Runnymede National Trust

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Important notice - 

UPDATED - 9.30pm on Saturday 21 March 2020

National Trust closes parks and gardens, asking people to avoid travel and comply with government social distancing guidance. 
From midnight on 21 March the National Trust will close all of its gated gardens and parks to help restrict the spread of the coronavirus. 
The National Trust countryside locations remain open with parking charges waived, but they encourage people to stay local and observe social distancing measures.

For further information, read The National Trust's latest statement on coronavirus (COVID-19)

Stretching across two sides of the Thames, the historied hills and meadows of Runnymede and Ankerwycke offer an atmosphere of peace and contemplation. As the site of the sealing of Magna Carta over 800 years ago, Runnymede is the birthplace of modern democracy. The American Bar Association Memorial pays homage to this historic event, while nearby a memorial to US President John F. Kennedy sits atop a hewn stone staircase twisting through boughs of oak and ash. The Magna Carta memorial sat on a gentle slope looking out towards the Thames provides the perfect place to pause and reflect.

( Image, Nationaltrust- Hew Locke's installation The Jurors)

Along with a series of memorials, the meadows are home to artist Hew Locke’s installation The Jurors, a set of twelve intricately decorated seats telling the story of justice around the world. Further along you’ll find Writ in Water by Mark Wallinger which celebrates the enduring significance of Magna Carta.

Across the river, the former pleasure grounds of Ankerwycke hide ancient priory ruins, wetlands brimming with wildlife, and the National Trust’s oldest tree, the Ankerwycke Yew, which is 2,500 years old.

There’s something new to see whatever the season. Snowdrops can be found across the site in the early months of the year, giving way to bluebells which thrive each spring in ancient oak woodland on Cooper’s Hill. In the summer months the meadows burst into colour with wildflowers and grasses and the winter months feature misty mornings and frost which traces intricate patterns across the trees.

With a busy year round events programme, there’s plenty to do for all ages, from guided walks with our rangers to children’s trails and craft activities. The Magna Carta tea room is open 363 days a year and provides a wide range of locally inspired dishes, serving one pot meals and soups at lunch time, along with bakes, cakes and sandwiches throughout the day. Dogs are allowed into the café, so that dog walkers can enjoy a well-earned treat after their route through the meadows.