Skip to content

Runnymede in Sound: audio tour

A couple walking towards the Magna Carta Memorial - a domed structure- they're walking with rambling poles through the slightly muddy looking field with bare wintry trees in the background and low winter sun rays.
Gain a deeper insight into history, art and nature at Runnymede with our audio tour | © National Trust images James Dobson

If you've come across this page you've seen our fabulous new signage at Runnymede. The audio trail is complete, yet but you can listen to some elements below. We hope you enjoy it. Using expert interviews and archive material, National Trust curator Rowena Willard-Wright delves into the history and significance of Runnymede’s varied landscape in this immersive audio tour. Scroll down the page to find the trail number that corresponds to your location on the signage.

Trail point 1: Welcome to Runnymede

An introduction to the audio tour from your guide Rowena Willard-Wright.

Listen on mobile
00:00
02:09

Trail Point 2: The Kennedy Memorial gates

Insights into this memorial to John F. Kennedy, plus an excerpt from his powerful speech on human rights. When you're done walk up the steps to the summit of the memorial.

Listen on mobile
00:00
04:18

Trail Point 2: The summit of the memorial

Listen on mobile
00:00
02:08

Trail point 3: The Magna Carta Memorial

Hear the words spoken at the 1957 unveiling of this memorial to democracy and freedom.

Listen on mobile
00:00
01:40

Trail point 3: The Magna Carta and protest

Listen on mobile
00:00
02:02

Trail point 4: Commemorative Trees

Includes the story of the stone laid at the foot of one particular oak tree.

Listen on mobile
00:00
03:34

5. The Jurors

A tour of Hew Locke's artwork, 12 bronze chairs decorated with stories on the themes of liberty and justice.

Introduction and Jurors Chair 1

Listen on mobile
00:00
05:38

Jurors Chair 2

Listen on mobile
00:00
03:17

Jurors Chair 3

Listen on mobile
00:00
02:10

Jurors Chair 4

Listen on mobile
00:00
02:34

Jurors Chair 5

Listen on mobile
00:00
03:05

Jurors Chair 6

Listen on mobile
00:00
01:23

Jurors Chair 7

Listen on mobile
00:00
03:24

Jurors Chair 8

Listen on mobile
00:00
03:24

Jurors Chair 9

Listen on mobile
00:00
03:29

Jurors Chair 10

Listen on mobile
00:00
02:34

Jurors Chair 11

Listen on mobile
00:00
01:55

Jurors Chair 12

Listen on mobile
00:00
02:37

Trail point 6: Writ in Water - Listen before entering the artwork

Mark Wallinger welcomes you to his interactive architectural artwork and explains the inspirations behind it.

Listen on mobile
00:00
00:40

Trail point 6: Writ in Water - Listen before entering the artwork

Mark Wallinger talks more about this contemplative space.

Listen on mobile
00:00
05:28

Trail point 12: Langham Ponds

The ice-age origins of the ponds, plus bird calls to listen out for and wildlife to spot.

Listen on mobile
00:00
02:36

Trail point 12: Langham Ponds

Listen on mobile
00:00
02:16

Trail point 13: Air Forces Memorial

Including a poignant poem written to mark the unveiling in 1953.

Listen on mobile
00:00
02:07

Changing river and landscape

Listen on mobile
00:00
03:57

Cattle at Runnymede and Ankerwycke

Listen on mobile
00:00
03:07

Charter of the forest

Listen on mobile
00:00
04:15
Conservators rehanging the Knight with the Arms of Jean de Daillon Tapestry following conservation work at Montacute House, Somerset

Preserving the past

From conserving historic works of art and delving into archaeology to supporting urban heritage and parks, find out about our vital conservation work.

You might also be interested in

The circular domed structure supported on columns of the Magna Carta memorial at Runnymede and Ankerwycke, Surrey
Article
Article

The history of Runnymede and Ankerwycke 

Over 800 years ago, the famous Magna Carta was sealed at Runnymede, marking an important moment in the history of British law and liberty.

The Jurors, by artist Hew Locke, at Runnymede and Ankerwycke, Surrey, composed of 12 intricately worked bronze chairs incorporating imagery representing key moments in the struggle for freedom, rule of law and equal rights, photographed beneath a stormy sky
Article
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.

The round stone exterior of 'Writ in Water', an art installation inspired by Clause 39 of Magna Carta at Runnymede, Surrey
Article
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.

Two people, one wearing a baby in a carrier, attach rope to their dogs' harnesses in a grassy area with trees at Runnymede, Surrey
Article
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.