Thornbury Castle
Stepping into the past at one of the most historic settings
This stunning 16th-century castle hotel straddling the Cotswolds and Welsh borders is a fine example of Tudor living all those centuries ago. It transformed from a fortress to a palace. History buffs will be pleased to learn that Henry VIII stayed there with Anne Boleyn. Their room, in one of the tower suites, is one of the most lavish rooms guests can book. It is reached via a stone staircase. The room has all the Tudor-style touches with added contemporary touches for a comfortable stay.
The entire castle including the other 25 chambers of palatial proportions with traditional fortifications were created for Edward Stafford, the third Duke of Buckingham. However, his grand designs throughout the hotel cost him his head in 1521 when it was acquired by Henry VIII in the most ferocious attack.


The Chambers
While the chambers are unique in design, they are all grandiose. Four-poster beds, ornate furniture, and ornate oriel windows all add to the charm of this grade 1 listed building. Floating into my abode for the night. The Mary of Scots suite accessed through a stone spiral staircase, made me feel every inch of a princess.
The room oozed charm from every angle. From the oversized armchairs by the fire to the dressing table and even to the luxurious bathroom with its stained-glass windows, it was simply magical. It would have been easy to spend my entire stay within these four walls had it not been for the walled Tudor gardens beckoning me to explore them.
With the weather on my side, I just needed to walk around the gardens to stretch my legs after a two-hour car journey. The outdoor spaces evoke the Tudor era as much as the stone walls and majestic interiors. Guests wanting to delve deeper into its history can book a tour guide with a historian. But you don’t need an expert to simply appreciate this piece of nature. The meticulously manicured lawns, Privy garden and labyrinth take on the classic Tudor Garden experience while the rose garden is home to a variety of 200 stems chosen for their historical roots and connections.
For those wishing to get some al fresco fitness in, on-site facilities include croquet, archery, clay-pigeon shooting, and falconry which can be arranged with prior notice and for an extra charge.
The Restaurant
From 1966-1986 the castle came into the ownership of Kenneth Bell, one of the most renowned chefs in the country. He was responsible for turning it into a fine-dining restaurant. Today, the kitchen and herb garden with 20 herbs and Tudor botanicals over many centuries provide sources of inspiration for the chef.
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 six-course tasting menu, A la Carte menu, Afternoon Tea, and Lounge menu.
The restaurant is open to non-residents and I would urge anyone whose budget doesn’t stretch to an overnight to sample a lavish dinner here for a special occasion. The food is simply divine and presented beautifully. Food critics agree. The historic hotel has been awarded 3 AA Rosettes for food quality and 4 Red Stars for service quality and operation of the hotel.
A pre and post-drink is best enjoyed in one of the castle’s drawing rooms. The wood-panelled rooms, with their high ceilings dripping with chandeliers and tasteful frescoes, adorn the walls while uber comfy sofas interspersed with oversized armchairs with Tudor rose carpets beneath give you that cosy feel of being in a grand room. There’s no need to whip out your phones here because there’s just so much to see
and experience.
A visit to Thornbury Castle is an experience like no other. Visitors can leave the modern world behind as soon as they enter the grounds. Combine it with an overnight stay and you’ll start your day in one of the most historic settings.
Bedchamber rates at Thornbury Castle start from £299. For dinner, three courses from the à la carte menu costs £75.
For more information about Thornbury Castle please visit https://www.thornburycastle.co.uk/