Living in Virginia Water

Community life in Virginia Water is shaped by its village charm, privacy, and engagement with nature. The area attracts individuals and families who value discretion, but there’s a strong neighbourly ethos, especially in support of local traditions and events. Seasonal activities, such as fairs and the annual village fête, bring residents together and foster community spirit.

The presence of Windsor Great Park and Virginia Water Lake encourages an outdoor lifestyle, with walking, cycling, and horseback riding being especially popular. The village hall and community centre host social clubs, meetings, and fitness classes, ensuring year-round social engagement for all ages. With spaces like the Savill Garden nearby, the area is rich in green, open landscapes for recreation and relaxation.

Virginia Water is considered one of the safest communities in Surrey, with crime rates notably lower than regional and national averages. The area’s affluent character and predominance of private estates contribute to its reputation as a secure location for residents. Both the main village and surrounding neighbourhoods, including Wentworth, are known for having a strong sense of security and privacy.

Community-led Neighbourhood Watch programmes and consistent policing presence help uphold local safety standards. Private security patrols are common on the larger estates, further enhancing monitoring and peace of mind. While petty crime is rare, residents remain vigilant, and the community regularly liaises with Surrey Police to address safety concerns efficiently.

Parking in Virginia Water rarely presents significant challenges due to the spacious residential roads and generous driveways associated with most properties. On-street parking is generally available in the village centre and residential streets, with short-term parking options near shops and the train station. Some streets may require permits for longer stays, particularly close to the station.

Road access is excellent, with the A30 running directly through the village, providing direct routes to Staines, Egham, and Sunningdale. The M25 is only a few minutes’ drive away, linking swiftly to the M3 and M4 for wider UK travel. Congestion is minimal except during peak rush hours and school drop-off times.

Distances to nearby towns and cities:

• Windsor – approx. 15 minutes via A30 (7 miles)
• Egham – approx. 10 minutes via A30 (3 miles)
• Guildford – approx. 30 minutes via A3 (20 miles)
• Staines-upon-Thames – approx. 15 minutes via A30 (6 miles)

Virginia Water offers a refined selection of dining venues focused on quality and ambiance. The village high street features charming cafés, delicatessens, and independent eateries serving everything from modern British cuisine to Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Piccolino and The Rose and Crown are well-known locally for their welcoming atmosphere and excellent food.

When it comes to pubs, classic options such as The Wheatsheaf Hotel overlook the famous lake, providing a picturesque setting for a drink or meal. Several upmarket restaurants can be found a short drive away in Sunningdale and Ascot, increasing options for fine dining.

Nightlife remains low-key, centring on stylish wine bars and exclusive members' clubs (notably at the Wentworth Club). Residents seeking a more vibrant scene often head to Windsor or Guildford, both of which offer theatres, cocktail lounges, and live music.

School quality: Families in Virginia Water benefit from access to highly rated nearby primary and secondary schools, as well as renowned independent and international educational options.

Parks and green space: The proximity to Virginia Water Lake, Windsor Great Park, and several local playgrounds ensures plenty of open space for children to explore and play.

Childcare: There are several nurseries, childminders, and after-school clubs, supporting working parents and young families.

Safety: The area is recognised for lower crime rates and vigilant community safety, making it a secure environment for raising children.

Family activities: With walking, boating, horse riding, and easy access to LEGOland Windsor and Thorpe Park, families have a wide range of activities close at hand.

Virginia Water is extremely welcoming to pets, especially dogs, thanks to its abundance of green spaces and scenic walkways. Residents regularly make use of the lakeside trails, Windsor Great Park, and nearby wooded areas for dog walking and pet recreation.

The village has several veterinary clinics and pet care specialists. Dog-friendly pubs and outdoor cafés allow owners to socialise alongside their pets. Housing in the area commonly features spacious gardens, and local landlords often permit pets, reflecting the community’s enthusiasm for animal companions.

Virginia Water benefits from outstanding transport links that make it a strategic base for both local travel and international connections. The village is served by Virginia Water railway station, which offers regular South Western Railway services to central London (Waterloo), Reading, and Weybridge. Fast trains mean London Waterloo is typically reached in just under 45 minutes, making the area highly attractive for commuters.

Extensive local bus routes connect Virginia Water to surrounding villages and larger towns such as Woking and Staines. For drivers, the M25 (junction 13) is readily accessible, providing a swift link to both the M3 and M4, as well as to Heathrow Airport, which is approximately a 15-minute drive away. Gatwick Airport is also within a 45-minute drive via the M25.

Key commute times by train:

• London Waterloo – approximately 45 minutes
• Reading – around 35 minutes
• Guildford – approximately 45 minutes (via Weybridge or Ascot)

These strong transport options make Virginia Water especially appealing for frequent international travellers and those seeking convenient access to corporate business parks in Surrey and the Thames Valley.

Primary Schools

Virginia Water is served by several well-regarded primary schools. Trumps Green Infant School is highly regarded by local families and was rated "Good" by Ofsted in its most recent inspection in 2019. Nearby, St Ann’s Heath Junior School also enjoys a strong reputation and was rated "Good" by Ofsted in 2018. St John's Beaumont, an independent preparatory school for boys, is situated close to the village.

Secondary Schools

Although there is no secondary school within Virginia Water itself, the area is within reach of several renowned schools. The Magna Carta School (Ofsted "Good" 2022) in Egham is popular. Charters School (Ofsted "Outstanding" 2017), located in Sunningdale, is a leading choice for many local families. Salesian School (Ofsted "Outstanding" 2014) in Chertsey is also accessible.

Independent Schools

The area’s proximity to some of the UK’s top independent schools is a major draw for families. Eton College, one of the world’s most prestigious schools, is approximately 20 minutes away. St. George’s School Weybridge and St Mary’s School Ascot are also within easy driving distance, broadening educational options.

Colleges and Further Education

The nearest further education option is Strode’s College in Egham, which offers A-levels and vocational courses for 16-18-year-olds. Brooklands College in Weybridge also provides a wide range of technical and academic qualifications.

Universities

Royal Holloway, University of London is located just minutes away in Egham, providing a major centre for higher education and international students in the area.