Review of Foxhills Club & Resort

Nestled in the lush Surrey countryside, Foxhills Club & Resort is an exclusive sanctuary just an hour from central London, making it a prime escape for discerning travelers seeking both relaxation and recreation.  

With 66 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, Foxhills caters to solo adventurers, couples, and families alike, ensuring a tailored luxury experience.

The resort is renowned for its two Championship golf courses, a vibrant par-3 course, and a diverse array of 14 courts for tennis, padel, and pickleball enthusiasts. Guests enjoy a world-class wellness center, a comprehensive spa, five inviting pools (both indoor and outdoor), Finnish saunas, a modern gym, yoga and fitness classes, woodland walking trails, a tranquil Zen Garden, and a robust schedule of over 200 curated activities each week.

Culinary excellence is a hallmark here, with dining options ranging from The Fox’s fine gastronomy to relaxed brasserie fare at Nineteen and family-friendly meals at Flo’s. The Manor Lounge, with its refined ambiance, is perfect for signature cocktails or a post-dinner nightcap.

Families find a haven at The Pavilion, which features heated pools, creative play zones, and a supervised crèche, making it an ideal destination for guests of all ages.

The estate’s heartbeat is its 19th-century Manor House—once the residence of politician Sir Charles James Fox. While accommodations are found in surrounding buildings, the Manor House serves as the resort’s social and culinary center, where guests check in, gather for breakfast, and experience refined dining and drinks.

Foxhills stands out as the ultimate countryside getaway from London, particularly for those passionate about sports and wellness. With its wealth of amenities, a stay of at least three nights is recommended to fully immerse in everything this exceptional resort has to offer—ensuring both rejuvenation and adventure for the entire family.

Set amidst 400 acres of picturesque Surrey landscape, Foxhills Club & Resort enjoys a prestigious location near Ottershaw and Chertsey. Its proximity to West London—only 20 miles away—means guests can reach this tranquil oasis in under an hour via the M3 or M25, while Woking station provides swift rail service to London Waterloo in just 20 minutes.

The resort’s location is ideal for exploring some of southern England’s finest attractions. Within a 30-minute drive, guests can access Thorpe Park, Legoland Windsor, RHS Garden Wisley, Mercedes-Benz World, and the historic town of Windsor. Heathrow Airport is only 15 minutes by car, and Gatwick is under 40 minutes, ensuring seamless connections for international travelers. 

Onsite, guests benefit from ample complimentary parking and an abundance of EV charging stations, reflecting Foxhills’s commitment to modern convenience and sustainability. 

Foxhills offers a collection of 66 thoughtfully designed rooms and suites, each promising a restful retreat after a day of activities. These accommodations are spread across charming outbuildings, providing privacy and a sense of exclusivity for every guest—be it couples, families, or solo travelers.

Rooms are styled in soothing neutral palettes accented with botanical greens and bespoke artwork inspired by the surrounding countryside and sporting heritage, creating a calming yet characterful environment.

Every guestroom features a plush super king-sized bed, luxurious bathrooms with deep soaking tubs and rainfall showers, and indulgent touches such as fluffy robes, slippers, and organic, locally sourced bath amenities. Deluxe suites offer added opulence, with statement décor elements like ornate mirrors and designer lighting, elevating the sense of indulgence.

The estate’s layout features peaceful courtyards, ancient woodland, and convenient access to pools and leisure facilities. Select rooms include private patios, perfect for enjoying morning coffee or evening wine with sweeping estate views.

Modern conveniences abound, including wireless charging stations, smart TVs, and ultra-fast Wi-Fi. Thoughtful in-room extras like fresh dairy milk, premium loose-leaf teas, and artisanal ground coffee add a bespoke touch. 

Foxhills continues to invest in regular refurbishments, ensuring accommodations remain at the forefront of comfort, technology, and contemporary design.

The Pavilion at Foxhills, unveiled as a flagship family facility, has redefined what it means to be a family-friendly luxury resort. Here, children and parents alike are treated to a vibrant mix of soft play areas, outdoor adventure spaces, two heated swimming pools, an interactive art studio, and Flo’s—the on-site family restaurant that delights all ages.

During our visit, the outdoor pool was a highlight, especially on balmy days when temperatures soar. Family amenities include dedicated toddler splash zones, secure baby changing facilities, and miniature sinks that empower young guests. The expansive lawns are alive with activity, featuring vintage ride-on toys, a custom racetrack, and football pitches for energetic play.

Indoors, the Pavilion offers an imaginative play street, slides, air hockey, and a mini-theatre for budding performers. For parents seeking a quiet interlude, an OFSTED-registered crèche and professional babysitting services are available, allowing adults to unwind with peace of mind.

Beyond the Pavilion, Foxhills boasts a staggering 200+ weekly activities, including two Championship golf courses, a par-3 layout, short-game practice areas, and a state-of-the-art driving range. Tennis enthusiasts can enjoy nine courts, as well as facilities for padel and pickleball. The 1.5-mile trim trail, high-tech fitness center, and a broad selection of complimentary classes cater to every wellness preference. While green fees and spa treatments are an additional investment, the quality is consistently exceptional. 

The spa experience at Foxhills is outstanding. Housed in a dedicated wellness building, the HealthSpa features an indoor pool, hydrotherapy pool, steam room, and dual Finnish saunas. Outdoors, guests can unwind in the spa garden, complete with a hot tub and one of the UK’s pioneering natural plunge pools—invigorating in any season. Attentive staff serve refreshments via an iconic red telephone kiosk, adding a whimsical touch to your spa day.

The treatment menu is extensive, offering advanced Elemis facials, holistic therapies like Reiki and reflexology, and bespoke massages tailored to guests’ individual needs. Signature treatments focus on deep relaxation, recovery, and overall wellbeing, all delivered by highly qualified therapists at competitive rates.

Whether you’re seeking family adventures, championship golf, or spa serenity, Foxhills delivers a rare blend of excitement and tranquillity, supported by a team dedicated to creating memorable luxury experiences.

Foxhills’ narrative is woven through centuries, beginning in the Middle Ages under the stewardship of Chertsey Abbey. Its legacy blossomed in the 18th century with the celebrated politician Charles James Fox, for whom the estate is named. Fox, known for his charisma and love of the finer things, established his reputation as a statesman and socialite, living locally at St. Anne’s Hill with Elizabeth Armistead, where he embraced rural life under the guidance of his neighbor Sir Joseph Mawbey.

After Sir Joseph’s passing, the estate transferred to his daughter and her husband, John Ivatt-Briscoe, a prominent lawyer and parliamentarian. Ivatt-Briscoe shaped the estate’s enduring identity, commissioning renowned architect Basevi—famous for his work on Ely Cathedral—to design the stately Manor House. Sadly, Basevi’s career ended abruptly with his untimely death during a cathedral inspection.

General Hutton, a relative of the Ivatt-Briscoe family, next inherited Foxhills, and during World War I, the estate was transformed into a convalescent home for injured officers. The Borthwick family later managed the estate, supporting wartime agriculture on what is now the Bernard Hunt golf course during WWII’s "Dig for Victory" campaign.

In the 1960s, the property declined until Aer Lingus acquired it in 1975, converting it into a golf club to serve Heathrow’s growing international clientele. Ian Hayton took ownership in 1983, overseeing Foxhills’ evolution into today’s award-winning resort, now employing over 300 staff and offering an unparalleled range of activities for guests.

The Manor House, a striking example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture, remains the estate’s focal point, with its ornate brickwork and colorful floral displays. Interiors include inviting lounges with open fireplaces, a sophisticated restaurant, and a sun-drenched terrace. While all accommodations are housed in stylish outbuildings, the Manor House is the heart of social and culinary life at Foxhills. The atmosphere is at once grand and welcoming—expert service delivered with genuine warmth ensures guests feel both pampered and at ease, blending heritage with contemporary comfort seamlessly.

Foxhills presents a gastronomic journey with three distinctive restaurants and several casual venues, ensuring every palate is catered for in style.

The Fox, located within the Manor House, is an acclaimed two AA Rosette dining destination. Here, menus are crafted around seasonal British produce, with signature dishes such as smoked pigeon, truffle-infused gnocchi, and slow-cooked pork belly. The tasting menu stands out, featuring innovative creations like salt-baked artichoke velouté and locally reared beef with rich accompaniments. 

Nineteen, a contemporary brasserie by the clubhouse, offers relaxed lunches with panoramic views of the courses. Guests can enjoy light bites, gourmet sandwiches, and hearty mains until 8:30pm, making it a favored spot for golfers and casual diners alike.

Flo’s, situated in The Pavilion, is a vibrant all-day eatery serving family favorites—think burgers, creamy pastas, pastries, and fresh smoothies. A dedicated children’s menu and early lunch options cater to younger guests, while Mr Whippy-style ice cream with a medley of toppings is a perennial hit by the pool.

The Manor Lounge, with its period charm, is perfect for classic afternoon tea or pre-dinner cocktails by the fire. The Summerhouse Café, open into the early evening, provides light fare and refreshments in a laid-back setting.

Breakfast is an indulgent affair in the Manor House, with a full English hot selection and a cold buffet showcasing artisanal pastries, yogurts, and cereals. Afternoon tea—served fireside or on the sun terrace—delivers the quintessential British treat, ideal for both winter retreats and summer leisure.

From refined dining at The Fox to informal bites at Nineteen and Flo’s, Foxhills ensures every meal is memorable, blending culinary creativity with impeccable service in settings that celebrate both tradition and innovation.

Sustainability at Foxhills is embedded in every aspect of the guest experience. The resort’s commitment to environmental stewardship is evident in its ongoing initiatives designed to reduce ecological impact and foster community engagement. Every detail, from daily operations to long-term planning, is guided by a vision of sustainability that protects the estate’s natural beauty for generations to come.

Foxhills prioritizes waste reduction, water conservation, and biodiversity enhancement, actively collaborating with local partners to promote eco-friendly habits among guests, staff, and the wider community. The resort integrates wellness and sustainability, offering green facilities and nature-inspired activities that encourage responsible luxury travel. Educational programs and a culture of continuous improvement keep Foxhills at the forefront of sustainable hospitality.

Recognized with a Silver Ecomart accreditation by Greenage, Foxhills features solar panels, energy-efficient glazing, thermally optimized buildings, and LED lighting equipped with motion sensors. Innovative water management includes rainwater harvesting for irrigation, sensor-activated fixtures, and DAISY pool systems that significantly lower water and energy consumption. Sustainable materials such as bamboo keycards, refillable amenities, FSC-certified wood, and reclaimed construction materials are used throughout new developments like The Pavilion and Yoga Cabin. Water stations encourage reusable bottles, and single-use plastics have been replaced with eco-friendly alternatives. Menus highlight plant-based, vegan, and Fairtrade choices, and local sourcing of dairy, beer, and wine helps minimize the resort’s carbon footprint. Paperless operations, including Crave tablets and energy-saving screen timers, further reduce resource use.

Foxhills’s grounds are designed with both aesthetics and ecology in mind. Mature trees are preserved, new trees planted to offset emissions, and a dedicated wildlife area nurtures local biodiversity. Activities such as beekeeping, woodland trails, and outdoor yoga invite guests to connect with nature while supporting conservation goals.

To embed sustainability across the organization, Foxhills has established a Green Committee with representatives from every department. These collaborative efforts demonstrate that meaningful progress is possible through practical, scalable changes. With solar-powered infrastructure, eco-conscious guest amenities, and a steadfast commitment to plastic-free operations, Foxhills is setting a benchmark for sustainable luxury in the UK hospitality sector.

• Golf Excellence: As a passionate golfer, I value that Foxhills caters to all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals. The par-3 course is engaging, while the renowned Longcross and Bernard Hunt courses are accessible yet challenging for high and low handicappers alike. Facilities are top-tier, with expert club pros on hand, delicious halfway house snacks, and a convivial 19th hole bar. It’s not uncommon to spot elite English golfers practicing here, as Foxhills is a favored home base for many tour professionals.
• Exceptional Team: The staff at Foxhills—from the Manor House dining team to the golf course and Pavilion crew—are genuinely warm and attentive. Every request is handled with care, big smiles are the norm, and there’s never an expectation of gratuity. Outstanding service is at the heart of the luxury experience, and Foxhills excels in this regard. Congratulations to the entire team!
• Natural Plunge Pool: Whether in the heat of summer or the crispness of winter, the outdoor natural plunge pool is an invigorating highlight. A quick dip is both revitalizing and promotes restful sleep—an essential part of the wellness ethos at Foxhills.Varun SharmaEditor-In-ChiefBusinessclass 

• Leisure & Wellness Diversity: Our 400-acre estate is a playground for all ages, with an unrivalled choice of activities. Whether you’re drawn to the spa, cutting-edge gym, championship golf, tennis, padel, or our extensive family facilities—including soft play and adventure playgrounds—Foxhills offers something for everyone. From active escapes and spa indulgence to romantic weekends, business events, or family holidays, our comprehensive leisure portfolio ensures a bespoke experience for every guest. 
• Community & Welcoming Atmosphere: Foxhills is more than a luxury hotel—it’s a vibrant community. From your arrival, you’re welcomed as part of our family. As an independent, family-run estate, we’re dedicated to ensuring guests leave feeling better than when they arrived. Our team is passionate about crafting memorable moments, offering personalized touches and genuine hospitality that foster a sense of belonging and loyalty year after year.
• Culinary Innovation: Dining at Foxhills is a celebration of flavor and togetherness, with three unique restaurants for every occasion. Whether it’s casual poolside lunches, refined two-Rosette dining, or private celebrations, each menu showcases the finest seasonal and local produce, expertly prepared by our award-winning chefs. In summer, al fresco dining on terraces and by the pool is a highlight, while the Manor House offers an authentic taste of British country heritage. 2025 brings exciting developments, with a new restaurant concept on the horizon—stay tuned!Tej WaliaManaging DirectorFoxhills Club & Resort