Egham

About:

Egham is a compact town with a history that far outweighs its size, closely tied to the River Thames and some of the most significant events in English political life. It sits at a meeting point between town, river and open meadow, giving it a character that feels both everyday and quietly historic.

Egham’s most famous association is with nearby Runnymede, where the Magna Carta was sealed in 1215. While the meadow itself lies just outside the town, its presence shapes Egham’s identity. A walk from the town centre towards Runnymede leads customers through flat riverside land and open grass, culminating in the Magna Carta Memorial, a restrained and thoughtful monument that reflects the importance of the event without grandeur.

The River Thames also plays a central role in Egham’s appeal. Riverside paths near the town offer long, level walks with wide views across the water, passing trees, moored boats and open floodplain. These routes feel calmer than busier stretches closer to London and provide a strong sense of space and continuity.

Egham High Street is practical and well-used, lined with cafés, pubs, supermarkets and independent shops serving students, commuters and long-term residents alike. The presence of Royal Holloway, University of London adds a distinctive layer to the town. A short walk or bus ride brings you to the university’s Founder’s Building, an imposing Victorian structure set within landscaped grounds that contrast sharply with the modest scale of the town itself.

Historically, Egham developed as a staging point on routes between London and the west, with inns and services supporting river and road traffic. This legacy of movement remains visible today in the town’s layout and transport links. While much of the historic fabric has been rebuilt over time, the town’s long connection to travel, law and learning remains clear.

Egham is best explored slowly. Its rewards come from walking between river, meadow and street, and from recognising how ordinary modern life continues alongside places that have shaped national history.