Thornbury Castle

Built during the iconic yet tumultuous reign of Henry VIII, Thornbury Castle was an ambitious 16th-century Tudor residence rather than a strictly defensive fortress. Construction was started around 1511 by Edward Stafford, the 3rd Duke of Buckingham, and one of the wealthiest and most powerful nobles in England. He obtained permission to fortify his family's old manor house into a new palatial home, complete with impressive walls and gardens. Unfortunately, Stafford's desire to live lavishly drew the jealous eye of King Henry VIII. Before the castle's finishing touches were applied, Stafford was arrested and executed for treason in 1521, bringing his building project to an abrupt halt.

After Stafford’s execution, the castle was seized by the Crown and became part of King Henry VIII’s estates. The king and Anne Boleyn stayed at Thornbury in 1535, using it as a retreat during a plague outbreak in nearby Bristol. Over the subsequent decades, the castle changed hands within the Tudor dynasty, passing to Edward VI and later, through Queen Mary I, back to the Stafford family. However, the Staffords never fully revived the estate, and it gradually fell into disrepair, even after Henry VIII's demise.

Although the Howard family acquired Thornbury in 1640, it stood largely untouched until Lord Henry Thomas Howard declared it his residence in 1800. He began several renovations of the castle, which were then continued by his son Henry Howard. Around the 1850s, Henry commissioned architect Anthony Salvin to transform the castle into a comfortable residence again, shaping much of the structure seen today.

Thornbury Castle was finally sold in 1966, ending the Howards' three centuries of ownership. Celebrity chef Kenneth Bell became its first new owner, turning it into a high-end restaurant and hotel. After changing hands a few more times, Thornbury now operates as a boutique hotel and restaurant, part of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux collection, and celebrated for its rich Tudor heritage and architecture.

Operating as a modern-day heritage hotel and restaurant, Thornbury Castle carefully straddles the line between early medieval Tudor grandeur and contemporary luxury. As the personal residence of Edward Stafford, 3rd Duke of Buckingham, the castle was meant to rival the splendor of the actual royal castles of Henry VIII.

The fortified great house was built atop the Staffords' older manor, rebuilding the estate with Cotswold stone. The facade features ashlar walls with decorative brick chimneys and grand oriel windows, popular elements during this era. Its inner and outer courts feature symmetry with the gatehouses and polygonal towers, while heraldic details reflect a late medieval aesthetic that represents the transition from Medieval to Renaissance conventions. These aspects are recognized by Historic England and protected with a Grade I listing on the National Heritage List for England.

The hotel's interior spaces, including its 28 bedchambers and suites, continue the dialogue between past and present. The rooms are named after historic figures and are dressed in period-inspired decor and furniture. Guests will sleep in four-poster beds and be warmed by fireplaces, all while classic tapestries hang alongside modern luxury touches. Electrical systems, bathrooms, and lighting have been integrated sympathetically so that contemporary amenities sit comfortably within the castle's Tudor context, retaining many original details such as the carved stone and panelled interiors.

Despite being listed as a Grade I heritage building, the owners were able to add accessibility options without needing extensive overhauls. These include wheelchair-friendly bathrooms and assistance from staff for traversing through the castle's historic spaces.

At Thornbury Castle's main restaurant, guests should look forward to incredible British cuisine distinguished by the restaurant's 3 AA Rosettes award. Meal services feature a three-course a la carte menu or an elevated six-course tasting menu for special occasions. Dishes are prepared with ingredients grown in the castle’s own kitchen garden and crafted to pair with selections from the castle's wine list. Lunch menus are also available and can be served more casually in the library or lounge areas, with options suitable for children and their developing palates.

Guests are also encouraged to enjoy a decadent Afternoon Tea service in the lounges daily. This quintessential English experience provides a peaceful few hours amid the historic decor and atmosphere. Aside from the sinful desserts paired with delightful blends from all over the world, there's also an option for Champagne pairings as a way to celebrate small milestones, or to simply savor a bit of opulence.

Create an unforgettable fairytale wedding experience by celebrating your union at Thornbury Castle. You'll have plenty of options for your event, whether it's an intimate elopement for just the two of you or a much larger celebration with up to 120 attendees. Ceremonies can be held in a variety of romantic settings, including the atmospheric Tudor Hall, the elegant Library or Lounge, or even outdoors in the beautifully maintained Tudor gardens.

The castle’s expert wedding planners will work closely with you to design a day that suits your personal style and story. Couples can choose from a range of customizable packages, which can be tailored further for intimate celebrations in private dining rooms to exclusive-use weddings where the entire castle and grounds become your private venue. A highlight of the day is the wedding breakfast, the first meal shared as newlyweds. The bespoke menus crafted by the castle’s chefs using locally sourced and garden-fresh produce, complemented by an extensive wine list.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Before exploring the beautiful lands of Gloucestershire, it's worth checking out the various ways Thornbury Castle lets guests unwind and recuperate. Reconnect with both body and mind by booking spa and beauty treatments either in the castle’s own treatment room or at a nearby affiliated holistic centre. You'll find a wide array of services, including massages, aromatherapy, and signature treatments.

Aside from wellness, there’s also a wide variety of on-site activities that bring the castle’s history to life. Guests can try longbow archery and axe throwing in the picturesque castle grounds, echoing pastimes once enjoyed in Tudor England. Falconry was also a hobby of the nobles, with experts visiting along with fascinating specimens to give presentations, commentaries, and demonstrations. Guided history tours of the castle’s interior and exterior reveal fascinating architectural and historical stories. For an idyllic or romantic afternoon, ride a traditional horse-drawn carriage and explore the local area. For a bit of playful immersion, you can even dress in Tudor costume and stroll the gardens or relax with afternoon tea in full period attire.

Beyond the estate's walls, Thornbury’s location puts it near the Cotswolds and vibrant and historic cities like Bristol and Bath. Nearby highlights include the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge, the Roman Baths in Bath, and the SS Great Britain museum ship at Bristol’s harbor. For history enthusiasts, Berkeley Castle and the local Thornbury & District Museum are great spots to pick up some facts and information. As for leisurely trips, the surrounding English countryside offers plenty of opportunities for scenic drives and visits to charming villages.

Thornbury Castle makes for a memorable setting for both business gatherings and private events. The castle’s range of rooms includes the intimate Baron’s Sitting Room, which includes the Chancellor's Lounge and is ideal for small board meetings and family dinners. Meanwhile, the resplendent Tudor Hall boasts a grand entrance and can accommodate larger groups of attendees. These historic spaces feature stone walls, natural light, and views over the castle grounds, granting a unique backdrop to your functions. All meetings can be supported with food and beverage packages featuring the castle’s acclaimed 3 AA Rosettes cuisine, as well as planning and support from the events team.