Being a massive history geek, I was shamelessly gleeful at the chance to stay a few days at Thornbury Castle in Gloucestershire, a remarkable escape steeped in history and glorious pomp. As England’s only Tudor castle to operate as a luxury hotel, Thornbury is more than just an exciting hotel; it’s an experience where historical ambiance meets modern-day comforts.

Thornbury Castle is no ordinary medieval relic; it’s a piece of living history. Originally built in 1511 by Edward Stafford, the Duke of Buckingham, it was later seized by King Henry VIII during the duke’s downfall. The castle saw its royal moment when Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn stayed here in 1535, marking it as a romantic hideaway for the infamous pair. Standing in the same halls as these historic figures added an aura of significance to our visit, knowing we were in a place steeped in such memorable moments of English history.

The castle’s architecture reflects its rich past, with features like intricate stone fireplaces, original arrow slits, and ancient tapestries. Each wall seemed to whisper tales of political intrigue, royal love, and centuries-old feasts. The castle offers guided tours, allowing guests to delve deeper into its backstory. We took one such tour and were fascinated to learn about the castle’s transformation from a Tudor stronghold to its role in modern times as a luxury hotel.

My wife, baby boy Xavier and I stayed in the Duke’s Bedchamber, a suite named in honour of the Duke of Buckingham, who once owned the castle. The room was extraordinary, with its towering four-poster bed, velvet drapes, and stone walls adorned with tapestries. High ceilings and antique furnishings gave the space an aura of elegance, as though we were stepping back in time. Yet the room also had every modern amenity, which made it comfortable and convenient for traveling with a young child. A crib had been thoughtfully prepared for Xavier, and we had enough space for all his essentials—a pleasant surprise, as we hadn’t expected the layout to feel so open and accessible.

The castle staff was also incredibly accommodating, ensuring that Xavier was comfortable throughout our stay. Every interaction was warm and welcoming, with thoughtful touches that made us feel valued as guests. They even provided us with extra blankets and pillows for co-sleeping with Xavier, which was very much appreciated.

Dining at Thornbury Castle was one of the highlights of our stay. Every meal felt like a carefully crafted culinary experience. We started each morning with a traditional British breakfast, complete with locally sourced ingredients, fresh pastries, and hearty options that set us up perfectly for a day of exploration. The dining area was beautifully decorated, with dark wood furnishings and candles that transported us to an era of grand Tudor feasts.

For dinner, we devoured a multi-course tasting menu that celebrated seasonal, local produce. The chef’s attention to detail and presentation was impeccable, and he had a great talent at making everything taste, simply amazing.. Each dish was a work of art, from the delicate starters to the inimitable main courses. I enjoyed a beautifully prepared beef fillet, while my wife raved about her perfectly cooked seabass. The culinary team was also kind enough to accommodate Xavier with some simple, baby-friendly options (mainly mashed avocado!) that allowed us all to dine together.

After such an impressive meal, it was obvious why this glorious restaurant has been awarded the prestigious 3AA rosette.

The grounds of Thornbury Castle are breathtaking, and we found ourselves exploring them multiple times each day. Paths wind through lush lawns and ancient trees, leading to secluded benches and open areas with views of the castle. The setting felt timeless and tranquil, and we loved that it was stroller-friendly, allowing Xavier to enjoy the scenery with us.

One of our favorite spots was the herb garden, a charming corner filled with fragrant plants like rosemary, thyme, and lavender. There was something magical about seeing these herbs growing in the same soil that might have nourished the castle’s original inhabitants. The garden is still used by the castle’s chefs, who incorporate the fresh herbs into their dishes, adding an extra touch of authenticity to the meals. Wandering through the garden, I could almost imagine Anne Boleyn herself enjoying the same scents centuries ago…before life got rather unfortunate of course.

Beyond the herb garden, we discovered pathways that led to beautiful vistas of the surrounding countryside. Thornbury’s setting feels both secluded and expansive, with rolling hills and open fields stretching as far as the eye can see. We found a few quiet spots where we could sit and take in the view, and Xavier seemed just as captivated by the open space as we were.

Despite the castle’s grandeur and historical significance, Thornbury Castle felt remarkably family-friendly. The staff was attentive and kind, even with an infant in tow. From the high chair provided in the dining room to their assistance in preparing special food for Xavier, they made sure we felt comfortable and welcome. In many ways, the castle felt like a warm family retreat, just as much as it did a luxurious historical escape.

Our stay at Thornbury Castle left us with wonderful memories and a sense of having experienced a piece of English history in a way that few places can offer. Whether it was exploring the scenic grounds, savoring exquisite meals, or simply lounging in our beautiful suite, each moment was infused with a mix of elegance and ease. For anyone looking to experience the magic of Tudor England with modern comforts, Thornbury Castle is an exceptional choice and we can’t wait to return.