Things to see and do at Runnymede and Ankerwycke

Two people walking along the path at Runnymede toward the Writ in Water art installation — Explore art and nature at Runnymede | © Meghan Taylor

Walk, picnic or just relax by the river – with its meadows, woodlands, wetlands, and accessible stretches of the Thames, Runnymede is a great place to reconnect with nature. The site of the historic signing of the Magna Carta is also home to poignant memorials and arresting artworks reflecting on democracy and freedom. Across the river at Ankerwycke, you’ll discover the remains of a Benedictine priory and the oldest tree in the National Trust’s care. For a deeper dive, why not listen to our audio guides whilst you explore.

Audio Guides

Using expert interviews and archive material, National Trust curator Rowena Willard-Wright delves into the history and significance of Runnymede and Ankerwycke on two immersive audio tours.

Runnymede in Sound: Join artists, archaeologists, historians and nature experts on a deeper dive into this historic meadow at Runnymede. The audio guide also includes a tour of The Jurors by artist Hew Locke.Find out more
Ankerwycke in Sound: Discover the secrets hidden amongst the woods and fields at Ankerwycke with National Trust Curator Rowena Willard-Wright.Find out more

Explore the countryside at Runnymede

With flower-filled meadows, lush wetlands, ancient woodlands and historic parkland – plus views worth the climb – the countryside at Runnymede is the perfect place to get back to nature.

A family among the long grass in a meadow at Runnymede, Surrey — A family enjoy a picnic in the meadow at Runnymede | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Glorious meadows

The Anglo-Saxon ‘Runemede’ means ‘meeting meadow’. For centuries known as a place for people to come together, today these meadows remain a pretty, open space for countryside walks. On a summer's day, look out for a dazzling array of wildflowers, buzzing with insects, birds and other wildlife.

A view of Langham Pond, part of the Runnymede water meadow estate, with green reed grass growing in the foreground, trees to the back, and the blue cloudy sky reflects in the water, at Runnymede Surrey — A view of Langham Pond, part of the Runnymede water meadow estate, at Runnymede Surrey | © National Trust Images/Andrew Butler

Lush wetlands

The lush wetlands at Langham Ponds were immortalised in Kipling's poem 'What say the reeds of Runnymede'. Follow the boardwalks to see wildlife all year round. Look out for rare wetland plants, dazzling insects and a huge variety of birds including reed bunting and reed warbler.

Pebble and brick steps flanked by bright green trees and leafy shrubs at Runnymede, Surrey | © National Trust Images/Andrew Butler

Cooper's Hill Woods

With carpets of flowers in the spring, sunny glades in the summer, and fabulous fungi in the autumn, the wooded slopes of Cooper’s Hill are wonderful to visit in any season. Leave the woods at the top of the hill for magnificent views over the Thames and Windsor Castle.

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Visit Runnymede’s memorials

Over 800 years ago, King John met with a group of barons in these very fields. It was here he signed the Magna Carta, seen by many as the symbolic first step on the road to modern democracy.

In this spirit, Runnymede is home to several memorials recognising the ongoing struggle for liberty.

Magna Carta memorial

This monument to the historic signing of the Magna Carta was designed by Sir Edward Maufe and erected in 1957 by the American Bar Association in appreciation of the Magna Carta’s role in founding the rule of law.

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Enjoy the River Thames

This newly resurfaced stretch of the Thames Path is now fully accessible for all visitors. It's a great place to walk, cycle or simply relax on a riverside bench with a book or a picnic.

There's plenty for wildlife fans to enjoy, too – look out for kingfishers, ducks, geese and swans, and a host of different butterflies.

Tour the outdoor artwork

As you walk around Runnymede, you’ll come across a number of artworks by world renowned and award-winning artists.

Writ in Water

Set in the heart of this historic landscape, this architectural artwork by Mark Wallinger and Studio Octopi reflects upon the founding principles of democracy and provides visitors with a space for quiet contemplation.

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Cross the river to Ankerwycke

On the opposite bank of the Thames is Ankerwycke, whose ancient woodland, fields and ponds are steeped in history.

The Ankerwycke Yew

This gnarled and ancient tree is the oldest cared for by the National Trust and is thought to have stood here for as long as 2,500 years.

As well as being a valuable habitat for invertebrates, the yew is said to be the spot where King Henry VIII courted Anne Boleyn.

Look out too for the clootie boards where visitors hang strips of cloth carrying prayers.

St Mary’s Priory

Ankerwycke is home to the ruins of St Mary’s Priory, a Benedictine nunnery built during the reign of Henry II and dedicated to St Mary Magdalene.

During the 19th and 20th centuries, the surviving building fell into disrepair, and today only a few walls remain.

Look out for wildlife

There’s plenty of wildlife to look out for at Ankerwycke. Listen for the loud, laughing calls of the green woodpeckers, or see if you can spot them feeding on insects in the woods.

Emerald and large red dragonflies are often visible darting between the ponds. And in spring, the ground is carpeted with snowdrops, thought to have been planted here in Victorian times.