Runnymede Meadows and Cooper's Hill Woods
Surrey
Runnymede is the water meadow beside the Thames near Egham where King John agreed Magna Carta on 15 June 1215, and today it is a National Trust estate of meadows, woodland and wetland. This 4km loop starts from the car park on Windsor Road, where the two roadside lodges designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens house the tea room, and crosses the meadows to the Magna Carta Memorial, where dogs are asked to stay on a lead. From there a path of granite steps, meant to feel like a pilgrimage, climbs to the John F. Kennedy Memorial, a block of Portland stone set in an acre of land given to the United States, with views back over the river. The route continues into the woods of Cooper's Hill, with ancient oaks and bluebells and wood anemones in spring, then returns across the open fields to the car park. Langham Ponds, a wetland area, lies close by, and fallow and muntjac deer are sometimes seen in the meadows.
This is a dog friendly walk with wide meadows where a dog with good recall can stretch its legs, and shade in the Cooper's Hill woods. The National Trust asks for dogs to be kept on a lead around the memorials, which are places of quiet reflection, and deer in the meadows are worth watching for. The busy A308 runs along the car park side, so leads on near the road. The Magna Carta Tea Room welcomes dogs and puts out water bowls.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 4.0 km (2.5 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr 20 min
- Walk Type
- Historic, River, Woodland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Magna Carta Tea Room (dog friendly, water bowls) by the car park.
- Parking
- National Trust car parks on Windsor Road (A308) at Runnymede, by the Lutyens lodges.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Runnymede Meadows and Cooper's Hill Woods, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Runnymede Meadows and Cooper's Hill Woods dog friendly?
Yes, Runnymede is a welcoming spot for dogs, earning a solid 8/10 on our dog friendly rating. The Magna Carta Tea Room by the car park actively welcomes dogs and puts out water bowls, making it a lovely place to round off the walk.
Can dogs be off lead at Runnymede Meadows and Cooper's Hill Woods?
The open meadows offer space for dogs with good recall to stretch their legs, and the woodland paths through Cooper's Hill are great for a sniff around. However, the National Trust asks that dogs are kept on leads around the memorials, and it's wise to keep them on a lead near the A308, which runs alongside the car park.
What should I know before visiting Runnymede Meadows and Cooper's Hill Woods with my dog?
Fallow and muntjac deer are sometimes spotted in the meadows, so it's worth having a lead to hand if your dog is easily distracted by wildlife. The route is around 4km and includes a granite stepped climb up to the Kennedy Memorial, so it's a gentle but varied outing rather than a flat stroll.
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