A historic garden at Windsor Castle, reimagined under the King's personal vision and drawing inspiration from the celestial dance of Venus, is set to welcome visitors for the first time this summer.
Now officially known as the Venus Garden, this captivating space beneath the royal residence’s iconic east facade reflects King Charles's interest in natural patterns. Its unique design is directly inspired by the petal-shaped orbital path of Earth’s closest planetary neighbour, Venus.
The intricate eight-year orbital trace of Venus, which forms a distinctive geometric floral pattern often dubbed the Pentagram of Venus or the Rose of Venus, has directly informed the garden's layout. This celestial motif is evident in the new perennial beds and evergreen hedge-lined pathways of what was formerly the East Terrace Garden. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore this reimagined space within the Berkshire castle from 16 July to 13 September.
Adam Scott, gardens and nursery manager at Windsor Castle, said: “This has been a significant project to reshape this historic garden for the future, reflecting His Majesty’s vision to create a space that will offer beauty, interest and biodiversity throughout the seasons and for generations to come.”
He added: “After around 18 months of careful transformation, we are delighted to open the Venus Garden to visitors this summer, marking the start of an important new chapter in the garden’s 200-year history.”
The site was once Charles II’s bowling green, and later Queen Victoria’s husband Prince Albert became interested in its planting, while the young Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret used it as an allotment during the Second World War.
The King’s father Prince Philip, the late Duke of Edinburgh, went on to simplify the layout into formal rose beds and by commissioning a central fountain.
Inspired by Charles, the space has been updated with an enhanced intricate planting scheme, offering year-round structure and long periods of blooms with mixed perennials and roses and 11,000 spring bulbs.
Wildflower meadows, dotted with trees and threaded with pathways, introduce softer, more naturalistic areas within the formal layout, creating a biodiverse haven for wildlife and insects reflecting the King’s longstanding commitment to sustainability.
Visitors to the castle’s terrace will also see new avenues of pear trees, topiary yew shrubs, bronze Hubert Le Sueur figure sculptures made for Charles I, from the Royal Collection, as well as large-scale marble, bronze and stone vases and other garden ornaments.
The area has only intermittently been open to the public throughout its history and will give tourists the rare opportunity to enjoy the impressive views of the castle’s east facade, seldom seen as part of the usual visitor route.
Access to the Venus Garden is included with a standard ticket to Windsor Castle between July 16 to September 13, at no extra charge.
People receiving Universal Credit and other named benefits can visit the castle and explore the garden with up to five members of their household through Royal Collection Trust’s £1 ticket scheme.
