Welcome to Englefield Green Local Area Guide
Overview of the area
What was once a hamlet is now a thriving village in the borough of Runnymede. A land of historical importance, Englefield Green has a famous landmark to discover at every turn, including the legendary Magna Carta memorial.
With boat trips along the river Thames, Englefield Green allows you to explore your surroundings and busier towns further afield direct from your countryside doorstep.
The nearby Royal Holloway University adds a cultural richness and a generational diversity. Travel has never been quicker with a 20-minute drive to the M25 and Heathrow Airport just over 5 miles away.
There is no shortage of leisure activities for every age group, including prestigious golf courses, fitness clubs, pubs, and restaurants, not to mention family fun at Thorpe, a short drive away. From its endless greenery to its bustling St Jude’s Road, Englefield Green is a pleasant village that is a credit to Surrey.
History of Englefield Green
The village of Englefield Green grew from a hamlet in Egham in the 1800s, and for hundreds of years, Englefield Green was named Enfeld, Engfield, Ingfeld, Ingfield and Inglefield! Finally, the name settled on Englefield during the middle of the 18th century. Around that time, large villas had been built around what was then Ingfield Heath, which is the open space leading to Old Windsor.
The last duel in England took place on Priest Hill in 1852 between two French refugees, Emmanuel Barthélemy and Frederic Constant Cournet, who decided to use pistols as their weapon of choice. Barthélemy, who had murdered twice before, killed Cournet and was subsequently arrested and later publicly hanged.
In the 19th century, the Royal Indian Engineering College opened in 1871 on Cooper’s Hill, training those suitable for government service in India. Also, Queen Victoria opened the Royal Holloway College in 1886 as a place of higher education for women.
Before the railway, it was possible to travel by stagecoach from Englefield Green into London, travelling at 12 mph for 8 shillings. During The Great War, there was a recruitment of Canadian soldiers, and The Canadian Forestry Corps had their hospital at Beech Hill in Englefield Green.
Property Types in Englefield Green
Englefield Green's population is just over 10,600, and the most common age group of residents are between 30-44. For most homes sold in the area, the majority of which are semi-detached, the average sale price is £443,111. Homes come in Georgian, Edwardian, and Victorian styles. The highly esteemed streets in the area include Bishopsgate Road, Ridgemead Road, and Kingswood Rise which have some grandeur, more expensive homes.
There are quiet cul-de-sacs of 4 bedroomed houses in Ravenfield, with gardens, driveways, and conservatories. The Magna Carta Park also includes some 4 bedroomed family semi-detached properties with classically designed architecture and private landscaped gardens.
3 bedroomed Victorian cottages lie on Blays Lane, with homely wood-burning stoves and within walking distance of local facilities. Queenswood Crescent has 5 bedroomed luxury terraced townhouses and is situated next to Windsor Park.
For first time buyers, the 1- and 2-bedroom homes like those on South Croft and Sycamore Walk are modern and recently refurbished. The Retreat is a cul-de-sac of 3 bedroomed bungalows close to the village centre. There are also plenty of properties to rent for students within walking distance of the nearby Royal Holloway, situated on the Forest Estate.
Schools & Colleges in Englefield Green
Englefield Green has plenty of good standard nurseries and pre-schools for a great start to a child’s education and the outstanding St Cuthbert’s Catholic Primary School, as rated by Ofsted. One of the two leading independent schools includes the co-educational Bishopsgate School. There are no limits to further education with the prestigious Royal Holloway with 21 academic departments.
Nurseries & Pre-Schools
Englefield Green Infant Schools & Nurseries - Good
Englefield Green Montessori School - Good
Englefield Green Nursery and Preschool - Good
Shining Pandas Nursery - Good
Oaklands Littlebrook Nursery - Good
Primary Schools
St Cuthbert’s Catholic Primary School - Outstanding
St Jude’s Church of England Junior School - Good
Secondary Schools
St Peter’s Centre - Outstanding
Independent Schools
St John’s Beaumont School
Bishops Gate School
Local Universities & Colleges
Strode’s College
Windsor College
Royal Holloway
University of West London
Kingston University
Things to do in Englefield Green
Magna Carta
Runneymede is home to the historical landmark that signifies King John's signing of the Magna Carta in 1215. This document had significant influence over rights and freedoms and even influenced the United States constitution. Also requiring a visit at the Runnymede site is the nearby John F Kennedy memorial. An artwork named ‘The Jurors’ is 12 bronze chairs standing together around an invisible table to signify clause 39 of the Magna Carta that said no man can be imprisoned ‘except by the lawful judgment of his equals or by the law of the land.’ Visitors can walk around this open-air work of art and look carefully at the meaningful chairs where the national trust website has a detailed summary of each.
The Savill Garden
The Savill Gardens of Englefield Green have been around since the 1930s. These beautifully designed gardens will have something for nature lovers or those who want to enjoy a peaceful day out in stunning surroundings. These 35 acres of gardens include the seasonal Spring Wood, the Summer Gardens, Autumn Woods, and Winter Beds, to name a few. A must-visit is the award-winning Savill Building Visiting Centre, opened by the late Prince Phillip. The building's wooden grid-style architecture is built from sustainable timber from nearby Windsor Great Park.
Ascot Carriages Ride Service
Immerse yourself in the wonders of Windsor Great Park by travelling in a horse-drawn carriage through 18th-century lakes, woods, and gardens. As you explore, you will unlock some of Windsor Great Park’s hidden gems, including the cow pond and the mysterious Chapel Wood. Tours are either 30 or 60 minutes, and the carriage can seat 4 adults comfortably. The courteous horse’s Henry or Delwyn will be one of your riders for the day, and on special occasions, you are welcome to bring your drinks. The carriage driver will provide historical facts and answer any questions about the area while you sit back and unwind.
Windsor Castle
A 15-minute drive on the A308 will take you to Windsor Castle, the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world. Home to 39 Monarchs since William the Conquerer, British kings and queens have lived here since the 11th century. The current Queen spends her weekends at the castle, which is open to the public 5 days a week. A must-see and highlight of your visit to Windsor is the changing of the guard, accompanied by a military band. The guards march along the High Street and into Windsor Castle, and with a Windsor Castle ticket, you can see the ‘changing’ part of the ceremony, which happens in the Lower Ward of the castle.
French Brothers Boat Yard
On Windsor Road, come aboard the Lucy Fisher at Runnymede Boathouse and breeze along upstream in this replica of a Victorian steamboat. The boat heads downstream, passing famous memorials and its first stop is the Runnymede Pleasure Grounds. The boats stop to let people disembark and enjoy a family picnic with a café nearby in the pleasure grounds. The most popular route taken is from Runnymede to Windsor, with stunning views of the castle and a peek at the famous Eton College.
Top 3 Things to do for Children in Englefield Green
Thorpe Park
12 minutes via the A320, is Thorpe Park, one of the UK’s most visited thrill parks. The park is split into different islands like the Old Town, home to the Saw steel rollercoaster based on the Saw movie franchise and complete with a terrifying 30m drop. Swarm Island is the plaza area for rides like The Swarm, reaching speeds of up to 92km/h with twists and turns. For smaller children, there is the Storm in a Teacup and The Angry Birds 4D Experience that will have the kids jumping out of their seats with the special effects. Mr Monkey Banana Ride is a swinging ship thrill ride with hardly any queuing time, and the two-seater Rocky Express speeds up and down as it circles around the track.
Tally Ho Stables
A five-minute drive to Dell Park Farm is Tally Ho Stables, which offers horse riding through stunning scenery for riders of all capabilities. Thousands of people have taken their first horse riding experience here in this outstanding location. What was once an experience reserved for royalty is now accessible to everyone. Take in the views, ancient forestry, and manoeuvre around herds of deer to have the best day out. There are various routes to take you through the landscape and sessions supervised by certified riders.
Obelisk Lawn Play Area
The Windsor Great Park has 4,800 acres of endless countryside, lakes, gardens, forest trails and playgrounds for children. The Savill Garden is a hit with families for its colourful, bright flowers, and the Obelisk Lawn Play Area is brimming with activities for young children. Follow the path for Virginia Water, and you will soon come across Obelisk Lawn and hear children playing and families having picnics beneath the extravagant cedar trees. A new play area for older children is coming soon, but in the meantime, small children can play on the wood carved pirate ship and hop on the climbing frame.
Shopping & Leisure in Englefield Green
Shopping
St Jude’s Road has your everyday items at Smith’s supermarket and the SPAR store, and there is a Mini Market and Londis convenience store, too. For the larger supermarkets like Waitrose and Tesco’s superstore, Egham High Street is under two miles away, and there is an M&S simply food 5-minutes away in Old Windsor. There are many unique independent shops like Genevieve’s Gallery on Victoria Street, a pottery shop for personalised pottery, and the Tangerine and Green Florist on St Jude’s Road sells stunning bouquets. For larger retailer shops, a ten-minute drive to the Two Rivers has well-known shops and branded clothing.
Restaurants
St Jude’s Road is the place to go for Italian cuisine, with the Bellini Egham selling dine-in and takeaway pasta, pizza, and Mediterranean dishes, whilst the Caspari restaurant serves tasty Italian food and has a thriving atmosphere. Nearby is Picnic on The Green, a small bakery for fresh bread, coffee and a variety of pastries and sandwiches. Even more delicious Italian food is at your fingertips with The Village Pizza for speedy, friendly pizza delivery and the family-run Italian Concept Restaurant on Windsor Road with impeccable service and show-stopping pizza, pasta, and lasagne. On Cooper Hill, Langston’s is a contemporary new bar and restaurant with quintessential English food, a seasonal menu, and freshly sourced, local ingredients.
Pubs
Being so close to Royal Holloway, it’s no surprise that Englefield Green has an array of pubs from which to choose. For food and drink, The Bailiwick Free House on Wick Road is a cosy bar and dining pub in a former Victorian shop, and The Packhorse on Egham Hill also serves some great food and fab cocktails. The Barley Mow has a casual, modern feel, and The Beehive has a beer garden and pub menu of daily specials. The Armstrong Gun on Victoria Street is an LGBT friendly pub with fun nights and drinks and snacks on supply. The Fox & Hounds is more a family-friendly restaurant and bar with outdoor seats and supplies local ales.
Cinema & Theatre
For all your cinema-going needs, The Vue cinema in Staines is a 13-minute drive away, where you can book tickets and choose either 2D or 3D films on the big screen. All films have premium Dolby Digital surround sound and have spacious, comfortable seating. A boutique cinema is currently being built next door in Egham. Just over a mile away is the Caryl Churchill Performing Arts Theatre. The theatre includes performances such as ‘My Arm,’ and was shortlisted for a RIBA award in 2014.
Gym & Health
Close by on Egham High Street lies The Fitness Pod, a unique fitness studio with a range of morning and evening classes from which to choose. Each fitness experience is around 45 minutes, and the focus is on wellbeing and reducing stress with the support of the class members. The Yogaroot yoga lessons in the area were established in 2010 and provide one-on-one yoga therapy and group classes with relaxation and mindfulness. There is a core personal training studio in nearby Egham, and GemsTone is a chance to take pole and hoop classes. The Coopers Hill Training Club is a small personal training gym, and Egham Orbit is a sports centre with a multi-purpose hall, spin studio, gym, pitches, and soft play for toddlers.
Golf Clubs
In Virginia Water, Wentworth Golf & Country Club presents three world-class 18-hole golf courses, and each course is exceptionally well maintained. The courses are rich in history, one of which was designed by the famous Harry Colt, and each promises a game of challenge and prestige in the perfect setting of natural beauty. The Sunningdale golf club is a 13-minute drive up to Ascot and split into two courses. The Old Course is one of the best inland courses in the country, woven amongst waves of heather and pine, built over a century ago, and both courses have hosted major events.
Other Entertainment
Wentworth Club of Virginia Water has a 25m indoor pool, an original 1920s outdoor pool, and a small pool for children, as well as tennis courts. The Englefield Green Youth Club is available all year for after school and the summer holidays, where children can partake in artistic pursuits like painting on canvas, graffiti art and t-shirt design, to name a few. There are also sports like archery, football, basketball, badminton, tennis, and table tennis. The Englefield Green Cricket Club plays a big part in the community life for members and visitors, and cricket has played on the field for more than two centuries. Potential players, social members, scorers, and umpires are welcome to get involved.
Travel Connections
Englefield Green has all modes of transport within its locality. Bus routes make trips to local towns and larger towns easy and make getting to the train station and airport simple. The nearest airport is Heathrow which is only an 11-minute drive. The nearby Egham train station has fast, frequent transport into London, and Englefield Green is close to major A roads in minutes.
Train
The nearest train station is a 6-minute drive, or a few stops on the bus to Egham Railway Station. There are frequent trains to bigger towns like Weybridge and Reading in Berkshire. The Reading train takes under 45 minutes, stopping at Ascot and Wokingham on its way. The London Waterloo trains constantly run throughout the day and take under an hour.
Road
It takes around 20-minutes to access the M25 into London, 6-minutes to the A30 and the A308 that goes up to Windsor and Slough. Getting onto the M3 en route to Southampton takes 20 minutes.
Air
Heathrow Airport is an 11-minute drive via the A30 or a 45-minute bus ride. A 1h 23-minute drive via the M25 to London City Airport, and for more localised flights, Fairoaks Airport is a speedy 18 minutes away.
Bus
The RH3 at the St Jude’s Close and Chestnut Drive bus stops will take you to Egham Railway Station. At the Royal Holloway bus stop, you can catch the frequent number 8 bus. The number 8 passes Egham, Staines and up to Heathrow Airport, and back up to Windsor and Slough.
5 fun facts about Englefield Green
- Marilyn Monroe spent 4 months of her honeymoon in Parkside House, Englefield Green.
- The Magna Carta was signed here by King John in 1215.
- The Air Forces Memorial in Englefield Green honours the 20,456 men and women that lost their lives in the air and other operations during World War II.
- The Writ in Water artwork won the RIBA national award for buildings that have made a significant contribution to architecture in the UK.
- The Savill Garden has a rose garden which was opened by the Queen in 2010.
You can download our Area Guide here.