Great Fosters Hotel

Great Fosters sits on land that has carried stories for well over a thousand years. The site was once part of the medieval manor of Imworth, with records suggesting settlement as early as the Saxon period. The moat that still frames the house today dates back to around 500 AD and likely protected the original manor buildings long before the present house took shape. By the early 1500s, the estate became known as Fosters, a name that appears in court records from 1521.

The core of the house was built in the mid 16th century, and during the Tudor period, Great Fosters developed strong royal associations. Henry VIII is believed to have used the house as a hunting lodge, and his daughter Elizabeth later stayed here as well. A royal crest of Queen Elizabeth I, dated 1598 and still visible above the main porch, confirms the property’s importance during her reign.

Over the following centuries, Great Fosters passed through many notable owners, including judges, courtiers, and aristocrats. The house saw periods of careful improvement as well as long stretches of neglect. In the early 19th century, it even served as a private asylum under progressive medical supervision, a surprising chapter in its long life.

A turning point came in 1930 when Sir Harold Sutcliffe purchased the estate and restored it as a country house hotel. The property quickly gained recognition, hosting high-profile guests and events, including a visit by Queen Mary in 1931. After nearly 90 years under the Sutcliffe family, Great Fosters entered a new chapter in 2018 when it was acquired by Alexander Hotels, securing its future as one of Surrey’s most historically layered properties

Great Fosters is a Grade I listed building and a strong example of Tudor domestic architecture, built mainly in red brick with stone detailing and clay tile roofs. Square-topped brick towers rise to the level of the gables and contain staircases, giving the house its solid three-storey shape. The central part of the building dates back to around 1550, with major additions made in the early 17th century that still define much of the layout today.

In the early 20th century, architect W H Romaine Walker introduced a series of careful changes that helped the house adapt to new uses while keeping its historic character intact. These works added practical service areas and guest rooms without altering the overall feel of the building. One of the estate’s most notable features, the Elizabethan tithe barn, originally built in 1390 at Ewell Manor, was dismantled and rebuilt at Great Fosters in 1931. The former stables, constructed shortly after 1631, also remain and were gradually adapted for later use.

Inside the main house, many original details remain in place. Stone mullioned windows, carved Jacobean chimneypieces, decorative plaster ceilings, and heraldic symbols appear throughout the rooms. In some spaces, 17th-century Flemish tapestries and carved stone or wooden features add further layers to the house’s Tudor and Jacobean story.

Today, Great Fosters has 56 individually styled rooms and suites spread across the main house and later additions such as The Cloisters and The Coach House. The historic suites sit within the oldest parts of the building and still retain features like four-poster beds, carved details, and period furnishings. Other rooms take a quieter approach, with the original structure and more contemporary interiors, while family rooms and suites offer larger layouts within the same architectural setting.

The Estate Grill & Terrace

The Estate Grill & Terrace offers a relaxed dining experience throughout your stay at Great Fosters. The menu focuses on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, with many dishes cooked on the grill. The restaurant features a vaulted ceiling and mullioned windows, creating a cozy atmosphere in cooler months, or diners can enjoy meals on the terrace overlooking the listed gardens in warmer weather.

The 2 AA Rosette-awarded restaurant serves a variety of dishes from small bites and starters to mains like Hampshire pork, venison, lamb, and fresh fish specials. There are also vegetarian options, truffled polenta, and mushroom risotto. From the grill, guests can choose prime cuts such as sirloin or ribeye, accompanied by seasonal sides. Every dish reflects a balance of contemporary and traditional flavors.

Opening hours:
Breakfast: 7 am – 10 am (Monday - Friday); 7 am – 10:30 am (Saturday & Sunday)
Lunch: 12 pm - 2:30 pm
Dinner: 6:30 pm – 8:45 pm

The Tudor Pass

The Tudor Pass is the fine dining restaurant at Great Fosters, holding a Michelin star and four AA Rosettes. It is a small, reservation-based restaurant with seven tables, open from Wednesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner, and follows a tasting menu format.

The menus focus on seasonal British produce, with some ingredients sourced directly from the estate’s kitchen gardens and orchards. Dishes change regularly, but typically feature items such as trout, scallops, venison, and vegetable-led courses, followed by fruit based desserts. The restaurant offers a four-course tasting menu, starting from GBP 95 (USD 130.72). Due to the limited number of tables, advance booking is recommended.

The Cocktail Bar
The Cocktail Bar is located within the main house and looks out over the formal gardens and parterres. It is open throughout the day and works well for a casual stop, whether for coffee, afternoon tea, or drinks before or after dinner. Seating is available indoors as well as on the terraces.

The menu includes a selection of classic and seasonal cocktails, wines, spirits, and non alcoholic drinks, along with light snacks and afternoon tea. In the summer months, picnics can be pre-ordered and enjoyed in designated areas of the grounds, including the raised mound area.

Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea at Great Fosters is served in the Anne Boleyn Drawing Room, the Garden Room, and the Cocktail Bar, with the option to enjoy it on the terrace during the summer. The menu includes a variety of savory items, and freshly baked plain and sultana scones are served with clotted cream, strawberry jam, and lemon curd. Sweet treats include black forest gateau, treacle tart, cranberry and orange mousse, and spiced apple crumble tart.

A wide selection of teas and coffees is offered, including Earl Grey, English Breakfast, Vanilla Chai, Japanese Sencha, and Chamomile, with optional champagne upgrades. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options are available on request. Guests visiting with pets can also enjoy a special Doggy Afternoon Tea. Standard afternoon tea is priced at GBP 52 (USD 71.55) per guest, with champagne options at GBP 64 (USD 88.07)

Opening hours: 12 noon - 4 pm (daily)

Sunday Lunch

Sunday lunch at Great Fosters follows a traditional approach, with dishes changing regularly based on seasonal availability. The menu typically includes classic starters such as soups and light seafood dishes, followed by roast options like beef or chicken served with roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables, Yorkshire pudding, and gravy.

Vegetarian mains are usually available, along with sides that reflect what is in season. Desserts often feature familiar British favorites, such as puddings, tarts, or crumbles. As the menu varies throughout the year, travelers can view a sample Sunday lunch menu in advance to get an idea of the style of dishes served.

Opening hours: 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Great Fosters is located just outside London and has a countryside setting that includes gardens, open lawns, and historic buildings, allowing events both indoors and outdoors. The hotel is licensed for weddings and civil partnerships and can also host vow renewals. A dedicated weddings team supports planning with practical details such as venue capacities, accommodation for guests, approved suppliers, and use of hotel facilities. On-site catering is available, with menus adapted to different styles of celebrations, including seated three-course meals, canapés, barbecues, and more informal dining.

The Orangery
Venue type and style: A bright, glass-fronted space overlooking the Magnolia Lawn and surrounding gardens. Natural light and garden views make it suitable for ceremonies and wedding receptions.
Capacity: Up to 160 guests

Tithe Barn
Venue type and style: A Grade II listed barn with exposed oak beams, stone details, and an open fireplace. It has a traditional English character and is often used for seated wedding breakfasts.
Capacity: Up to 160 guests

Painted Hall Bar
Venue type and style: An adjoining space typically used for drinks receptions, featuring a fireplace and bar. It works well as a transition area between the ceremony and dinner.
Capacity: Up to 160 guests

The Archery Lawn
Venue type and style: An outdoor ceremony setting with a pavilion as the focal point, set within the estate gardens. Guests are seated on the lawn facing the structure.
Capacity: Up to 160 guests

The Magnolia Lawn (May - September)
Venue type and style: A seasonal outdoor space within a walled garden, featuring a stretch tent dining setup. Often used for smaller wedding breakfasts or informal celebrations.
Capacity: Up to 60 guests

Combined Event Spaces
Venue type and style: Use of the Tithe Barn, Orangery, and Painted Hall Bar together allows for larger evening celebrations across multiple connected spaces.
Capacity: Up to 250 guests

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Guests staying at Great Fosters have access to several on-site facilities focused on relaxation and outdoor activity. The Utopia Retreat includes treatment rooms offering massages, facials, manicures, and pedicures using Temple Spa products. The estate also has a heated outdoor pool and hot tub, open seasonally from May to September. Additional on-site activities include tennis courts, picnic arrangements, and cycle routes, with bicycles available to hire. A fully equipped public gym is located nearby at Egham Orbit.

The hotel is conveniently located for exploring a range of well-known attractions in the surrounding area. Windsor Castle is a short drive away and is open to visitors interested in the State Apartments and historic rooms. Hampton Court Palace offers insight into Tudor history, along with large formal gardens and riverside walks.

Outdoor activities nearby include walking or cycling through Windsor Great Park, as well as visits to RHS Wisley, Kew Gardens, and Painshill Park, all popular with garden and nature enthusiasts. Families traveling with children may consider trips to Legoland or Thorpe Park. Shopping options include Windsor town centre and Bicester Village. Other nearby points of interest include Ascot Racecourse, the Runnymede Memorials, Brooklands Museum, and live performances at Theatre Royal Windsor.

Great Fosters is also used for a variety of events and private gatherings. In addition to meetings and conferences, the estate is suitable for private celebrations such as anniversaries, milestone birthdays, family get-togethers, and reunions.

The property offers several event and meeting spaces, ranging from smaller rooms to larger venues that can host up to 120 guests. Catering is available on site, with menus adapted to the style of the event. For groups planning longer stays or larger celebrations, parts of the hotel or the full estate can be booked for exclusive use. The gardens and outdoor areas are also used for team building and group activities. You can get in touch with the events team to plan your gathering or celebration.