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THORNBURY CASTLE HOTEL - GLOUCESTERSHIRE
16th Century Luxury in the English Countryside
Nestled in the heart of the English countryside, Thornbury Castle stands proudly in the county of Gloucestershire, near Bristol, England. This 16th-century castle offers a spectacular blend of otherworldly charm, historical significance, and luxury hospitality. The hotel is set within 15 acres of lush green gardens and provides an idyllic backdrop to the Severn Valley. It is the epitome of castle life, with its fireplaces, spa treatment room, royal afternoon teas, and numerous activities nearby.
The castle is a treat for the senses, with its breathtaking interiors and four dining rooms of the gourmet restaurant, where creative cuisine that celebrates the essentials is served. Chef Carl Cleghorn masterfully blends local produce with garden vegetables to offer traditional and vegetarian menus that will delight even the most discerning of diners.
In July 1510 Edward Stafford, 3rd Duke of Buckingham, obtained a royal license to undertake work at his manor in Thornbury, located on the edge of the Cotswolds. The manor had been in the Stafford family for generations and the ambitious duke sought to transform his pleasant retreat into a palatial home without rival anywhere else in the kingdom.
In the summer of 1535, his effort paid off when Thornbury Castle played host to King Henry VIII and his new queen Anne Boleyn for 10 days. The pair arrived on 14 August and departed to Acton Court on 22 August, the 50th anniversary of the Tudors accession to the throne at Bosworth Field. Whilst at Thornbury, Henry was visited by a delegation from nearby Bristol who brought him 10 oxen and 40 sheep whilst Anne was presented with a gilt cup containing 100 marks of gold.
The main wing of the castle that still stands today was the heart of Buckingham’s project in the 16th century. The rooms that now make up the Lounge, Library, and Dining Rooms were once the Duchess’ Bedchamber and Drawing Rooms. The Lounge features wooden paneling and a giant fireplace, while the octagonal dining room has arrow slit windows and another fireplace. These rooms would have hosted Anne Boleyn that summer in 1535 and now offer an atmospheric setting for wining and dining.
The second floor of the great tower contains the Duke’s Bedchamber, where King Henry VIII slept during his visit. The room is accessible by a spiral staircase and is an octagonal chamber with a fireplace and breathtaking views of the gardens. The castle is a maze of corridors and doorways to explore, each room furnished in the Tudor style. The Tudor gardens are said to be the earliest extant example of 16th century gardens in the UK and offer a stunning view of the southern range. The chimneys on the range are a notable feature, replicated only at Hampton Court. Thornbury Castle offers 26 luxurious rooms, many with four-poster beds.
The Great Hall Restaurant
The hotel's restaurant, The Great Hall, is located in the castle's original dining room. The menu features a range of dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, including fresh seafood, meats, and vegetables. The signature of the Thornbury Castle Hotel is its delightful 6-Course Tasting Menu with matching wine courses, fit for any royal visitor. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list, which features wines from around the world antiquing.
The Long Gallery
The Long Gallery serves as the hotel's bar, but is more like a relaxed manor house hall with fireplace and portraits. which makes it a cozy and inviting atmosphere reminiscent of the country manor life. Enjoy a Cognac, a variety of drinks, including local ales and ciders, or juat a tea.
Thornbury Castle is a truly a Tudor masterpiece that offers an unrivalled experience to the visitor. In total there are 26 luxurious chambers to stay in, many with four-poster beds, plus an award-winning chef and extensive wine cellar to enjoy. With its impressive array of heavy oak doors, breathtaking architecture and picturesque gardens, Thornbury and its captivating history is certainly worthy of a visit from any 16th century aficionado.
Thornbury Castle is also popular for weddings, conferences, and private parties. The castle's elegant and historic setting makes it a unique and memorable location for any event.
Rooms at Thornbury Castle Hotel:
Deluxe Room: These rooms are located in the main wing of the castle and feature a king bed, some with a fireplace. Garden views, traditional decor, and luxurious bathrooms set the tone for an unforgettable stay. Each room includes en-suite bathroom with walk-in shower, Molton Brown bathroom amenities, flat-screen television, telephone, safe, minibar, and tea and coffee-making facilities.
Suite: Located in the north and south wings of the castle, these rooms feature 1 king bed, some with a sitting area and some with a four-poster bed. Each suite includes en-suite bathroom with bathtub, Molton Brown bathroom amenities, flat-screen television, telephone, safe, minibar, and tea and coffee-making facilities.
Deluxe Suite: These spacious suites feature a super king bed, sitting area, and separate dressing and/or living areas. Garden views, regal decor, and period details make these suites a decadent experience. • Jane Seymour Suite: This suite features a four-poster king bed, sitting area, and separate dressing and/or living areas. This is the epitome of luxury and regality.
The Thornbury Castle Hotel offers a unique blend of history, luxury, and hospitality in the English countryside, near Bristol and minutes from Wales, with its breathtaking architecture and picturesque gardens, and a captivating history is certainly worthy of a visit from any 16th century aficionado. © Bargain Luxury Travel
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See Also:
Boringdon Hall Hotel & Spa - Plymouth
Compleat Angler Hotel - Marlow
The Grove Country Estate - Hertfordshire
The Relais Henley - Henley-on-Thames
Ettington Park Hotel - Stratford-Upon-Avon
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