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Windsor Castle Park
"A Walk in the Park" by Jennifer Lycke
Winner of the "Windsor Castle Park" Category in the Pork-a-razzi Photo Contest
Photo by Jim Brickett
Photo by Jim Brickett
Located at 301 Jericho Road, these 209.8 acres are owned by the Town of Smithfield. Windsor Castle Farm was originally part of a 1450 acre parcel patented in 1637 by Arthur Smith and is situated on a knoll overlooking the Pagan River. The farm was purchased with the intention of preserving the rich historic heritage of the Castle, as well as providing a passive public park on the estate grounds. Future plans include walking and bicycle trails, canoe and kayak launch, picnic, event and demonstration areas, historic interpretation and informational displays. The purchase of 162 acres of farm was made possible through the generous contribution of Mr. Joseph W. Luter, III. Another 46 acres was gifted to the town by Mr. and Mrs. Lewis McMurran.
Visit the Windsor Castle Park website or on Facebook!
Windsor Castle Park featured "Hometown Hotspot" on WAVY-TV 10
"Still" by Tina Hill
Operating out of Windsor Castle Park & other locations in Isle of Wight County, Pagan River Outfitters offers kayak rentals, tours and instruction.
(757) 621-9925
Photo by Jim Brickett
Photo by Jim Brickett
Windsor Castle Trail Map "Loops & Mileage by Bruce Owens
Windsor Castle Park Rules & Regulations
Smithfield Historic District Map
Great Grand-Travel Ideas for Smithfield & Isle of Wight County
Photo by Todd Cairns
Fishing Pier & view of Cypress Creek
"Morning Work" by Wendy Spain
Antique Barns on the property
"All Pigs Point to Smithfield" by Tina Hill
Park entry from Mason Street, Photo by John Payne
Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle historic buildings, Photo by Judy Williams
Windsor Castle Trails
There are a total of 3.8 miles of walking/hiking trails and bridges throughout the park. However, anyone wishing to take in the entire trail system on one visit will require walking more than 3.8 miles. It will be necessary to double back to pick up a trail section not included in the loop.
The trail surface is constructed of what the stone quarry industry labels "screenings", or more commonly referred to as "moon dust". It is fine ground rock that compacts and produces a firm and stable surface that is forgiving to feet, ankles and knees, thus making it ideal for walking and hiking trails. For safety reasons no bicycles, ATV's or motorized vehicles are allowed on the trails. Dogs are allowed on leash accompanied by their handler.
The trails were constructed to "Sustainable Trail Design" standards and are considered ADA compliant.
The trails wind through pristine wooded areas, along beautifully landscaped open areas and adjacent to picturesque creeks and marshes. Five pedestrian bridges cross the creeks and marshes and numerous overlooks are strategically located for resting and sightseeing. A photographer's dream!
The main entrance and parking facility is located on Jericho Road off Cedar Street. However, access from downtown is available at the end of South Mason Street. Parking for this entrance is the downtown area and the shared parking lot at Trinity United Methodist Church. A third entrance is possible from the Smithfield Station parking lot. As a courtesy to Smithfield Station regular users of the trails are encouraged to use the main parking lot on Jericho Road.
Dogpark
Pedestrian bridge to Smithfield Station Photo by David Williams
The state-of-the-art Kayak Launch. Photos by John Bates
Windsor Castle Park boasts a state of the art kayak/canoe launch. A gangway leads down to a 24' X 25' floating dock equipped with bidirectional ramps. Each ramp is equipped with rollers to allow kayaks and canoes to glide down to the water. Simply place your kayak or canoe on the launcher, step in without the risk of capsizing, and use the guide rails to pull yourself across the rollers to the water.
Recovery is just as easy. Simply guide your kayak or canoe between the guide rails and pull yourself up the ramp until you reach the break in the handrail and exit your kayak or canoe safely. No spills, no mess, just great kayaking.
The kayak/canoe launch is located on Cypress Creek which provides access to Little Creek and the Pagan River. From this launch point you can literally explore miles or sheltered waterway and marshes teeming with wildlife and views to behold. The more venturesome can if they so desire travel to the more open waterway of the James River.
Bring your lunch, camera, and of course your kayak or canoe.
Photo by John Payne
A winter's stroll through the park. Photos by Kimberly Norman.
Photos by Dave Goodridge
Windsor Castle Park Dedication
Saturday, May 22, 2010
On a bright and beautiful day, visitors and special guests gathered along the banks of Cypress Creek to celebrate and dedicate this wonderful park. The ceremony included music by the Smithfield High School Chorus and Jazz Band, remarks by Town of Smithfield Mayor, The Honorable David M. Hare; Virginia General Assembly Delegate, Harry Robert 'Bob' Purkey; Congressman J. Randy Forbes, The Honorable Robert F. McDonnell, Governor of Virginia; Lawrence Pitt, Project Manager; and the park's benefactor, Joseph W. Luter, III. The manor house was open for tours by costumed docents and local Jazz Band, Forte entertained. Smithfield Foods provided a wonderful lunch to all the attendees.
Governor McDonnell & Joseph W. Luter, III
(left) Virginia General Assembly Delegate, Harry Robert 'Bob' Purkey (right) Congressman J. Randy Forbes
(left) Joseph W. Luter, III, Governor McDonnell & Lawrence Pitt, Project Manager of Windsor Castle Park
(right) Smithfield Mayor David Hare & wife, Mary Mitchell Hare
Reenactors greeted guests including "Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Smith IV"
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Smithfield & Isle of Wight CVB Staff:
Judy Hare Winslow, Director of Tourism
Lois Chapman, Marketing & Public Relations Manager
Cheryl Whitener, Visitor Center Manager
Terry Rhinier, Event Coordinator
Cheryl Ketcham , Farmer's Market Manager
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Smithfield & Isle of Wight CVB and the Isle of Wight Arts League are partially supported by funding from the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the Virginia Tourism Corporation.
