The Long Walk at Windsor Castle extends 2.65 miles (4.26 km) south from the George IV Gateway to the Copper Horse statue.
How long is the Long Walk at Windsor Castle?
The Long Walk is 2.65 miles (4.26 km) long from the George IV Gateway at Windsor Castle to the Copper Horse statue on Snow Hill.
This tree-lined avenue starts at the castle’s main gate and cuts through Windsor Great Park. You’ll get stunning views of the castle and countryside along the way. Most people complete the out-and-back route in about 1.5 hours at an easy pace. The path is paved and wheelchair-friendly, so it works for almost everyone. As of 2026, the route hasn’t changed and is still maintained by the Crown Estate.
Do you have to pay to do the Long Walk Windsor?
No, walking the Long Walk is free for pedestrians and doesn’t require any entry fee.
It’s part of Windsor Great Park, which opens daily from dawn to dusk. While nearby car parks may charge for parking, the walk itself costs nothing. The route sometimes hosts royal processions, like during Ascot week, but the public can always use it. Check Royal.uk before you go—just to be safe about any temporary closures.
What is the statue at the end of the Long Walk?
The statue at the end of the Long Walk is the Copper Horse, a statue of King George III on horseback atop Snow Hill.
King George IV commissioned it in 1831 to honor his dad. Made of an iron frame covered in bronze, it stands 24 feet tall and gives sweeping views of Windsor Castle and Berkshire. The name “Copper Horse” comes from its bronze exterior, which has weathered over time. It’s a favorite photo spot and a natural turnaround for walkers.
Can you walk the Long Walk at Windsor?
Yes, you can walk the entire Long Walk at Windsor as it’s a public footpath within Windsor Great Park.
The route is open daily from sunrise to sunset, year-round if the weather cooperates. The path is wide, flat, and lined with horse chestnut trees planted way back in the 1600s. You can walk the full 2.65 miles or turn back whenever you like. Benches and rest spots dot the path, but bring water and comfy shoes—facilities are limited once you leave the castle grounds.
How many bedrooms does Windsor Castle have?
Windsor Castle has 52 royal and guest bedrooms plus 188 staff bedrooms.
As of 2026, it’s still the largest occupied castle in the world by floor area. The castle also boasts 9 state apartments and over 100 rooms for official events, like St. George’s Hall and the Waterloo Chamber. Visitors can tour it when the royal family isn’t home, usually during summer months.
Who lives in Windsor Castle grounds?
Windsor Castle is an official residence of the British monarch and has been for nearly 1,000 years.
As of 2026, King Charles III uses it as both a private home and for state events. The castle’s flag tower flies the Royal Standard when he’s in residence. The surrounding grounds, including Home Park and the Long Walk, are managed by the Crown Estate and open to the public. The castle also houses royal household staff who keep the place running.
How long does it take to walk the Long Walk at Windsor?
Walking the out-and-back Long Walk takes about 1.5 to 2 hours at a moderate pace.
The full distance is 2.65 miles (4.26 km), so it’s a solid walk but doable for most people. The path is flat and paved, so you can keep a steady pace, though the open scenery might make it feel longer. Wear good shoes and bring water, especially in summer. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can extend the walk by exploring Windsor Great Park past the Copper Horse.
How long is a long walk?
A long walk is generally considered to be more than 20 miles in a single day.
In hiking terms, a “long walk” means any route over 20 miles—think endurance territory. For scale, a marathon is 26.2 miles, so long walks often go beyond that. These hikes might be part of organized events, charity walks, or personal challenges. If you’re tackling that distance, solid footwear, plenty of water, and a good pace plan are non-negotiable.
Can you walk through Home Park Windsor?
Yes, you can walk through Home Park Windsor, which is open to the public.
This park sits right next to Windsor Castle and is open daily for walking, jogging, and relaxing. There are paths for all ages and fitness levels, including a 5,000-step loop around the perimeter. You’ll find open grassland, wooded areas, and the River Thames along the edge. Dogs are welcome on leads, but skip the BBQs—they’re banned to protect the landscape.
How do you get a long walk?
To access the Long Walk, park in one of the car parks along the A332 near Windsor or walk from the town center.
You can also enter Windsor Great Park through Cambridge Gate, close to the castle. Trains to Windsor & Eton Central Station are another option, followed by a short walk to the park. The route is well-marked and has multiple entry points. Before you head out, check local council resources for parking availability and any road closures—just to avoid surprises.
Who is on the horse statue in Windsor Castle?
The horse statue in Windsor Castle depicts King Charles II on horseback in the Upper Ward beneath the Round Tower.
This bronze equestrian statue was put up after King Charles II’s death, honoring his reign from 1660 to 1685. It sits prominently in the Upper Ward, which is usually open to visitors during public tours. The statue is one of many royal monuments in Windsor Castle, reflecting its centuries-long history as a royal residence.
What statues are in Windsor Castle?
Windsor Castle features several notable statues, including the Copper Horse of King George III and a statue of Queen Victoria.
Other standouts include the Irish Guardsman Monument and the Prince Christian Victor Monument. There’s also the John F. Kennedy Memorial, added to honor the U.S. president. These sculptures are scattered throughout the grounds and state apartments. You can see most of them during standard castle tours when the royal family isn’t home.
Is Windsor Great Park open during lockdown?
Windsor Great Park remained open during lockdowns for outdoor exercise but with restrictions.
During COVID-19, access was limited to pedestrians from dawn to dusk, with social distancing rules in place. Some spots, like Savill Garden, were temporarily closed. As of 2026, the park follows standard public access rules unless new health guidelines pop up. Always double-check Royal Parks for the latest updates before you visit.
Is Windsor Great Park free?
Yes, entry to the public areas of Windsor Great Park is free, except for Savill Garden.
The park opens at 7:00 AM daily and closes at dusk, with seasonal timing tweaks. Walking and exploring cost nothing, but parking fees apply in designated areas. Savill Garden, a separate attraction inside the park, charges admission. The Crown Estate manages the park and keeps it open for public enjoyment year-round.
Does Windsor Great Park have toilets?
Windsor Great Park has three public toilet facilities located at various points within the park.
You’ll find them near Savill Garden, Valley Gardens, and the main car park. Given the park’s size, facilities are spread out, so plan ahead. During busy seasons, these spots can get crowded. Always verify opening hours—some may close seasonally or during extreme weather.
