There is no better place to spend a traditional Christmas than at medieval Thornbury Castle – the only Tudor castle open as a hotel in England – complete with steep spiral stone staircases, beautiful oriel windows and welcoming roaring fires.
It has an extraordinary sense of history, with former visitors including King Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and Mary I; and guests will feel like royalty from the minute they arrive on Christmas Eve to a welcome drink waiting in their bedchambers.
The festivities will commence with a drinks reception to the background of a talented group of local carol singers in The Tudor Hall followed by a fabulous Black-tie dinner in the award-winning restaurant. St Mary’s Church, located in the hotel’s grounds is a short stroll away for those wanting to attend Midnight Mass.
A Christmas Day continental breakfast will be served in the bedchambers alongside a Christmas Hamper from the hotel with goodies including fluffy robes and a bottle of Thornbury Castle Wine. Pre-lunch drinks will be served by the Christmas Tree in the beautiful and historic lounge, followed by a three-course Christmas ‘feast’ with all the trimmings.
For those who fancy themselves as a detective and are interested in history, the Tudor Quest – a treasure hunt is ideal. Participants follow clues both in and around the castle grounds, searching for a mysterious lost jewel ‘the heart of Jasper Tudor’ which is believed to be hidden there.
After a hearty breakfast on Boxing Day, guests will be free to explore the local area on foot. Afternoon tea will be served with a glass of wine and the hotel’s own falconer Michael Davie (one of the country’s leading falconers) will entertain with a spectacular falconry display on the castle’s lawn. Wine tasting sessions with the hotel’s sommelier will also be on offer ahead of the delicious Farewell Dinner where entertainment will be provided by Ben, the resident acoustic guitarist.
Rates are from £649 per night, based on two adults sharing a bedchamber.
www.thornburycastle.co.uk or call 01454 281182.
