A Tudor castle once frequented by Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. Where you can stroll through the formal gardens, take afternoon tea in the library, or enjoy an exquisite meal in historic surroundings. Or just soak up the luxury of a sumptuously designed suite or bedchamber. This is Thornbury Castle, close to Bristol and on the edge of the Cotswolds, a luxury hotel that promises an unforgettable visit.
Disclosure: Thornbury Castle Hotel provided a complimentary stay for myself and my husband in return for coverage on this site.
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A Castle Fit For A King
Although there has been a manor house on the site since the 10th century, the current castle dates from 1511. It was built by Edward Stafford, the 3rd Duke of Buckingham and, although it had defensive features, it was intended as a grand country house. The unfortunate Duke was executed for treason in 1521, and the castle was taken over by King Henry VIII. Henry visited with Anne Boleyn, and it was later frequented by his successors, Edward VI and Mary I.
Today Thornbury is the only original Tudor castle that welcomes overnight visitors. It boasts the oldest Tudor walled gardens in the country and offers luxury accommodation and dining.
Deluxe Bedchambers And Suites
Thornbury Castle has 26 bedchambers and suites, all comfortable and beautifully decorated, and all named after historical figures from the Tudor period. You’ll find period furniture, enormous fireplaces, and everything you need for a luxurious stay.
I stayed in the Elizabeth of York Suite, a spacious room with large windows overlooking the gardens. It had a 4 poster bed, chandeliers, and octagonal table and chairs. There was a small sofa to relax on, a separate lobby with writing table and storage space, and an elegant bathroom.
We had a Nespresso coffee machine and a well stocked minibar. And a full range of Molton Brown toiletries in the bathroom. Welcome added extras were the small carafe of sloe gin that greeted our arrival and little tubes of hand cream and lip salve that appeared with the turndown service.
Exploring The Castle Grounds
Part of the pleasure of a stay at Thornbury Castle is a walk around the extensive grounds. Wander through the historic walled gardens and you could imagine yourself back in Tudor times, with formal plantings and clipped yew hedges providing hidden corners for gossiping, courting or conspiring, away from prying eyes. You’ll find a rose garden, flower beds and straw beehives, and on fine days there are lots of places to sit and enjoy a drink.
Outside of the formal gardens are open lawns where you can stroll or try a game of croquet. Then there is the kitchen garden and greenhouse, full of fresh produce and heritage vegetables, destined for use in the dining room.
Passing through the Inner Gateway you come to the outer court, a large grassy area which in springtime is home to a large labyrinth of tulips and wild flowers. There are several items of architectural interest here, from the gateway itself, which is decorated with the Stafford Knot (symbol of the Duke of Buckingham), to the unfinished portcullis and barracks at the far side.
Eating And Drinking At Thornbury
Don’t miss the food! We had dinner in the historic restaurant – complete with large windows, Tudor portraits and panelled walls. Here we opted for a la carte (there was also a 6-course tasting menu). The menu was small but perfectly formed, with one vegetarian option in the main courses. Everything was very fresh and beautifully presented, with some less common ingredients such as romanesco cauliflower and heritage tomatoes. I could imagine that much of my dinner had been growing in the garden that morning…
Breakfast was good too, with vegetarian and vegan alternatives to the full English. And I spotted several people enjoying an afternoon tea of sandwiches, scones and yummy cakes.
Making The Most Of Your Visit
You could easily spend most of your stay in the hotel itself, immersing yourself in history, wandering the grounds, and enjoying a bit of old fashioned luxury. You’ll find chess and other games in the lounge, or you could just read a book in the library. If you are feeling active, you can play croquet on the lawn, and archery, clay pigeon shooting and falconry may be booked in advance. Spa treatments are also available.
A short walk from the castle is the town of Thornbury, where you can visit the museum and follow a short Heritage Trail. Nearby are the Westonbirt National Arboretum and the city of Bristol, home to medieval history, Banksy, and the SS Great Britain. Further afield are the Cotswolds, Cheltenham and the Georgian city of Bath.
Thornbury Castle Hotel: Practicalities
- The hotel is around 30 minutes from Bristol city centre and Bristol Parkway railway station.
- Car parking is available.
- Bedchamber rates at Thornbury Castle start at £299.
- A three course dinner from the a la carte menu costs £75, and the 6 course tasting menu is £95.
- Afternoon tea (with vegetarian and vegan options) costs £40 per person.
- Thornbury Castle Hotel is part of the Relais & Chateaux group.
