Looking for the perfect place to enjoy a cosy autumn getaway? Nestled amidst 400 acres of verdant countryside in the heart of Chertsey in leafy Surrey is the upmarket country club hotel of Foxhills – a stunning Victorian manor house that exudes elegance and sophistication, and offers a plethora of facilities and activities to keep the whole family entertained.
Dating all the way back to the 1780s, when mercurial politician Charles James Fox resided at the estate, the club was purchased by Pam and Ian Hayton in 1983, with their son Marc taking over as managing director in 2010, and since then, this much-loved luxury country club property has cemented itself as a family-friendly leisure destination and expanded its vast sports offering to cater for the diverse interests of its members and visitors.
I recently had the privilege of spending a few days at this stunning property, and with so much to do on site, it didn’t cross my mind to leave for even a minute before checkout time. Here’s all you need to know about this glorious destination, which is the ideal hideaway for a last-minute autumn or winter break.
The hotel
Built in Gothic Revival style with elaborate chimneys and pots filled with colourful begonias, the property is home to a selection of spacious rooms and suites, and boasts not one, but two highly-regarded 18-hole championship golf courses, as well as a smaller nine-hole Manor Course and a Practice Den where budding enthusiasts can hone and polish their skills. So, if you’re a golfing fan, then there’s nowhere better to enjoy a bit of fairway action whilst also spending quality time with the family – although with other top golf clubs including Wentworth and Queenwood nearby, it would also suit anyone planning a dedicated golfing break.
There’s no denying that its golfing facilities are a highlight, but Foxhills has far more to offer besides. There are 11 tennis courts, five pools and a host of decadent dining options, as well as a fireside lounge for cosy afternoon teas and an outdoor terrace for long and leisurely summertime lunches. Then, there’s the impressive new £7 million Pavilion, which features a crèche, art studio, games room and kids’ den, plus a state-of-the-art fitness centre and an impressive luxury spa where you can relax, unwind and let go of the stresses and strains of day-to-day life.
With all this in mind, it’s easy to see why Foxhills is a favourite amongst affluent families seeking an action-packed break with plenty of opportunities to recharge the batteries, too – as well as golfing enthusiasts looking to spend some time practicing at leisure with like-minded guests.
Rooms and suites
Foxhills is home to a total of 70 stylish rooms and suites, all of which are contained within separate outside buildings designed to complement the main hotel. They are decorated in a calming colour palette of neutrals and greens that is in-keeping with the hotel’s verdant countryside location.
Continuing the theme of bringing the outdoors indoors, walls are adorned with nature or sport-themed artwork, depending on which room you are in, with each space comprising a sumptuously comfortable super king bed and a spacious bathroom with a bath and walk-in shower.
If you’re staying in the summer months, then opt for one of the property’s three air-conditioned suites. The Deluxe offering features some ornate accent pieces like a beautiful gilt mirror and stylish decanter lamps – and all rooms enjoy complimentary Eco-Boutique organic toiletries for guests to use throughout their stays.
Food and drink
Guests at Foxhills are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining options. The Fox Dining Rooms, located at the heart of this stunning 19th-century manor house, is the star of the show, and serves up a mouth-watering menu of award-winning dishes based around fresh, locally-sourced and seasonal ingredients. A holder of two AA rosettes, the restaurant is split across three dining spaces and exudes relaxed sophistication, making it the perfect setting for an intimate dinner or a leisurely afternoon tea.
Starters on the evening menu include glazed tempura cod cheeks and stout-glazed oyster mushrooms and beetroot-cured salmon, which are a taster of the treat that’s to come. For mains, the roast guinea fowl with squash fondant, spelt and nduja sauce; stone bass with saffron potato, roasted cauliflower and a mussel and prawn bisque; and the truffle gnocchi with confit beetroot, toasted hazelnuts and truffle cream are all standouts.
During my visit, I opted for the pumpkin velouté with sage and onion tortellini, and the confit pork belly with crispy cheek, crushed swede and apple caramel. The latter was a great combination of textures and flavours that was supremely satisfying, so I followed it up with a light, creamy coconut panna cotta with caramelised pineapple and raspberry and lime sorbet from the dessert menu – a wonderfully refreshing way to round off a rich and tasty meal.
Breakfast is also served in the Fox Dining Rooms. The cold breakfast buffet of cereals, compote, yoghurt and pastries proved a little disappointing as there wasn’t a huge amount of choice – however, if you prefer a hot breakfast then you’re in luck, as there was a good selection of piping-hot bacon, sausages, mushrooms, tomatoes, baked beans and hash browns to pile your plate with and fuel up for a day on the golf course.
If you’re looking for a casual spot to enjoy a leisurely lunch or laid-back dinner, then call in at the Nineteen brasserie. Here, you can take in scenic fairway views whilst tucking into some light bites such as marinated chicken wings, salt and pepper squid, or a hearty British classic such as the rich confit duck leg or the flavourful sirloin steak. If you’re bringing the children, then the selection of burgers, sandwiches and wraps means you can be sure to find something to suit the whole family.
Flo’s – a bright and airy deli – is a great spot to pause for a coffee or a freshly made smoothie, and is located in close proximity to the property’s play spaces, with a great children’s menu that’s certain to satisfy younger guests. You can enjoy food and drink out at the Pavilion terrace, overlooking a heated pool and walled garden, making it a lovely choice on bright and sunny days.
To do
Perhaps one of the most obvious things to do during a stay at Foxhills is to try your hand at a game of golf on one of its three impressive golf courses. The golf club was established in 1975 and now features two superb 18-hole courses – Bernard Hunt and Longcross – as well as the fabulous par-three nine-hole Manor Course. It’s also open to daytime visitors, and regularly plays host to corporate and social groups for golf days – plus, if you’re a complete novice then you can learn the basics and start perfecting your skills in the Practice Den.
For a more relaxing way to spend your day, head to the property’s lavish spa, where you can make use of an indoor swimming pool, hydropool with massage jets, a steam room, relaxation room and two Finnish saunas. If you’re willing to brave the elements, there’s also an outdoor hot tub and spa garden, which features a chemical-free natural swimming pool, purified by plants and minerals. And, of course, there’s a tempting menu of decadent spa treatments to choose from, too, ranging from relaxing massages and rejuvenating facials to sports therapy.
During my visit, I enjoyed a thoroughly restorative DIY Hammam treatment – a traditionally influenced cleansing experience that begins with an invigorating black soap rub to cleanse, exfoliate and stimulate body and mind and a host of nourishing and hydrating products to choose from amidst the purifying heat of the hammam chamber. It’s hard not to leave such an experience feeling entirely brand new, and was just what I needed to unwind after a busy few days of work.
If you’re keen to keep active during your stay but are more of an indoor type – or perhaps the weather just isn’t on your side – then head to the on-site fitness centre, which boasts an array of modern machines and plenty of free weights. You can also attend fitness classes or book a private session with a personal trainer – or visit the woodland Yoga Cabin to partake in your choice of yoga, Pilates, reformer Pilates, Tai Chi or guided meditation.
And of course, you can rest assured that the children will be kept entertained while you’re taking some ‘you-time’, as babies can spend time in the crèche and there’s also a soft play area in which they can let off some steam of their own.
Foxhills is located just 20 miles from west London and 10 minutes from the M3 and M25 motorways and Woking railway station – where trains to Waterloo take 20 minutes – so if you fancy venturing off site then nearby major attractions like Thorpe Park, Legoland, Windsor, Mercedes Benz World and RHS Garden Wisley are all easily accessible and less than a 30-minute drive away.
Christmas at Foxhills Club and Resort
Families looking to take the stress out of Christmas can enjoy a magical festive retreat at the resort. Arriving on Christmas Eve, the three-night Mistletoe package includes a Christmas tree in your room along with stockings and gift from £610 per adult and £305 per child.
On the first evening, guests can enjoy a three-course meal with a glass of bubbly accompanied by live music, before waking up to a champagne breakfast on Christmas Day. A sumptuous four-course Christmas lunch will be served with a light supper later that day, while a special Boxing Day breakfast and lunch are also be included, with £40 credit given for dinner across the resort.
The package is suitable for parents and couples and includes full use of the country club facilities such as the spa, swimming pool, steam room and sauna. There is also a two-night Holly package, also based on a Christmas Eve arrival but departing after breakfast on Boxing Day. It includes all the same Christmas Eve and Christmas Day culinary feasts with use of the Foxhills facilities and starts from £425 per adult and £245 per child.
Book a festive stay package by emailing christmas@foxhills.co.uk.
In a nutshell
A spectacular and luxurious country club hideaway in leafy Surrey, Foxhills is the perfect place for an action-packed autumn or winter break, with over 200 activities available across its 400-acre estate and plenty to keep guests of all ages entertained. Add to that a great selection of dining options and some world-class spa and fitness facilities, and you’ll likely never want to leave.
Factbox
Address: Stonehill Rd, Ottershaw, Lyne, Chertsey KT16 0EL
Phone: 01932 872050
Website: foxhills.co.uk
