To provide you with the best experience on this website, cookies are used. By using the site it's assumed that you're happy with our use of cookies. However, you can change your cookie settings at any time. More info on cookies.
Allow cookies

Thornbury Castle

Castle Street, Thornbury, South Gloucestershire, BS35 1HH

Tel: +44 (0)1454 281 182

Add Thornbury Castle to your Itinerary

Thornbury Castle, Garden

About

Thornbury Castle is a beautiful 16th century building, which was once owned by Henry VIII and stands in 15 acres of regal splendour, surrounded by Tudor Walled Gardens. It nestles on the northern edge of Thornbury adjacent to the Gloucestershire countryside, 12 miles north of Bristol, and is well placed for visiting the Cotswolds, the Georgian city of Bath, Bristol and Wales.

Following a multi-million pound refurbishment programme, guests will experience a luxurious and sophisticated castle hotel stay, with reference to the history and traditions of Thornbury’s most famous owner; King Henry VIII. 

Bedchambers

Thornbury Castle has 26 carefully-restored bedchambers, all named after key figures from Tudor history. Many with sumptuous four-poster beds and splendid stone-carved fireplaces, making your stay just that little bit more special. Henry and his Queen, Anne Boleyn spent ten nights at the castle in 1535, during their progress tour of England and their original bedchamber, King Henry VIII suite, is still available for guests to enjoy today. The "Catherine of Aragon Tower Suite" boasts the largest bed in a hotel in the UK - 10 feet wide.

Restaurant

The restaurant at Thornbury Castle offers plenty of modern, British inspired dishes, as well as some traditional favourites. All dishes on the dinner menu use only the finest and freshest ingredients, many grown in the castle's kitchen garden and herb garden. Afternoon Teas taken in splendid surroundings at Thornbury Castle are the ultimate treat for all guests.

The recipient of many prestigious awards for its fine food including 3 AA Rosettes, Thornbury Castle has three dining rooms, each baronial in style, with stunning chandeliers, panelled walls, heraldic shields and open fires.

Dog-Friendly

Thornbury Castle enables you to bring your treasured family member away on your break. There are several dog friendly rooms available, and you receive a dog bed, treats and a water bowl in your room.There are plenty of gardens and five acres of grounds to enjoy and explore. Dogs are not permitted to join you in the Fine dining restaurant but are welcome to join you in the Library to dine.

Experiences

Truly immerse yourself in the Tudor traditions with experiences that glimpse into historical life in the Tudor Period.

Longbow Archery
After mastering the fundamentals of becoming an archer, with instruction on shooting a Longbow from an Archery GB instructor, guests will be given the chance to participate in Tudor pastimes to see if they are able to match up to the archers of the period, while absorbing the history of Thornbury Castle and Tudor England’s famous Longbows.

Axe Throwing
Accompanied by qualified marshals, guests have the chance to throw hatchets and angels at a target in a safe environment in the picturesque grounds of the Castle. Need more of a challenge? Our marshals will challenge guests to a ‘Throw-Off ’ – who can score the most points? 

Thornbury Castle History Tours
Built in the 1500s, Thornbury Castle has housed kings, queens and dukes over the centuries. The tour starts with a local historian weaving a detailed history of the castle and the people who have owned or lived here. Guests will then be accompanied around the castle interior where the historian will highlight different features which can be seen, but not necessarily noticed. The tour then concludes outside in the grounds and gardens.

You may also like

More Tudor in Bristol

The Local's Guide: Thornbury

Afternoon Tea at Thornbury Castle

 

Take me back to the Visit Bristol home page

 

Special Offers

  • Family break

    The offer: Enjoy the majesty of the superb self contained family suite, while exploring all that the Cotswolds has to offer for a family break. Your stay includes dinner served in the lounge, library or gardens, bed and full English breakfast in either the Henry VII Bedchamber, (suitable for a family of up to five people) or one of the Superior Deluxe Bedchambers, (suitable for a family of up to three people). 

    How to book: For further details, terms and conditions and to book visit the Thornbury Castle website.

    Family breaks - redeem this special offer immediately

    Offer link: Family breaks

  • Sunday break at Thornbury Castle

    The offer: Enjoy an over-night Sunday or Monday break. Rates from £349 for an over-night stay in a Deluxe bedchamber.

    How to book: For further details, terms and conditions and to book visit the Thornbury Castle website.

    Weekend deals - redeem this special offer immediately

    Offer link: Weekend deals

  • Midweek gourmet celebration

    The offer: Treat yourself to a night of indulgence with this special package. Relax and unwind before you head downstairs to enjoy a fabulous three-course a la carte dinner in our atmospheric restaurant. Rates from £419 per couple per night in a Deluxe bedchamber, Sunday to Thursday.

    How to book: For further details, terms and conditions and to book visit the Thornbury Castle website.

    Premier accommodation packages - redeem this special offer immediately

    Offer link: Premier accommodation packages

  • Festive Package

    The offer: Enjoy a three night stay in one of the Castle's bedchambers, a Champagne drinks reception with live music, a four-course Christmas lunch with all the trimmings, and various activities from axe throwing and low bow to croquet on the lawn, and afternoon tea. Book before the end of May 2023 and receive a complimentary bottle of Champagne in your room. 

    How to book: For further details, terms and conditions, and to book, visit the Thornbury Castle website. 

    Christmas - redeem this special offer immediately

    Offer link: Christmas

Opening Times

Open Christmas
Open New Year
Open (1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024)

Gradings

  • 3 AA Red Stars Country House Hotel
3 AA Red Stars Country House Hotel

Awards

  • AA AwardsAA - 3 Rosettes AA - 3 Rosettes 2018
  • Bristol Tourism & Hospitality AwardSmall Hotel of the Year Winner 2013 Small Hotel of the Year Winner 2013 2014

Further Information

Catering

  • Additional meal details - Any.
  • Room service
  • Serve breakfast
  • Serve evening meal
  • Serve lunch

Children & Infants

  • Accept children (Minimum age) - Children over 10 years old are welcome

Establishment Features

  • Available for wedding receptions - Maximum of 100 guests
  • Conference facilities
  • Dogs Accepted
  • Event venue
  • Exclusive Use
  • Licenced for civil marriages
  • Real log/coal fires
  • Spa Facilities

Key Features

  • Castle
  • Country house
  • Groups Welcomed
  • In countryside
  • Of historic, literary or architectural interest - Grade I Tudor Castle once owned by Henry VIII.
  • Romantic

Leisure Facilities

  • Access to golf course
  • Arrangements for riding/pony trekking
  • Spa Treatments

Parking & Transport

  • Car parking - Sixty spaces

Room / Unit Features

  • Four poster beds available
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Ground Floor Bedrooms Available
  • Hairdryer in all bedrooms
  • Radio in all bedrooms
  • Tea & coffee making facilities in all bedrooms
  • Telephone in all bedrooms
  • TV in all bedrooms

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

4.5 of 5 stars
    • Service
      5 of 5 stars
    • Value
      4.5 of 5 stars
    • Cleanliness
      5 of 5 stars
    • Location
      5 of 5 stars
    • Excellent
      503
    • Very Good
      48
    • Average
      22
    • Poor
      13
    • Terrible
      13

    Recent Reviews:

    • Aria_arms_04
      Trip Type:
      Couples
      Time away from the kids !
      5 of 5 stars
      Thursday, 9th May 2024
      What a fantastic team. We were so well looked after. Had a fantastically relaxing time. Food room drink setting all excellent Read full review
    • Quest35275768261
      Disappointing visit
      3 of 5 stars
      Thursday, 9th May 2024
      My husband and I had stayed a couple of times before and thoroughly enjoyed it. This time was not so good. I had booked the Henry VIII room and a package that included the tasting menu for two as we... Read full review
    • coletj1911
      Trip Type:
      Couples
      One night stay with Dinner
      5 of 5 stars
      Sunday, 12th May 2024
      Thornbury Castle has been on my bucket list for years and the stay did not disappoint. I unfortunately had to change the date twice and each time the reservation staff were so helpful and... Read full review

    What's Nearby

    1. Old Church Farm

      Award-winning historic guest house and conference centre in a beautiful setting with good…

      2.6 miles away
    2. De Vere Tortworth Court

      A Grade II* listed Victorian mansion, Tortworth Court offers all the grandeur of an…

      4.23 miles away
    3. Holidaycottages.co.uk

      Holidaycottages.co.uk has a great selection of self-catering cottages across the Bristol…

      4.56 miles away
    1. The Bowl Inn

      This historic inn offers great accommodation, excellent food, fine wines and real ales.

      4.59 miles away
    2. Rock House

      Rock House serviced accommodation is a self-contained apartment with easy access to M4,…

      4.64 miles away
    3. Almondsbury Inn & Lounge

      Located in the village of Almondsbury close to junction 16 of the M5 and junction 20 of…

      4.66 miles away
    4. Your Stay Bristol - Orchard Gate

      Quality development of one or two bedroom self contained apartments. Each of them…

      5.09 miles away
    5. Mercure Bristol North The Grange Hotel

      A stylish blend of traditional and contemporary design set in 18 acres of landscaped…

      5.18 miles away
    6. Aztec Hotel & Spa

      Aztec Hotel & Spa is a modern, award winning hotel, located just off the Almondsbury…

      5.18 miles away
    7. offpeakluxury.com

      Offpeakluxury.com offers luxury hotel packages for over 200 properties across the UK and…

      5.19 miles away
    8. Lodge at Bristol

      Lodge at Bristol is a premium budget hotel, located just off the Almondsbury Interchange,…

      5.27 miles away
    9. Brook House

      The perfect rental for a large group of family or friends looking for a country retreat.…

      6.03 miles away
    10. The Camp at The Wave

      Spend time at The Camp, glamping in beautiful countryside just metres from Bristol’s…

      6.1 miles away
    11. Village Hotel Club

      Offering guests everything they need all under one roof, the Village Hotel Club, Bristol…

      6.53 miles away
    12. Mollie’s Motel Bristol

      Mollie’s is a brand new, cool, lifestyle hotel and diner concept designed exclusively by…

      7.1 miles away
    13. Berwick Lodge

      Escape the hectic pace of everyday life and indulge in some well-deserved relaxation.…

      7.69 miles away
    Previous Next

    What's Nearby

    Directions

    Road Directions

    From A38 Follow brown historic signs. At bottom of Thornbury High Street bear left. Castle at bottom of hill. Behind parish church. Find out about the latest on the roads and get travel directions from TravelWest.info

    Public Transport Directions

    From Bristol Parkway - 12 miles Taxi journey of 15 minutes from outside station. For comprehensive information about getting here by public transport, please visit TravelWest.info

    Search For What's Nearby

    Product Type
    Proximity
    Within miles

    Downloads & links

    Discover More

    Related

    Thornbury Castle Kitchen GardenThornbury Castle Restaurant, S Gloucestershire & the S CotswoldsThornbury Castle is a five-star deluxe Relais and Chateaux Tudor castle in the heart of Gloucestershire, on the edge of the Cotswolds.

    Chef preparing dessertsAfternoon Tea at Thornbury Castle, S Gloucestershire & the S CotswoldsThornbury Castle is a five-star deluxe Relais and Chateaux Tudor castle in the heart of Gloucestershire, on the edge of the Cotswolds.

    History tour of Thornbury Castle Hotel,followed by a 2 course lunchTake a step back in time at Thornbury Castle, S Gloucestershire & the S CotswoldsTake a step back in time with the history tour of the castle and Tudor Walled Gardens, whether you decide to enjoy an afternoon tea or dinner, or take part in one of their regular events.