This site was produced by: LOCAL AUTHORITY PUBLISHING
Publishers for local authorities throughout Great Britain. View more Official Guides at www.officialguides.co.uk

The name of Runnymede is synonymous with one of the most significant events in the history of the western world, the sealing of the Magna Carta in 1215. This alone is enough to set the Borough apart, but the present day administrative area of Runnymede contains much more than the historic meadows from which it takes its name.

Covering approximately 30 sq. miles in north and west Surrey, the Borough has a natural north eastern boundary formed by the River Thames and the River Wey. In the north west, the boundary cuts across the wooded areas of Windsor Great Park; in the west it links along the edge of Chobham Common, and in the south it extends to just above Woking.

The northern half of the Borough contains Egham and the villages of Thorpe – with its immensely popular theme park – and Englefield Green. To the west is an extensively wooded area which embraces the residential village of Virginia Water and the famed Wentworth golf courses. Further south is Chertsey, an historic town whose links with its former Abbey go back to Saxon times. Chertsey merges with the town of Addlestone, which itself leads into the urban villages of New Haw, Woodham and Ottershaw.

The Borough is predominantly residential, with some light industry, and manages to retain much of its rural character. Nevertheless, it benefits from excellent transport connections which provide easy access to London and further afield. The M25 and M3 motorways pass through the Borough and rail routes link all the larger towns with Waterloo. International transport connections are also excellent owing to the proximity of Heathrow and Gatwick airports and the Eurostar terminus at Waterloo. The south coast ports are less than an hour’s drive away.

As if the natural assets of the area were not enough, Runnymede Borough Council enjoys an enviable reputation for the quality of its services having been officially rated as ‘Excellent’ by the Audit Commission in the most recent independent inspection of the Authority.

Great history, extensive open space, delightful riverside settings, sporting, cultural and recreational opportunities, quality local services and a thriving economy. No wonder Runnymede residents are proud of the area in which they live. We look forward to sharing it with you in the following pages.