Relax at a waterside retreat - The Runnymede on Thames

The Runnymede on Thames is Surrey’s contemporary riverside destination hotel. The Runnymede acts as an ideal waterside retreat and base from which to explore, with its enviable location directly on the River Thames. This modern family-owned hotel has excellent transport links and is in close proximity to Windsor and a plethora of Surrey attractions. Guests can enjoy all the calming benefits of being by the water – a much-needed balm in times of stress and anxiety - with options to hire riverboats, or take in the views of the Thames on foot or two wheels. The Runnymede also offers a ‘Whirlpool by the Weir’ experience, where guests can enjoy a glass of champagne in a whirlpool situated on a private jetty.

Double rooms start from £165 per room, per night on a room-only basis and including use of the spa, gym and fitness facilities / classes.

Things to Do

Explore history at Runnymede

The Borough of Runnymede is famous for its monuments, the most famous being the one to commemorate where King John signed the Magna Carta in 1215 that King John. The area is a riverside setting of meadows, grassland and woodland with a network of pleasant paths and pleasure gardens. Memorial gatehouses stand at the road entrance to Runnymede and were designed by Sir Edward Lutyens as a memorial to Sir Urban Broughton MP, who bought Runnymede in 1928 to safeguard its future. Along the water meadows at this point near the National Trust tea room and car park at Runnymede stand The Jurors, twelve intricately worked bronze chairs, stand together as an artwork that aims to examine the changing and ongoing significance and influences of Magna Carta. The jury system, a central feature of the British justice system and many others around the world, has its origins in Magna Carta.

Enjoy a walk along the Thames Path National Trail 

From the Runnymede Hotel at Bell Weir Lock, past the Runnymede Pleasure Grounds and Runnymede memorials to Old Windsor Lock. The path follows the river and road, look out for a footpath on the left which takes you to the church of St Peter and St Andrew. The church was probably built on the site of the chapel attached to King Edward the Confessor’s hunting lodge, and it is possible that it was the king who added his favourite saint, Saint Peter, to an original dedication to St Andrew. Several synods or meetings of bishops took place here in the early days. The church was rebuilt in 1218 and has had various additions during the centuries.

Drive to the Ankerwycke Tree

A short drive across the river and visit the 2,000 years old, Ankerwycke Tree said to be the nation’s oldest tree. 

Take a boat trip with French Brothers

A daily service fom Runnymede Pleasure Grounds to Windsor starts operating on 11 July 2020. Please make sure you book online. 

Leaving from the Runnymede Boathouse at 11:00, cruise upstream through Old Windsor, passing the Bells of Ouzeley, Datchet and the Home Park with views of the Castle,  ascend the impressive Romney Lock with a glimpse of Eton College and arrive in Windsor below the Castle just upstream of the Sir Christopher Wren House Hotel. The boat passes through two locks and arrives in Windsor at 12:30.

The return trip departs at 16:00 from the Windsor Promenade arriving at the Runnymede Boathouse at 17:30.

Play a game of tennis

On one of the hotel’s three tennis courts.

Visit magnificent gardens

Kew Gardens (16 miles), a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore a variety of different gardens, from Japenese to the Mediterranean, and wander through the world’s largest Victorian glasshouse. RHS Wisley (14 miles), the flagship garden of the Royal Horticultural Society, Wisley captures the imagination with richly planted borders, luscious rose gardens and the state-of-the-art Glasshouse. Admire the vibrant colours in The Exotic Garden, the alpines in The Rock Garden and the bonsai trees lining The Bonsai Walk, to name just a few areas to explore. Savill Garden (3 miles), created in the 1930s by Sir Eric Savill, The Savill Garden offers 35 acres of gardens for visitors to explore, including Summer Wood, Spring Wood, The Summer Gardens, The Glades, The Azalea Walk and Autumn Wood. Painshill Park (11 miles), an award-winning 18th century landscape garden where you are invited to walk around a work of art. Winding paths will take you on a journey to discover a living canvas with simply stunning views and beautiful garden buildings. Stroll around the Serpentine Lake, wander through woodland and promenade past follies, including the Ruined Abbey, Gothic Temple and Turkish Tent.

More things to do around The Runnymede on Thames hotel can be found here