Name: Runnymede and Ankerwycke
Rating: 5.0

Runnymede and Ankerwycke

Windsor Road, Egham, UK

1-99 Years

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Description

Runnymede and Ankerwycke seen by many as the birthplace of modern democracy, this open landscape beside the Thames was witness to King John's historic sealing of the Magna Carta over 800 years ago, on 15 June 1215. Today, Runnymede is a perfect place to relax outdoors, or to pause and reflect on the history of the struggle for freedom.

As well as a monument to the legacy of the Magna Carta, you'll find further memorials to John F. Kennedy and the Commonwealth Air Forces, and a series of art installations, including unique works by Hew Locke and Mark Wallinger. Enjoy a picnic, take in the views, ride your bike along the riverbank, try a spot of fishing or bring your dog on one of our waymarked walks.

On the other side of the Thames, you'll find Ankerwycke, a hidden gem with secrets to discover among the woods and fields. If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Countryside: Site of the sealing of Magna Carta in 1215. With riverside walks, open meadows, art installations and poignant memorials.
Langham Pond: Lush wetlands with a diverse wildlife population, in a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Cooper's Hill Woods: Woodland slopes offering spring flowers, summer glades and autumn fungi.
Ankerwycke: Peaceful woodlands, wildlife and the site of the Ankerwycke Yew, thought to be over 2,500 years old, maki
Writ in Water: Art installation by Mark Wallinger in collaboration with Studi Octopi which explores the founding principles of democracy and provides space for reflection and contemplation.
The Jurors: Twelve intricate bronze chairs by Hew Locke representing key moments in the struggle for freedom, rule of law and equal rights. Created to mark the 800th anniversary of the sealing of Magna Carta.
Things for families to do at Runnymede and Ankerwycke: There’s plenty of family-friendly fun at Runnymede and Ankerwycke, with an interactive kids’ nature walk, activities inside and outside our architectural artwork Writ in Water, and willow sculptures with an added twist. Plus, make the most of the river, with a trip on a paddle steamer.
Things to see and do at Runnymede and Ankerwycke: Walk, picnic or just relax by the river – with its meadows, woodlands, wetlands, and accessible stretches of the Thames, Runnymede is a great place to reconnect with nature. The site of the historic signing of the Magna Carta is also home to poignant memorials and arresting artworks reflecting on democracy and freedom. Across the river at Ankerwycke, you’ll discover the remains of a Benedictine priory and the oldest tree in the National Trust’s care. For a deeper dive, why not listen to our audio guides whilst you explore.
Writ in Water at Runnymede: Writ in Water, a major architectural artwork by Mark Wallinger, in collaboration with Studio Octopi, provides a new immersive space for contemplation and reflection at Runnymede, Surrey. Writ in Water is open seven days a week and is free to enter.
The Jurors at Runnymede: To mark 800 years since the sealing of Magna Carta at Runnymede, the National Trust unveiled The Jurors, an intricate artwork in the Runnymede landscape celebrating the endurance of Magna Carta. Discover the 12 bronze chairs by listening to an audio tour and learn more about the meaning behind this intricate artwork here.
JFK Memorial at Runnymede: The symbolic significance of Runnymede in the history of democracy meant that it was chosen as the site of the British memorial to the life of President John F. Kennedy, who powerfully championed the ideals of freedom. On 14 May 1965, Her Majesty was joined by President Kennedy’s widow, Jackie, and their two children to inaugurate the memorial.

Facilities

Parking: Pay-and-display car parks either side of the A308 (free for National Trust members and Blue Badge holders). Disabled parking spaces are available in the Memorials car park. Car parks are open all year. Last entry is one hour before closing (see opening times). The Riverside car park is weather-dependent so parking is limited in autumn and winter.
Food & Drinks: Open daily serving sandwiches, pasties and sausage rolls, cakes and scones, and hot and cold drinks. Indoor and outdoor seating. Highchairs and bottle-warming facilities are available. Well-behaved dogs welcome. Take away service only 30-mins before closing.
Toilet: Toilets can be found at the rear of the Magna Carta tea-room.
Dogs allowed: Runnymede and Ankerwycke is a three pawprint rated place. Dogs are welcome in the countryside at Runnymede and Ankerwycke. As a sign of respect, when around the memorials please keep dogs on a short lead. In areas where dogs can be off-lead, they must be kept under close control. Well-behaved dogs on a short lead are welcome in the Magna Carta tea-room.

What to see

The history of Runnymede and Ankerwycke: These two areas of countryside on opposite sides of the Thames include the spot where the Magna Carta was sealed, the ruins of a 12th-century priory, and an ancient tree with a royal past. They’ve also been home to 16th- and 19th-century mansions, and even a 1930s night club.

For more upcoming events information please visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/surrey/runnymede-and-ankerwycke/the-history-of-runnymede-and-ankerwycke

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Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Countryside: Dawn - Dusk
Memorials car park: 09:00 - 17:00
Tea-room: 09:00 - 16:00

Address: Windsor Road, Egham, UK

Post Code: SL4 2JL

Council: Windsor and Maidenhe

County: Berkshire

By road: Runnymede is located on the A308. The nearest motorway access is Junction 13 of the M25.
By train: Our Coopers Hill Woods entrance is approximately 0.6 miles (1km) from Egham train station via the Egham to Runnymede Countryside Circular Walk. Alternatively, take the First 8 bus route from the station.
On foot: We're on the Thames Path, National Trail for 1¼ miles between Windsor and Shepperton. The nearest rail station is Egham Station. Follow the Egham to Runnymede circular walk for directions. The route involves crossing a busy road and country paths.
By bus: Runnymede can be reached by the No8 First bus service from both Windsor Town Centre and Egham.
Cycling: We're on the Thames Path, National Trail for 1¼ miles between Windsor and Shepperton.
Parking: Pay-and-display car parks either side of the A308 (free for National Trust members and Blue Badge holders). Disabled parking spaces are available in the Memorials car park. Car parks are open all year. Last entry is one hour before closing (see opening times). The Riverside car park is weather-dependent so parking is limited in autumn and winter.