National Trust Runnymede

About

Seen by many as the birthplace of modern democracy, this picturesque open landscape beside the Thames was witness to King John's historic sealing of the Magna Carta on 15 June 1215.

Today Runnymede is the 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 democratic legacy of the Magna Carta, you'll find further memorials to John F. Kennedy and the Commonwealth Air Forces.

There are two art installations to be discovered in the meadows. The Jurors by Hew Locke is a collection of 12 bronze chairs sat in the meadow, each intricately decorated with designs depicting current and past struggles relating to democracy and freedom.

Writ in Water is a major architectural artwork by Mark Wallinger, in collaboration with Studio Octopi. The large scale circular building features a labyrinth style entrance leading to a central chamber, where a pool sits below a central opening, reflecting in light from the outside. Celebrating the enduring significance of Magna Carta, this unqiue piece of artwork offers space for reflection and contemplation.

Within easy reach of the M25, this peaceful river scenery is home to rolling hills, open meadows and a variety of wildlife. Enjoy a picnic, take in the views, ride your bike along the riverbank or bring your dog on one of our waymarked countryside walks.

The Magna Carta tea-room is open year round offering hot drinks along with cakes and bakes. There are warming soups and hot lunches to get you through the winter months along with fresh salads and tasty ice creams for when it’s hot.

On the other side of the Thames you'll find Ankerwycke, a hidden gem with secrets to discover among the woods and fields. Look out for the ruins of a Benedictine priory and the National Trust's oldest tree, a 2,500-year-old Yew where Henry VIII was rumoured to have courted Anne Boleyn.

During 2018 the Heritage Lottery fund awarded a grant to Runnymede to help us transform the way in which visitors experience Runnymede. Changes will include updated, more accessible pathways and boardwalks along with new interpretation and a ferry crossing between Runnymede and Ankerwycke.

We're open all year round, so come and explore a beautiful and important slice of history.

• South Side Tea Room Pay and Display Car-Park, March to September , 08.30 to 19.00 hrs
• South Side Tea Room Pay and Display Car-Park, October to February, 08.30 hrs to dusk
• Riverside Car-Park, March to September only, 10.00 to 19.00 hrs, when conditions allow.

The car-park will be closed on 24 December and may be closed on 25 & 26 December and 1 January.