Virginia Water

Virginia Water sits in the borough of Runnymede, Surrey, on the edge of an extensive lake and belt of woodland that are used for recreation and local events. The village is served by Virginia Water station on the line into London Waterloo, making it a commuter location as well as a residential centre. Local roads link to nearby towns and there is a mix of housing, small shops and services clustered near the station and along the main routes through the settlement.

The lake shore is crossed by a network of paths used for walking and running, and the water itself is used for controlled boating and birdwatching. On the western side visitors pass a constructed cascade and a stone “ruin” folly that date from 18th‑century landscaping, and a carved totem pole stands close to the path as a landmark by the water. Managed green spaces, sports grounds and short stretches of riverside give the area a mix of open ground and tree cover, and local planners and community groups coordinate access and conservation of the lakeside and adjoining woodlands.