Thornbury Castle, Bristol Review - Luxury Retreat

The enchanting Thornbury Castle in Gloucestershire, a Relais & Chateaux Hotel, is where history meets modern luxury fit for a King and Queen.

A stunning 16th century castle and it is the only Tudor Castle in England to be open as a hotel. Once inside its impressive stone walls, you will follow in the footsteps of King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. Nestled in the heart of the countryside, this Tudor gem is the perfect destination for an indulgent getaway where you’ll experience refined hospitality at its very best.

From the moment we drove up the sweeping drive and laid eyes on this magnificent castle, it was hugely inviting. Adorned with beautiful festive exterior lights, we couldn’t help but be mesmerised by its glory, character and sheer prominence. It was suitably dressed to impress.

The castle’s ambience oozed a warm and inviting charm and the front of house staff gave us a delightful welcome, along with a brief history lesson. We also loved that you could hire traditional costumes to really immerse yourself into Tudor life if you so wished.

Adorned with eyecatching yet elegant festive decorations throughout, the roaring fires added to its character and the opulent, yet cosy interiors made us feel like royalty stepping into our own historic retreat.

We stayed in the beautiful Anne of Cleves bedroom, a space steeped in history yet equipped with every comfort you’d expect from a five-star stay. The grand bed, plush bedding and furnishings, and tasteful decor transported us back to Tudor times, while the modern amenities ensured a luxurious yet comfortable experience. Our beds and linen were the cosiest we’ve ever slept in and made for a much-needed good night’s sleep and lie in the following morning.

It was a bedchamber that tempts you to linger all day with a good book or simply soak in the ambiance. One of our favoured features was the arrow-slit windows, typical of English royal castle rooms. The ensuite bathroom was substantial in size and provided a large walk-in shower, his and hers vanity unit and gorgeous Molton Brown toiletries.

The highlight of our stay was undoubtedly the 6-course tasting menu, available in both meat and vegetarian options. Led by Executive Head Chef, David Williams, Thornbury Castle offers diners an indulgent experience in a relaxed setting with the finest interiors. At £95 per person, with an additional wine pairing priced at £70 the menu was incredible value, showcasing David’s creativity and dedication to seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. The first course was a celeriac velouté with caramelised Braeburn apple, followed by a delectable dish of Cornish crab ravioli, crab salad and lobster velouté. The pate en croute was tasty and rich in flavour and the Gloucestershire beef with spinach, rosti and red wine was the perfect dish to follow. The Pina Colada with pineapple jelly, coconut mousse and caramelised pineapple was a flawless palette cleanser and finally, the winter spice parfait was light and the absolute icing on the cake. Each dish was a delightful surprise, beautifully plated, and bursting with stunning flavours.

The vegetarian menu was just as thoughtfully curated as the meat option, a refreshing testament to the hotel’s commitment to inclusivity in fine dining. Pairing these feasts with a selection of wines from their extensive list made for a special and unforgettable evening.

The hotel proudly grows a lot 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 imaginable.

What stood out most about Thornbury Castle was its ability to balance luxury with warmth. The historic hotel has been awarded 3 AA Rosettes for food quality and 4 Red Stars for service quality and operation of the hotel. Everything was exquisite, the interior is pristine and there’s an air of understated elegance here – no ostentatiousness, just genuine hospitality and meticulous attention to detail. The festive decorations added a magical touch, which we loved, but the real charm lay in the castle’s timeless beauty and the attentive staff who made us feel so welcome.

If you’re looking for a luxurious escape with a side of history, Thornbury Castle is a must-visit. Whether you want to dine and indulge in a mouth-watering tasting menu, explore the picturesque grounds, or simply soaking up the ambiance of a centuries-old castle, every moment feels special and unique. Due to our short stay, we didn’t partake in any activities, however the hotel provides a variety of on-site facilities include croquet, archery, clay-pigeon shooting, and falconry which can be arranged with prior notice and for an extra charge. Undoubtably, this property is an exceptional destination that transports you back in time and leaves you with a real sense of history that money can’t buy.