Review of Thornbury Castle

Located in the English county of Gloucestershire - on the fringes of the Cotswolds - Thonbury is a small town 12 miles north of Bristol and 20 miles north-west of Bath. It's just a short drive from Thornbury to Wales via the M4 over River Severn on the Prince of Wales Bridge. 

The town is easily accessible from London - by car (2.5 hours), train (2.5 hours via Bristol) and by air from Bristol Airport.

Thornbury itself was mentioned in the Doomsday Book of 1086 - when “Turneberie" Manor was noted as the home to William the Conqueror's consort - Matilda of Flanders. However, it is believed that it was an active conurbation during Roman times (3 - 4th centuries A.D.).

There are just 26 bedchambers in Thornbury Castle - with one to be added soon in the estate's Gatehouse. 

No two bedchamber is similar, and this is one of the most exciting aspects to any stay at the Castle. 

First, the features in common. Every bedchamber has been sympathetically refurbished and renovated since 2019 - keeping its Tudor DNA very much at the fore. Half of the bedchambers boast the luxury of a four-poster bed and many have original fireplaces. Each bedchamber has Wi-Fi, flat screen television (with on demand films & shows), digital radio, tea & coffee-making facilities, plug sockets with USB ports, deep thick plush carpets, heating/air conditioning, stunning comfortable furniture, artwork depicting the Castle's history, glamorous ceilings - some coffered, period light fittings including intricate chandeliers, extra thick duvets & pillows, wood panelled walls or exposed brickwork, bathrooms or shower-rooms with heated floors, slipper bathtubs, walk-in showers, Molton Brown amenities, fluffy towels and robes, a carafe of delicious complimentary sloe gin and not one ghost!

There are four named Suites: Catherine of Aragon Tower, Henry VIII, Jane Seymour and Henry VII. Then there are Castle Suites, followed by Superior Deluxe and finally Deluxe bedchambers. 

The named Suites are the most sizeable and are certainly “fit for Royalty” but the quality of the Castle Suites and other guestrooms are no less regal. 

The Henry VII (Henry VIII's father) features a four poster bed and boasts a separate dressing/living area. There is a fold down bed - so this guestroom can host a family of 3 or 4. The Henry VII has a bathroom with an enormous walk-shower.

From the Jane Seymour Suite (Henry VIII's wife after Anne Boleyn) - which sits in the castle tower - on a clear day - you can see Wales! At 65 square metres, the suite features a four-poster bed and walk-in shower room.

The Henry VIII Suite is - arguably - the most historic guestroom in Thorrnbury Castle. In 1535, The King and his then Queen - Anne Boleyn - shared this bedchamber for 9 nights. 

You have to climb 77 steps up the castle tower to the Catherine of Aragon Tower Suite. She was Henry VIII's wife before Anne Boleyn. This suite is 71 square metres in area and has the largest four-poster bed in any hotel in England. The room is stunning and is sumptous in every way. The bathroom - which also features a walk-in shower - is quite special too. Superb views, taps, flooring and there's even an original fireplace next to the “throne”!

Thornbury Castle has 26 bedchambers - they are among the best - quality & design - I have ever seen and stayed in. Just wonderful. 

Pets & children (over 9 years) are very welcome to Thornbury Castle.

Thornbury Castle is in a segment of the luxury hotel market that is highly competitive. Other properties of this elevated standard boast spas, swimming pools, fitness centres, tennis courts, golf courses - and more. Thornbury has none of these facilities but has an ingredient that is quite unique - the offer of nothingness. 

During my stay, I read an entire book that was desperate to be read for months! What a luxury!

However, Thornbury does have a few activities on offer - although they all need booking in advance.

A little known fact is that Henry VIII outlawed spas - citing that they were a hotbed for gossip. While Thornbury does not have a spa (yet) - there is a single Castle Treatment Room that offers everything from manicures to massages and pedicures to waxing. The Room is extremely popular especially during weddings and buy-outs of the Castle. 

The Castle has realised that many visitors to Thornbury have an interest in history, the Tudors and life at that time. When it comes to “inhouse sports”, Longbow Archery, Axe Throwing and Falconry are offered. Henry VIII in 1515 instructed that every household in England had a longbow. However, the Battle of Flodden was the last to be fought on English soil that principally used the longbow - and that was in 1513.

Axe throwing. Sounds fun - and it is! Chuck hatchets and angels (throwing axe and throwing knife) safely at targets! 

Falconry is a sport that dates back over two thousand years. Michael Davie - one of the country's foremost experts on falconry demonstrates (with birds) why falconry is still the “the sport of kings & princes” the world over. 

Although a 30-minute drive from Thornbury, Lady’s Wood Shooting School offers clay pigeon shooting facilities. From first-timers to professionals, Lady's Wood offers something for everyone.

Golf can be booked locally or if you wish to play a legendary course - head to Wales (30 minutes drive) and to Celtic Manor. 

The Castle is set in 15-acres of lush, verdant English countryside. The hotel offers tours of the gardens - which are simply spectacular. Not only do you enjoy the gardens but are taken on a tour of the amazing exterior of Thornbury Castle. When stepping out, keep in mind that back in the 16th century. it's quite probable that King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn trod your path. 

The Castle does feature the remains of the original Tudor garden from some five centuries ago. You will see 16th century bee holes, Armillary sundial, and an 18th century blind fence ("ha-ha"). The Castle was restored & remodelled in 1854 by Anthony Salvin and that is when the Gardens probably underwent an upgrade from the original 16th century design.

I digress. Head Gardener Matthew Bufton is on hand to lead you around the amazing estate from July to November - from the Rose Garden to the Labyrinth, Privy Garden and Herb Garden - plus all the history in between. Well worth the time - green-fingered on not.  

You can become a Tudor Queen for a day! Yes - you are dressed, fed, and waited-on like a Tudor Queen. It's an event! Photographs are taken - a keepsake of this very unique offering. 

Thornbury Castle offers an outdoor cinema experience in the Summer months and lawn croquet..

In the Castle itself, the Lounge is a place to relax and sup tea or cocktails, the Library is filled with tomes of yesteryear - and the Bar, well, serves drinks. These rooms are magnificent - filled with authentic and amazing art, books, artwork and the odd suit of armour. 

I have saved the best for last. The Thornbury Castle History Tour experience. Yes, you could be at the Castle for the cuisine or as a base for visits to Bath or Bristol - but most visit Thornbury for its fascinating story. Local historians guide you through the Castle's history from its builidng in 1511 to today - encompassing the Kings & Queens that have visited, its use by other monarchs, Michelin-stars and right up to modern day - as a hotel. You will be led though the hotel, up towers, through the gardens and into rooms and bedchambers that all have a tale to tell! Were there any beheadings in the Castle? Any skullduggery? Secret vaults? Ghosts or ghoulies? Ask and you shall be told … 

Although not holding a Michelin star since the 1980s, Thornbury Castle still delivers some of the finest cuisine in the South-West of England. Indeed, Thornbury has become a destination for its Tudor/hotel/food experience - and rightly so. 

The hotel sources as much as its produce as locally as possible and many of the fresh vegetables & garnishings come from Executive Head Chef, David Campbell's Herb Garden.

On offer: breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, all-day dining, private dining and room service. 

Breakfast is served in one of the replendent dining rooms. A la carte all the way here with smoked salmon & scambled eggs cooked to perfection. The locally-produced yoghurt is delicious - as are the teas & coffees. Of course, there is a vegetarian and vegan option. Breakfast can be served in your bedchamber - a regal experience! The breakfast honey is especially superb! It is produced by hundreds of thousands of Castle staff - who buzz around the Estate! 

Lunch/all-day dining/in-room service consists of burgers, toasties, salads, and soups. There is a separate menu for children. The Lounge is a great location for day meals. 

Afternoon Tea. This is a favourite for Guests. There are vegetarian and vegan menus. The most popular version offers finger sandwiches - with ham, egg and smoked salmon - using both wholemeal and white bread, cakes, buns and simply delectable homemade scones with jam and cream. Of course you are offered tea or coffee but I would advise pushing the boat out for a quaff of fine Champagne.

On beautiful, warm English summer days, ask for your meals to be served al-fresco - where you can enjoy your meal in the beauty of one of the Castle's many historic gardens.

Private dining - for special events. The Chef will produce a menu to impress, and for every occasion.

The main event - dinner/supper/evening feast! There are choices - a 3-course meal, a 6-course tasting menu and the tasting menu with wine pairings. There are vegan and vegetarian menus - of course.

You start the experience in the Lounge - choosing your dishes while sipping on cocktails in front of a roaring fire. The Lounge is stunning - filled with contemporary but period furniture - colourful, plush and comfortable. 

From there you are led into one of the dining rooms - boasting thick carpets, chandeliers, original casement windows (now with glass inlay) and sturdy tables & chairs. 

You start with tasty fresh bread. Then a starter. On the menu for the main course - fish, pork, lamb - always changing with the seasons. Your meal will be superb. Fit for King no-less! The desserts are truly scrumptious - the rhubarb Pavlova is a triumph. The service is efficient a friendly.

The wine & spirits menu is filled with old favourites - Laurent Perrier Rose Champagne to new ones including the Regaleali Rose from Sicily. There is a cocktail list with “Tudor inspired” concoctions including the Crazy King - Absolut Elyx, strawberries, Frangelico, grapefruit … and nuts! Well, it is "crazy" after all! 

A truly delicious and inspired meal with superb service. I hear Michelin knocking again … 

Thornbury Castle takes its sustainability responsibilities seriously. 

To that end, the Castle, grows its own herbs that are used in the restaurants, works to the no-dig method of gardening, ensures that food waste from the kitchens is turned into compost which is used within the gardens, all coffee grinds are turned into compost which is used within the gardens, where possible it is chemical free, reducing chemical use across the Estate. It grows all of its plant stock from seed or cuttings, enabling them to get the best quality stock without having to import. Over the past 36 months, Thornbury has planted 30 fruit trees within The New Orchard on the estate. They focus on local varieties within a 20-mile radius and work with local nurseries to source unknown varieties. The New Orchard is grazed by a flock of Boreray Sheep, which are on the rare breeds list and are currently classed as a vulnerable breed. By working with a local farmer, the Castle are provides space to grow the flock in number and therefore protect the breed.

The estate based on Regenerative principles, taking great care to protect and enhance the soil to enable maximum carbon sequestration. Within the walled gardens there are a number of original bee boles; these are now filled with 12 bee skeps. These are traditional bee hives which were used during the Tudor period. The aim is to encourage wild and natural swarms of bees to reside in the skeps to produce honey for use and sale within the restaurant.

The hotel buys British where possible, taking into account food seasonality and quality of produce. It uses products that are produced in the gardens, such as vegetables, herbs and eggs.

Paper and cardboard is compacted on site. Glass is recycled. Cooking oil is removed by specialist contactors. Stationery is reused. Separate recycling bins are provided for paper products. The Bar is plastic-free, including no plastic straws.