About

Thornbury Castle is a five-star deluxe Relais and Chateaux Tudor castle in the heart of Gloucestershire, on the edge of the Cotswolds.

Once the country retreat of none other than King Henry VIII, Thornbury Castle boasts a history that few other English hotels can match. It is a history that serves as the foundation for experiences that are truly transportive, whisking guests away into another more regal period. Thornbury Castle is 1530s grandeur and 2020s splendour all at once. It is a place where you can escape from the everyday and immerse yourself in untold luxuries. King or Queen for a day? At Thornbury Castle, the aim is to create that feeling for the very entirety of your stay. 

Standing in 15 acres of regal splendour, surrounded by Tudor Walled Gardens. Thornbury Castle nestles on the northern edge of Thornbury adjacent to the Gloucestershire countryside, 12 miles north of Bristol, and is well placed for visiting the Cotswolds, the Georgian city of Bath, Bristol and Wales.

Bedchambers

 There is a soft, tactile joy to be found beyond the heavy wooden doors of each of the 26 bedchambers. Every individual room in the castle is as unique as the history it is built on, as contemporaneously luxurious as a modern-day retreat should be. The standard Deluxe rooms (indeed, all of the rooms) boast iconic period details alongside lavishly realised bathrooms and furnishings. The more singular suites – from that once stayed in by Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, to the Catherine of Aragon Tower Suite that can only be reached by a spiralling stone staircase – (don’t worry they carry your luggage) ensure a stay that will live long in the memory.

Restaurant

Thornbury Castle’s heritage is imbued in the Thornbury dining experience: from the artfully prepared dishes that arrive with each course, through to the lovingly tended produce harvested from their own kitchen garden. The Head Gardener ensures that the chefs are able to work with the finest and freshest ingredients imaginable, transforming those ingredients into British-inspired cuisine both comforting and unexpected. World-class sommeliers provide the final, unforgettable element of the evening, with a selection of exclusive vintages, and expertly chosen wines from England, Europe and the New World.

Afternoon Teas taken in splendid surroundings at Thornbury Castle are the ultimate treat for all guests.

The recipient of many prestigious awards for its fine food including 3 AA Rosettes, Thornbury Castle has four baronial style dining rooms, including an atmospheric dungeon which is available for private dining for up to eight people.

Dog-Friendly

Thornbury Castle enables you to bring your treasured family member away on your break. There are several dog friendly rooms available, and you receive a dog bed, treats and a water bowl in your room. There are plenty of gardens and five acres of grounds to enjoy and explore. Dogs are not permitted in the fine dining restaurant but are welcome to join you in the library to dine.

Experiences

Truly immerse yourself in the Tudor traditions with small group experiences that glimpse into historical life in the Tudor Period.

Longbow Archery
Learn the skill of this medieval sport. This popular activity may not be as easy as it looks, but with our experienced archer at hand, even complete beginners will soon be hitting gold.

Axe Throwing

Release your inner lumberjack and let our professional instruct you on how to throw that axe like you mean it!

Using medieval throwing axes, like the kind that were used in battle during the Middle Ages, you’ll learn that success is down to consistency and skill, not force or strength.

Falconry

A rare chance to meet these magnificent birds of prey, where audience participation will be encouraged.

Thornbury Castle History Tours
Built in the 1500s, Thornbury Castle has housed kings, queens and dukes over the centuries. The tour starts with a local historian weaving a detailed history of the castle and the people who have owned or lived here. Guests will then be accompanied around the castle interior where the historian will highlight different features which can be seen, but not necessarily noticed. The tour then concludes outside in the grounds and gardens.

(Small group experiences last 1hour and are an additional cost.)