Virginia Water, an affluent leafy village in Surrey, is known for its natural and beautiful surroundings, luxurious properties and highly regarded educational facilities and schools. Nestled on the edge of Windsor Great Park and home to Wentworth Estate and Golf Club, Virginia Water offers a lifestyle of tranquility, safety, strong knit community, and exclusivity.
This charming area is particularly popular with affluent families, professionals, and international buyers, thanks to its scenic surroundings, excellent schools, and proximity to London. Whether you’re looking to settle down in a countryside setting or invest in one of the many available luxurious properties, Virginia Water has plenty to offer.
In this guide, we explore what it’s like living in Virginia Water, with insights into the property market, local amenities, green spaces, transport links, education, lifestyle, and the pros and cons of life in this exclusive village.
What’s it Like Living in Virginia Water?
Virginia Water blends a great balance of village charm with high-end living. Situated in the Borough of Runnymede, Surrey, it borders the historic Windsor Great Park and provides a secure and safe environment with a close-knit community, within the local surrounding natural and scenic beauty.
The village benefits from a high street filled with many cafes, independent retailers, boutiques, and a great range of high-quality restaurants. And whilst Viriginia Water is one of the most expensive areas to live in the United Kingdom, what sets it apart is its combination of a rural elegance feel with strong urban convenience.
Central London is also less than 45 minutes away by train, and Heathrow Airport is just a 20-minute drive, making commuting relatively straight forward.
Virgina Water is also popular due to its use as a filming location in the Harry Potter movies, as well as attracting wealthy and famous residents from all over.
Whether you’re looking to move to Virginia Water for the tranquil and urban settings, the amazing schools, ready to retire, or even for the world-renowned Wentworth Golf Club, Virginia Water is a desirable place to live with plenty to keep you busy and satisfied.
Benefits of Living in Virginia Water
Viriginia Water has many green surroundings, offering peaceful and tranquil settings withing idyllic landscapes. Many outdoor enthusiasts are provided with a range of walking trails, wildlife viewing hotspots, and even family friendly activities and picnic locations. Here’s some of our favourite green spaces in Virginia Water:
Green Spaces and Outdoor Living
Virginia Water Lake: One of the area’s defining features, is the 2-mile-long Virginia Water Lake. With its surrounding woodland this popular destination offers scenic walking paths, wildflowers, and tranquil picnic spots.
Windsor Great Park: Just moments from the village, is the ancient Royal landscapes of Windsor Great Park offering over 2,400 hectares of parkland, ancient forests, gardens, lakes, and cycling or walking trails.
Savill Garden: A horticultural gem nearby to Windsor Great Park, The Savill Garden is perfect for nature lovers with 35 acres of plant collections and floral displays commissioned by George V and created by Eric Savill in 1932.
The Long Walk: Stretching almost 2.5 miles down the ancient fortress of Windsor Castle (the oldest and largest occupied castle) is a tree-lined walkway known as The Long Walk.
Virginia Water’s Secure and Affluent Community
Virginia Water is home to the Wentworth Estate, an exclusive 1,750 acres residential area famed for its gated mansions, luxury homes, celebrity status and security. This is one of the most sought-after residential areas in the UK, and is also home to the prestigious Wentworth Club, a renowned gold and country club that hosts international tournaments and attract elite clientele.
With many high-profile residents and luxurious properties, the community is known for its high levels of safety, discretion, and prestige. With 24/7 private security patrols and restricted access to many residential roads, the properties here range from traditional English mansions to contemporary architectural masterpieces and wonders; many custom-built to meet the styles and needs of the affluent owners.
Schools and Education in Virginia Water
Virginia Water is within easy reach of some of the UK’s most well-regarded independent and state schools. Families will find exceptionally well-located schools offering a mix of some of the finest independent, international, and state schools that cater to a diverse range of academic needs and cultural backgrounds.
It’s home to two international schools, including The American International School in England (TASIS), and ACS International School Egham.
- St John’s Beaumont: A leading preparatory school for boys with outstanding academic and sporting facilities set in 75-acre woodlands and playing fields.
- TASIS The American School in England: Located in nearby Thorpe, TASIS offers a U.S. curriculum and International Baccalaureate, appealing to expat families.
- ACS Egham International School: ACS offers an international curriculum and is ideal for families relocating from abroad. They have been named as a top 10 school in the World’s Best School Prize.
- The Marist School: An independent Catholic day school for girls aged 2-18, with a co-ed Nursey in Sunninghill, near Ascot. This school is known for its academic performance and pastoral care.
- Salesian School in Chertsey: A well-regarded co-educational secondary school for ages 11-18, rated “Outstanding” by Ofsted.
The area’s educational offering makes Virginia Water an attractive choice for families seeking excellence and flexibility with some of the highest standards expected.
Transport Links in Virginia Water
Virginia Water offers some excellent transport options, making it ideal for both commuters and international travellers. It has its own railway station, with regular services to London Waterloo, taking just under an hour, ensuring you can remain connected to the hustle and bustle of the city.
It’s close to major motorways including the M25 and M3, providing easy access to other parts of the country and neighbouring cities, towns and villages like Reading, Weybridge, and Staines. What’s also great about Virginia Water is that isn’t a main commuter hub, meaning commuting shouldn’t be as busy to navigate than other surrounding areas.
- Virginia Water Station: Provides regular services to London Waterloo in under 45 minutes, with connections to Reading, Weybridge, and Staines.
- M25, A3 & M3 Motorways: These major motorways are within a short drive, connecting residents easily to Greater London and beyond.
- Heathrow & Gatwick Airport: Only a 20-minute drive, ideal for frequent travellers and professionals with international ties.
Virginia Water Property Market and Prices
Virginia Water’s property landscape features grand mansions, period homes, modern townhouses, and luxury apartments. The Wentworth Estate is the area’s crown jewel though, home to huge estates with gated entrances, private grounds, and 24/7 security.
While it is among the most expensive locations in the UK outside of central London, Virginia Water also offers mid-range apartments and townhouses, appealing to downsizers and professionals.
Over the past 12 months the average sales price in Virginia Water was £473,126, with the total value of sales at £464,972,924.
23% of sales over this period were flats with an average sales price of £279,321. Houses reached an average of £555,008.
Average Property Prices in Virginia Water (2025):
- Detached Houses: £823,374
- Semi-Detached Houses: £507,510
- Terraced Houses: £413,844
- Flats: £279,321
Average Rent Prices in Virginia Water:
Virginia Water attracts many wealthy residents looking for a quieter and more tranquil way of life in an affluent area. However, it also benefits renters looking for proximity to great schools’, family-friendly areas, and of course access to local nature.
Over the past 12 months the average rent for properties let in Virginia Water was £1,842 per month. This is an 8% increase compared to the previous 12 month period.
44% of properties let over this period were flats, achieving an average rent of £1,443 per month. Houses reached an average rent of £2,270 per month.
- Studio Apartments: £1,133 pcm
- 1 Bed Apartments: £1,374 pcm
- 2 Bed Apartments: £1,566 pcm
- 1 Bed House: £1,266 pcm
- 2 Bed House: £1,850 pcm
Prices vary significantly based on location. For instance, proximity to the lake or Wentworth Estate can see significantly higher rent prices.
If you’re considering moving, renting or buying property in Virginia Water, speak with our Chancellors Virginia Water property experts today.
How Does Virginia Water Compare to Neighbouring Areas?
| Feature | Virginia Water | Sunningdale | Egham | Ascot |
| Green Spaces | Windsor Great Park, Virginia Water Lake, Savill Garden | Swinley Forest, Sunningdale Golf Club | Runnymede Meadows, Great Fosters Garden | Windsor Great Park, Swinley Forest, Ascot Racecourse Woods |
| Average Property Price | £473,126 | £698,003 | £461,238 | £634,599. |
| Transport | Virginia Water Station – direct trains to London Waterloo, close to M25 | Sunningdale Station, trains to London Waterloo, easy access to M3 | Egham Station: links to London, Heathrow nearby | Ascot Station: direct trains to Reading and Waterloo, near M3 |
| Lifestyle | Exclusive, private, village-like with luxury homes and gated estates with security | Affluent commuter village with golf clubs | Academic and residential area with a growing student population | Glamorous yet family-friendly, known for horse racing and golf |
Best Places to Eat and Drink in Virginia Water
Virginia Water offers a variety of high-quality dining options, from refined restaurants to charming pubs and cafes. You’ll find a variety of dining options here to suit your tastes and budgets.
Virginia Water Lake Cafe: Overlooking the lake, this restaurant provides a range of hot and cold food for both indoor and outdoor dining. Enjoy their selection of breakfast and brunch options such as avocado on toast, goat cheese bruschetta, to their cottage pie and classics like the bacon and sausage bap.
The Bailiwick: A classic Free House nestled next to Windsor Great Park, gastropub, The Bailiwick is led by Michelin-trained chefs, serving up seasonal British dishes in a rustic and elegant setting.
Piccolino: Located on London Road, Piccolino has an open kitchen and wine and cocktail bar with an all-weather suitable terrace. Enjoy incredible wine, in an effortlessly elegant setting.
Are You Ready to Move to Virginia Water?
Virginia Water is ideal for those seeking an elegant lifestyle in one of the UK’s most desirable villages. Whether you’re considering relocating, buying an investment property, or renting property in a well-connected location, Virginia Water has something to offer.
If you’re looking to buy, rent, or sell a property in Virginia Water, Chancellors Virginia Water Estate Agents are here to help. Contact our Sales team on 01344 377339 or Lettings team on 01344 377353. Or book a free market appraisal with our Virginia Water branch today to find out how much your home is worth.
