A single document gave birth to our modern understanding of human rights, and it will celebrate its 800th anniversary in just a couple weeks. When June 15th arrives, one hotel sits perfectly situated to act as a ground zero for the region’s history-minded travelers.
The Runnymede-on-Thames Hotel sits minutes away from the quiet field where King John agreed to Magna Carta in 1215. Following a brief civil war, the crooked king signed off on demands that gave birth to this era’s understanding of freedom of speech, right to a fair trial, freedom of the press and other essentials men and women fight for today.
While the issues and events around the Magna Carta Anniversary are steeped in solemn occasion and historical significance, the Runnymede-on-Thames has no interest in seeming so sober. It enjoys a pretty location on busy, rural stretch of the titular river, and uses an ever-present tableau of rubber ducks to make sure the guest realizes the hotel is a place of rest, relaxation and fun.
Related: Explore, Commemorate, Respect Magna Carta
The accommodations range from luxury-themed suites to homey, more modest rooms, but recent renovations leave all of the above in prime, modern condition. Since the guest is several miles outside of London (though conveniently near to Heathrow), the staff is diverse, friendly and helpful without any tinge of stiff London formality.
Runnymede-on-Thames packs three dining and drinking options where visitors can enjoy everything from a full-on meal to fresh cocktails. The Lock Bar and Kitchen (named for the nearby river lock that handles the small craft on its stretch of the Thames) is the main destination spot with a full menu.
The Lounge in the center of the hotel is a great place to grab a drink and meet locals. As for the hotel’s original mixology, it keeps the plan simple. I’d recommend the G&C (Bombay Sapphire Gin, Angostura Bitters, Aspall’s Cider, sugar syrup and lemon juice) or the more traditional French Canadian (Courvoisier, Chambord, Canada Dry ginger ale and grenadine).
A real pleasant surprise was the Leftbank Restaurant, offering an impressive and vast collection of buffet options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The breakfasts kept it traditional with everything from steel cut oats to the makings of the Full English waiting on the buffet tables. However, the Leftbank kicked into high gear during dinner hours when you’d be hard pressed to find any mainstream cuisine not represented.
The Runnymede-on-Thames hotel will certainly booked to the gunnels with smart, history-obsessed travelers during the royal Magna Carta anniversary celebrations. But, it should stay on the traveler’s radar as a prime option for anyone looking to escape London while remaining within shouting distance of its attractions.
