A Regal Stay at One of The UK's Most Historic Hotels

It’s well known that the UK is home to countless luxury getaways and charming hidden gems, but if you’re looking for a stay that blends timeless elegance with genuine family-friendly warmth, look no further than the enchanting and historic Great Fosters Hotel in Egham. From the moment we arrived, it completely stole our hearts, and here’s why we’re already planning our return.

The location

Tucked away in the heart of Surrey, just outside London, Great Fosters is steeped in rich history and surrounded by truly breathtaking grounds. The house itself dates back to the 16th century and has strong historical ties to the British Monarchy. It is said to have hosted several members of the Royal family over the years, and most notoriously, it was once used by none other than Henry VIII as a royal hunting lodge and later by his daughter, Elizabeth I.

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It felt like we’d stepped into a period drama—but with space for the kids to run wild and the dog to run free.

What sets it apart

Great Fosters is set within 50 acres of awe-inspiring grounds, from its listed parterres and Saxon moat to an elegant Japanese bridge and a sundial reportedly gifted by Sir Francis Drake. Every detail whispers of a storied past and timeless beauty.

In the 20th century, Great Fosters was converted into a hotel, providing a luxurious getaway for guests. Despite its grand heritage, the atmosphere is refreshingly relaxed. There’s no stuffiness here, just the kind of place where friendly staff and guests, excitable kids, and wagging tails are all part of the welcome. It’s this blend of grandeur and groundedness that makes it feel so unique.

During World War II Great Fosters served as a base for the Royal Air Force, which added to its historical significance

The red-brick façade and iconic chimney tops create an instantly recognisable silhouette, while inside, a delightful selection of 56 individually styled rooms and suites awaits, including the much-coveted Historic Named Suites, each brimming with character and old-world allure. In warmer months, the hotel comes alive with outdoor dining along its sun-kissed terraces and patios.

The rooms

We stayed in an interconnecting large family room in the newer part of the Hotel, and it truly felt like a home away from home. With ample space for the seven of us, the thoughtful touches made all the difference. The children were overjoyed to discover miniature tents in the bedroom – a whimsical, memory-making surprise that instantly made bedtime a little more achievable.

The kids talked about the bedroom tents for days such a simple idea, but it worked so well.

The suite itself was warm, inviting and beautifully styled, with views overlooking the manicured gardens and peaceful grounds. Pocket (Our dachshund) received the five-star treatment too, with his own bed and a welcome selection of treats.

The grounds & facilities

The hotel is set within beautiful gardens and grounds, which were designed in the 17th century and have been beautifully maintained to this day. Think immaculate lawns, secret gardens, ancient trees and romantic walkways. There’s even a charming maze that quickly became a favourite with the children, who dashed in and out while we enjoyed a leisurely stroll, coffees in hand.

And then there’s the pool. Oh, the pool. Set outdoors but blissfully heated, it was the warmest pool we’ve ever swum in, honestly more like a hot tub. It quickly became the heart of our weekend, with everyone from the baby to the grandparents enjoying a dip. On hot city days, escape the heat with A Day by the Pool — a limited number of non-resident spots are available for those craving a cool, countryside dip. It’s the perfect mini getaway for Londoners in need of a refreshing reset.

One of the most special moments of our stay came when my parents, who live nearby, joined us for afternoon tea. We enjoyed finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and patisserie perfection. They didn’t want to leave. In fact, I’m fairly certain my mum was checking availability for a room before tea was over – they will be back and so will we. It was one of those magical, unhurried family afternoons that you wish you could bottle up and revisit again and again.

The pool was heaven it was hard to get the kids out, and I didn’t want to leave either!

Food & drink

The food at Great Fosters was an absolute highlight. We dined at the Estate Grill both nights, and each meal was a masterclass in flavour and finesse. I highly recommend the sirloin steak which was flawlessly cooked – succulent, rich, and bursting with depth, while the pork belly was a true showstopper: crispy, golden, and fall-apart tender.

Somehow, despite the indulgence, we always left the table feeling perfectly content, not heavy, just wonderfully satisfied.

The afternoon tea, of course, was pitch-perfect. Elegant but completely unpretentious, it struck that rare balance of refined and relaxed.

For something truly elevated, the hotel also boasts a Michelin-starred dining experience at The Tudor Pass, where locally sourced produce and creative flair take centre stage.