Thornbury Castle, built in 1511 during the reign of Henry VIII, was one of the grandest buildings of its time in England. It has been the home of kings, queens and dukes over the centuries before becoming a luxury hotel in 1966 and recently re-opened its doors once again to guests following its multi-million pound refurbishment.
Located near Bristol and overlooking the Gloucestershire countryside, Thornbury Castle is the only Tudor castle in the UK which operates as a hotel and restaurant.
2021 saw a new chapter in the Castle’s rich history as Thornbury Castle became a member of the Relais & Châteaux collection.
Channeling 1530s grandeur with 2020s splendour, guests can experience Tudor opulence in total luxury during a stay at Thornbury Castle.
Following the recent refurbishment, the Castle’s 26 bedchambers and suites have been carefully restored as interiors are sensitively reimagined with historical fineries and contemporary luxuries.
Fifteen of the bedchambers and suites feature sumptuous four-poster beds, rich period detailing, with décor throughout the rooms and suites artfully recreating the Tudor style in which royalty and aristocracy would have socialised, feasted and relaxed in.
Unique stays guaranteed
Each one of Thornbury Castle’s six deluxe suites offers their own unique style and design, with no two the same. For example, the Jane Seymour Suite, accessible via a spiral stone staircase, oozes castle luxury, complete with a four-posted bed, located in the oldest tower of the building, offering stunning views that stretch all the way to Wales.
A visit to the Castle also offers history-loving guests a chance to stay in its King Henry VIII bedchamber, the very room where Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn stayed in for 10 nights as part of their Royal Progress tour in 1535. This is located in the Castle Tower, which still has the original stone spiral steps to access the bedchamber. Alternatively, guests can choose the high life and discover the Castle’s Catherine of Aragon Tower Suite. Featuring 24-carat gilding, sumptuous Tudor furnishings, and the largest four-poster bed in any UK hotel, it is accessible via a 77-step spiral staircase (and don’t worry, luggage will be carried by our Reception team!).
Food and drink fit for a King and Queen
Thornbury Castle’s Executive Chef Carl Cleghorn brings a wealth of culinary experience to the Castle, having worked in a number of the UK’s top hotels and with some of the UK’s leading Michelin star chefs. He prides himself on using the very best seasonal and local ingredients from the Castle’s kitchen and herb garden and showcasing the best of British to create a memorable dining experience for guests.
Food served includes breakfast, lunch, an all-day dining menu, afternoon tea and a la carte dinner and Carl Cleghorn and his team will also provide bespoke menus for events such as weddings and corporate events.
Pamper time
The Castle also offers guests an indulgent menu of beauty treatments in its new treatment room located in the South Wing, overlooking the Privy Garden. These include massages and facials along with other treatments.
Experiences
Visiting guests will be able to enjoy a variety of activities to conjure up the atmosphere of Tudor England. These include bespoke historical tours, a walking garden tour exploring the Castle’s Tudor gardens and kitchen garden, axe throwing, sword skills, archery, falconry, croquet on the lawn and even the opportunity to ‘Become a Tudor Queen’ for the day! (extra charges apply).
Thornbury Castle grounds and kitchen garden
Located within 15 acres of grounds, Thornbury Castle retains many original features, including arrow slit windows and original planting from the Tudor period which can be admired by taking a walk around the Castle. To ensure guests are wholly immersed in the Tudor experience, restoration and re-landscaping has also taken place in the Castle’s grounds.
Rooms from £279 B&B.
- Website: https://www.thornburycastle.co.uk
- Bookings: +44 (0)1454 281182
- Instagram: @thornburycastle
