place in the country for viewing feral Mandarin Duck.

Many of the village's houses are large detached homes situated on the private Wentworth Estate close to the famous Wentworth Club.

St Peter's is the main hospital serving the Virginia Water Community.

VIRGINIA WATERS HOTELS

Great Fosters

Stroude Road, Egham, Egham, Surrey, TW20 9UR.
Located near Windsor, Great Fosters is a fine example of Elizabethan architecture set within 50 acres. Whether attending a conference or planning a romantic escape, Great Fosters is the ideal setting for any occasion.

Savill Court Hotel

Wick Lane, Englefield Green, Egham, Surrey, TW20 0XN.
Jacobean style manor house set in 22 acres of parkland.

The Royal Standard Guest House

Stroude Road, Virginia Water, Surrey, GU25 4BU.
The Royal Standard Guest House is a home away from home. A family run B&B that offers comfortable surroundings set in the heart of Virginia Water close to destination country pubs, restaurants & shops.

VIRGINIA WATERS ATTRACTIONS

Wentworth Golf Club
Legoland Windsor - 150 acres of woodland, around 32 million standard LEGO bricks, 7 main activity areas, eight restaurants - all 2 miles from Windsor
Windsor Castle - Windsor Castle is one of three official residents of The Queen and has been home to The Sovereign for over 900 years. The Castle is the largest inhabited castle in the world and the oldest in continous occupation.
Ascot Race Course - Home of the famous Royal Ascot

TRANSPORT LINKS

Virginia Water is home to many commuters. It is close to the M25 and M3 motorways. The village also has a 4 track railway station in the middle of the village on the line between London Waterloo and Reading. London Heathrow Airport is located eight miles to the north-east. The village supports two rows of shops, although many inhabitants travel to the nearby towns of Staines, Ascot and Windsor for shopping. The towns of Egham, Englefield Green and Old Windsor are also nearby.