Runnymede Pleasure Grounds Splash Pad

This refreshing paddling pool is for children to the age of 11 years. 

The water is very shallow in most places and deepest in the centre by the cone,

where it came to my mid-calves.

Runnymede Pleasure Grounds

The splash pad is right on the banks of the River Thames, in Runnymede Pleasure Grounds.

It has an expansive field

and huge car park

with a cafe.

Boat Trips 

Various boat trips are available up and down the River Thames.

You can also walk along the Thames Path.

The Runnymede Memorials

The water-meadows of Runnymede are where King John sealed Magna Carta in 1215. 

There are a number of interesting memorials to discover in the meadows and woodland.

You can read about our visit to the Runnymede memorials here.

Runnymede Pleasure Grounds Play Area

The Runnymede Pleasure Grounds Play Area equipment includes:

• swings 
• toddler swings
• a climbing multiplay for older children
• a multiplay for younger children 

• a roundabout
• a springer seesaw
• a traditional seesaw
• seats.

Nearest Town: Old Windsor, Egham
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: TW20 0AE

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic or eat at the cafe. 
Facilities: Picnic area, toilets, accessible toilets, cafe, ice creams.

How Long We Spent There: 3 hours
Buggies: Runnymede Pleasure Grounds is buggy friendly but the walk to the Runnymede Memorials is trickier and takes you over grass and uneven paths.

Parking: There is a large car park. There is another National Trust car park at the other end of the meadows.
Cost of Parking: Pay and display. The National Trust car park is free for members.

Wildlife You Might See: Ducks, swans, geese, and butterflies.

Information Written: May 2021
Information Checked: July 2025

Our visit to Runnymede Pleasure Grounds and the Splash Pad in Egham, near Chertsey and Windsor, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Runnymede Pleasure Grounds

Situated on the banks of the Thames, Runnymede Pleasure Grounds offers easy access to the River Thames.

It has an expansive field

and huge car park.

At one end there is a statue of Elizabeth II

and at the other, a cafe and little seasonal go karts.

Runnymede Pleasure Grounds Splash Pad

This refreshing paddling pool is for children to the age of 11 years. 

The water is very shallow in most places and deepest in the centre by the cone, where it came to my mid-calves.

Boat Trips 

Various boat trips are available up and down the River Thames.

You can also walk along the Thames Path.

The Runnymede Memorials

The water-meadows of Runnymede are where King John sealed Magna Carta in 1215. 

There are a number of interesting memorials to discover in the meadows and woodland.

The Paths

To reach the memorials you have to cross a meadow. 

There are steps up to the JFK Memorial and the view point.

The path along the River Thames is bumpy and uneven in places and can be muddy.

You can read about our visit to the Runnymede memorials here.

Runnymede Pleasure Grounds Play Area

The Runnymede Pleasure Grounds Play Area equipment includes:

• swings 
• toddler swings
• a climbing multiplay for older children
• a multiplay for younger children 

• a roundabout
• a springer seesaw
• a traditional seesaw
• seats.

Nearest Town: Old Windsor, Egham
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: TW20 0AE

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic or eat at the cafe. 
Facilities: Picnic area, toilets, accessible toilets, cafe, ice creams.

How Long We Spent There: 3 hours
Buggies: Runnymede Pleasure Grounds is buggy friendly but the walk to the Runnymede Memorials is trickier and takes you over grass and uneven paths.

Parking: There is a large car park. There is another National Trust car park at the other end of the meadows.
Cost of Parking: Pay and display. The National Trust car park is free for members.

Wildlife You Might See: Ducks, swans, geese, and butterflies.

Information Written: May 2021
Information Checked: July 2025

Our visit to Runnymede Pleasure Grounds in Egham, near Chertsey and Windsor, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Runnymede Pleasure Grounds Play Area

The play area equipment includes:

• swings 
• toddler swings
• a climbing multiplay for older children
• a multiplay for younger children 

• a roundabout
• a springer seesaw
• a traditional seesaw
• seats.

Runnymede Pleasure Grounds Splash Pad

This paddling pool is for children of up to 11 years. 

Boat Trips 

Various boat trips are available up and down the River Thames.

The Runnymede Memorials

The water-meadows of Runnymede are where King John sealed Magna Carta in 1215. 

There are a number of interesting memorials to discover in the meadows and woodland.

Nearest Town: Old Windsor, Egham
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: TW20 0AE

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic or eat at the cafe. 
Facilities: Picnic area, toilets, accessible toilets, cafe, ice creams.

How Long We Spent There: 3 hours
Buggies: Runnymede Pleasure Grounds is buggy friendly but the walk to the Runnymede Memorials is trickier and takes you over grass and uneven paths.

Parking: There is a large car park. There is another National Trust car park at the other end of the meadows.
Cost of Parking: Pay and display. The National Trust car park is free for members.

Wildlife You Might See: Ducks, swans, geese and butterflies.

Information Written: May 2021
Information Checked: July 2025

Our visit to Runnymede Pleasure Grounds in Egham, near Windsor, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Lyd Well

Lyd Well bubbles with surprising force, 

pumping water through the surrounding fields. 

Somehow it’s still easy to miss, hiding in a clump of trees,

behind a dry stone wall and a pool of water during wetter months 

but not during others.   

This is a seasonal spring so be careful with the timing of your visit. It is magical when bubbling but less impressive when dry. 

I have found it flowing in March 

but not this August, even though it’s been such a wet summer.

Trewsbury Mead

If you continue along the path from Lyd Well, over the fields, 

across the A433

and through a gate 

you will eventually come to a meadow known as Trewsbury Mead 

and the Source of the Thames marker.  

The Source of the River Thames…

This source is marked with a stone 

and a sign post – only 232 miles to the sea!

…Or Is It?

The ultimate source of the Thames is disputed with some saying the source furthest from the mouth of the Thames is Seven Springs in Gloucestershire.  

If you take Seven Springs as the source, it adds a further 14 miles to the length of the Thames. 

Seven Springs is a compact and easy place to visit for a paddle. It also flows throughout the year.

Old Father Thames 

In 1936, a statue of Old Father was placed in Trewsbury Mead to mark the source of the Thames.  

Sadly, it was vandalised and moved again to St John’s Lock, where it can still be found today. 

The Paths…and Stairs!

The paths leading to the source of the Thames are easy to walk on but are not surfaced and can be a little uneven 

and very muddy. 

There is a steep flight of stairs that you have to go up to cross the A433 crossing. 

I have taken a double buggy up these stairs but would not do it again.  

The stairs are very steep and lead straight on to the A433, which runs along the top.  

This isn’t a very busy road but it is fast – the cars fly past – and it’s not somewhere you would want children to stand around while you fiddle with a buggy.  

Nearest Town: Kemble or Coates, near Cirencester
County: Oxfordshire 
Nearest Postcode: GL7 6BS or GL7 6NZ

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic, eat at the Thames Head Inn (GL7 6NZ) or The Tavern Inn (GL7 6AX).
Facilities: None. 

How Long We Spent There: 3 hours
Buggies: I wouldn’t take a buggy because of the steep flight of stairs next to the fast road.  

Parking: Lay-by on the A429 – as you leave Kemble heading towards Cirencester, look out for a lay-by on the left and right of the road on a bridge over the river (GL7 6BS takes you roughly there). Alternatively, have a meal at the Thames Head Inn and then walk from there.
Cost of Parking: Free

Information Written: March 2017 and August 2023

Our visit to the source of the River Thames at Thames Head or Trewsbury Mead between Kemble and Coates, near Cirencester, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Buscot Lock

Picturesque Buscot Lock is a working lock with a weir, bridges and swans.

The lock keepers we met were very friendly and showed my children how the manual lock works, much to their delight. 

The Thames Path

Walking from Buscot Lock to St John’s Lock took us about an hour and the paths were easy to walk along.  

We followed this circular path from the National Trust’s website. 

You walk from Buscot Village, past Buscot Lock, along the Thames Path, staying close to the river.  

When you reach the bridge you are almost at St Johns Lock.  

St John’s Lock

St John’s Lock is the highest lock on the River Thames.

It has toilets, a small picnic area and a statue of Old Father Thames. 

Old Father Thames 

Originally carved for Crystal Palace in 1854, Old Father Thames was moved to the source of the Thames in Trewsbury Mead in 1936.  

Sadly, it was vandalised and moved again to St John’s Lock.

The source of the Thames is now marked with a simple stone.  

The Trout Inn

We had lunch right next to the river at The Trout Inn,

which has a large garden and lots of tables. 

Buscot Play Area

Buscot Village Play Area has a long obstacle course.  It is conveniently located next to the Buscot Village National Trust car park and is a good place to play at the end your walk.

Nearest Town: Buscot, near Faringdon and Swindon
County: Oxfordshire 
Nearest Postcode: SN7 8DA

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic, eat at Buscot Village Tea-Rooms (SN7 8DA) or eat at The Trout Inn (GL7 3HA).
Facilities: There are toilets for customers at the Tea-Rooms and Trout Inn. There are public toilets at both locks.

How Long We Spent There: 4 hours
Buggies: The paths are fairly flat and easy to walk on.  You could take an all-terrain buggy if you don’t mind bumping up and down some stairs. 

Parking: Pay and display car park at Buscot Lock or The Trout Inn’s car park at St John’s Lock. 
Cost of Parking: Parking at Buscot Lock is free for National Trust members; from £2 for two hours for non-members. Parking at The Trout Inn is free. 

Information Written: August 2023

Our visit to Buscot Lock near Faringdon and St John’s Lock near Lechdale, near Swindon, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

The Statues

There are a number of statues in the water-meadows, including twelve juror chairs 

that each commemorate key moments in the fight for freedom, 

a memorial to the founding principles of democracy 

that has principles from Magna Carta reflected in the water, 

a memorial to JFK 

and a memorial to the sealing of Magna Carta. 

The Paths

The path along the River Thames is beautiful but bumpy and uneven in places and can be muddy.

To reach the memorials you have to cross a meadow. 

There are steps up to the JFK Memorial and the view point.

Runnymede Pleasure Grounds

Runnymede Pleasure Grounds is on the banks of the River Thames, next to the Runnymede memorials.

It has a play area,

a splash pad, amusements,

boat trips and a cafe.

Nearest Town: Old Windsor, Egham
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: TW20 0AE

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic or eat at one of the cafes. 
Facilities: There is a cafe at the National Trust car park with toilets and accessible toilets. Picnic area, toilets, accessible toilets, cafe, ice creams are all also available at Runnymede Pleasure Grounds.

How Long We Spent There: 3 hours
Buggies: Not really buggy friendly.

Parking: The largest is at Runnymede Pleasure Grounds and the National Trust’s car park is at the other end of the meadows.
Cost of Parking: Pay and display car parks. The National Trust car park is free for members. 

Wildlife You Might See: Ducks, swans, geese and butterflies.

Information Written: May 2021

Our visit to Runnymede in Egham, near Chertsey and Windsor, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Pirate Island Play Area

Play at pirates amongst the ships, hideouts and beaches of Pirate Island, an exciting, adventure play area. 

The Pirate Island play area has equipment including:

• a pirate ship
• a fort
• a large tube slide
• a smaller slide
• a climbing wall

• a balance course
• springers
• swings
• toddler swings
• a spinning ring
• a sand pit with two more boats and a pirate hideout.

Little Tikes Village

Let the little ones loose amongst the playhouses, castles, slides and tunnels of Little Tikes Village.

There are indoor and outdoor areas and these are just for smaller children – those under 5 years old and under 1.1 metres tall.

The Animals

Meet the animals, including alpacas, ring-tailed lemurs, owls, wallabies and deer, which are scattered around the park. 

Some of the animals are in open enclosures, some are caged and some are free roaming.

The Miniature Railway

Ride the miniature railway around the park, past enclosures of animals from different parts of the world like New Zealand, Australasia and South America. One trip is included in your ticket price and additional trips can be taken for a small charge.

The Park and Gardens

Explore the gardens and their sculptures, education stations and athletic tests.

Special Events

Check out a special event like bug handling and, during the summer, boat trips along the River Thames.  Please check the Beale Park website to see what’s on.

The Paddling Pool

Cool off at the end of the day with a splash in the paddling pool.

Nearest Town: Pangbourne, near Reading
County: Berkshire
Nearest Postcode: RG8 9NW

Adult Cost Range: £10 to £19.99
Child Cost Range: £10 to £19.99
Free if: Under 2

Opens: February to November

Where to Eat: Cafe and picnic areas.
Facilities: Ice creams, toilets and accessible toilets.

How Long We Spent There: 3 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly.

Parking: There is a large car park.
Cost of Parking: Free with the costs of admission.

Animals You Might See: A variety, including insects, peacocks, owls, parrots, wallabies, rheas, deer, alpacas, goats, sheep, ring-tailed lemurs, monkeys, meerkats, raccoons, prairie dogs and other small mammals.

Information Written: July 2017

Our visit to Beale Park in Pangbourne, near Reading, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Snake’s Head Fritillaries

During April, these beautiful, bell-shaped plants flower pink, purple or white in colour and often have a chequered pattern, like snake skin. Once a common site, these flowers are now very rare.

Cricklade North Meadow

Cricklade North Meadow is essentially a large meadow with a choice of three walking routes. 

Check Before You Visit

If you are visiting to see the snake’s head fritillaries then have a look at the Cricklade North Meadow Fritillary Watch website before you go.  This tells you where in the meadow the best displays of fritillaries are so you can focus your visit.

The Paths

These are generally flat with either short grass or mud. They can become muddy during wet weather.  

Nearest Town: Cricklade, near Swindon
County: Wiltshire
Nearest Postcode: SN6 6DQ

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a blanket and a picnic.
Facilities: None

How Long We Spent There: 1 hour
Buggies: Choose a buggy that can handle stony paths and grass.

Parking: There is no car park but people park on the road next to the meadow’s entrance or in a lay-by between the meadow and the A419.
Cost of Parking: Free.

Wildlife You Might See: Bees, deer, ducks, butterflies and other insects.

Information Written: April 2017

Our visit to Cricklade North Meadow in Cricklade, near Swindon, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Boulters Lock 

Boulters Lock is a picturesque place to watch the lock lift and lower boats as they travel the Thames.

Ray Mill Island and the Thames

Ray Mill Island is surrounded by the Thames. When we visited, the river was swollen and flowing very fast. 

This does give a visit an exciting edge but note that there are no barriers along the edge of the river. 

Ray Mill Island can also flood so be sure to check the Ray Mill Island website before you visit to make sure it is open. 

The Wildlife

Ray Mill island is full of wildlife. Ducks, swans, geese, Canada geese and very cute mandarin ducks all roam confidently, as do the squirrels, which are especially brave on this island and can bite!

Animal Enclosures

In a corner of the island there are animal enclosures, which house guinea pigs, parakeets, finches

also lovebirds and other small birds. 

Paths and Sculptures

Scattered around Ray Mill Island are pathways, sculptures, benches and bridges. There is also a series of wooden animals to track down.

Boulters Lock Play Area

There is a small play area for children from 3 to 8 years old, with a wobbly bridge that children can climb and play on. 

Riverside Gardens

About a ten minute walk down the road is Riverside Gardens Play Area, which has a zip wire, sand pit, cafe and mini golf, as well as the usual play equipment. 

Sail the Thames

Next to Riverside Gardens is Maidenhead Promenade, where you can catch a boat to Windsor at certain times of the year. There are also boats to rent nearby and walks up and down the Thames Path.

Nearest Town: Maidenhead
County: Berkshire
Nearest Postcode: SL6 8PE

Opens: Daily but the island can close if the River Thames is high. 
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: There is a seasonal cafe on Ray Mill Island and you walk past the Boathouse Restaurant on the way in. 
Facilities: Picnic area, toilets, accessible toilets, seasonal cafe, ice cream and snacks.

How Long We Spent There: 2 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly.

Parking: Boulters Lock car park (SL6 8JN), which is a short walk away.
Cost of Parking: From 50p for three hours.

Wildlife You Might See: Guinea pigs, parakeets, finches, lovebirds and other small birds. Also ducks, swans, coots, moorhens and geese.

Information Written: March 2017

Our visit to Ray Mill Island and Boulters Lock and Play Area in Maidenhead is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Riverside Gardens Play Area

This playground is said to be for children from 3 to 12 years old. The play equipment includes:

• swings
• toddler swings
• springers
• a seesaw
• a rope climbing frame
• a zip wire

• multiplays with slides, nets, a climbing wall, bridges and easy to climb stairs and a ladder
• a sand play area with a hill, palm trees and a hammock
• a mini golf course
• a cafe that serves refreshments as well as hot food.

Maidenhead Promenade

Just over the road is Maidenhead Promenade where you can catch a boat to Windsor at certain times of the year. 

There is also boat rental available nearby and you can walk up or down the Thames Path. 

Boulters Lock

About a ten minute walk down the road are Boulters Lock and Ray Mill Island, a beautiful riverside spot with a cafe, play area and a thundering weir. 

Nearest Town: Maidenhead
County: Berkshire
Nearest Postcode: SL6 8NP

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic or eat at the cafe. 
Facilities: Picnic table.

How Long We Spent There: 1 hour.
Buggies: Buggy friendly.

Parking: There is a car park. 
Cost of Parking: Pay and display.

Wildlife You Might See: Ducks, swans, Canada geese, coots and moorhens.

Information Written: March 2017

Our visit to Riverside Gardens Play Area in Maidenhead is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.