Have you ever wanted to stay in an authentic medieval castle? Thornbury Castle Hotel, located near Bristol in South Gloucestershire, is a magnificent Tudor castle with historical ties to Anne Boleyn and King Henry VIII.
This article will explore everything from its luxurious bedchambers to exclusive dining experiences crafted by the Executive Chef. Discover legendary comfort and an experience fit for royalty!
Rooms and Accommodation
Thornbury Castle Hotel & Restaurant offers 27 beautifully restored sleeping chambers. Many rooms have large, four-poster beds and hand-carved fireplaces.
One special room, the Catherine of Aragon Tower Suite, has the biggest four poster bed in a UK hotel. Access is via a 77 step spiral staircase, adding to the historic ambiance. You can even book the Henry VIII Suite, where he and Anne Boleyn stayed in 1535.
There are also rooms on the ground floor for guests who have trouble moving around. Guests benefit from complimentary high-speed WiFi, parking, and more.
Each room comes with a flat-screen TV, minibar, safe and tea and coffee making facilities. You’ll also find fluffy bathrobes and slippers, as well as luxurious bathroom amenities. We loved our Mary Tudor Bedchamber, with its stunning oriel windows and beautiful garden views.
Modern bathrooms are equipped with walk-in rainforest showers and Molton Brown toiletries, adding to the luxurious feel. This combination ensures guests enjoy both the historical charm and modern conveniences.
There are no elevators here, however the Reception team will carry your luggage to your room.
Historical Significance of Thornbury Castle
Edward Stafford, the third Duke of Buckingham, built this castle as a display of power and wealth. Its construction began in 1511 but came to an abrupt stop in 1521 when he was executed for treason.
This castle is a fine example of Tudor architecture with its octagonal towers and original stone walls still standing strong. Features like the intricate Stafford knot emblem, grand doorways, and massive fireplaces highlight its historical glory.
Architect Anthony Salvin added Victorian touches in the 1850s which can still be seen today. The castle’s rooms house period furniture and tapestries, adding to the authenticity of a bygone era while providing modern comfort.
One of the finest luxury castles in Great Britain, Thornbury is part of the Relais & Châteaux collection. The unique blend of medieval craftsmanship with contemporary amenities makes staying here a journey back in time without leaving behind the luxuries of today’s world.
Dining Experience
Boasting 3AA rosettes, the Thornbury Castle Hotel & Restaurant serves modern British dishes. Ingredients come fresh from the castle’s own kitchen and herb garden. Diners can choose from an à la carte menu or a six-course tasting menu at £95 per person, with vegetarian options available.
You are not required to wear evening dress, however a jacket and chinos for men and a smart dress or nice top and trousers are good to have. We recommend that you enjoy cocktails in the majestic double-height drawing room before your meal.
Guests enjoy their meals in one of two wood-panelled dining rooms that add to the occasion’s grandeur. This sets the stage for a dining experience akin to royalty, surrounded by wood paneling that tells tales of ages past.
For breakfast, choose from the a la carte menu with dishes such as Eggs Benedict, the Continental Table or Vegan Breakfast. The menu caters to different tastes with vegetarian alternatives available. Traditional dishes such as porridge meet modern twists like avocado on sourdough for breakfast, ensuring every meal is memorable.
Afternoon tea adds an extra touch of elegance, blending seamlessly with the castle’s regal atmosphere. It’s good to book it early because it fills up fast.
Amenities and Activities
Thornbury Castle Hotel offers free parking and high-speed internet, making your stay hassle-free. For a surcharge, guests can book a range of outdoor activities on site with some advance notice.
Pet lovers will appreciate that the accommodation is pet-friendly. There is a fee of £25 per dog, per night and rooms must be booked in advance as not all rooms are suitable.
Rooms are available for disabled guests, including those who need ground floor access due to mobility issues.
Make sure to spend some time in the spectacular lounge areas of the hotel. There are a number of board games for hotel guests to play, and many beautiful old books to peruse in the Library.
On-site Activities
Guests at Thornbury Castle Hotel & Restaurant can enjoy some unique experiences. There is a surcharge for these (apart from items 5-7) and they must be booked in advance.
1. Learn falconry with expert guides. Guests get close to powerful birds of prey, learning how to handle them safely.
2. Master archery skills on the castle grounds. Certified instructors teach aiming and shooting techniques.
3. Try your hand at axe throwing for an adrenaline rush. Safe equipment and professional supervision ensure a great time.
4. Explore the castle’s history with local historians. These tours reveal fascinating secrets of the past.
5. Enjoy a walk through the kitchen garden. Fresh produce from here often ends up in your meals.
6. Taste sloe gin made from berries picked around the castle. This is a complimentary in-room treat for hotel guests.
7. In the walled garden, discover skep beehives, which were traditionally used in Tudor times. The honey is used in the hotel restaurant.
8. Dress as a King or Queen and enjoy a Tudor Royalty Experience with champagne afternoon tea and a history talk by Lady Samantha.
9. Thornbury Castle is a popular wedding venue, offering exclusive use or more intimate packages. The Tudor Hall is ideal for large celebrations and the Baron’s Sitting Room is a good choice for dinner parties and cocktail receptions.
10. Book onto a Murder Mystery for a fun evening in atmospheric surroundings.
Key Takeaways
- Thornbury Castle Hotel has 27 bedrooms, including the Catherine of Aragon Tower Suite with a 10-foot wide bed.
- Edward Stafford started building the castle in 1511. This historic property is known for its Tudor architecture and Victorian touches added by Anthony Salvin in the 1850s.
- Guests can enjoy modern British dishes made with ingredients from the castle’s garden. A six-course tasting menu is one of the dining options.
- Bookable activities at the hotel include falconry, longbow archery, axe throwing, clay pigeon shooting, history tours and garden tours. You can also become a Tudor Queen for a day.
- The hotel is dog friendly – advance notice is required to ensure that a suitable room is available.
Conclusion
Thornbury Castle Hotel & Restaurant offers a glimpse into England’s royal past with modern luxury. Guests enjoy stays in historic rooms, dine on fine British cuisine, and try activities like falcony.
This castle hotel stands out as a top choice for those seeking unique accommodations in Gloucestershire. With its rich history and excellent amenities, it promises an unforgettable experience.
