Why Thornbury Castle is the Most Magical Hotel Stay in England
If fairy tales exist, I can prove it during my stay at Thornbury Castle. Imagine stepping inside the pages of every childhood fantasy—princesses, kings, secret gardens, antique furniture, roaring fireplaces, and tapestries whispering stories of centuries past. Except this isn’t a fantasy. This Tudor castle, dating back to the 16th century, was once the home of Edward Stafford, Duke of Buckingham, and later a residence where King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn slept, dined, and strolled through the very gardens that still bloom today.
Walking through the stone archways and manicured lawns, there’s an undeniable feeling of grandeur softened by romance. The Rose Garden, in particular, is breathtaking—an award-winning display that captures the timeless elegance of Tudor landscaping. Inside, the chambers are lavishly detailed: four-poster beds, regal drapery, and windows that frame the Gloucestershire countryside like oil paintings. To stay here is to experience a rare balance of history and indulgence—stepping back in time, yet with every modern comfort at your fingertips.
We stayed in one of the castle’s most iconic rooms: the Mary Queen of Scots bedchamber. Spacious, dramatic, and elegantly appointed, the room was everything you’d hope for in a royal escape. It was perfect—every corner designed to impress, yet welcoming enough to feel like your own private sanctuary. Waiting for us was a thoughtful touch: a bottle of sloe gin from a local distillery just five minutes down the road, the kind of detail that instantly connects you not only to the castle but to its surrounding community.
But the heart of Thornbury Castle is, undeniably, its dining. At the helm is Executive Head Chef David Williams, whose culinary vision has earned the restaurant 3 AA Rosettes—a mark of excellence and artistry. Williams is passionate about seasonality and heritage, often drawing inspiration from the castle’s own kitchen gardens, where Tudor botanicals and fresh produce are still cultivated today. His approach to cooking feels like a bridge between the past and the present: rooted in classical techniques, yet elevated with modern precision and creativity.
Dining here under his guidance is not just eating—it is theatre for the senses. Each plate is a story told in flavour, texture, and design.
The amuse bouche set the tone with a cream of chilled almond and garlic, topped with shallot crisps, to invigorate the palate.
And after that, for starters, a burrata paired with romesco, laminated fondue bread, and the most delightful detail—tomato-shaped butter. It’s playful, elegant, and so striking that every guest perks up when they see it. The treacle-cured salmon with Japanese salad and wasabi mayo, delicate yet rich, was another highlight.
For mains, the lamb with ratatouille was extraordinary—tender, perfectly seasoned, and the kind of dish that lingers in memory. But vegetarians need not worry; the Spring Pea Risotto is a triumph in its own right. With grilled shallots, pea purée, and a balance of textures that make each bite sing, it’s not just a vegetarian option—it’s a dish worth travelling for.
Dessert brought the evening to a perfect close: a warm chocolate fondant, rich and indulgent, with just the right balance of sweetness and depth—a fitting finale to such a royal feast.
Beyond the table, Thornbury Castle offers unique experiences—falconry, archery, croquet on the lawn, or simply walking the national footpaths that wind through the surrounding countryside. Weddings here transform into pure theatre: couples and guests having exclusive use of the estate, dining beneath historic ceilings, and dancing where royalty once dined.
Thornbury Castle is more than just a hotel. It is a living piece of English history, enriched by culinary artistry and hospitality that feels personal yet regal. Five centuries on, it still does what it was built to do: impress.
