A horse enjoying the sunshine at Runnymede

Just outside Egham, there’s real history to discover – Runnymede, the place famous for the signing of the Magna Carta was signed is only two miles from the hotel (10 minutes by car) and it’s a site of impressive natural beauty. The riverside meadow in which the foundation document of constitutional democracy was said to have been signed is full of wildflowers and there are plenty of benches down by the river from which to watch the narrowboats and birds. It’s a beautiful spot for a walk, and if you’re keen on history you could hunt don the ruins of a 2,000 year old monastery not far away in Ankerwycke. After a good dose of nature, head to the Rose and Crown, Thorpe, for a hearty roast dinner in a proper, wood-panelled, dark-beamed pub setting.

Getting there and away

Great Fosters is easy to get to by train from London Waterloo. Trains take just under an hour and a taxi from Egham station takes around five minutes. Alternatively you can walk from Egham station in around 20 minutes.

Driving from London takes around 45 minutes and it takes just under two hours to drive from Birmingham.

Great Fosters is a Grade One listed building set amongst 50 acres of stunning gardens and parkland in Egham, Surrey. Double rooms start from £175 or see greatfosters.co.uk for special offers.

Review: Great Fosters, Surrey