The Best Hotels to Book Near Heston Blumenthal's Restaurant, the Fat Duck

Heston Blumenthal's Fat Duck is as imaginative as its location is beautiful | © Ian Dagnall / Alamy Stock Photo

28 September 2021

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No restaurant is more wildly original or widely acclaimed than the Fat Duck, Heston Blumenthal’s flagship eatery in the Berkshire village of Bray, near Maidenhead – famous for his innovative dishes, such as egg-and-bacon ice cream.

Our selection of hotels near the Fat Duck range from ancient country inns to luxurious properties on private islands in the Thames. All offer a comfortable stay and easy access to this unforgettable restaurant – and are bookable on Culture Trip.

Monkey Island Estate

Courtesy of Monkey Island Estate / Booking.com

It’s not every day you get the chance to stay on a private island in the Thames, but that’s exactly what’s on offer at this gorgeous hotel – housed in two pavilions dating from 1723. Rooms combine the elegance of that era with marble bathrooms and views over the river, while the indulgent floating spa offers a range of massage treatments on a luxury barge.

River Arts Club

Courtesy of River Arts Club / Booking.com

A Victorian mansion serves as the setting for this arty hotel, where rooms combine period features – such as wood panelling and cast iron bed frames – with bright colours and vibrant modern artworks. A 66yd (60m) stretch of river-facing garden offers no end of opportunities to relax on a sun lounger with a book, while a cigar cellar and honesty bar are on hand to help you pass the evenings in style.

Castle Hotel Windsor

Courtesy of Castle Hotel Windsor / Expedia

It might not be the grandest castle in town – that goes to Windsor Castle, a short walk away – but this stately property, which sits in a Georgian townhouse, is appropriately regal. Certainly, you’ll feel like royalty on the plush furnishings of its classically designed rooms. The food is top-drawer, with the Captain Sir Tom afternoon tea a pleasantly British way to pass the afternoon.

Sir Christopher Wren

Courtesy of Sir Christopher Wren / Booking.com

With the Thames on one side and the elegance of Windsor all around, this historic red-brick hotel is a fantastic choice. Those with an eye for design – like the hotel’s namesake – will adore the wooden ceiling beams and four-poster beds of the traditional guest rooms. Gastronomes mustn’t miss the hotel restaurant, where afternoon tea on the terrace overlooking the river is a celebrated occasion.

Macdonald Compleat Angler

Courtesy of Macdonald Compleat Angler / Expedia

Perched prettily on the banks of the Thames, this stylish four-star hotel oozes excellence – from the four-poster beds and paisley textiles of the Deluxe Rooms to the views of Olympians on the river (nearby Marlow Rowing Club train here). Afternoon tea on the terrace is a refined way to spend a few hours, while there’s world-class Indian food on offer at Sindhu: the latest venture from Michelin-starred chef, Atul Kochhar.

Grovefield House Hotel

Courtesy of Grovefield House Hotel / Expedia

This red-brick Edwardian mansion makes an elegant setting for a stay overlooking the Buckinghamshire countryside. Traditionally designed guest rooms join an acclaimed restaurant, Hamilton’s, where classic dishes are presented in an artful style. Even greater gastronomic delights await a short drive from the hotel, in the form of Heston Blumenthal’s legendary restaurant, the Fat Duck.

The Bird in Hand Hotel

Courtesy of The Bird in Hand Hotel / Expedia

Even by the standards of British country inns, the Bird in Hand is old – with a history dating to the 14th century. Rooms wear this heritage elegantly in their ceiling beams and rugged wooden furniture, although some have a much more modern aesthetic. The Tudor surrounds of the pub downstairs are not to be missed, either – with superb local beer from Butcombe Brewery and dishes including Cornish mackerel.

Hurley House

Courtesy of Hurley House / Expedia

Understated, traditional luxury is the order of the day at this Berkshire hotel, with lovely wood-panelled bedrooms, comfy Chesterfield armchairs, and bathrooms with indulgent, freestanding bathtubs. The rustic bar-restaurant, warmed by wood-burning stoves, is a lovely spot to pass the evening while enjoying dishes like roasted black cod and teriyaki steak, paired with superb wines.

Danesfield House Hotel and Spa

Courtesy of Danesfield House / Expedia

Winding country roads lead you through the gates of this grand country house, dating to 1901. Rooms feature classic period pieces including wooden four-poster beds and plush sofas, with views over the hotel’s verdant grounds and the River Thames beyond. The Orangery, its on-site restaurant, is an evocative spot to enjoy dishes like rump of lamb with romesco and roasted peppers, before retiring for a luxurious night’s sleep.

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