Great Fosters

About

Probably built as a Royal Hunting lodge and gracing an estate of more than fifty acres in what was once the heart of Royal Windsor Forest in Surrey, Great Fosters is an endlessly charming Tudor estate steeped in royal history, located just 7 miles from the centre of Windsor. Set in 50 acres of stunning gardens and parkland, which include a listed topiary garden, Saxon moat with Japanese bridge the instantly recognisable red-brick facade and chimney tops are a sight to behold as you drive up to the front door.

Immaculately preserved, this stately historic monument also boasts a highly sought-after location, being near Heathrow airport, the M25 and M4, and also near Windsor, Wentworth and many of London’s leading attractions. Great Fosters’ many reception rooms are richly adorned with oak beams and panelling, Jacobean chimneypieces, fine furnishings and exceptional works of art. Reflecting centuries of history, art and architecture, the rooms are nevertheless immaculately maintained and offer every modern comfort in the most charming of settings. All the bedrooms and suites at Great Fosters are individually decorated, some with four-poster beds, Persian rugs, gilt furnishings and damask walls, many with tapestries, antiques and artefacts dating back hundreds of years. Guests are accommodated in three separate buildings. The Main House, which dates from 1550, offers a choice of historic suites and bedrooms. The Coach House and The Cloisters, which are reached across a courtyard, offer more contemporary rooms and suites. There are five new bedrooms in The Coach House, including another pair of interconnecting rooms and some new very cute teepees for our younger guests too.

The Dower House (opened September 2021) includes seven generous rooms and suites, all rich in original details bearing the patina of time, juxtaposed with signature fabrics and furnishings. Rooms are spread over two floors and enjoy views over the ornamental gardens or magnolia lawn. Designed for indulgent weekends, get-togethers with friends and family, and perfect too for longer stays, the Dower House is once again a grand yet understated residence, for those in the know.

Great Fosters is justifiably proud of its food and specialises in modern English and European cuisine using the finest ingredients. The Tudor Pass is an intimate gastronomic restaurant open Wednesday to Saturday. The reimagining of an icon, The Tudor Pass is a new chapter in the storied history of this special restaurant, named so to celebrate the unique interactive service style diners can expect – without the noise of an open kitchen - and it is led by new Executive Head Chef, Alex Payne. The Estate Grill is a contemporary restaurant offering a Modern British grill style menu. Along the eastern side of the hotel you will find stunning terraces, intimate gardens and nooks & crannies, which come alive in the summer months and offer some perfect spots for some delicious dining al fresco.

Great Fosters has an unrivalled reputation for afternoon tea, which is served in the Anne Boleyn Drawing Room Garden Room and Cocktail Bar and in warm weather on the lawn by the saxon moat.

Guests have full use of the hotel’s leisure facilities, including a heated outdoor swimming pool (open from May to September), a hard tennis court and a croquet lawn.

The extensive gardens alone inspire visitors from all corners of the world and have been listed as ‘of outstanding merit’. The gardens at the hotel are exceptional and include formal parterres, framed on three sides by a saxon moat. They were originally designed by W H Romaine Walker and Gilbert Jenkins and are among the finest Arts and Crafts gardens in Europe.

Designed to reflect the intricate beauty of a Persian rug, the knot garden is embellished with fragrant beds of flowers and herbs bordered by manicured hedges and topiary. At the heart of it all is the Drake sundial, which belongs to the immediate family of Sir Francis Drake and is believed to date back to 1585.

Wander further in this magnificent fifty-acre estate and you will discover a vast lake, a grand lawn leading to an avenue of lime trees and grassed amphitheatre and an enchanting Wisteria-draped Japanese bridge linking to a sunken rose garden and tranquil lily pond.

The hotel also has an apiary which provides honey for the restaurants.

Needless to say, Great Fosters has become a celebrated pilgrimage for horticultural enthusiasts from across the world.

Rated and awarded by the AA’s professional inspectors Great Fosters is currently the only five star hotel in Surrey accredited by the AA and one of only 30 five star hotels in England outside London.

This hotel is part of the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead Concierge Service.

Availability Search

Booking Details:

Arrival Date:: Tues , 3rd Oct 2023
Departure Date:: Wed , 4th Oct 2023
No. of Nights:: 1

Guide Prices

Number of Rooms / Units: 50

Room / Unit Type	Room / Unit Tariff*
1 Cosy Double Room	from £225.00 to £275.00 per room per night (breakfast included)
2 Comfy King Room	from £245.00 to £300.00 per room per night (breakfast included)
3 Luxury King Room	from £325.00 to £450.00 per room per night (breakfast included)
4 Spacious Super King Suites	from £450.00 to £595.00 per room per night (breakfast included)
5 Splendid Historic Suites	from £495.00 to £650.00 per room per night (breakfast included)
6 Named Historic Suites	from £850.00 to £1,200.00 per room per night (breakfast included)

*As a guide, prices are per room per night for hotels, guest houses, B&Bs and serviced apartments and per week for self-catering accommodation.

Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.

Facilities

Accessibility

Accessible Bedrooms - Bedrooms with en suite bathroom suitable for guests who use a wheelchair available
Disabled Parking

Catering

Banqueting
Bar
Bar meals
Cater for vegetarians
Meals served all day
Restaurant
Room Service
Serve breakfast
Serve evening meal
Serve lunch
Special diets catered for

Children & Infants

Accept children (Minimum age)
Cot
Facilities for children
Family Friendly, Children Welcome
Food/bottle warming available
Highchair

Establishment Features

24 hr return laundry service
Accept coach parties
Available for wedding receptions
Business facilities (eg. Fax/ modem)
Central heating throughout
Children aged 12yrs+ welcome
Children aged 5+yrs welcome
Conference facilities
Currency exchange service
Event venue
Garden/patio for guests' use
Hot Tub
Interconnecting Rooms
Ironing facilities
Licensed for civil marriages
Licensed for weddings & ceremonies
Night porter
Open Christmas
Open Fire
Open New Year
Pets welcome - Dogs are welcome to stay in our spacious super king bedded suites or luxury king rooms in The Cloisters and Dower House. Four legged friends are greeted with their own luxurious dog bed, food & drink bowls and a little welcome gift to ensure they too experience the full Great Fosters hospitality. The hotel provides a special dog menu, which even includes two specially adapted dishes from the menu in The Estate Grill and drinks from Woof & Brew, perhaps a ‘pawsecco’ or a bottle of ‘bottom sniffer beer’? Dogs can relax with their owners in the Cocktail Bar overlooking the terrace.
Pre-school children welcome (0-4yrs)
Real log/coal fires
Separate guests' lounge
Staff fluent in foreign languages ** (List of languages are separately given)
Wireless Internet Access - Complimentary throughout the hotel.

Leisure Facilities

Attraction package(s) available
Bar
Cycle Hire
Golf Course close by
Health/Fitness/ Beauty Facilities
Other sporting facilities
Outdoor pool
Swimming Pool
Tennis court

Parking & Transport

Car parking
Coach parking
Electric Vehicle Charging Point
Free parking
On site parking
Railway station within 5 miles
Railway station within walking distance

Payment Methods

American Express accepted
Delta accepted
Maestro Accepted
MasterCard accepted
Solo accepted
Special group rates - On application.
Sterling Travellers Cheques accepted
Visa accepted

Provider Preferences

Country house
Of historic, literary or architectural interest

Room / Unit Features

Air conditioning some rooms
All rooms non-smoking
Baths some rooms
Broadband
Colour television in all bedrooms
Four poster beds available
Ground floor bedrooms available
Ground Floor Room(s)
Hairdryer in all bedrooms
Internet access all rooms
Ironing facilities in most rooms
King sized bed some rooms
Mini bar some rooms
Modem point in all bedrooms - Some rooms, but complimentary Wi Fi in all rooms
Non smoking rooms available
Queen sized beds some rooms
Radio in all bedrooms
Safe all rooms
Showers all rooms
Tea & coffee making facilities in all bedrooms
Telephone in all bedrooms
Trouser press some rooms

Specialist Features

Aim to attract conferences and business meetings
Short breaks available

Travel & Trade

Commission/net rates apply
Wi-fi available

Special Offers

The Gift of Great Fosters

At Great Fosters, you can purchase anything from a monetary voucher - allowing the recipient to choose their own gift or experience - to a food and drink experience or an overnight stay. Experiences include a Horticulture Heritage Tour with Lunch and a Meet the Bees Lunch where you'll tour the hives with Great Fosters' very own beekeeper!

Find out more.
Vouchers for Gifts and Experiences - redeem this special offer immediately
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Picnics at Great Fosters

Make the most of the Summer and the 50 acres of glorious grounds at Great Fosters with a scrumptious picnic in one of their gorgeous picnic spots scattered through the estate.

The View is a special spot available to specifically reserve, with commanding views (ergo the name!) of the Estate. Reached through the Secret Gardens, The View is an ideal spot for a special occasion, or just because. The picnic menu at The View is priced at £99 per couple, and includes your choice of a bottle of House Champagne or Whispering Angel rosé, in addition to the sumptuous picnic spread. Your picnic will come beautifully wrapped in a traditional hamper with blanket to match so all we need to arrange is the sunshine!

Find out more here.
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The Great Fosters Weekender – Online Exclusive

Stay for free on Sunday nights!

Three night weekends with Sunday absolutely free - stay from £790 per room, for three nights in a Luxury King Room

This promotion is ONLY available to book online.

At Great Fosters, there's more than enough to fill your weekend - with two restaurants, our heated pool*, fabulous listed gardens, afternoon teas, treatments and more - without mentioning Windsor - there's scant chance to enjoy everything at Great Fosters in just 48 hours. So why not do 72?

Throughout the year, subject to rate availability, when you stay on Friday & Saturday night, we'll include Sunday night for free. Quite the invitation we think, to enjoy the splendour of Fosters in full - so let's see what you can get up to, with your 72 hours of regal relaxation...

*Heated pool & hot tub open from May - September, weather dependant

Find out more here.
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Day in the Country

No need to get on a plane this Summer - hop on a train (or car) for A Day in the Country instead... it's much nearer than you might think.

Our gorgeous Tudor estate near Egham steeped in royal history & only 30 minutes by train from Clapham or 40 minutes from Reading is the perfect escape from the city this Summer. Pack your bag (hand luggage only required), hop on a SWR train and join us for a relaxing day on our estate.

When the sun is shining there's surely no better place to be than our glorious estate - outdoor (heated) pool, tennis court, terraces, gardens and more are all waiting for you just a hop, skip & a jump away.

Find out more here.
Pamper Breaks - redeem this special offer immediately
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Pool Days at Great Fosters

Discover a much-loved selection of pool days at Great Fosters, including Pool & Picnic and Pool & Pamper!

Built in the 1920s, the pool resonates art deco glamour, complete with charming original stalls for changing, bathrooms and outdoor showers. Refurbished in 2021, guests can expect an even more indulgent experience with our signature AHC flourishes, Temple Spa amenities and more. In the event of poor weather your Pool Day can be rescheduled providing that you give us at least 7 days notice. We carefully restrict the number of pool days sold each day to ensure that Utopia Retreat doesn't become too crowded. Flexi cover can be purchased, which will allow you to reschedule your pool day providing you give at least 24 hours notice. At the weekend, Pool Day bookings are only available with treatments.

Find out more here.
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The Christmas Holidays at Great Fosters - parties, feasts and stays near Windsor

Where we ask you could be lovelier, or more charming, or even more perfect for the best Christmas holiday than Great Fosters? The original destination for laughter & good humour, (which we say with some authority as a 16th Century mansion) you can be assured of the most marvellous holiday with your loved ones.

Our Christmas Holiday package from the 24th to the 27th of December is positively packed with all the essential ingredients (and a few more exotic ones too!) for a sensational seasonal stay. And let us not forget the balls, the parties and the splendour of December. From the cosiness of the exquisite Anne Boleyn drawing room, to the magnificence of the ancient Tithe Barn, there are umpteen historic, charming and luxurious spaces to choose from for your festive celebrations, and gatherings of friends and family.

Our Christmas Package
Great Fosters is aglow during the holidays, dressed top to toe in seasonal splendour with every detail thought of. Our Christmas Package is the crowning glory of the season, with guests arriving for two or three nights from Sunday, 24th December, ready for a most luxurious Christmas. Great Fosters will become your home for Christmas - what could be more indulgent and special? Fear not however if you cannot join us for the full break - 1-night bed & breakfast stays are available too.

Our New Year's Eve Package
If Great Fosters is glowing at Christmas it's positively sparkling for New Year's Eve. Our incredible Tithe Barn plays host to the most glamorous occasion of the festive season, which you can enjoy as a resident with our one or two-night package or as an evening guest.

Find out more here.
Christmas 2023 and New Year offers - redeem this special offer immediately
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The Party Season at Great Fosters - Christmas parties, feasts and stays near Windsor

From the cosiness of the vaulted Mowbray and adjacent Mandeville Suites, to the magnificence of the ancient Tithe Barn, there are umpteen historic, charming and luxurious spaces to choose from for your festive celebrations at Great Fosters.

Festive Private Dining
The Great Fosters Estate stretches for acre after acre, with cosy nooks, grand halls and elegant drawing rooms, one after another after another.

Picking the perfect place to host your festive gathering is essential, and whether your gathering is for 4 or 180 we have a suitably historic and luxurious spot reserved especially for you.

Find out more here.

Festive Feasting at Lunchtime
Our Festive Feasting at Lunchtime is available for groups of 15 - 180 - from gatherings of friends to the office outing.
Available in all of our private dining spaces, our Festive Feasting Lunch menu is superb value at £95 per person, including hire of a private room from 12 noon until 5pm, a glass of Prosecco or cranberry fizz on arrival, a three course lunch, coffee & mince pies and half a bottle of wine & water per person.

Find out more here.

Festive Parties
Parties at Great Fosters are special. Our party package includes hire of the Tithe Barn, glass of Prosecco or cranberry fizz on arrival, a three course set menu chosen from our Festive Feasting Menu, coffee & mince pies, half a bottle of house wine, crackers and dancing to our House DJ until midnight.

The Orangery & Conservatory - up to 80 guests
The Tithe Barn & Painted Hall - up to 150 guests or up to 180 guests when combined with the Orangery for the DJ

£120 per person

Minimum number of guests:
Monday - Wednesday ~ 50 guests
Thursday - Saturday ~ 75 guests

Find out more here.

Festive Afternoon Tea
Running from 1st - 23rd December, our Festive Afternoon Teas will be making their annual appearance. Featuring such seasonal treats that are pretty as a picture our festive afternoon tea is always incredibly popular and advance booking is highly recommended.

Find out more here.

Sleepover
Guests enjoying our Festive Menu can benefit from a 30% discount from our B&B rates. Just asking your event co-ordinator for your code.

Find out more here.
Christmas 2023 and New Year offers - redeem this special offer immediately
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30% off Autumn Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Stays at Great Fosters

Join us on the Estate this Autumn for a warming escape. The estate looks beautiful in the Autumn months and with 30% off Dinner, Bed and Breakfast stays prices start from just £304.50 (was £435) in a Luxury King Room or higher.

Find out more here.
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TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

2089 reviews

Service
Value
Cleanliness
Location

Excellent
1300
Very Good
349
Average
189
Poor
143
Terrible
109

Recent Reviews:

louisa s
Amazing
Sunday, 24th September 2023
The team are exceptional The rooms are clean and so comfortable The grounds are so beautiful and smell divine. The food is delicious. We also had a massage and spent the day at the swimming pool... Read full review
Daydream52376014239
Charlotte, North Carolina
Trip Type:
Friends getaway
Very nice country house/ hotel
Wednesday, 27th September 2023
The country estate was a wonderful hotel. We had a great dinner and staff was very attentive. The rooms are very nice. I would not describe as posh as the Stafford in London but very nice. The desk... Read full review
LMG872
Trip Type:
Family
Very disappointing and overpriced
Saturday, 30th September 2023
Having visited GF many times over recent years for afternoon tea, today left me completely underwhelmed. The scones were lovely, however the sandwiches and cakes were awful; bizarre combinations... Read full review

Write a review

Map & Directions

Map Link

View Map

Road Directions

Travelling south (anti-clockwise) on the M25: Exit the M25 at junction 13. Go straight over the roundabout, as if re-joining the M25. Keep in the left hand lane, signposted A30 Egham. Travelling north (clockwise) on the M25: Exit the M25 at junction 13. Turn right at the roundabout, as if re-joining the M25 to go south. Keep in the left hand lane, signposted A30 Egham and continue towards Egham town centre. At the end of the slip road under the motorway bridge, turn first left at the large roundabout into The Avenue. Turn left at the mini roundabout (police station on the left) into Vicarage Road. Continue over the railway lines to the roundabout at the end. Turn right at the roundabout into New Wickham Lane and continue over the M25 motorway. Turn left at the next roundabout into Stroude Road and Great Fosters is approx 500 yards on the left handside. Directions from the A30: From Bagshot to Staines on the A30, turn right at the traffic lights by the Wheatsheaf Pub and Laithwaites into Christchurch Road. Continue over the roundabout and past 2 parades of shops on the right. Turn left at the traffic lights into Stroude Road. Great Fosters is approximately three quarters of a mile on the right hand side.

Public Transport Directions

The hotel is a 15 minute walk from Egham train station, although we advise you take a taxi. Please call Reception in advance and we will be happy to arrange this for you. Egham train station is a 40 minute direct train journey from London Waterloo. From London Heathrow From Terminals 1, 2 and 3 follow the signs onto the M4 at Junction 4b and travel west. Join the M25 at Junction 15 and travel around the M25 anti-clockwise to junction 13. From T4 follow the signs from the M25 (Gatwick). Join the M25 and follow the M25 south (anti clockwise and exit at Junction 13. From T5 join the M25 at Junction 14 and follow the M25 south (anti clockwise and exit at Junction 13. Alternatively please call Reception in advance and we will be happy to arrange a taxi to meet you in the terminal.

Gradings

5 AA Stars

Awards

AA Awards - 2 AA Rosettes 2019
AA Awards - 3 AA Rosettes 2017
Group Establishments - Part of the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead Concierge Service 2022