Great Fosters is a utopic Tudor estate rich with royal history, located just outside Windsor. The retreat is set in 50 acres of iconic gardens and grounds adorned with a fountain, a Saxon moat, a Japanese bridge and a sundial gifted to the Estate by Sir Francis Drake. Great Fosters’ red-brick façade and chimney tops make the property an instantly recognisable sight.
Location
Located in the heart of Surrey, Great Fosters resides in the historic town of Egham, where the Magna Carta was sealed in 1215. The town is also a university community, home to the Royal Holloway campus. With less than an hour’s commute to London, guests have the convenience of city life while being immersed in the nature of England.
History
The hotel is home to many unique historical artefacts, including an original royal crest of Queen Elizabeth I that can be found above the main porch, dating back to 1598. In its vintage history, the hotel housed many famous guests, including Orson Welles and Charlie Chaplin.
In 1930, Sir Harold Sutcliffe bought the property, and after restoration and refurbishment, Great Fosters became a hotel. The newly established hotel quickly gained a reputation as a premier destination. This reputation was secured when Queen Mary visited in 1931. Subsequently, the Ascot Ball was held at the hotel later that year. After almost 90 years of ownership under the Sutcliffe family, Alexander Hotels purchased the property in 2018.
Rooms
Inside the Estate, 65 individually designed bedrooms and suites await, including the famed historic named suites. The original house, dating back to the 16th century, features bedrooms ranging from cosy doubles to luxury kings. The historic suites are adorned with 17th-century Flemish tapestries and wood-carved furnishings to make guests feel like the Tudor royalty who once resided at Great Fosters.
Michelin Starred Dining
The Michelin-starred Tudor Pass, led by Executive Head Chef Alex Payne, reimagines the legacy of their famed Tudor Room restaurant. Alex’s signature surprise tasting menu is inspired by classic flavours and seasonal ingredients harmonised with modern techniques. Guests can indulge in a four or seven-course set lunch menu and a lavish seven-course meal for dinner. Alex and the team offer a surprise tasting menu which adds to the fun.
The 2-AA rosette Estate Grill is known to provide an elevated casual dining experience. With an honest and straightforward menu using the freshest ingredients, the Estate Grill focuses on modern British and European cuisine.
The spring and summer months bring warmth to Great Fosters, as their stunning terraces and patios come alive with al fresco dining for breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon tea, and picnicking. Traditional afternoon tea is served in the Anne Boleyn drawing room, Garden Room, Cocktail Bar, and outdoor terraces.. There is also a popular doggy afternoon tea where guests can treat their four-legged friends too.
Great Fosters is known for its traditional Sunday lunches, served in the heart of the Tudor Estate. Indulge in the ultimate British tradition, where regal flavours and décor ignite all senses. Great Fosters complements seasonal classics like chicken, lamb, and beef roasts with chips, crumbles, and cheeses.
Utopia Retreat
Utopia Retreat is the appropriately named spa venue at Great Fosters. Offered year-round, Great Fosters treatment rooms are spread across the estate. Spa treatments will transport you to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean, using the essential-oil packed products from Temple Spa. Offerings include facials, massages, nail, and hair treatments. They also have a unique medieval teepee treatment – a massage teepee placed in a secluded part of the Retreat, with garden and moat views.
At the heart of Utopia Retreat is their art-deco heated outdoor pool and hot tub. This outdoor pool is one of the most stunning pools in England. This large outdoor pool is heated to a sultry 38c and is like stepping into a gorgeous hot bath. The pool opens for the 2023 season from April until early October every year.
In a nutshell
Great Fosters is ideal for a relaxing escape into the past, with all of the luxurious offerings of the present. Only here can guests experience Michelin-starred cuisine, a huge heated outdoor pool AND one-of-a-kind among royal gardens steeped in historic Tudor culture.
To discover more, visit: alexanderhotels.co.uk
View this post on Instagram
All imagery courtesy of Great Fosters.