Warner Hotels in South East England
The Runnymede on Thames | Sinah Warren | Lakeside
The perfect mix of seaside towns and historical cathedral cities.
The Southeast of England provides delight and wonders for all. From pristine beaches, country parks, botanical gardens, and a host of fantastic attractions - including Windsor Castle, Mulberry Harbour and the Millennium Promenade - you’ll have plenty to choose when it comes to keeping you busy. If you choose to visit the Southeast of England, one thing's for sure: you're going to have some great days out.
Ascot Racecourse
23 min drive from The Runnymede on Thames, SL5 7JX
There are few sporting venues that can match the rich heritage and history of Ascot Racecourse. Home to Royal Ascot, a national institution and the centrepiece of the British social calendar, Ascot Racecourse also hosts other race days and events throughout the year, including a summer and Christmas family race day, the Shergar Cup and Concert and British Champions Day.
Brooklands Museum
24 min drive from The Runnymede on Thames, KT13 0SL
Discover the history of aviation and motorsport at Brooklands Museum which was first opened to the public in 1991. Just 9 miles from The Runnymede on Thames, a visit to Brooklands Museum makes for a great day out. There’s plenty to see and do for all ages, from the Aircraft Factory exhibition and soft play area to The Concorde Experience, F1 Simulator and the Brooklands race track.
Changing the Guard
15 min drive from The Runnymede on Thames, SL4 1NJ
A must-see when visiting Windsor, Changing the Guard takes place on various days throughout the week. Wearing their bright red uniform and bearskin caps, see the guards march up the high street and into Windsor Castle, led by a Regimental Band. Paying visitors to the Castle can see the actual ‘changing’ ceremony which signifies the handover between different groups of guards and has been a ceremony upheld since 1660.
Chichester
27 min drive from Lakeside and 29 min drive from Sinah Warren, PO19 1HS
The cathedral city of Chichester dates back to Roman times and boasts nearby beaches, shopping, and historic tours. We recommend West Dean Gardens, a restored garden with working Victorian glasshouses, a 300-foot pergola, a spring garden and occasional fibreglass ‘surreal’ trees.
Dorney Lake
26 min drive from The Runnymede on Thames, SL4 6QP
Dorney Lake is a world-class sporting and events venue. Located just outside Windsor, this man-made lake was constructed over a ten year period and was finally completed in 2006. Owned and managed by Eton College, Dorney Lake is a world-class lake which was primarily built to provide a still water course for rowing as an alternative to the River Thames. During the 2012 Summer Olympics held in London, Dorney Lake held 30 medal events and played host to over 400,000 visitors.
Emsworth
18 min drive from Lakeside and 22 min drive from Sinah Warren, PO10 8BP
The coastal village of Emsworth features narrow streets lined with Georgian houses, walled gardens, a mill pond, and spectacular views across the water of Chichester Harbour. The antique dealers and independent food shops give it a delightful old-world charm.
Eton College
16 min drive from The Runnymede on Thames, SL4 6DW
Founded in 1440 by King Henry VI, Eton College is a private boarding school for boys aged 13 to 18 and one of the oldest schools in the country. It sits in a beautiful location across the river from Royal Windsor. Scheduled tours of the College are available for visitors, seasonally and for a small fee, which cover the school yard, College Chapel, Upper and Lower School and the Museum of Eton Life. The three museums are also open to the public every Sunday afternoon.
Farlington Marshes
16 min drive from Lakeside and 19 min drive from Sinah Warren, PO6 1SR
Unusually for a seaside area, Farlington Marshes is better in winter than in summer. A huge number of migratory wildfowl descend on the area. The easy 4km circular walk around the marshes is mostly on the sea wall. Keep an eye out for short-eared owls and peregrine falcons.
Forest of Bere
37 min drive from Lakeside and Sinah Warren, PO17 6JB
Home to a mixture of woodland, heathland, farmland and open space, the Forest of Bere has walking and cycling routes for a range of abilities. Although the paths are usually fine we recommend taking your wellies, just in case.
Frogmore House
6 min drive from The Runnymede on Thames, SL4 2JG
Frogmore House sits in the Home Park of Windsor Castle and first became a royal residence when King George III purchased the estate as a gift for Queen Charlotte in the 18th Century. Tours of the house and gardens are available on a limited number of days each year, where all proceeds are donated to selected charities.
Hampton Court Palace
37 min drive from The Runnymede on Thames, KT8 9AU
Home to Henry VIII, majestic Hampton Court Palace sits further along the River Thames in south-west London. Wander through the palace learning about the wives and children of Henry VIII. For those brave enough, explore the Haunted Gallery, said to be haunted by Henry VIII’s fifth wife who was executed at the Tower of London. A visit to Hampton Court Palace isn’t complete without wandering through the beautiful gardens. With 60 acres of formal gardens and 750 acres of historic parkland, there’s plenty to see and do for all.
Harry Potter Studio Tour
34 min drive from The Runnymede on Thames, WD25 7LR
This award-winning attraction is a must-see for any Harry Potter fan. Wander through the Great Hall, Diagon Alley, and the Forbidden Forest, then visit Platform 9 3/4 and take a seat on The Hogwarts Express. Visitors can also see costumes, props, animatronics, scale models and learn about special effects on this magical experience.
Hayling Beach
8 min drive from Lakeside and 4 min drive from Sinah Warren, PO11 0AS
3 miles of sandy and shingle beach facing out into the Solent that has won both the European Blue Flag and the Keep Britain Tidy award, Hayling Beach benefits from sea breezes which keep the temperature just about perfect most of the year round.
Hayling Billy Trail
8 min drive from Lakeside and 5 min drive from Sinah Warren, PO11 0EH
An easy five-mile return walk that follows the old Hayling Billy railway line past Langstone Harbour, home to a wealth of seabirds and waders. Crucially, there are pubs at both ends of this scenic walkway, the Ship Inn at Emsworth and several on Station Road nearer Langstone.
Hayling Ferry to Portsmouth
11 min drive from Lakeside and walking distance from Sinah Warren, PO9 2RL
It’s an easy drive to Portsmouth from Hayling Island, but for a taste of sea life nothing beats the ‘Pride of Hayling’ foot ferry. It only takes 3 minutes and the feel of the ocean breeze on your face is a delight.
Hayling Oyster Beds & Langstone Harbour
10 min drive from Lakeside and 12 min drive from Sinah Warren, PO11 0LG
Oysters were farmed on Hayling from 1819 up until the 1970s, and in 1996 they were restored to create a haven for wildlife. Langstone is home to around 25 harbour seals, and on rare occasions, bottlenose dolphins and otters have been seen in its waters.
JFK Memorial
7 min drive from The Runnymede on Thames, TW20 0YU
The JFK memorial is a pleasant 40 minute walk along the river from The Runnymede on Thames. It commands splendid views of the area and consists of a garden and memorial tablet inscribed with the famous quote from his Inaugural Address.
Kew Gardens
40 min drive from The Runnymede on Thames, TW9 3AE
Kew Gardens is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site and offers visitors the chance to discover an incredibly diverse collection of plants. Explore a variety of different gardens, from Japenese to the Mediterranean, and wander through the world’s largest Victorian glasshouse. Climb to the top of the pagoda, or walk through the tree canopy for amazing views, then explore The Hive art installation that recreates life inside a beehive.
Kew Palace
46 min drive from The Runnymede on Thames, TW9 3AE
Kew Palace, located in Kew Royal Botanic Gardens, is the smallest of the royal palaces. Also in the grounds lies Queen Charlotte’s Cottage, a country retreat for the royals to enjoy leisurely walks and enjoy taking tea. In the early 19th Century, kangaroos could be found in the paddock, although this area was later developed into a flower garden. Another highlight is The Great Pagoda, where visitors can climb over 250 steps to the top for amazing views of London.
Magna Carta
3 min drive from The Runnymede on Thames, TW20 0YU
Just a 40 minute walk along the river you can visit the historical site which witnessed King John’s sealing of Magna Carta in 1215. This was a charter to make peace between the King and a group of barons and it is seen by many as a vital step in achieving what we know as democracy today.
Millennium Promenade Portsmouth
26 min drive from Lakeside and 28 min drive from Sinah Warren, PO5 3AA
A celebration of Portsmouth’s rich history, three kilometres of promenade link all the points of interest on the waterfront. Built at the turn of the millennium, the route is indicated by a chain motif set into the surface to symbolise the historic chain that was tightened across the harbour entrance.
Mulberry Harbour
10 min drive from Lakeside and walking distance from Sinah Warren
A piece of WWII history that can be seen from the Sinah shoreline, Mulberry Harbours were developed by the United Kingdom to land troops and supplies en masse without the need for a port. In Langstone Harbour are the remains of a Phoenix Caisson (type C).
Queen Elizabeth Country Park
27 min drive from Lakeside and 29 min drive from Sinah Warren, PO8 0QE
Bigger than the island of Gibraltar, the local council has invested over £2m in improving this pristine parkland over the last two years. The many walks and cycleways are slightly hilly but lovely in good weather, and the new visitors centre restaurant is ideal for a cuppa afterwards.
Runnymede Pleasure Grounds
2 min drive from The Runnymede on Thames, TW20
Runnymede Pleasure Grounds are just a short walk from the hotel along the Thames Path. Situated on the banks of the River Thames, the Pleasure Grounds are the perfect spot for a picnic. This lovely park also features a cafeteria and is a popular boat cruise pick up point. The Magna Carta memorials are just a short stroll from here.
Savill Garden
16 min drive from The Runnymede on Thames, TW20 0UJ
The Savill Garden offers 35 acres of gardens for visitors to explore, including Summer Wood, Spring Wood, The Summer Gardens, The Glades, The Azalea Walk and Autumn Wood. There are also some exotic gardens such as the New Zealand Garden and the Mediterranean Garden, giving visitors the opportunity to discover plants from around the world. Enjoy relaxing by the Obelisk and visit The Rose Garden to see the Queen Elizabeth rose, planted to mark late Queen Elizabeth becoming our longest reigning monarch.
Southsea Seafront
27 min drive from Lakeside and 30 min drive from Sinah Warren, PO5 3PB
Less than a mile from Portsmouth city centre, this mainly shingle beach is home to Southsea Pier, winner of ‘Pier of the Year’ 2018. Restored to its former glory, this iconic structure has been featured in an eclectic mix of media, from The Who’s ‘Tommy’ to Mr. Bean.
Staunton Country Park
17 min drive from Lakeside and 20 min drive from Sinah Warren, PO9 5HB
A listed landscaped parkland and forest that also includes an ornamental farm, ornamental lake, follies, maze, glasshouses and walled garden. The shell house is a particular highlight, built in 1828 and covered in shells from Hayling Island. The park also has 3 walking trails for various abilities.
Swinley Forest
33 min drive from The Runnymede on Thames, RG12 7QW
Swinley Forest is one of the UK’s top destination mountain bike trail centres. Hire a bike and explore the network of trails.
The RAF Memorial
8 min drive from The Runnymede on Thames, TW20 0LB
Walk through the woods on Coopers Hill and at the top of the hill visitors will reach the Commonwealth Air Forces Memorial. Dedicated to some 20,456 men and women who lost their lives in World War II and who have no known grave, this site is well worth a visit. Opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, the memorial features a shrine surrounded by a cloister, painted ceilings and a beautiful window engraved with the Airman’s Psalm. Climb the building’s tower and be rewarded with views of Windsor Castle, Runnymede and the surrounding counties.
The River Thames
Right beside The Runnymede on Thames, TW18
The most important and inspirational river in England is right on the doorstep of The Runnymede on Thames. Take a stroll along the river and enjoy everything that this momentous body of water has to offer.
Theatre Royal Windsor
14 min drive from The Runnymede on Thames, SL4 1PS
The Theatre Royal Windsor is situated just beside Windsor Castle and has a long history, dating back over 200 years. The theatre offers an extensive repertoire ranging from classic shows and pantomimes to new up and coming productions, making for a delightful evening of entertainment.
Two Rivers Shopping Centre
8 min drive from The Runnymede on Thames, TW18
The Two Rivers Shopping Centre in Staines offers a wide variety of retail shops, including fashion retailers, health and beauty, and sporting outlets. The centre also includes a cinema, cafes and a selection of restaurants.
Virginia Water Lake
9 min drive from The Runnymede on Thames, TW20 0HP
This beautiful lake, woodland pathways and cascading waterfalls have proven a popular destination for visitors wanting to enjoy the great outdoors. A stroll around the lake will lead to The Valley Gardens, a showcase of exotic flowers and trees, the Leptis Magna ruins and a 100-foot totem pole featuring mythical creatures, gifted to Her Majesty the Queen.
West Wittering Beach
38 min drive from Lakeside and Sinah Warren, PO20 8AJ
Situated at the entrance to Chichester Harbour, this large beach holds the Blue Flag award for cleanliness and safety and is ideal for a traditional day on the sand. In winter months the walks around the sand dunes of East Head are a welcome escape back to nature.
Windsor Castle
20 min drive from The Runnymede on Thames, SL4 1NJ
Windsor Castle is the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world and makes for the perfect day trip. Observe the Changing the Guard ceremony, tour the State Apartments and Semi-State rooms and admire St George’s Chapel, set in the grounds of the majestic Castle.
Windsor Great Park
19 min drive from The Runnymede on Thames, SL4 2HT
Set in over 4,800 acres of Surrey and Berkshire countryside, stretching from Windsor Castle to the north and Ascot to the south. With its varied landscape and sweeping lawns, woods, coverts and huge solitary ancient oaks, the park is full of wildlife including over 500 red deer which roam freely in the enclosed Deer Park.
Windsor Royal Shopping centre
15 min drive from The Runnymede on Thames, SL4 1RH
Wander around historic Windsor and stumble across the cobbled pavements of Windsor Royal Shopping centre, located within the beautiful old Victorian railway station. Offering a variety of restaurants, cafes, shops and a craft market, it’s a charming shopping destination.
Writ in Water
3 min drive from The Runnymede on Thames, TW20 0YU
Writ in Water is the latest addition to the Magna Carta memorials at the Runnymede meadows. Commissioned by the National Trust in association wtih the art producers Situations, the architectural artwork celebrates the ongoing significance of the Magna Carta in the modern day. The structure is free to visit and offers a place of tranquility and contemplation.
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