A testament to Tudor history, staying at Thornbury Castle is a must for history buffs and connoisseurs of fine travel alike.
Where else would you have the opportunity to stay in the country retreat of none other than King Henry VIII? Oh yes...he stayed there with his second queen, Anne Boleyn.
Part of the Relais & Châteaux portfolio, expect to be treated like a king or queen from the moment you pass through the gateway and drive towards the majestic stone walls with their arrow slits and 16th century splendour.
Service is impeccable. Staff can answer all of your inquisitive questions and if you have more, you can book a guided tour of the castle grounds where you can learn all about its impressive timeline. But do note, pre-booking is essential.
At check-in you’ll receive the heavy key to your bedchamber. An unforgettable experience in itself, climb the spiral, stone staircase to discover the heavy, wooden doors to your suite. I stayed in the King Henry VII suite, with two adjoining rooms, it’s perfect for a family. Here, you’ll find, wood panelled walls, grand paintings and, of course, your lavish four-poster bed. Plush velvet fabrics, regal drapes and elegant chandeliers surround. There’s nothing old-fashioned here though. Tasteful, luxe touches are everywhere from underfloor bathroom heating, fluffy robes, Molton Brown toiletries, to the glass decanter containing complimentary sloe gin to sip on during your stay.
Dining at Thornbury Castle is an exceptional experience. I chose to dine in the library, cosy, comfortable and next to a roaring fire. You can even book the atmospheric dungeon which is available for private dining for up to eight people. If walls could talk…
The historic hotel has been awarded three AA Rosettes for food quality and four Red Stars for service quality and operation of the hotel. Led by Executive Head Chef, David Williams, guests can choose from a wide range of impressive menus including a six-course tasting menu, A la Carte menu, or the Lounge menu. Expect an ever-changing, seasonal yet creative offering. The hotel proudly grows much of its produce in their Kitchen Garden, including Tudor botanicas over many centuries. The Head Gardener ensures that the chefs can work with the finest and freshest ingredients. You can pop by and potter around the greenhouse yourself!
Maybe you’ll choose to start with a goat's cheese mousse with beetroot and candied walnuts followed with local lamb rump, like I did? It didn’t disappoint. The pan-roasted halibut with salt cod mash, also looked divine. And if dessert is your thing, the green apple cheesecake with white chocolate and granny smith sorbet is the perfect balance of tart and sweet.
Thornbury Castle stands proudly in the county of Gloucestershire, near Bristol, and there’s plenty to see within or outside of the castle grounds. You can take a stroll around the Walled Garden, play croquet on the lawn or try your hand at an archery session. You can even immerse yourself completely and play dress-up with Tudor gowns and costumes available to hire, at a charge.
Thornbury Castle is an excellent base for exploring the West Country – it’s just a stone’s throw away from the Cotswolds; you can cross the border and enter Wales; or travel south and continue your historical journey with a trip to the city of Bath, deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The enchanting Thornbury Castle offers a true escape from reality. It’s a chance to experience the authentic luxury only once known to kings and queens; the chance to feel like royalty.
More details on Thornbury Castle can be found at www.thornburycastle.co.uk
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