About
The Borough of Runnymede, includes the towns of Egham and Chertsey and is famous for its monuments, the most famous being the one to commemorate the Magna Carta. The area is a riverside setting of meadows, grassland and woodland with a network of pleasant paths and pleasure gardens.
Explore the Borough's Sculpture Trail
- The Sculpture Trail is best walked over a number of days as some areas will take you a couple of hours for example Addlestone and Chertsey sculptures, whereas the Egham and Runnymede Meadows sculptures could take most of the day at a leisurely pace. Runnymede Borough Council has many world renowned sculptors in the borough. This guide has been produced to highlight to residents and visitors the major sculptures created for significant anniversaries such as the 800 year anniversary of the Magna Carta and Queen Elizabeth II’s 65 years of continuous reign, the longest reigning monarch in British history. The sculptures also celebrate our famous residents such as Charles James Fox Britain’s first Foreign Secretary, and 18th century human rights campaigner. We have also included mosaics, which record events in the borough’s history, as well as modern art works by national and international artists, architects and sculptors.
Discover history in the countryside at Runnymede
- Take in the history or just enjoy the scenery as you walk amongst the trees, wildflowers and a landscape that helped change history. Walk through the meadows and you will come across two major artworks by world renowned artists. The Jurors by Hew Locke and Writ in Water by Mark Wallinger in collaboration with Studio Octopi.
- There are two circular Autumn walking trails, one either side of the Thames taking in the memorials or the 2,000 year old Ankerwycke tree.There is free access to Runnymede with the only charge being the car parks. There is a noticeboard in the car park with a map and signs to the memorials.
- The Magna Carta - it was on this site in 1215 that King John signed the Magna Carta
- JFK Memorial - memorial to the celebrated president by Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe owned by the Kennedy Trust but maintained by the National Trust.
- Air Forces Memorial - commemorates the 20,000 Royal Air Force airmen killed in the Second World War, who have no known grave.
Enjoy a family day out at Runnymede Pleasure Grounds, near Egham
- At Runnymnede Pleasure Grounds there is a play area with play equipment, a paddling pool, cafe and children’s amusements alongside the River Thames. Excellent base for walks along the river, picnics and boat trips. Nearby is the Bells of Ouzeley, which is featured in Jerome K. Jerome’s ‘Three Men in a Boat’
Take a cruise on the river with French Brothers (Summer only)
- You can embark or disembark from Runnymede Boathouse or Runnymede Pleasure grounds on a French Brothers public cruise on the Lucy Fisher, a replica of a Victorian paddle steamer. Operates April to 5 October but check days and times as not always daily. French Brothers also run a Runnymede to Windsor service trip, which operates Wed, Fri, Sat and Sun throughout the summer. Please check the website for specific operating dates.
Enjoy a walk along the Thames Path National Trail
- From the Runnymede Hotel at Bell Weir Lock, follow the Thames Path National Trail, past the Runnymede Pleasure Ground, and as you approach Magna Carta Island you can see Cooper's Hill, which has the Air Forces War Memorial on top. It was near here in 1215 that King John signed the Magna Carta, this document also forms the basis of the American Declaration of Independence. There is an acre of land American land here, on which stands the John F Kennedy memorial, which was given to the Americans in memory of the President's role in civil rights. 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.
Car Parking
South Side Tea Room Pay and Display Car Park, March to September, 08.30 to 19.00 hrs, October to February 08.30 hrs to dusk
Riverside Car Park, March to September only, 10.00 to 19.00 hrs, when conditions allow. Closed 24 December and may be closed 25 & 26 December and 1 January.
Stay or enjoy great Riverside Dining
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Stay on the banks of the River Thames at The Runnymede on Thames which offers luxury accommodation, along with an award-winning spa and riverside dining, you can even pre-order a picnic to enjoy on your walk.
The Borough of Runnymede includes the towns of Egham and Chertsey.
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