Sightseeing

If you have a few days spare either side of the conference, or if you are travelling with family, here are a few suggested places to visit.

Within walking distance, we suggest:

Runnymede water meadow. Famous for it’s association with the signing of the Magna Carta by King John in 1215. A flower meadow, with monuments including the John F. Kennedy Memorial, and (above the meadow, with great views) the Air Forces Memorial.

Windsor Great Park, stretching from Egham to Windsor. Many beautiful walks, including the lake at Virginia Water, the Savill Gardens and the the Long Walk to Windsor Castle.

Further afield we suggest:

London is the obvious day out. “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.” Trains take about 40 minutes from Egham station to London Waterloo. There are far too many attractions to list. Near Waterloo the South Bank Centre (a large arts complex), the London Eye and (further down the river) the Tate Modern art gallery are all worth a visit. Cross the river (by foot or public transport) and you will find Trafalgar Square, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey (best to go at evensong to avoid tourist prices), the National Gallery and the London theatre districts.

For gardeners, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, is a must-see. Take the train to Richmond (which is worth a visit in itself), and change there to the tube.

Brooklands Museum, Weybridge (a fair walk from Weybridge station, or drive) has a selection of vintage cars and planes, including the opportunity to tour the inside of Concorde.

For children, Legoland is close and is excellent (though not cheap: make sure you get a two-for-one voucher before you go, if you can). Taking a taxi or driving is the most realistic option to get there, though a bus shuttle from Windsor also operates. For older children, Thorpe Park is a good alternative.

Oxford is perfect for a one day trip. The train journey takes approximately 1 hour 20 minutes from Egham Station: take the train to Reading, then change to an Oxford train.

Finally, Guildford (take the train, change at Weybridge) is very pretty, with good shopping, and is set in a wonderful location at a gap in the North Downs. There is great walking in the area.