Thornbury Castle is not technically a true castle. This Relais & Chateaux Hotel was built in the 1500s by Edward Stafford as a country house, and then appropriated by a jealous Henry VIII.
As it comes into view, tucked behind the pretty village of Thornbury, it’s a glorious and imposing sight with its fine Tudor windows, ancient stone towers and walls that have stood virtually unchanged over the centuries.
Thornbury castle
Ducking through arches, glimpsing comfortable lounges with giant fireplaces, and passing the ‘mounting block’ that Henry VIII used to get up onto his horse, you can almost hear the swish of the Tudor ladies’s gowns, and feel the magical atmosphere of a mansion that was built to impress a King.
Thornbury castle
Those looking for a special adult break just a few miles from Bristol and the Severn bridges, with grand rooms and bedrooms, marvellous grounds, unique activities and a fine restaurant that recently retained its well-deserved 3 AA Rosettes.
There are twenty-six bedrooms, one of which once accommodated Henry and Anne. Stone spiral staircases lead to heavy wooden doors that open to reveal four-poster beds, (the 71 square metre Catherine of Aragon Tower Suite has the UK’s largest example) and each has opulent furniture, rich tapestries, heavy curtains, stone walls, wood panelling, smart televisions, Wi Fi and tea and coffee facilities. The modern, but still in keeping, bathrooms have rich towels, cosseting bathrobes, fine toiletries and drench showers,
Our large room was double aspect with leaded glass windows, a massive stone fireplace, an ornate ceiling and a four poster bed set high off the ground. Grand armchairs gave us comfort as we sipped our glasses of complimentary Sloe Gin, whilst also drinking in the unique atmosphere and the kind of stillness that only thick walls can provide.
Try your hand at croquet on the lawn for a gentle afternoon’s sport, or take aim with an archery session.There are regular falconry demonstrations too. Walking the walled gardens and extensive grounds are a delight all year round, but try not to get lost in the labyrinth.
In season the castle’s vegetable garden, which helps fuel the restaurant, is well worth a look. Afternoon tea is served inside the castle’s lounges, as well as in the pretty Privy Garden where you can also take drinks all day and into the evening.
The Castle Treatment Room offers contemporary treatments and massage techniques from head, back and shoulder massages, to deep tissue massages, as well as special relaxation and aromatherapy massages. Beauty treatments include manicures, pedicures, waxing and more.
There are four dining rooms, and even a dungeon for private dining should you feel the need for a frisson. We ate our evening meal like royalty in the circular dining room which has all the Tudor opulent feel, but with food that’s well up to date.
Executive Head Chef, David Williams has recently retained the hotel’s 3 AA Rosettes with tasting menus, as well as a la carte and set menus. Creative and colourful dishes are on offer, with vegetarian options, on a three course menu at £75 per person. There is a bar for the lounges, as well as for the Privy Garden, and my full English breakfast was certainly fit for a King. No wonder Henry needed help up onto his horse. Afternoon tea is a must have.
How much
Bedchamber rates at Thornbury Castle start from £299.
Thornbury Castle is around a three-hour drive from London and Bristol is the nearest big town, with Bath not too far away. Or cross over the nearby Severn and you’re in Wales with Chepstow and Monmouth to explore just a bit farther on.
VerdictThornbury Castle is a stunning hotel that is a genuine slice of history. Beautiful rooms, gardens and a fine restaurant make this a great weekend break. And with plenty of space for the largest wedding, you couldn’t hope for a more beautiful backdrop for memorable photos.
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On arrival at The Bristol Hotel guests may be surprised at the austere exterior and close proximity of a public multi-storey car park. Its position on Prince Street, Queen Square means the hotel is easily accessible by car and residents in the hotel pay discounted charges for the car park (£16 for 24 hours at the time of writing).
There is also direct access between the two. The building occupied by The Bristol Hotel was originally a motel and was built here in 1966 before the redevelopment of the area around it.
The honeycomb concrete frontage of the car park is in the style of the Modern architectural movement which has earned it recognition as a Grade II listed building. At the back of the hotel, residents can walk straight out onto a small cobbled Narrow Quay by Bristol’s historic floating harbour. A unique setting in the busy city centre of Bristol.
The Bristol Hotel, part of the part of the family-owned luxury hotel group The Doyle Collection, is perfect for that special city break and visitors to the city looking for a combination of luxury accommodation and ease of access to the main attractions in Bristol. Owners of small, well-behaved dogs are welcome to bring their pets with them. Adjacent to the hotel is its Meeting and Events Centre which is one of the leading business facilities in the South West of England which makes this hotel ideal for conferences, business meetings and private functions including weddings and other special celebrations.
There are 187 rooms and suites on six floors and those on the quayside have some of the best views across the harbour below and the city beyond. There are several different types of room from standard to deluxe but they are all beautifully furnished and have large-screen televisions, USB charging ports, tea and coffee-making facilities, bathrobe and slippers plus Temple Spa toiletries in the marble bathrooms.
A Lounge and Reception at The Bristol Hotel in Bristol
Several cosy lounges on the ground floor of the hotel offer all guests the opportunity to meet up with friends and family to make plans and discuss the events of the day.
There is also a small gymnasium offering state of the art fitness equipment. Including two treadmills A front desk operates 24 hours of the day and friendly staff are always available to answer queries and provide information about the locality. The conference centre has a separate entrance, its own lounge area, a private bar and a large ballroom.
The nine meeting rooms boast a smart décor and the latest technology including flat screen TVs and integral projectors and the variety in size and capacity ensures suitability for every type of event. On-site parking is a real bonus here and complimentary Wi-Fi is also included.
The River Grille restaurant, on the ground floor by the quayside and overlooking the harbour serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Prior to dining guests can enjoy a pre-dinner drink in the River Lounge and Bar just above the restaurant.
Breakfast Buffet at The Bristol Hotel in Bristol
Both the River Lounge and River Grille are open to both residents and non-residents who can enjoy the floor to ceiling windows that exploit the views of the harbour outside. A special treat, served in either venue is the G & Afternoon Tea. This includes classic components – cucumber sandwiches, scones with jam and cream and handmade miniature cakes – served on fine bone china from a Heritage Collection made in the UK especially for the Doyle Collection. A unique selection of teas has been specially blended to compliment this afternoon delight. Add a glass of champagne or a tea inspired gin-based cocktails to enhance this experience which available from Thursday to Saturday between 12:30pm and 4:30pm. Gluten free or vegan afternoon teas are available on request.
How much
The Bristol offers affordable luxury with rates starting at just £109 per room with breakfast included.
Book here
In front of the hotel is Queen Square, a tranquil Georgian park surrounded by trees and cobbled streets and overlooked by impressive Georgian townhouses. It is a popular venue for outdoor theatre, concerts and other events. Next to the hotel is Arnolfini, Bristol’s International Centre for Contemporary Arts and located in Bush House, a large Grade II listed building. The centre offers a wide-ranging programme of contemporary arts and welcomes artists from around the world.
Close to the hotel is Pero’s Bridge that connecting the Narrow Quay with Millenium Square across the water. The latter is surrounded with bars, restaurants and close to attractions including the Bristol Aquarium and We The Curious.
At the end of the Narrow Quay is the Prince’s Bridge leading into the centre of the historic floating harbour. This harbour was created to combat the high tidal range of the River Avon and features over forty bridges spanning its waterways. Commercial operations ceased here in the 1970s when the working docks were relocated downstream at Avonmouth and Portbury. Since the 1980s the old sheds, warehouses and other buildings around the floating harbour have been regenerated to create a popular hub for leisure and tourism. Further along the quay Prince’s Bridge crosses over to Wapping Quay where the MShed (a museum that tells the story of Bristol), the tall ship Matthew and the ocean-going steel steamship SS Great Britain are based.
A major attraction in Bristol, the Clifton suspension bridge is easily accessible from the hotel thanks to good public buses. Several services have a stop right outside the hotel. Bristol is famous for popular events and festivals, in particular the annual Bristol Balloon Fiesta when around one hundred hot air balloons gather in the grounds of Ashton Court. Mass early morning and early evening assents are a popular feature of the three-day programme and thousands of spectators gather to enjoy Nightglow – when tethered balloons ‘perform’ to the loud beat of popular music. A fleet of shuttle buses (day tickets available online) ferries people to and from Ashton Court from Temple Meads Station stopping outside the Bristol Hotel en route.
Getting There
Bristol Temple Meads railway station is a thirty-minute walk away or a ten-minute taxi ride and there is a stop outside the hotel for the Airport Bus, A1, which operates a frequent service from the station. Bristol is also close to the M5, M4 and M32 motorways.
VERDiCT: The Bristol Hotel is one of very few hotels in Bristol on the harbourside and offers luxurious comfort and convenience that will enhance any stay in the city. For more information about attractions and events in the city, click here
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