Formerly known as the East Terrace Garden, the newly renamed and redesigned Venus Garden is now open, becoming part of a standard visit to Windsor Castle between 16 July and 13 September. It offers a unique opportunity to step into a space rarely seen by the public.
Nestled beneath the Castle’s striking east façade is where you’ll find the secret royal sunken garden, giving you the chance to view the 1,000 year old castle from an entirely new perspective.
Everything you need to know about Venus Garden at Windsor Castle
- 📍 Where: Windsor Castle, Windsor, SL4 1NJ
- 🚇 Nearest station: Windsor and Eton Central (Great Western Railway)
- 📅 When: 16 July-13 September: Thursday to Monday, 10am-4pm
- 🎟️ Price: Entry to Venus Garden is included in a standard entry ticket to Windsor Castle
- ⏱️ Visit duration: We recommend allowing 2-3 hours to explore the Castle, Venus Garden and its grounds
- 👥 Who is this for?: Royal history enthusiasts and garden and nature lovers
The inspiration behind the redesigned Venus Garden
The redesign of Venus Garden is inspired by something truly extraordinary: the beauty of the orbit of Venus.
Over an eight-year cycle, the planet traces a flower-like pattern in the sky – and this celestial shape has inspired the garden’s new layout.
Visitors can wander along evergreen hedge-lined pathways that echo this natural geometry, weaving through carefully designed mixed perennials and roses, a nod to the previous planting scheme.
What to expect to see in this secret royal garden
The new royal garden features an enhanced planting scheme that gives year-round structure and seasonal interest. Visitors can expect to see:
- 11,000 spring bulbs planted to ensure vibrant displays from early in the year
- Wildflower meadows, dotted with trees and threaded with pathways
- Striking new treescape, featuring ornamental pear, crab apple, acer and hornbeam trees
- Sculptures from the Royal Collection along the garden’s perimeter, including four bronze figures by Hubert Le Sueur, made for Charles I in the 1630s and brought to the garden for George IV
- Large-scale marble, bronze and stone vases and other historic sculptures and garden ornaments.
Our tips for making the most of your visit
- The Venus-inspired shapes are best viewed from above, as you approach the garden from the terrace.
- Approximately 11,000 spring bulbs were planted in the garden, and if you visit in the summer, you’ll spot clusters of gorgeous purple wildflowers.
- If you’re looking for the best photo spot, cross the pond and walk up the steps to the furthest part of the garden – this will give you a view of the entire space with the castle in the background.
- The garden was designed with wildlife in mind, so you’re likely to encounter bees, butterflies and birds in the trees, hedges and flower borders.
- From the north side of the garden, you can take in spectacular views of The Orangery – a sprawling, glass-fronted conservatory which once housed 34 orange trees gifted to George IV from Charles X, King of France. During Queen Victoria’s reign, a secret passageway was built underneath the gardens so that the Royal Family could access the Orangery without being seen by visitors whenever the gardens were open to the public.
Explore a living piece of royal history
The Venus Garden represents the next chapter in this evolving landscape, but its story stretches back more than 200 years:
- Originally laid out in the 1820s on the site of Charles II’s bowling green
- Shaped by generations of the Royal Family
- During WWII, the space became allotments – used by residents including Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret
- The space was later redesigned by the Duke of Edinburgh, who introduced formal rose beds and a central fountain.
Plan your visit to Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is in Windsor, around 25 miles (40km) from central London in the county of Berkshire. The town of Windsor is on the banks of the Thames, to the south of Slough and to the west of Heathrow Airport.
Travel to Windsor by train from London Paddington to Windsor and Eton Central station, with services taking as little as 22 minutes. Trains also run from London Waterloo to Windsor and Eton Riverside, taking just under an hour.
Alternatively, enjoy a leisurely afternoon or full day coach tour from Victoria in central London.
Practical information
Venus Garden is not accessible to wheelchair users, but the area can still be enjoyed from the Terrace, which offers a clear view of the garden.
The Venus Garden is not suitable for pushchairs, so it’s recommended they can be safely left in the secure cloakroom at the entrance to the State Apartments, or on the Terrace above the garden.
How to book tickets
Entry to the Venus Garden is included with a standard Windsor Castle ticket during the summer opening period.
Book your tickets now to experience this historic space, inspired by The King’s passion for patterns in nature.