Runnymede, Egham

Name: Runnymede
Address: Egham, United Kingdom

#1 among attractions in Egham

Top attraction, Park, Relax in park

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Facts and practical information

Nestled in the lush greenery of Englefield Green in Egham, Runnymede is a historical site that resonates deeply with the roots of British democracy. It is here, on this picturesque meadowland along the banks of the River Thames, that the Magna Carta was sealed by King John in 1215, laying the foundation for modern-day legal systems around the world.

Today, Runnymede is not only a tourist attraction but also a symbol of justice and liberty. Visitors are drawn to its serene landscape, which serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring quest for freedom and the rule of law. The site is managed by the National Trust and offers an array of monuments and memorials, including the famous Magna Carta Memorial, erected by the American Bar Association, and the John F. Kennedy Memorial, which stands as a tribute to the late president's commitment to liberty.

The area is an idyllic retreat for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those seeking a moment of reflection. It provides a perfect setting for a leisurely stroll or a family picnic, with well-maintained pathways and informative plaques recounting the site's historical significance. Guided tours are also available for those interested in a deeper understanding of the events that took place at Runnymede.

The importance of Runnymede extends beyond the Magna Carta. It is also home to The Jurors, an art installation by Hew Locke, which invites contemplation on the themes of justice and equality, and the Commonwealth Air Forces Memorial, honoring the men and women of the air force who died during World War II.

Runnymede is easily accessible from London by road and public transport, making it an ideal day-trip destination. There is no entrance fee to walk around the site, although there may be charges for parking and certain events. The site is open throughout the year, offering visitors the chance to experience the changing seasons in a place steeped in history.

Alternative names: Elevation: 52 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 51°26'24"N, 0°33'29"W

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Egham United Kingdom

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Day trips

Runnymede – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Founder's Building, Air Forces Memorial, Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, Ankerwycke Yew.

1.1 miS
Square, Gothic Revival architecture
Founder's Building, Egham
28 min walk • The Founder's Building is the original building of Royal Holloway College, University of London, in Egham, Surrey, England. It is an example of French-Renaissance-style architecture in the United Kingdom, having been modelled on French chateaus such as Château de Chambord.
~1770 ftSW
Cemetery, View point, Memorial
Air Forces Memorial, Egham
9 min walk • The Air Forces Memorial, or Runnymede Memorial, in Englefield Green, near Egham, Surrey, England is a memorial dedicated to some 20,456 men and women from air forces of the British Empire who were lost in air and other operations during World War II.
0.9 miSW
Church, Romanesque architecture
Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, Egham
22 min walk • The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption is a Roman Catholic church in Englefield Green, Surrey. It is situated on St Cuthbert's Close and faces Harvest Road in the older side of the village close to Egham Hill. It was built from 1930 to 1931 and designed by Joseph Goldie.
~1720 ftN
Tree
Ankerwycke Yew, Egham
9 min walk • The Ankerwycke Yew is an ancient yew tree close to the ruins of St Mary's Priory, the site of a Benedictine nunnery built in the 12th century, near Wraysbury in Berkshire, England. It is a male tree with a girth of 8 metres at 0.3 metres. The tree is at least 1,400 years old, and could be as old as 2,500 years.
1.1 miS
Architecture, Universities and schools
Royal Holloway, Egham
28 min walk • Royal Holloway, University of London, formally incorporated as Royal Holloway and Bedford New College, is a public research university and a constituent college of the federal University of London.
0.8 miSE
Church
St John's Church, Egham
21 min walk • St. John's Church, Egham or St. John the Baptist, Egham or St. John's Church is an evangelical Anglican church located in the centre of Egham, Surrey, in the Diocese of Guildford. There are approximately 320 members on the Electoral Roll and a usual Sunday attendance in the region of 300.
1 miE
Bridge
M25 Runnymede Bridge, Egham
27 min walk • The M25 Runnymede Bridge is a motorway, A-road and pedestrian and cycle bridge, built in the 1960s and 1980s and expanded in the 2000s, carrying the M25 and A30 across the River Thames near the uppermost end of the Staines upon Thames and Egham reach of the river.
0.5 miE
Island
The Island, Egham
13 min walk • The Island is an inhabited island in the River Thames in England on the reach above Bell Weir Lock, a part of the Hythe End part of Wraysbury village and civil parish, Berkshire.
0.5 miNW
Monuments and statues, Memorial
Magna Carta Island, Egham
12 min walk • Magna Carta Island is an ait in the River Thames in England, on the reach above Bell Weir Lock. It is in Berkshire facing water-meadows forming Runnymede.
0.6 miSE
Universities and schools
Strode's College, Egham
17 min walk • Strode's College is a sixth form college located in Egham, Surrey. Its history began in 1704 when Henry Strode bequeathed £6,000 to set up a free school in his native parish of Egham. In the twentieth century Strode's became a boys' grammar school before being designated a sixth form college in 1975.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Runnymede?

Nearby attractions include Ankerwycke Yew, Egham (9 min walk), Air Forces Memorial, Egham (9 min walk), Magna Carta Island, Egham (12 min walk), The Island, Egham (13 min walk).

How to get to Runnymede by public transport?

The nearest stations to Runnymede:

Bus

Kingswood Hall • Lines: Rh2, Rh3 (9 min walk)
Hox Park • Lines: Rh2, Rh3 (13 min walk)

Train

Egham (23 min walk)