8 Reasons to Visit Thornbury Castle

Now, anyone can experience the same royal treatment in a vacation that is far from ordinary.

Travelers looking for a reason to visit need look no farther, for here are eight enchanting reasons to book a stay at the bespoke Thornbury Castle:

Unmatched Ambiance

Thornbury Castle is the only Tudor castle to be opened as a hotel in England and serves as an inviting retreat for those seeking a truly unique experience. Guests can marvel at the authentic features of the time that include arrow-slit windows, a beautiful oriel window, stone walls, steep-spiral staircases, turrets, tapestries, roaring fires, ornate carved ceilings and views over the historic parkland and the River Severn, while enjoying all of the modern luxuries Thornbury Castle has to offer.

Comfortable lounges abound, and individually-designed rooms and suites create the warm ambiance guests love. Bedchambers feature four-poster or coronet beds, and the Tower Suite boasts the largest four-poster bed in the country–measuring some 10 feet across. Two new luxury suites were added in April 2016: Edward and Elizabeth.

Abundant Dining Options

Guests dining at Thornbury Castle savor modern, internationally-inspired dishes combined with traditional favorites, created using the freshest ingredients from the Castle's own kitchen gardens, local markets and nearby suppliers. Meals are cooked to perfection and offer options from a light or full English breakfast, to Afternoon Tea, al fresco dining in the romantic Summerhouse, and dinners in one of two main dining rooms. There is even a Dungeon dining experience with a candlelit dinner served in the atmospheric dungeon and wine cellar. Wine Spectator gave Thornbury its “Award of Excellence” for its extensive wine list, and in the 1970s, restauranteur (and former owner) Kenneth Bell was the first chef outside France to earn a Michelin star.

Luscious Pampering

Under the ownership of Luxury Family Hotels, Thornbury Castle offers its characteristic “home away from home” service for which the group is renowned, and guests enjoy the many pampering touches provided throughout their stay. While there is no spa on the grounds, Thornbury works closely with nearby therapists and can arrange treatments in your private bedchamber, including a range of relaxing, invigorating or deep-tissue massages. Only a short drive away is the affiliated Vicarage Farm Holistic Therapy Center for immersion in a serious pampering session.

Serene Gardens and Inviting Amusements

Guests can stroll through the walled gardens that include two rose gardens, a privy garden, a stone Summerhouse, and lovely lawns, just as King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn did so many years ago. They are the oldest Tudor gardens in all of England. Guests can also enjoy Tudor pastimes like croquet, archery and falconry on-site, with fishing, quad (four wheel) biking and other activities available nearby. A thriving vineyard in the Thornbury Castle grounds produces Muller Thurgau and Phoenix grapes that are used to produce a wonderful Thornbury Castle wine.

Idyllic Setting

Thornbury Castle provides an undisturbed retreat located on the outskirts of the quiet Gloucestershire market town of Thornbury. An imposing property, with its stone walls and walled garden and grounds, and convenient helipad, the Castle is near to main roads, Bristol and the Severn Bridge, and is ideally situated for exploring the West Country, the Welsh borders and the Cotswolds. Nearby is the National Arboretum of Westonbirt, with more than 14,000 labelled trees, workshops, guided walks and hiking.

Exciting Romance

Thornbury Castle was voted one of the Top 10 castles in the world to spend a honeymoon and is one of the most romantic hotels in England. Guests can rent the entire Castle and grounds out for their wedding or anniversary party and sleep in the Duke's bedchamber–the very one where King Henry VIII and his bride Anne Boleyn slept in almost 500 years ago. Then on their first anniversary, the happy couple can enjoy a complimentary one night's stay with breakfast. The Castle offers a variety of wedding venues both indoors and out, with many courtesy touches. From candle- and fire-lit intimate spaces to gardens, guests are sure to find an enchanting setting for romance.

Opulent Richness

As befitting its regal history, Thornbury pleases guests from the moment they open the heavy oak doors and step inside the magnificent castle. The atmosphere is set with roaring fires, and rich Wilton carpets and comfortable sofas with soft feather cushions invite guests to stay a while. All unique 28 bedchambers are luxuriously warm and extremely comfortable, with well-appointed bathrooms and welcoming touches, and private dining rooms delight diners with fireplaces and leaded windows, fine pictures, crisp white linens and elegant tableware.

Regal and Royal History

The earliest accounts date a manor house at Thornbury back to the 11^th century. The Castle itself was built between 1510 and 1521 by Edward Stafford, Duke of Buckingham under a license granted by King Henry VIII, and Henry and Anne Boleyn stayed here for 10 days on their first Progress throughout England. Mary I lived here in her teenage years.

Unfortunately, Stafford was charged with treason and beheaded in 1521. The Castle was eventually returned to the Stafford family, but fell into disrepair. Not until the 1830s, when the Howard family owned it, was the South Wing added and made again into a home. In 1966 it was sold to restauranteur Kenneth Bell, and more recently to the Baron and Baroness of Porlethen. In 2011 it was acquired by the Luxury Family Hotels group.

There is no reason not to visit Thornbury Castle.

Visit website: https://www.thornburycastle.co.uk