The Best Hotels to Book Near Virginia Water, England

Set on 50 acres (20ha) of manicured grounds and gardens – including topiary mazes, a Saxon moat and a fountain – Great Fosters is a Tudor estate steeped in history. Its proximity to Virginia Water (a five-minute drive away) makes it easy to explore the area – but there’s plenty to discover at the hotel, too. Each of the 43 rooms and suites here is individually designed, and the hotel boasts two acclaimed restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Tudor Room.

A short walk from Virginia Water Lake and set on 240 acres (98ha) of private grounds, Coworth Park is a luxe spot for a staycation. When you’re not exploring the grounds, guests can relax at the eco-friendly spa, lounge in the library, dine at the three restaurants – one with a Michelin star – or even pay a visit to the hotel’s equestrian centre. Coworth Park’s got the royal seal of approval, too: Prince Harry stayed here the night before he married Meghan Markle, back in 2018.

At the end of a leafy drive and nestled on 120 acres (49ha) of Surrey parkland, the ivy-clad Pennyhill Park Hotel and Spa is a luxe spot for a weekend break. With two award-winning restaurants – Latymer has a Michelin star – you won’t need to travel far for good food. For an extra-special stay, book the Granary for a two-storey stand-alone suite, complete with a freestanding copper tub and extended spa access – something that comes in very handy when you discover the hotel’s lush spa offering.

Each of the 24 design-led rooms at this pub-cum-hotel offers bespoke furnishings, exposed timber walls and cloud-like beds – everything you could want from a hotel stay. When you can pull yourself away from said room, be sure to mosey on down to the aforementioned pub for wood-fired pizzas and halloumi fries – and even bottomless brunch if you’re staying between Monday and Saturday.

Grand hotels don’t come much better than De Vere Beaumont Estate. Set in Old Windsor on 44 acres (18ha) of beautiful countryside, rooms are rustic-chic with neutral palettes and soft furnishings. Dinner at the elegant 1705 Restaurant and Bar is a must for tempura battered prawns, Cambodian curry and local artisan cheeses. Top tip: when you want to explore, Virginia Water is just a 10-minute drive away.

A short 15-minute walk from the Royal Berkshire will land you at the entrance of Virginia Water Lake, meaning this country house hotel is primed for exploring. If you want to stay closer to home, the hotel sits on 15 acres (6ha) of land, where kids and curious adults will love the garden games such as Connect Four and giant Jenga. Come nightfall, reserve a seat at the in-house restaurant for harissa-spiced pulled lamb or lemon sole. Delicious.

Its position on the banks of the River Thames means a sundowner on Sir Christopher Wren Hotel’s summer terrace is a must during the summer months. Inside, guests will discover 139 historic and contemporary rooms – but most of your time will be spent exploring the nearby area. Windsor Castle is just around the corner – so you can go and say hello to the Queen – while Virginia Water Lake and Windsor Great Park are a short drive away.

With both Windsor Castle and Windsor rail station on its doorstep, Castle Hotel Windsor puts you right in the thick of this charming town. Despite its proximity to the busy high street, rooms are quiet, and the decor is contemporary-cool with calming hues and unique furnishings. Leaf, the hotel’s restaurant, is a continuation of the chic theme and makes for an upscale dining option.