Virginia Water Lake

Virginia Water Lake was originally little more than a stream, which existed from at least the 17th century and may well be named after Elizabeth I, the Virgin Queen, although this is not certain. The lake itself was begun in 1746 by William, Duke of Cumberland who was then Ranger of the Park. Few details are recorded of the building of the lake, however it has been suggested that prisoners-of-war from the recent Jacobite risings, who were encamped at the nearby Breakheart Hill, were involved. The original lake was much smaller than the current form, and was destroyed in a flood in 1768. In 1780 Paul and Thomas Sandby began construction of a much larger lake at the site, and went on to add an artificial waterfall, Meadow Pond and Obelisk Pond.

During World War II, the lake was drained, as its obvious shape provided enemy guidance at night to Windsor and other important military targets in the area. The lake has been used by the crews for the Harry Potter films for lakeside scenes. The Scottish alternative was deemed unsuitable due to the number of midges.

The River Bourne provides the water for the lake and it exits the lake at the eastern end after the cascading waterfall.