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Runnymede and Ankerwycke
The birthplace of the Magna Carta. History, art and nature on the banks of the River Thames.
Windsor Road, near Old Windsor, Surrey, SL4 2JL (SatNav: TW20 0AE)
Important notice
Due to the storm forecast Runnymede car parks and tea room will be closed on Sunday 24th November. We plan to reopen on Monday after safety checks.
Opening times for 24 November 2024
Asset Opening time Countryside Dawn - Dusk Memorials car park 09:00 - 17:00 Riverside car park Closed Tea-room 09:00 - 16:00 Last entry to car parks is 1 hour before closing.
The riverside car park is weather dependent and mostly closed in autumn and winter, please use the Memorials car park in the first instance.
The tearoom offers a take-away service only 30 minutes before closing.
Help us look after Runnymede by not lighting fires or barbecues. Camping & overnight stays are not allowed.
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Scan the QR codes on the information boards on your walk or search the National Trust website for Runnymede in sound and ankerwycke-in-sound.
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.
Bookshop
A small secondhand bookshop is located in the Magna Carta tea-room.
Picnic area
Picnic tables are located by the Magna Carta Tearoom and by the North Lodge across the road from the tearoom.
Car park
Free for National Trust members and Blue Badge Holders. Please remember to scan your membership card. Car parking charges apply for non-members. Coach parking is £5 for the first hour and £10 for more than one hour. Educational trips park for free. Please email runnymede@nationaltrust.org.uk. See opening times for more information.
Tea-room
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.
Cycle parking
Bike racks are located in the Memorials car park
Toilet
Toilets can be found at the rear of the Magna Carta tea-room.
Blue Badge parking. Adapted toilets with level access. Riverside and memorials paths are accessible though subject to flooding in winter months.
Accessible route and/or map
Two accessible paths run from the Memorials car park to the Writ in Water and from the North Lodge (across the road) alongside the River Thames to Runnymede Pleasure Ground.
Level access to food outlet
Level access can be found at the rear of the Magna Carta tea-room via the Memorials car park.
Accessible toilet
An accessible toilet can be found in the Magna Carta tea-room.
By road
Runnymede is located on the A308. The nearest motorway access is Junction 13 of the M25.
Parking: <p>Pay-and-display car parks either side of the A308 (free for National Trust members and Blue Badge holders). </p><p>Disabled parking spaces are available in the Memorials car park. </p><p>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.
Sat Nav: Sat Nav: Use postcode TW20 0AE or type in "National Trust Runnymede". For other GPS options use SL4 2JL. What3words location: agree.fault.skips
On foot
We're on the Thames Path, National Trail for 1¼ miles.
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.
Travelling from Heathrow: Take the Underground from Terminal 1-3 to Hatton Cross, connect with the 490 bus to Feltham, then take the National Rail service to Egham.
To plan a train journey please use the National Rail journey planner.
By bus
Runnymede can be reached by the No8 First bus service from both Windsor Town Centre and Egham.
The nearest stop is the Bells of Ouzeley, Old Windsor.
After a short walk along the Thames Path, you will arrive at our Lutyens Lodges.
Visitor information is available for our tea room in the South Lodge on the opposite side of the road to the river.
By bicycle
We're on the Thames Path, National Trail for 1¼ miles.
Cycle racks are available in the Magna Carta car park, beside the tea-room.
Plan your route to Runnymede and Ankerwycke using the CycleStreets journey planner via the link below. (This journey planner uses OpenStreetMap data which is generally excellent but accuracy cannot be guaranteed. If you come to a footpath or other cycle-prohibited track, please don't ride on it.)
By ferry
The French Brothers ferry from Windsor stops at Runnymede.
Ankerwycke
By car: Exit junction 13 from M25 onto A30. At the roundabout junction with M25, take the 1st exit (from south) or 3rd exit (from north) toward Wraysbury/B376. Follow the road for about a mile and Magna Carta Lane is on the left just before the Wraysbury 30 mph zone. Go down Magna Carta Lane for 100 yards to turning area with a notice board. This is the main entrance point to the site. Please note parking is limited. Please do not park on any of the verges.
For sat nav: TW19 5AD. Be wary of Sat Nav, as this may take you down the wrong lane to Thatch Lodge Lane; Magna Carta Lane is the next left after this.
Train: Half hour walk from Wraysbury Station, Windsor/Waterloo line. Leave the station via Station Road and continue into Staines Road B376. Magna Carta Lane on right.
Bus: Route 60/61, Eton Wick to Heathrow Terminal 5. Alight at Staines Road between Hythe End and Wraysbury and walk to Magna Carta Lane.
Windsor Road, near Old Windsor, Surrey, SL4 2JL (SatNav: TW20 0AE)
Planning your visit
Article
Things for families to do at Runnymede and Ankerwycke
Enjoy an interactive kids’ nature walk, activities inside and outside an architectural artwork, willow sculptures with an added twist and a boat trip on the Thames.
Article
Visiting Runnymede and Ankerwycke with your dog
Runnymede and Ankerwycke is a three pawprint rated place. Enjoy riverside walks and open countryside on a dog walk at Runnymede and Ankerwycke. Find out where dogs can explore and read the Canine Code.
Article
Group visits to Runnymede and Ankerwycke
Find out all about bringing your group to this peaceful riverside estate that’s home to open meadows and a variety of wildlife. Look out for notable memorials, art installations and the National Trust's oldest tree.
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Boat Mooring
Boats are welcome to moor along the riverside at Runnymede. Mooring fees are £3 for up to 2 hours, £6 for up to 6 hours, or £9 for up to 24 hours. Seasonal mooring tickets are £40 allowing you to moor for up to 20 days per year (7 consecutive days max). Mooring fees can paid at the Magna Carta Tearoom, estate office, or by asking a member of staff. You can also pay online via the PayByPhone website using the code 806412. Seasonal tickets cannot be purchased online.
Fishing
Fishing fees are £6/day or £35/year (12 years and up). £2.50/day or £12/year (under 12 years). Fishing tickets can be purchased at the Magna Carta Tea-rooms, estate office or ask a member of staff. You can also pay online via the PayByPhone website using the code 806411 for adults and 806413 for children. Please note seasonal tickets cannot be purchased via PayByPhone. No fishing between 15 March - 15 June.
Highlights
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, making it the National Trust's oldest tree.
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.
Magna Carta tearoom
Tearoom serving a range of hot and cold drinks, light meals and snacks.
Things to see and do
Article
Things for families to do at Runnymede and Ankerwycke
Enjoy an interactive kids’ nature walk, activities inside and outside an architectural artwork, willow sculptures with an added twist and a boat trip on the Thames.
Article
Things to see and do at Runnymede and Ankerwycke
With riverside walks and open meadows, art installations inspired by history, and a series of moving memorials, there’s lots to see and do at Runnymede and Ankerwycke. For a deeper dive, why not listen to our audio guides.
River Thames boat trip
Enjoy Runnymede and Ankerwycke from a different viewpoint with a boat trip along the River Thames. Across the road from the Magna Carta Tearooms on the Thames, you'll find the Lucy Fisher, a replica Victorian paddle steamer where you can enjoy a cruise along the river. Operated by French Brothers, boat trips leave the National Trust dock (by the North Lodge), hourly between 11am and 5pm between April and the end of September. (Weekends only from 15 April - 24 May, then daily from 25 May - 8 Sept). Book in advance online or pay on the day.
Article
Writ in Water at Runnymede
Reflect upon the history of Runnymede inside this immersive architectural installation, which celebrates the sealing of Magna Carta at Runnymede over 800 years ago.
Article
The Jurors at Runnymede
Twelve intricately carved bronze chairs celebrate the endurance of Magna Carta at Runnymede. Discover the artwork and its inspiration here.
Article
JFK Memorial at Runnymede
Visit the JFK Memorial at Runnymede and contemplate President John F Kennedy's fight for freedom and peace around the world.
Top trails
Trail
Egham to Runnymede countryside circular walk
Follow this Surrey countryside trail of a circular walk between Egham and Runnymede through ancient woodlands, wetlands and wildflower meadows.
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Runnymede in Sound: audio tour
Learn about historic memorials, outdoor artworks and ancient ruins, as well as the local woodland, meadows and ponds, on this interactive audio walk.
Article
Ankerwycke in Sound: audio tour
Learn about the varied and layered history of Ankerwycke on this interactive audio walk.
Eating
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Eating at Runnymede
Stay refreshed with hot and cold drinks, light meals, snacks and cakes in the Magna Carta tea-room at Runnymede.
Upcoming events
Sorry, there are no upcoming events at this place
About 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.
Within easy reach of the M25, this peaceful stretch of countryside 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, 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. Look out for the ruins of a Benedictine priory and the oldest tree in the National Trust's care, a 2,500-year-old yew where Henry VIII is rumoured to have courted Anne Boleyn.
Thanks to Heritage Lottery Fund grants, the National Trust has been able to improve your visit to Runnymede and Ankerwycke. Alongside community activities, artist residencies and archaeological work aimed at revealing more about this historic site, a programme of extensive infrastructure improvements has seen new paths to increase accessibility for everyone, a new boardwalk at Langham Ponds, and a brand-new trail with information panels and audio guide.
History
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The history of Runnymede and Ankerwycke
Learn about the historic sealing of the Magna Carta, a medieval priory, an ancient tree where Henry VIII wooed Anne Boleyn – and the site of a 1930s nightclub.
Article
JFK Memorial at Runnymede
Visit the JFK Memorial at Runnymede and contemplate President John F Kennedy's fight for freedom and peace around the world.
Our work
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Our work at Runnymede and Ankerwycke
From managing Runnymede's wildflower meadows to conserving Ankerwycke’s medieval past, our experts have been working hard to preserve nature and history for visitors.
Runnymede Explored
June 2024 marked the completion of the Runnymede Explored Project. This six year project has seen us working with local community and partners to open up this site of historic significance and make it more accessible for more people to explore and enjoy. This has included new pathways, artworks, conservation work, information boards and audio guide. Watch this video to find out more about the work we did.
Art and collections
Article
Writ in Water at Runnymede
Reflect upon the history of Runnymede inside this immersive architectural installation, which celebrates the sealing of Magna Carta at Runnymede over 800 years ago.
Article
The Jurors at Runnymede
Twelve intricately carved bronze chairs celebrate the endurance of Magna Carta at Runnymede. Discover the artwork and its inspiration here.
Support us
Article
Volunteer opportunities at Runnymede and Ankerwycke
Find out how you can volunteer and help all visitors to enjoy this special place and make new friends at the same time.