A Royal Transformation: Windsor Castle Opens the Spectacular New Venus Garden for the Summer

TRAVELWHAT'S ON

7/26/20262 min read

Windsor Castle has officially opened the gates to its newly redesigned Venus Garden, offering visitors a rare opportunity to explore a historic outdoor sanctuary within the walls of the world’s oldest and largest occupied castle.

Formerly known as the East Terrace Garden and only occasionally accessible to the public in recent decades, the space has undergone a breathtaking transformation. The redesign was shaped by the vision of His Majesty The King, who drew inspiration from the delicate, petal-like pattern created by the cosmic orbit of Venus.

The result is a masterful blend of royal heritage and contemporary landscape design. Visitors wandering through the garden’s distinctive pathways can now enjoy stunning, rarely seen views of the castle’s majestic east façade.

Art, Scale, and Sustainability

The new layout seamlessly combines formal design elements with a wilder, more natural aesthetic. Sculpted yew hedging and historic sculptures from the Royal Collection sit alongside vibrant wildflower meadows, bridging the gap between grand tradition and modern ecological awareness.

A dramatic new treescape featuring ornamental pear trees, dogwood, and crab apple has been introduced to give the area a renewed sense of scale and spectacle. However, visual appeal is only half the story. Designed to provide year-round interest, the garden also serves as a biodiverse haven for local wildlife and pollinators, reflecting The King's long-standing commitment to sustainability and the environment.

Planning Your Visit

The Venus Garden is open to the public until Sunday, 13 September 2026, making it a perfect highlight for a summer day trip. Best of all, entry to this historic outdoor space is included in the price of a standard Windsor Castle admission ticket at no extra charge.

The castle welcomes visitors five days a week, remaining closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. For those looking to make the most of their experience, tickets purchased directly from the Royal Collection Trust can be converted into a 1-Year Pass, allowing you to return for free as many times as you like within twelve months of your first visit.

A range of concessions are also available to ensure the garden is accessible to everyone, including half-price entry for children. Additionally, special £1 tickets are available for individuals receiving Universal Credit and other named benefits, with up to six tickets available per household.

Booking Note: To secure your timed entry and explore the new grounds, tickets and full visitor information can be found online at the official website, www.rct.uk.

Ollēdi © 2026

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