Entering the Foxhills grounds along the sweeping driveway you’re immediately aware that you have arrived somewhere special. Glimpses of one of the three pristine golf courses can be seen between the trees and beehives (yes, Foxhills make their own honey), and as you turn the last corner you are greeted with a magnificent view of the 19th century manor house. Overlooking a pristine golf course it is the centrepiece of the resort – and the perfect backdrop to many a special occasion throughout the year.

Foxhills has an interesting history. Originally owned by Chertsey Abbey in the Middle Ages when it was just heath and woodland, it became home to parliamentarian and social eccentric, Charles James Fox in the 1780s. Fox was a lover of the finer things in life, something that is still reflected throughout Foxhills today, but over the years it was used for a number of less extravagant purposes, including a convalescent home for wounded officers during the Great War and as a farm during the Dig for Victory campaign during WWII.

The estate was finally named Foxhills and turned into a golf club in 1975 by the then owners, Aer Lingus (the airline), but in 1983 Pam and Ian Hayton purchased the club and with the help of their son, Marc, who today is Managing Director, set about creating a multi award-winning family-friendly leisure resort.

What surprised me the most when I first visited Foxhills is that it is so much more than a golf course, something I had naively assumed was its main offering.

Although it offers a fantastic range of membership packages, Foxhills is not a members-only destination, welcoming anyone to relax in the spa for the day, book afternoon tea or a sumptuous evening meal or stay overnight in one of the luxury bedrooms, suites or apartments.

 

So what makes Foxhills one of Surrey’s must-visit destinations?

A Foodie’s Dream

The food at Foxhills is nothing short of fabulous. From award-winning fine dining to classic afternoon tea, to a relaxed bar menu with lite bites and children’s options, there is something for everyone.

Located in the manor house, the newly opened The Fox Dining Rooms holds two AA Rosettes for Culinary Excellence and provides a stunning setting to sample some exceptional, locally sourced, culinary delights. If you are looking to sample afternoon tea, The Manor Lounge offers cosy armchairs next to a roaring fire on colder days or scenic views over the golf course from the patio in the summer months. For those looking for a less formal bite to eat, Nineteen offers a diverse range of hot and cold options in a relaxed setting – the perfect pit stop during a game of golf or after a session in the spa.

Having sampled the food in The Fox Dining Room for myself, I can wholeheartedly recommend a visit (the raspberry donut was out of this world)!

 

Family Friendly

Encouraging children to get into all sports from a young age is something Foxhills prides itself on. There is an extensive list of activities for children to take part in, from swimming lessons for 0-2 year olds, tennis and golf taster classes for 6-15 year olds, junior fitness classes, a youth club with an after-school programme, an outdoor adventure playground and a 2.5km cross-country Trim Trail through woodland.

The list of activities available for all ages continues throughout the resort – for water lovers there are four swimming pools (both indoor and outdoor), a hot tub and a ‘first of its kind at a British hotel’ – an Organic Plunge Pool (the water is cleaned by the plants that live at one end of the pool)! The Yoga Cabin is a new and exciting, soon-to-arrive addition to the Foxhills facilities. Due to open June 2019 it is built from sustainable, natural timber and will provide a calm, relaxing space where a team of instructors will lead a series of yoga, pilates, reformer pilates, tai chi and meditation classes.

There are 11 tennis courts (5 acrylic, 3 synthetic clay and 3 all-weather) which has resulted in Foxhills being home to a GB Pro-Series International world ranking tennis tournament since 2007 and hosting one of the leading tennis clubs in Surrey. Foxhills have also just received planning permission to construct one of the only outdoor, undercover courts in the south east of England.

Name dropping tennis stars that have graced the courts at Foxhills is impressive and includes Johanna Konta (winner 2011; current British number one female and semi-finalist at 2016 Australian Open), Laura Robson (runner up 2011) and Timea Babos (winner 2010; Mixed Doubles runner up at Wimbledon in 2015).

During the London 2012 Olympics Foxhills was home to Team GB Road Cycling and is official resort partner of the Aviva Tour of Britain, so it has a long and well-established history with cycling and is a firm favourite of Britain’s elite cyclists.

If you look closely you will find the Yellow Jersey worn and signed by Bradley Wiggins in the 2012 Tour De France as well as a signed shirt from Team GB who stayed at Foxhills during the 2012 London Olympics.

The accolades for Foxhills continues with its award-winning gym. Winner of the Best Hotel (Gym) Facility (2015, 2016, 2017 & 2018) and Best Health Club (2017) at the National Fitness Awards, it features state-of-the-art equipment, including a Kinetic wall, expert personal trainers who are on hand to give advice and support and a studio timetable packed full of classes.

Getting Hitched?

A memorable day deserves a memorable setting and the backdrop of a 19th century manor house with 400 acres of stunning grounds is difficult to beat! With a team of event organisers on hand, Foxhills provides a number of packages to suit any occasion, from lavish weddings to intimate birthday celebrations to corporate events such as Christmas parties (Foxhills in the snow is a magical fairytale must-see)!

Sleep In Style

With 70 luxury bedrooms, suites or apartments located within the 400 acre grounds, Foxhills feels more like a small, friendly village than a hotel. Awarded four Silver Stars by the AA in 2015, 2016 and 2017,  staying at Foxhills whether on business or for pleasure gives you an honorary membership throughout your stay and allows you to sample the award-winning hospitality and leisure facilities including golf, tennis, swimming and spa treatments. Seasonal packages are also available as are wedding packages and for those looking for a longer stay you can book into Foxhills Mews – a gated development of 12, two and three bedroom cottages set within the grounds of the estate.

Relax And Unwind

Another award-winning element of Foxhills is its state-of-the-art Health Spa. Open seven days a week, it offers a range of health and beauty treatments from manicures and pedicures to physiotherapy and reflexology as well as an extensive gym and indoor and outdoor swimming facilities.

Whether you are visiting for a day or indulging in a short spa break, Foxhills prides itself on providing an ‘all-inclusive health and mindfulness experience, so you can simply sit back, relax and enjoy.’