Thornbury Castle, a luxury Tudor castle hotel in Gloucestershire.
Address: Castle Street, Thornbury, Bristol, BS35 1HH.
Ever wondered what it might feel like to live as a king or queen, even just for a day? Thornbury Castle manages to create exactly that feeling, and it lasts throughout your entire stay. This isn’t simply a hotel visit. It’s a genuine step back into a past filled with history, intrigue and quiet grandeur. From the moment you pass through the ancient stone gateway, there’s a real sense of leaving the present behind and entering a living piece of history. It’s also worth noting that this is the only Tudor castle in England that now operates as a luxury hotel!
As the name suggests, dog-friendly Thornbury Castle is set in the market town of Thornbury in Gloucestershire. It was built over 500 years ago by Edward Stafford, the third Duke of Buckingham. At the time, he was the second wealthiest man in the country and set out to create a home that could rival that of the richest of all – King Henry VIII. In 1510, he was granted permission to transform his manor house into a castle, designed to impress. More than five centuries later, it still does. With its elegant oriel windows, striking red-brick chimneys and beautifully kept gardens, it captures the essence of a Tudor residence.
Construction came to an abrupt halt in 1521 when the Duke was summoned to London to stand trial. As a descendant of King Edward III, he was seen as a potential threat to the Tudor dynasty. Found guilty of treason, Edward Stafford was executed on Tower Hill. From that point, his estates passed to Henry VIII. Although the King sold off much of the portfolio, he held on to Thornbury Castle, recognising it as a property fit for royalty. During a royal progress in 1535, Henry stayed there with his second wife, Anne Boleyn. An outbreak of plague in Bristol prolonged their visit, reinforcing the castle’s role as a luxurious retreat. It’s interesting to note that just ten months later, Anne Boleyn was executed.
After Henry VIII’s death, the castle passed to his children, Edward VI and Mary I. It remained Crown property until 1554, when Queen Mary returned it to the Stafford family. In 1640, Mary Stafford married William Howard, and ownership transferred to the Howard family, who would keep it for just over 300 years.
In 1960, Sir Algar Howard, son of Edward Stafford Howard, sold the castle, bringing that long period of ownership to an end. In 1966, the renowned chef Kenneth Bell purchased the property for £26,000 and established a high-end restaurant. He later opened a select number of bedrooms, turning it into a restaurant with rooms for the first time. In 2019, after changing hands several times, the castle became part of the Relais & Châteaux collection under new ownership.
Today, Thornbury Castle has 26 rooms. Among them is the Catherine of Aragon Suite, named after Henry VIII’s first wife, which features the largest four-poster bed in any UK hotel. There’s also the Henry VIII Suite, where the King himself stayed with Anne Boleyn during their 1535 visit.
We stayed in the James V of Scotland Superior Deluxe room, which is dog-friendly. Located on the ground floor in the courtyard, it’s a spacious room with a four-poster bed and comfy red armchairs. There’s a thick red carpet underfoot and a striking central chandelier that adds a bit of drama. The standout feature, though, is the bathroom, with twin sinks, a large walk-in shower and a freestanding bath as the centrepiece.
The castle is surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens. On arrival, you’re welcomed by the Courtyard Garden, filled with a variety of shrubs and flowers. At its centre is a fountain that looks particularly lovely when lit at night. Waking up to the sound of running water here is especially peaceful.
The Privy Garden sits next to the lounge and library and is ideal for alfresco dining. It offers lovely views of both the church and the castle, along with a magnificent magnolia tree that begins to bud in March. It’s easily one of the nicest spots on the grounds.
Our stay at Thornbury Castle was genuinely memorable, and we’d happily return. Perhaps in the summer, with Winnie in tow.
Dogs at Thornbury Castle
Only a small number of rooms are dog-friendly. In our room, Winnie was provided with a sleeping mat, a bowl and a generous bag of treats. Dogs are allowed in all public areas except the fine dining restaurant.
The charge is £25 per dog, per night.
Parking
There is ample free parking available for guests.
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