Great Fosters is a Grade One-listed building set in 50 acres of formal gardens and parkland near Windsor, Berkshire. This award-winning dog-and-child-friendly hotel holds a Michelin star for Tony Parkin at The Tudor Room. Well-behaved pooches are welcome in the rooms and suites in The Cloisters, which open directly onto the gardens.
What do you think makes a stay at Great Fosters unique?
Probably built as a Royal Hunting lodge and gracing an estate of more than fifty Great Fosters is a Grade One listed building blessed with the grandeur of 16th century England and luxurious modern facilities. Immaculately preserved, this stately historic monument also boasts a highly sought-after location, near to Heathrow and Windsor. Many original features remain including Jacobean fireplaces, antique tapestries and mullioned windows and the breathtaking grounds feature a circular sunken rose garden, wisteria-clad bridge over a Saxon moat, a lake and outdoor heated swimming pool. The hotel is well known for its discreet yet welcoming and friendly service. An outdoor heated swimming pool with listed bathing huts is also available for guests to use from May-September.
Tell us more about the rooms and facilities at Great Fosters?
Each of the 43 suites and bedrooms at Great Fosters is uniquely decorated, including four-poster beds, Persian rugs, gilt furnishings and damask walls, antiques and artefacts dating back hundreds of years. There are three buildings dedicated to the ultimate accommodation for guests, The Main House, which dates from 1550, delivers a selection of historic suites and bedrooms, The Cloisters, which is positioned across a pretty courtyard, offers more contemporary suites and double rooms, and finally The Coach House which displays 11 contemporary junior suites and double rooms. All bedrooms throughout the hotel feature beds made with silk filled duvets and have complimentary WiFi.
Great Fosters has two restaurants. The informal Estate Grill offers a relaxed atmosphere whilst Tony Parkin at The Tudor Room holds a Michelin star and offers an exceptional and intimate dining experience for just 14 diners at a time.
The gardens at Great Fosters are truly stunning and include a variety of landscapes - woodland, lawns, a lake, sunken rose garden, a Saxon moat with Japanese bridge and of course the most beautiful parterres directly behind the main building. What could be better than lunch on the terrace ovrelooking this stunning vista?
Afternoon Tea at Great Fosters is an occasion not to be missed so be sure to reserve your table in advance of your stay.
Can you suggest any activities or things to do while staying in the Egham area?
Great Fosters is near Windsor, and this beautiful town has everything it offers. Take a tour of Windsor Castle and see the Queen's favourite residence where the Duke and Duchess of Sussex (Prince Harry and Meghan Markle) were married). Or visit the flagship garden, RHS Wisley, a short drive away. The hotel is minutes from Virginia Water, part of the Royal Landscape or visit Runnymede to see where the historic Magna Carta was signed. Children are well catered for; Legoland and Thorpe Park are both nearby.
Where can guests enjoy food and drink?
Great Fosters is the proud owner of two restaurants, both producing divine food. The Michelin-starred Tudor Room delivers an exquisite fine dining experience in an intimate setting of only 20 diners. It opens for lunch on a Thursday & Friday and dinner from Wednesday to Saturday. The Estate Grill offers a larger contemporary restaurant that serves more straightforward yet delicious dishes, many of which are cooked on a Jopser grill. It is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week. Ingredients for both restaurants are grown on the estate in a large glasshouse and kitchen garden. And what's more, the hotel rears pigs and has an apiary, producing the most delicious honey...