As the parent of two girls who are obsessed with the musical Six, I’ve seized every opportunity possible to ignite their desire to learn more about the history of Henry the 8th and his wives. However, I love a bit of luxury, so I couldn’t believe my luck when I discovered Thornbury Castle – an incredible hotel in an actual castle with a sumptuous afternoon tea, beautiful grounds, a fantastic restaurant and the chance to sleep amongst history.
Thornbury Castle Hotel is a dazzling slice of Tudor history wrapped in luxury. Originally built in the early 16th century by Edward Stafford, the Duke of Buckingham, this grand castle has a royal connection—none other than King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn once stayed here during their courtship. While the Duke may have lost his head (literally) before finishing the castle, Thornbury went on to stand as a romantic relic of the past.
Fast forward to today, and it’s now a dreamy boutique hotel where you can sip champagne by the fire, roam the lavish gardens or even sleep in a room fit for royalty.
Staying at Thornbury Castle
Ten minutes off the M5 in Gloucestershire near the Welsh Borders, Cotswolds and Bristol we found ourselves driving through an archway into the castle grounds. With Six blaring of course. Wide-eyed with excitement the girls ran for the hotel, taking in a classic fountain and asking me what the small set of stone steps by reception were for. I didn’t have a clue. But a well-placed plaque told us it was an original mounting block for horses, used by Henry and Anne (we are on first-name terms now) in 1535. The Tesla charger of its day.
After a swift and friendly check in we climbed the 77 circular stone stairs up to the Jane Seymour suite, no sign of a beige hotel corridor here. The girls sang a quick bit of Six to remember that she was the only one he truly loved as I took the hilariously large key, the sort you might get if you were presented a key to the city, into the lock and opened the heavy wooden door into history.
The suite was everything you’d want it to be, full of history, well decorated and appointed with modern touches that were in keeping with history. USB points and switches by the bed were made to look old, the grand four-poster bed straight out of a fairy tale, the fireplace lavish and grand, views across the gardens and over to Wales, and the kids’ beds perfectly set up in the large room so it felt like a big family sleepover fit for royalty.
A small decanter of homemade sloe gin greeted us, and the Thornbury Castle crest of arms was adored everywhere from the towels to wax seals on letters, giving a constant sense of place. They’ve made everything feel totally original whilst committing to the best guest experience, the sideboard which I assumed was antique had soft close drawers, in keeping but modern. This was a room with the wow factor by the bucket.
It being the weekend of the world-famous Bristol Balloon Fiesta we had spent the previous day watching hundreds of balloons take off but here we were transported to another world. We sauntered around the various gardens, flower hunting in the walled one, sniffing and food spotting in the kitchen garden and looking up to the sky in the hope of seeing some balloons. The wind wasn’t blowing in the right direction for balloons but as we spent hours exploring the grounds and making those all-important family memories, it didn’t matter.
Dining at Thornbury Castle
We opted for dinner in the library, a more family-friendly option without the worry of our tiny humans disturbing couples having a romantic meal. The same menu is offered and I got to sit next to a suit of armour whilst enjoying a delicious meal. The kids had some of the best burgers I’ve ever tasted whilst my wife and I enjoyed the seasonal set menu with a crispy pork belly that delivered the crunch and melt-in-the-mouth goodness that belittles the effort which went into making it so good and a rare breed beef which felt like a perfectly traditional Tudor meal updated for 2024.
In a world where everyone is searching for immersive experiences, Thornbury Castle should go to the top of your list. If you will, The original immersive experience stays in actual history. From its medieval charm to its plush modern touches, Thornbury Castle blends centuries of grandeur with a luxurious escape from the every day—perfect for anyone craving an overnight brush with history.
Facts about Thornbury Castle
Thornbury Castle is a stunning 16th-century castle hotel in Gloucestershire near the Cotswolds and Welsh Borders.
Thornbury Castle, a Relais & Chateaux Hotel, is the only Tudor Castle in England to be open as a hotel. King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn slept in one of the 26 bedchambers and walked through the ancient gardens. A stay in the Castle is an experience like no other, where visitors can step back in history and wake in the most historic setting. On-site facilities include croquet, archery, clay-pigeon shooting, and falconry which can be arranged with prior notice and for an extra charge.
The historic hotel has been awarded 3 AA Rosettes for food quality and 4 Red Stars for service quality and operation of the hotel. Led by Executive Head Chef, David Williams, Thornbury Castle offers diners an indulgent experience in a relaxed setting with the finest interiors.
Guests can choose from a wide range of delicious and impressive menus including a 6-course tasting menu, A la Carte menu, Afternoon Tea, and Lounge menu. The hotel proudly grows a lot of its produce in its Kitchen Garden including Tudor botanicas over many centuries. The Head Gardener ensures that the chefs can work with the finest and freshest ingredients imaginable.
Bedchamber rates at Thornbury Castle start from £299. For dinner, three courses from the A-la-Carte menu costs £75.
Thornbury Castle Hotel & Restaurant
Castle Street
Thornbury
Bristol
BS35 1HH
United Kingdom
