I’ve discovered how to live like a King (or Queen) – and now, I can never go back. Turns out, all you need is your very own Tudor castle. And luckily, we’ve found just the property – enter: Thornbury Castle.
A hidden gem tucked away in the leafy village outskirts of Bristol, it’s one of the most majestic stays in the UK. After all, it’s not every day you check into a 500-year-old Tudor castle where King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn once stayed. England’s only Tudor castle hotel, Thornbury doesn’t just give you history to observe… it lets you live it.
The approach to the 16th century Thornbury Castle is nothing short of magical
Thornbury Castle review
From the moment we arrive at this luxury escape, it feels like stepping into a storybook. There’s no denying the grandeur here, from the moment you lay eyes on the property: Thornbury’s towering stone turrets, creeping ivy, and manicured gardens, set to the soundtrack of a trickling stately water fountain make an unrivalled first impression. By the time I’m led through the halls to my bedchamber (there are no simple staterooms here), I already know this is going to be one of the most unforgettable stays I’ve ever had.
Thornbury Castle – checking in
Inside, the grandeur continues. The interiors feel like a living museum – original stone archways, roaring fireplaces, and opulent artworks. The team welcomes us like royalty, and we’re led through to a decadent lounge filled with luxe sofas and walls filled with the kind of scene-setting artworks that makes you want to linger with a glass of red. Yes, we could get used to this.
But as inviting as it all is, I can’t help but feel the pull of what lies upstairs. We’re about to sleep in a Tudor bedchamber – and I can’t wait.
I’m welcomed into the lounge, which is steeped in history
The approach to Thornbury Castle is nothing short of spectacular. As you drive through the gates and up the drive, the castle first comes into view – real old stone walls framed by gorgeous greenery – and it’s clear this isn’t just another country hotel; it’s something truly special.
Thornbury Castle – rooms and suites
There’s staying in a castle – and then there’s sleeping like royalty. Our bedchamber at Thornbury Castle is jaw-dropping. Each suite individually designed and named, we stay in the ‘Mary Queen of Scots’ bedchamber – but this is no ordinary hotel room. Heavy stone walls, intricately carved woodwork, and windows overlooking the gardens… and the centrepiece: a grand four-poster bed that looks straight out of a period drama.
Some home-grown sloe gin welcomes us to our palace for the night – a sweet detail which speaks to the touches throughout this top-tier service stay.
Our bedchamber is the Mary Queen of Scots suite – complete with stunning four poster bed
The room feels indulgent yet authentic; royal without being gaudy. There’s a real fireplace, plush armchairs by the (thankfully modern) flatscreen TV – which I especially appreciate can be rotated toward the four-poster, because that’s the kind of queen I am – and a freestanding roll-top bath just calling for a long soak. Modern comforts – yes, there’s underfloor heating – blend seamlessly with centuries-old charm.
It’s surreal to think this very space once hosted Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. But as you sink into your luxe four-poster bed beneath exposed beams, it’s not hard to imagine. This isn’t themed luxury, it’s the real thing.
Thornbury Castle – dining and drinks
Dinner at Thornbury Castle is an occasion – and for those celebrating a special day, there’s no grander way to do it. The dining room, with its candlelit tables, vaulted ceilings, and regal portraits on the walls, sets the tone for an experience as indulgent as our surroundings.
Led by Executive Head Chef David Williams, the menu leans into fine dining with a relaxed twist. Think: seasonal British ingredients, rich sauces, and beautifully elegant plating.
The cauliflower and hazelnut risotto here is a triumph
We opted for the à la carte menu and were blown away by the balance of flavours and the freshness. We’d expect nothing less, of course, given that the castle grows much of its own produce and herbs in its estate kitchen garden. I choose the treacle-cured salmon to start, which arrives beautifully plated with Japanese salad and wasabi sauce: a perfect opening to the evening.
I follow with the cauliflower risotto, a creamy affair artfully spotted with chardonnay jelly and hazelnuts. It’s delicate and indulgent all in one – comfort food of the most luxurious order. My partner opts for the belly pork with caramelised apple, a choice I’m sure Henry VIII would demands seconds of.
Henry VIII would surely approve of the pork belly
For dessert, we finish with the Green Apple Cheesecake and Pineapple Ceviche – both fresh, full of flavour, and a zingy end to the evening’s richer proceedings. And if you’re partial to a wine pairing, the sommelier here knows their stuff. Now, this is a meal fit for a king.
Thornbury Castle – design and history
Staying at Thornbury Castle is like stepping into a Tudor time capsule. For history buffs, there’s nothing quite like it. Quite literally, too, as this is the only Tudor castle you can stay in in the UK.
Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn once walked the same grounds of Thornbury Castle
Originally built in the early 1500s by Edward Stafford, Duke of Buckingham, the castle has seen centuries of drama and grandeur.
That regal legacy is etched into every stone wall and timber beam. As you wander through the halls, you’ll pass historical horse mounts, classical artworks and thatched windows which have looked out on centuries of history. The castle’s restoration work has been masterfully done, preserving character while integrating modern comforts.
Every inch of the property is steeped in history
Outside, the gardens are just as enchanting. Walled pathways, manicured hedges, and a kitchen garden brimming with Tudor botanicals make strolling the grounds a highlight of my stay. You’ll find yourself pausing by the archery lawn – where you can even partake if you so choose – half expecting a royal to appear.
Thornbury Castle – location
The castle is tucked away in the countryside, just 30 minutes away from Bristol
Its proximity to the Cotswolds and Severn Estuary adds to its appeal, so if you’re planning the ultimate luxury road trip, it’s perfectly situated. But truthfully, once you’re through the castle gates, you won’t want to leave. There’s more than enough to keep you immersed – be it wandering the gardens, trying your hand at an activity for an extra fee, or simply sipping wine by the fire.
Tucked away in the South Gloucestershire countryside near the Welsh borders and just 30 minutes from Bristol, Thornbury Castle offers that rare kind of escape: easy to get to, yet completely removed from the modern world. Arriving feels like crossing a threshold. Suddenly, the noise of city life is replaced by rustling trees and the gentle crunch of gravel underfoot.
It’s a destination in its own right – and the kind of place that stays with you long after you’ve checked out.
Stroll through the castle grounds – or partake in an archery lesson
Thornbury Castle – verdict
Thornbury Castle isn’t just a hotel – it’s a Tudor time machine I’ll never forget. From the moment you drive up to those towering stone walls to the final sip of wine in a velvet-draped lounge, every moment here feels cinematic. Whether you’re a history buff, a romantic, or simply living out your best Bridgerton day dream, Thornbury Castle delivers on every front.
The bedchambers are steeped in centuries-old character, the food is top-tier, and the setting? Utterly magical. Add in the fact that you’re walking the same halls as Henry VIII, and it’s hard not to feel a little royal yourself. Yes, this might just be the most magical stay in the UK, immersing guests in Britain’s past in the height of luxury. And trust us – once you’ve slept in a Tudor four-poster, there’s no going back.
Bedchamber rates at Thornbury Castle start from £299. For dinner, three courses from the A-la-Carte menu costs £75. For more information and to book Thornbury Castle please visit thornburycastle.co.uk
The details
Address: Thornbury Castle, Castle Street, Thornbury, South Gloucestershire, BS35 1HH, United Kingdom
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The Luxe Review 
I’ve discovered how to live like a King (or Queen) – and now, I can never go back. Turns out, all you need is your very own Tudor castle. And luckily, we’ve found just the property – enter: Thornbury Castle.
A hidden gem tucked away in the leafy village outskirts of Bristol, it’s one of the most majestic stays in the UK. After all, it’s not every day you check into a 500-year-old Tudor castle where King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn once stayed. England’s only Tudor castle hotel, Thornbury doesn’t just give you history to observe… it lets you live it.
Thornbury Castle review
From the moment we arrive at this luxury escape, it feels like stepping into a storybook. There’s no denying the grandeur here, from the moment you lay eyes on the property: Thornbury’s towering stone turrets, creeping ivy, and manicured gardens, set to the soundtrack of a trickling stately water fountain make an unrivalled first impression. By the time I’m led through the halls to my bedchamber (there are no simple staterooms here), I already know this is going to be one of the most unforgettable stays I’ve ever had.
Thornbury Castle – checking in
Inside, the grandeur continues. The interiors feel like a living museum – original stone archways, roaring fireplaces, and opulent artworks. The team welcomes us like royalty, and we’re led through to a decadent lounge filled with luxe sofas and walls filled with the kind of scene-setting artworks that makes you want to linger with a glass of red. Yes, we could get used to this.
But as inviting as it all is, I can’t help but feel the pull of what lies upstairs. We’re about to sleep in a Tudor bedchamber – and I can’t wait.
The approach to Thornbury Castle is nothing short of spectacular. As you drive through the gates and up the drive, the castle first comes into view – real old stone walls framed by gorgeous greenery – and it’s clear this isn’t just another country hotel; it’s something truly special.
Thornbury Castle – rooms and suites
There’s staying in a castle – and then there’s sleeping like royalty. Our bedchamber at Thornbury Castle is jaw-dropping. Each suite individually designed and named, we stay in the ‘Mary Queen of Scots’ bedchamber – but this is no ordinary hotel room. Heavy stone walls, intricately carved woodwork, and windows overlooking the gardens… and the centrepiece: a grand four-poster bed that looks straight out of a period drama.
Some home-grown sloe gin welcomes us to our palace for the night – a sweet detail which speaks to the touches throughout this top-tier service stay.
The room feels indulgent yet authentic; royal without being gaudy. There’s a real fireplace, plush armchairs by the (thankfully modern) flatscreen TV – which I especially appreciate can be rotated toward the four-poster, because that’s the kind of queen I am – and a freestanding roll-top bath just calling for a long soak. Modern comforts – yes, there’s underfloor heating – blend seamlessly with centuries-old charm.
It’s surreal to think this very space once hosted Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. But as you sink into your luxe four-poster bed beneath exposed beams, it’s not hard to imagine. This isn’t themed luxury, it’s the real thing.
Thornbury Castle – dining and drinks
Dinner at Thornbury Castle is an occasion – and for those celebrating a special day, there’s no grander way to do it. The dining room, with its candlelit tables, vaulted ceilings, and regal portraits on the walls, sets the tone for an experience as indulgent as our surroundings.
Led by Executive Head Chef David Williams, the menu leans into fine dining with a relaxed twist. Think: seasonal British ingredients, rich sauces, and beautifully elegant plating.
We opted for the à la carte menu and were blown away by the balance of flavours and the freshness. We’d expect nothing less, of course, given that the castle grows much of its own produce and herbs in its estate kitchen garden. I choose the treacle-cured salmon to start, which arrives beautifully plated with Japanese salad and wasabi sauce: a perfect opening to the evening.
I follow with the cauliflower risotto, a creamy affair artfully spotted with chardonnay jelly and hazelnuts. It’s delicate and indulgent all in one – comfort food of the most luxurious order. My partner opts for the belly pork with caramelised apple, a choice I’m sure Henry VIII would demands seconds of.
For dessert, we finish with the Green Apple Cheesecake and Pineapple Ceviche – both fresh, full of flavour, and a zingy end to the evening’s richer proceedings. And if you’re partial to a wine pairing, the sommelier here knows their stuff. Now, this is a meal fit for a king.
Thornbury Castle – design and history
Staying at Thornbury Castle is like stepping into a Tudor time capsule. For history buffs, there’s nothing quite like it. Quite literally, too, as this is the only Tudor castle you can stay in in the UK.
Originally built in the early 1500s by Edward Stafford, Duke of Buckingham, the castle has seen centuries of drama and grandeur.
That regal legacy is etched into every stone wall and timber beam. As you wander through the halls, you’ll pass historical horse mounts, classical artworks and thatched windows which have looked out on centuries of history. The castle’s restoration work has been masterfully done, preserving character while integrating modern comforts.
Outside, the gardens are just as enchanting. Walled pathways, manicured hedges, and a kitchen garden brimming with Tudor botanicals make strolling the grounds a highlight of my stay. You’ll find yourself pausing by the archery lawn – where you can even partake if you so choose – half expecting a royal to appear.
Thornbury Castle – location
Its proximity to the Cotswolds and Severn Estuary adds to its appeal, so if you’re planning the ultimate luxury road trip, it’s perfectly situated. But truthfully, once you’re through the castle gates, you won’t want to leave. There’s more than enough to keep you immersed – be it wandering the gardens, trying your hand at an activity for an extra fee, or simply sipping wine by the fire.
Tucked away in the South Gloucestershire countryside near the Welsh borders and just 30 minutes from Bristol, Thornbury Castle offers that rare kind of escape: easy to get to, yet completely removed from the modern world. Arriving feels like crossing a threshold. Suddenly, the noise of city life is replaced by rustling trees and the gentle crunch of gravel underfoot.
It’s a destination in its own right – and the kind of place that stays with you long after you’ve checked out.
Thornbury Castle – verdict
Thornbury Castle isn’t just a hotel – it’s a Tudor time machine I’ll never forget. From the moment you drive up to those towering stone walls to the final sip of wine in a velvet-draped lounge, every moment here feels cinematic. Whether you’re a history buff, a romantic, or simply living out your best Bridgerton day dream, Thornbury Castle delivers on every front.
The bedchambers are steeped in centuries-old character, the food is top-tier, and the setting? Utterly magical. Add in the fact that you’re walking the same halls as Henry VIII, and it’s hard not to feel a little royal yourself. Yes, this might just be the most magical stay in the UK, immersing guests in Britain’s past in the height of luxury. And trust us – once you’ve slept in a Tudor four-poster, there’s no going back.
Bedchamber rates at Thornbury Castle start from £299. For dinner, three courses from the A-la-Carte menu costs £75. For more information and to book Thornbury Castle please visit thornburycastle.co.uk
The details
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