Thornbury Castle, on the outskirts of the English market town of Thornbury in rural Gloucestershire, is a hotel in a Tudor castle.
Built over 500 years ago, it saw King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn staying here in 1535.
The couple were following in the footsteps of Henry's daughter Princess Mary, who became Queen
Mary, and who spent long spells here in 1525, 1526 and 1527.
Now a Relais & Chateau Hotel, Thornbury Castle offers 26 bedchambers including the Tower Suite, which is where Henry and Anne would likely have slept.
There are historically grand lounges and dining rooms and 15 acres of stunning gardens.
The castle's restaurant itself, under Head Chef, David Williams, has gained a reputation for the finest of dining along with 3 AA Rosettes.
A short break in the Thornbury Castle is a chance to join a lineage of travellers stretching back nearly five centuries.
https://www.thornburycastle.co.uk/
Savouring the surroundings and succulent dining
There are hotels that are so unique and all-embracing that one does not want to go anywhere – this is one.
By Ashley Gibbins
When first driving through the gates into the castle, one can immediately appreciates the Tudor heritage that permeates.
And talking to the excellent hotel staff on arrival one understands why.
It was back in 1510, that Edward Stafford, the Third Duke of Buckingham, was given permission to build Thornbury Castle by Henry VIII.
Stafford was the one man whose wealth, flamboyance and status at the time came anywhere near matching Henry's, which was not a good position to be in.
Particularly if you are also known to be ambitious.
In 1521, Stafford was accused, tried and found guilty of treason and beheaded.
This gave Henry a reason to confiscate Stafford's vast estates of land and properties including Thornbury Castle.
And yet it was some 16 years before Henry came here, spending 10 days in 1535 with his then wife Anne Boleyn.
Little did Anne know that she would befall the same fate as Stafford and also be beheaded just 10 months later.
Following Henry VIII's own death, in 1547, the castle passed to his son King Edward VI and then Queen Mary, who returned the castle to the Stafford family.
Thornbury Castle remained in Stafford possession and then, by marriage, by the Howard family until 1960, and was first opened as a restaurant and hotel in 1966.
In 2019 the castle was bought by Khamas Hospitality and underwent a major refurbishment that was meticulous in retaining and indeed celebrating the castle's unique heritage.
Thornbury Castle now gives visitors the chance to fully appreciate its historic significance while enjoying a truly memorable short break.
No need to go anywhere
To get the absolute most of a stay at Thornbury Castle, I would recommend doing what Ann and I did, and as did Henry and Anne before us.
Just relax and savour the surroundings.
After being shown to the Queen Mary room (see Ann's review below) it was taking a stroll through the wonderful gardens that are enclosed by the ivy clad old castle walls.
Hydrangeas and a range of wildflowers are in bloom and there are grand ornamental yew bushes that add a secluded intimacy.
The strolling done we sit and enjoy drinks and genuinely busy doing nothing, heads swivelling to take in what is all around us.
It's then wine in the lounge before a sumptuous dinner (as Ann explains below) and into the library for coffee before bed.
These rooms have been lovingly restored with the grand fireplace in the lounge having the original surround.
It is something to touch the stonework and think that Edward Stafford and Henry Tudor stood against, warming themselves on a chilly evening.
Our castle routine continues after breakfast the following morning, with the drive back to London delayed for as long as possible.
Leaving Thonbury Castle eventually, one really does feel that our short stay in this unique hotel will live very long in the memory.
And it's not just us. The castle welcomes guests from all over the world with a couple from California, a South Korean family and those from Germany and Scandinavia there when we were.
https://www.thornburycastle.co.uk
Grand, stately, robust and magnificent in its longevity.
Thornbury Castle is certainly impressive and very much looks the part.
By Ann Mealor
It shouts, 'I have survived over 500 years of wars, politics, natural disasters and whatever else the world could throw at me and still I stand strong and proud, so go ahead and marvel!'
The Castle is steeped in Tudor intrigue, scheming and often brutal history. Pushing open the heavy, oak door I became part of its past, treading in the footsteps of kings, queens and traitors.
Built in the16th century and once owned by Henry VIII, the Castle's library, dining rooms and bar have been sympathetically refurbished to a very high standard.
They retain many original features while adding rich and sumptuous décor fit for a king.
The bedrooms
The 26 bedrooms have been carefully restored to the same level of splendour with each one individually designed.
Named after key figures from Tudor History we had the Queen Mary 1 room, which was regal.
Daughter of Catherine of Aragon, she was Henry's eldest child and had stayed at the Castle as a young girl.
She was also known as 'Bloody Mary' as she sent hundreds of 'heretics' to be burnt at the stake for their religious beliefs.
Decorated in golds and greens, with splashes of rich red, a luxurious four poster bed with pale cream, fringed curtains and a deep, comfy mattress took centre stage.
A magnificent bay window overlooked the beautifully laid out gardens, Castle walls and the old country church.
It was an idyllic picture.
Two patterned easy chairs and teak table stood in the bay and there was a small storage alcove with an original piece of exposed, carved stonework to admire.
Robes and slippers were in the bathroom along with plenty of sweet smelling Molton Brown toiletries.
The powerful walk-in shower was bliss and there was a colourful, arched stained glass window above the basin depicting the Tudor Rose, a heraldic shield and the Stafford family knot.
It was a pleasure just relaxing in the room, sipping a complimentary cup or Earl Grey tea and taking time to enjoy the stunning views of the castle grounds.
Dining at Thornbury Castle
This is an occasion worth dressing up for
By AnnMealor
Dark wood panelling and portraits of Henry VIII and other nobility adorn the walls.
A huge crystal chandelier sparkles from the high ceiling and a deep red, plush carpet with a Tudor Rose motif covers the floor. Large, ornately carved oak dining chairs are richly upholstered and very comfortable.
Tables are large, covered with crisp white linen and well starched napkins.
The fine bone china tableware bears the Thornbury Castle crest, printed in gold leaf and an heraldic shield sits above the large open fireplace.
Flickering oil lamps light each table, creating a refined yet relaxing atmosphere.
Dinner
Diners can choose from a six-course tasting menu or a three course dinner menu.
We opted for the latter.
While waiting for our starter, which was melt in the mouth slithers of gin cured sea trout with tomato chutney, lovage and yuzu, we enjoyed a selection of bread with salted butter and the amuse bouche.
This was a small bowl of a leek and potato espouner (a cross between a soup and an aerated mousse).
For my main course I decided on the succulent rare breed beef, with rosti, carrot and spinach in a red wine jus.
Ashley had a flavour filled fillet of hake with salt cod mash, clams, mussels and shrimp in a butter sauce.
Both dishes were delicious and beautifully presented, like works of modern art in their detailed construction.
Each piece of food was placed on the plate with thought and precision, different shapes and colours complimenting each other.
The desserts were delightful and sculptural in their presentation.
A smooth and round vanilla and strawberry cheesecake, covered in a thin layer of crisp, white chocolate and topped with a carefully balanced quenelle of strawberry sorbet.
The buttery crumb base was excellent.
The three, square shaped portions of mini-mango cremeux with thai basil and coconut ice cream were refreshing and light and was the perfect end to my meal.
The house white wine, a Picpoul de Pinet was a very pleasant, and we finished off our last glass, sunk into the sofa in the lounge.
The restaurant offers a selection of modern, British inspired dishes, as well as some traditional favourites.
To ensure freshness and quality, vegetables and herbs grown in the castle's kitchen garden are used in f the cooking and baking.
Breakfast
A leisurely breakfast here is a must.Get up early enough to make the most of the splendid dining room and enjoy a bowl of fruit, granola, yoghurt, or porridge followed by a tempting hot dish of your choice.
I went for the full English breakfast of fried eggs, pork sausage, cured bacon, grilled tomato, in fact the works. It looked a picture on the plate.
Ashley went for the vegetarian option – the veggie sausage and oat pudding got a special mention.
My loose-leaf Earl Grey tea was served in a very English manner, with China cups and saucers, tea strainers and an egg timer to determine precisely the strength I wanted.
There is no help yourself buffet here, with everything is brought to the table by the efficient and friendly staff.
Breakfast provided a grand finale to our stay.