Thornbury Castle
★★★★★
Castle Hotel
Thornbury, England
A Tudor castle turned five-star retreat, blending royal history, timeless luxury, and one of England's most extraordinary heritage stays.
About the hotel
Located in the historic market town of Thornbury, just 20 minutes north of Bristol and on the edge of the Cotswolds, Thornbury Castle is England's only luxury Tudor castle hotel. Surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens and centuries of history, the property offers a peaceful countryside escape within easy reach of Bath, Bristol, and South Wales. Thornbury Castle
Originally commissioned in 1511 by Edward Stafford, the 3rd Duke of Buckingham, the castle later became part of King Henry VIII's royal estate following the Duke's execution. In 1535, King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn stayed at the castle during their royal progress through England, cementing its place in British history. Today, the castle forms part of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux collection, combining Tudor grandeur with contemporary five-star hospitality. Thornbury Castle
The hotel features 36 individually designed rooms and suites, each showcasing original Tudor architectural details, antique furnishings, luxurious fabrics, and modern comforts. Guests can enjoy a 3 AA Rosette restaurant, private gardens, afternoon tea, falconry experiences, archery, croquet, and exclusive historical tours throughout the estate. Thornbury Castle
What distinguishes Thornbury Castle is the opportunity to sleep within an authentic Tudor castle that once welcomed royalty. Guests can even stay in the historic bedchamber traditionally associated with Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, creating one of Britain's most unique luxury hotel experiences. Thornbury Castle
Today, Thornbury Castle is best suited to couples, history enthusiasts, luxury travellers, food lovers, and guests seeking an unforgettable heritage escape in the English countryside.
Historic stone castle exterior surrounded by landscaped gardens and centuries of English heritage
Historic Tudor lounge with stained glass windows, antique furnishings, and elegant castle interiors
Cosy reading corner beside stained glass windows with classic armchairs and heritage architecture
Luxurious four-poster bedroom with rich fabrics, exposed stone walls, and royal-inspired décor
Peaceful castle gardens with manicured lawns, blooming flowers, and views of the historic church
Historic castle entrance framed by medieval stone architecture and beautifully maintained gardens
Image Metadata Relais & Châteaux plaque displayed at the entrance of a historic luxury castle hotel surrounded by stone architecture and lush gardens
Grand medieval dining hall featuring crystal chandeliers, oak beams, and historic castle interiors
Historic breakfast room with Tudor décor, crystal chandeliers, and timeless English elegance
Pan-seared salmon served with seasonal vegetables and beautifully presented gourmet accompaniments
Creator experience
“For one night, Thornbury Castle made me feel as though I were living inside history rather than simply observing it. Reading in the elegant drawing rooms, wandering through the gardens, and moving along the Tudor corridors created a quiet sense of immersion. It felt less like staying at a luxury hotel and more like briefly becoming part of a beautifully preserved historic residence.”
captured by Federica Bentivoglio
Know before you go
Features
Number of Rooms: 27 Rooms & Suites
Castle Hotel
Relais & Châteaux
3 AA Rosette Restaurant
Historic Gardens
Afternoon Tea
Private Dining
Luxury Suites
Good To Know
Check-In / Check-Out: 3:00 PM / 11:00 AM
Adults Only: No
Pet Friendly: Selected Dog-Friendly Rooms Available
Dining: 3 AA Rosette Restaurant serving modern British cuisine with produce from the castle's kitchen garden. Thornbury Castle
Parking: Complimentary On-Site Parking
WiFi: Complimentary Throughout The Castle
Accessibility: Limited due to the historic nature of the building
Weddings / Events: Yes - Luxury weddings, exclusive-use celebrations, private dining and corporate events. Thornbury Castle
Best For: Romantic Escapes, Historic Stays, Luxury Getaways, Food Lovers, Special Occasions
Experiences
Afternoon Tea
Fine Dining
Falconry
Archery
Croquet
Historic Castle Tours
Garden Walks
Wine Tastings
Cotswolds Excursions
Bath & Bristol Day Trips
Low Season: From €360/$420
High Season: *From €760/$890
Getting there
Situated in South Gloucestershire, Thornbury Castle provides an ideal base for exploring Bristol, Bath, the Cotswolds, and the Welsh border while offering a peaceful countryside setting steeped in Tudor history.
Address
Castle St, Thornbury, Bristol BS35 1HH, United Kingdom
How to get there
Bristol Airport (BRS)
Approximately 40 minutes by car.
Public Transport
Bristol Parkway Station is around 20 minutes away by taxi, with regular rail connections from London, Bristol, and South Wales.
Nearby
Thornbury Town Centre - 2 minutes on foot
Berkeley Castle - 20 minutes by car
The Cotswolds - 30 minutes by car
Bristol City Centre - 30 minutes by car
Bath - 45 minutes by car