THORNBURY CASTLE

Sumptuous Tudor castle steeped in a royal past

CASTLES IN THE AIR? Why bother, when Thornbury delivers such magnificent earthly pleasures. This Tudor castle-palace has a compelling royal past: Henry VIII stayed with his queen Ann Boleyn, while his daughter Mary Tudor later lived here. You can almost hear the rustle of courtiers and ladies-in-waiting as you walk through those ancient studded oak doors.

This turreted  castle for kings, mistresses and today's well-heeled weekenders is just as you might imagine, and then some. Outside it’s castellated, all thick stone walls, flagged courtyards and towers. There are manicured lawns with parterres and England’s oldest Tudor garden, plus a vineyard which produces the castle’s own wine. Now go inside for a taste of grand oak furniture, panelling, chandeliers, tapestries, old Masters and vast fireplaces.

Bedrooms? No, these are bedchambers – with enough space for a bevy of page boys. This is the place for sumptuous living, with staff on hand to cosset you around the clock.  Careful restoration has preserved the good things of the past, and matched them with 21st century comforts.

Taste of Olde England

Dining here is akin to banqueting, though on a more intimate scale. Three panelled dining rooms (one is in an octagonal tower) hold tables formally laid for English inspired modern cuisine. There’s roast beef of Olde England on Sundays, and the signature treacle tart is wicked.

Four-poster and coronet beds, stone walls, tapestries and ornate carved ceilings characterise the bedchambers. The Tudor room even has slit-arrow windows while another with a canopied four-poster lights up at the flick of a switch with the moons and stars. Others peep out through oriel windows at the Privy garden or gaze across to the River Severn.

Stroll through the Castle’s splendid and historic ten acres (though don't lose your head, as Ann Boleyn did), take a hot-air balloon ride, play golf or explore the Cotswolds on your doorstep.


Thornbury Castle was reviewed for Room for Romance by  Sian Davies

Click on any picture to enlarge it and move through the gallery.

Dining in
Enjoy English cuisine with Mediterranean influences: marinated fennel with sweet onions, or mille-feuille of lightly smoked Madgett Farm duck breast topped with soured cherry and balsamic compote.


Breakfast
Full breakfast is served until 10am. Start the day in royal style with scrambled eggs, smoked salmon and half a bottle of champers.

Room service
Available 24/7




See & Do
There is much at the hotel to keep you entertained including archery and falconry displays. Wander round the ruins of Tintern Abbey just over the Welsh border in the Wye Valley, then check out  lively Cardiff, the Georgian city of Bath with its Roman Baths and spa, thatched Cotswold villages and the castles at Chepstow and Raglan.

Spa
If you’re feeling particularly lazy book a treatment in your bedchamber, or head to Vicarage Farm five miles away.

Diary Dates
July
Watch the knights on horseback in full throttle at Berkeley Castle’s jousting contest. There’s great music courtesy of the Medieval Babes.

November
Enjoy a glimpse of Christmas of old at Thornbury’s Victorian Christmas shopping evening.

GETTING THERE

Location
Thornbury, near Bristol, South Gloucestershire BS35 1HH

Parking
There’s free guest parking.

Trains
Bristol Parkway station – eight miles

Taxis
GBP 20 to the station. Private transfers can be arranged.

Airport
Bristol Airport – 20 miles

ESSENTIAL INFO

Rates
GBP 250 - 435

Open/closed
Open all year

Check-in
2pm

Check-out
11am

Minimum night stay?
No

Children
Children are not allowed in the dining rooms after 7.15pm.

Pets
Dogs are welcome

Air conditioning
No

Wedding license?
Yes – and the castle can accommodate up to 50 guests.