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3. An Overnight Escape: Discovering Great Fosters Hotel

Wednesday 2 October 2024

Discreetly nestled in the Surrey countryside, Great Fosters is a quaint 5* hotel steeped in history. Originally built as a hunting lodge for Henry VIII, this stunning venue blends regal character with modern charm making it the ideal spot for a number of event types, just a stones throw from London.

The VSL team were fortunate to be invited down for the night, to explore the hotel and various event spaces around the grounds. From intimate meetings to grand celebrations and set amongst 50 acres of stunning gardens and parkland, Great Fosters is an ideal venue for a multitude of event types. The Tithe Barn offers a quaint setting, accommodating up to 180 guests on rounds or up to 55 on a single oval table. This historic space boasts exposed vaulted English oak beams, an open fire, and a charming minstrels' gallery. Adjacent to the Tithe Barn, the beautifully appointed Painted Hall serves as a perfect pre-dinner drinks reception space, complete with its very own fireplace and bar; creating an inviting atmosphere for your guests. Another space worth mentioning, with stunning views over the gardens is The Orangery & Conservatory. This space comfortably accommodates up to 80 guests seated or 140 standing, making it the perfect choice for any summer or winter celebration.

After taking a stroll around the beautiful grounds and exploring the various nooks and cranny’s, learning much about the history of the building along the way, we then made our way to the hotel’s acclaimed Estate Grill and Terrace for dinner. The ambiance was warm and inviting and our meal was nothing short of exceptional. 

Post-dinner, we then headed back to our rooms to retire for the night. The decor was elegant, with touches of both classic and contemporary style. This created a cozy yet refined experience with a number of thoughtful amenities which ensured we were all set for a wonderful night’s sleep.

The next morning, we explored the rest of the hotel’s event spaces before making base in one of the meeting rooms. The ground floor features three bespoke meeting spaces and a practical conference lounge which creates a convenient self-contained unit for delegates. The Victoria, The Concord and The Clarence all offer a more intimate setting for smaller boardroom style meetings for up to 50 guests.

As we prepared to leave, it was clear that Great Fosters Hotel is more than just a beautiful place to stay. Great Fosters is an ideal venue for everything from intimate meetings to grand celebrations. With such rich history, stunning grounds, and impeccable service, this Surrey gem is a must-visit for anyone seeking a luxurious countryside escape just a short distance from the city.

Author

Amelia Fitzgerald

Account Manager, Venue Search London

After graduating from university, Amelia joined the VSL team as a Senior Account Executive, and has now been promoted to Account Manager. From working on events at the Singapore Grand Prix, to private concerts with world famous singers - Amelia loves the buzz of seeing an event's journey from concept to creation and is excited to put her London venue knowledge to use.