Windsor Castle’s new Venus Garden opens to visitors this summer following King Charles’ redesign
A historic garden beneath Windsor Castle’s east façade will open to visitors this summer after an 18-month transformation inspired by King Charles III’s vision for the space. From 16 July to 13 September, the newly named Venus Garden will be included as part of a standard visit to Windsor Castle, giving visitors rare access to an area that is usually outside the main visitor route.
The opening also offers an unusual view of Windsor Castle itself. The east façade is one of the defining features of the royal residence, yet it is seldom seen during a standard visit.
The focus on biodiversity mirrors wider conservation efforts across some of the country’s most historic landscapes, including the recent restoration of the Elfin Oak in Kensington Gardens. Elsewhere, horticultural teams have also been experimenting with unusual planting schemes, including the introduction of rare kangaroo paw plants in Kensington Gardens.
Originally laid out in the 1820s on the site of Charles II’s former bowling green, the garden was created to provide a pleasant outlook from George IV’s newly built apartments. Over the following two centuries it evolved through the influence of successive generations of the Royal Family.
Queen Victoria recorded Prince Albert’s interest in its planting, while during the Second World War the garden became allotments used by castle residents, including Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret. Later, Prince Philip simplified the layout into formal rose beds and commissioned a central fountain.
The redesign takes its inspiration from the orbit of Venus. Over an eight-year cycle, the planet’s movement creates a distinctive petal-shaped pattern, which now forms the basis of the garden’s new layout.
Visitors can wander through perennial planting beds and pathways framed by evergreen hedging, while roses remain part of the scheme as a reference to the garden’s previous design. Around 11,000 spring bulbs have been planted alongside mixed perennials to provide colour and structure throughout the year, while wildflower meadows create habitats for wildlife and insects within the formal setting.
Looking out from the castle terrace, visitors will also see a new treescape taking shape, featuring ornamental pear trees alongside dogwood, crab apple, acer, parrotia, hornbeam, and catalpa varieties.
The garden’s existing yew planting has been reshaped through topiary, while additional yew hedging frames sculptures from the Royal Collection around the perimeter. These include four bronze figures created by Hubert Le Sueur for Charles I during the 1630s, together with historic urns, vases and other garden ornaments.
Access to the Venus Garden is included with standard admission to Windsor Castle between 16 July and 13 September at no additional cost. The Royal Collection Trust’s £1 ticket scheme also remains available for eligible visitors receiving Universal Credit and certain other benefits.
Visitors who book directly through Royal Collection Trust can convert their ticket into a one-year pass and return as many times as they wish within 12 months of their first visit.
For visitor information and ticket details, see the Royal Collection Trust.
Planning a visit to Windsor this summer? The opening of the Venus Garden offers a rare opportunity to explore a historic part of the castle that is usually closed to the public. Explore more London, heritage and royal coverage at EyeOnLondon.
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