Review of Foxhills Club & Resort

Nestled in the heart of the Surrey countryside, Foxhills is a picturesque country club and resort spread across 400 acres near the village of Ottershaw, close to Chertsey. Just 20 miles from west London, it is conveniently located 10 minutes from the M3 and M25 motorways and Woking railway station, where trains to London Waterloo take only 20 minutes.

The resort's proximity to major attractions makes it an ideal base for exploring. Thorpe Park, Legoland, Windsor, Mercedes-Benz World, and RHS Garden Wisley are all within a 30-minute drive. For those flying into Heathrow, Foxhills is an easy 15-minute journey by car, or around 40 minutes for those flying into Gatwick. 

There is more than ample parking at Foxhills and EV charging points galore. 

Foxhills isn’t just a place to stay; it’s a dreamy escape with 66 beautifully designed rooms and suites scattered across the estate like hidden treasures. These chic hideaways, housed in charming outside buildings, are aimed at all numbers of guests, from couples to families … and those on a singles escape.

Inside the rooms & suites, you’ll find calming neutral tones, splashes of green, and quirky art inspired by nature or sports—perfect for getting into the countryside spirit.

Every room is a sanctuary, complete with a super king bed so comfy it might ruin other beds for you, and a bathroom that’s all about indulgence, with a bathtub and walk-in shower ready to pamper you. Oh, and don’t forget the plush bathrobes, slippers, and organic toiletries—your inner diva will thank you. The Deluxe suites turn up the wow factor with statement pieces including ornate gilt mirrors and glamorous decanter lamps.

The estate itself is a stunner, with cobbled courtyards, peaceful woodland areas, and the odd swimming pool to dive into! Some rooms come with private patios, so you can sip your coffee or wine while soaking in the views.

Expect all the gadgets—docking stations, widescreen TVs, and high-speed Wi-Fi—plus thoughtful extras like fresh milk, loose-leaf tea, and proper ground coffee for your cafetière. 

The rooms & suites undergo continual upgrades - like all good hotels.

The Pavilion at Foxhills, unveiled in 2021, is like a playground paradise that’s taken “family-friendly” to a whole new level. Picture this: soft play zones, outdoor adventure areas, two toasty heated pools, an art studio, and Flo’s—the family restaurant where even picky eaters find their groove. No expense was spared for this ultimate family haven.

On sunny days, the outdoor pool is a game-changer, especially when the thermometer starts flirting with 30 degrees. There's a paddling area for little splashers, baby enclosures in the locker rooms (so no escape artists on your watch), and mini sinks for kids to show off their “I can do it!” moments. Outside, the lawn is a scene straight out of a storybook, with vintage ride-on cars, a racetrack, and football goals just waiting for a kickabout.

Inside the Pavilion, the fun ramps up with slides, an air hockey table, and a pretend high street complete with a vet’s office (stuffed animals included), a play kitchen, and a stage with costumes that’ll make your mini-thespians shine. And parents, relax—there’s an OFSTED-registered crèche and babysitting options, so you can sneak off for some grown-up downtime guilt-free.

Beyond the Pavilion, Foxhills is bursting with activities—more 200 a week! Fancy a round of golf? You’ve got two Championship courses, a nine-hole par 3, a putting green, and a driving range to choose from. Prefer tennis? There are 9 courts waiting for you to channel your inner Wimbledon champ. Not enough? There's padel and pickleball. Hit the 1.5-mile trim trail, sweat it out in the high-tech gym, or dive into any of the free classes. (The 18-hole courses and spa treatments do come with a price tag, but they’re worth every penny!). Bring your bicycle and enjoy the Surrey countryside … 

Now, let’s talk about the spa. This isn’t just any spa—it’s a sanctuary. Tucked away in its own zen-filled building, the HealthSpa boasts an indoor pool, a hydro pool with massage jets, a steam room, and two Finnish saunas. Outside, the spa garden takes things up a notch with a hot tub and one of the UK’s first natural plunge pools. Yes, it’s chilly, but trust us, you’ll feel like a new person after a dip. Feeling peckish? Order drinks and snacks from a charming red telephone box while you lounge in bliss.

The spa menu is a treat in itself, featuring everything from Elemis facials to Reiki, reflexology, and sports massages. Feeling extra fancy? Go for a signature treatment tailored to your vibe—whether you need “deep sleep,” a “wellness boost,” or just to “de-stress.” It’s pure indulgence without breaking the bank.

Whether you’re diving into the Pavilion’s non-stop fun, unwinding in the spa garden, or just soaking up the incredible vibes, Foxhills is a place where relaxation and excitement collide. Go ahead—this is the escape you deserve!

Foxhills has a fascinating history, tracing its roots back to the Middle Ages when it was owned by Chertsey Abbey. Its prominence grew in the 18th century with Charles James Fox, the brilliant yet flamboyant politician for whom the club is named. Fox became MP for Midhurst at just 19, known for his remarkable oratory skills and love of gambling and luxury. A key figure of the Regency period, Fox lived nearby on St. Anne’s Hill in the 1780s with his mistress, Elizabeth Armistead, where he embraced a more rural lifestyle with the support of his neighbour, Sir Joseph Mawbey of Botley Park. This shift brought renewed vitality to Fox’s life.

After Sir Joseph's death in 1817, the estate was acquired by his daughter and her husband, John Ivatt-Briscoe, a successful lawyer and local MP. Ivatt-Briscoe established the foundation of the estate we know today, naming it Fox’s Hill and France Farm. He commissioned Basevi, a celebrated architect and cousin of Disraeli, to design the current Manor House. Basevi, known for his work on Ely Cathedral, tragically died while inspecting the cathedral’s bell tower.

In the late 19th century, the estate passed to General Hutton, a distant relative of Ivatt-Briscoe. During the First World War, it served as a convalescent home for wounded officers. By the 1920s, the Borthwick family took over, running the estate traditionally while contributing to the Second World War’s "Dig for Victory" campaign by converting farmland—now the Bernard Hunt golf course—to agriculture.

Foxhills underwent significant change in the 1960s as the estate declined, leading to its purchase by Aer Lingus in 1975. The Irish airline, seeking to diversify following the energy crisis, transformed the property into a golf club due to its proximity to Heathrow. In 1983, Ian Hayton acquired the club, overseeing its growth into the thriving estate it is today, with over 300 staff and a vast range of facilities offering more than 200 activities weekly.

The Victorian Manor House, built in the Gothic Revival style, stands as the estate’s centrepiece. Its striking chimneys and colourful displays of begonias add charm, while inside, it features cosy fireside lounges for afternoon teas, a beamed restaurant for fine dining, and a terrace for sunny days. The Manor House hosts the bar, restaurant, and conference rooms, while all 66 bedrooms are located in tastefully designed external buildings that blend seamlessly with the estate. A place where you feel you belong.

Despite its grandeur, Foxhills maintains a laid-back vibe. Even in the Manor House dining rooms, where waistcoated waiters deliver top-notch service, the atmosphere remains friendly and unpretentious, making it a place where history meets modern comfort in perfect harmony.

Foxhills delivers a diverse dining experience with three distinct restaurants and several casual venues, offering something for every taste and occasion.

The Fox dining rooms - in the Manor House - is a refined two-AA-Rosette restaurant, spanning three beautifully designed spaces. The menu celebrates fresh, locally sourced, seasonal ingredients with standout dishes like smoked pigeon breast, truffle gnocchi, and confit pork belly. The tasting menu is a particular highlight, featuring delights such as salt-baked artichoke velouté with a hidden confit hen’s yolk and locally sourced beef with chard and bone marrow. 

Nineteen, a brasserie-style restaurant situated near the clubhouse, is ideal for light lunches, sandwiches, and burgers, with large windows offering panoramic views of the fairways. Meals are served until 8:30pm, making it a perfect spot for a post-golf bite.

Flo’s, located in The Pavilion, is a family-friendly all-day diner serving casual dishes like burgers, mac ’n’ cheese, pastries, and smoothies. Guests can dine in the restaurant, on the terrace, or poolside. The thoughtfully designed children’s menu includes early lunches from 11:30 am, catering to little ones who wake early. Flo’s also serves indulgent treats, including Mr Whippy ice cream with a selection of toppings that proved a hit with kids.

The Manor Lounge, nestled in the period Manor House, offers a cosy setting for fireside afternoon teas or a relaxed drink. The Summerhouse Café, open until early evening, serves light bites and refreshments in a laid-back atmosphere.

Breakfast is served in the Manor House, featuring a comforting hot selection of sausages, bacon, and hash browns alongside a cold buffet of cereals, yoghurts, and pastries. The hot breakfast delivers satisfying comfort. Afternoon tea in the Manor Lounge or on the outdoor terrace offers a quintessentially British experience, perfect for cosy winter afternoons or lazy summer days.

Whether indulging in fine dining at The Fox, enjoying a quick bite at Nineteen, or savouring poolside snacks from Flo’s, Foxhills ensures that dining is a memorable part of its luxurious offering.

At Foxhills, sustainability is more than a commitment—it's a way of life. By adopting eco-friendly practices, reducing environmental impact, and supporting the community, Foxhills is paving the way for a greener future. Every effort, big or small, is aimed at protecting the stunning surroundings that define the estate while ensuring a better tomorrow for future generations.

Foxhills works to protect the planet by reducing waste, conserving water, and promoting biodiversity, operating in harmony with nature. Partnerships with local businesses and the encouragement of sustainable practices among guests, members, and employees help keep the community strong and eco-conscious. The estate links health and sustainability through eco-conscious facilities and activities, combining wellbeing with environmental stewardship. With a focus on continuous improvement and education, Foxhills inspires others to join their mission of protecting the planet.

Their efforts have earned a silver Ecomart accreditation from Greenage. Solar panels, energy-efficient glazing, thermally enhanced buildings, and LED lighting with motion sensors help minimise energy consumption. Rainwater is recycled for irrigation, sensor-equipped taps and showers reduce water waste, and pools feature innovative DAISY systems that conserve water, energy, and chlorine. Bamboo room keycards, refillable toiletries, FSC-approved larch cladding, and reclaimed materials in new builds like The Pavilion and Yoga Cabin reflect their commitment to using sustainable materials. Water fountains promote refillable bottles, while single-use plastics have been replaced with recyclable and reusable alternatives. Locally sourced milk, beer, wine, and other products reduce the carbon footprint, and menus feature vegan, plant-based, and Fairtrade options. Paperless operations, including Crave tablets that replace brochures and notepads, and energy-efficient screen timers further cut electricity use.

Foxhills’ outdoor spaces are designed to be as eco-friendly as they are beautiful. Trees were preserved during construction, and new ones planted to combat climate change. A dedicated wildlife conservation area fosters biodiversity, and activities like beekeeping, woodland trim trails, and outdoor yoga allow guests to connect with nature while minimising environmental impact.

To ensure sustainability is embraced across the estate, Foxhills is forming a Green Committee with representatives from all departments. Together, they demonstrate that small changes can lead to meaningful progress. From solar-powered buildings to eco-friendly toiletries and plastic-free hydration, Foxhills is actively building a sustainable future—one thoughtful step at a time. They are not just imagining a greener world—they are creating it.