The building of Thornbury Castle, commenced in 1511 by Edward Stafford, 3rd Duke of Buckingham, ended in 1521 when he was beheaded by Henry VIII. Buckingham's vast estates, including Thornbury, were confiscated by the King who stayed here with Anne Boleyn in 1535. Henry's daughter Mary Tudor, lived here as a princess and when she became Queen she returned the Castle to the descendants of the late Duke.

Today, this Tudor castle-palace stands serenely in 15 acres, with distant views of the Servern Estuary and the hills of south Gloucestershire and Wales. Fine old panelling, tapestries and paintings enrich the interiors. There are 21 carefully restored bed chambers, most overlooking the oldest Tudor garden in England or the vineyard. Many have sumptuous four poster beds and huge Tudor fireplaces.

The three intimate dining rooms have a gracious ambience to suite the superb cuisine.

Thornbury is an ideal base from which to discover the many historic sites, villages and towns located within an hour's drive of the castle, or cross the Severn Bridge into Wales and explore that beautiful country. The Castle is licensed to perform marriage ceremonies.

Facilities

On Site

Croquet, garden, heli-pad, Licensed for weddings, 2 meeting rooms / max 28 people

Nearby

Golf, Tennis, Shooting, Riding, Ballooning, Off-road safaris

Location

Thornbury,

South Gloucestershire

BS35 2ES

From London go west on the M4 to the intersection of the M5 (exit 20) and turn south then take the A38 north. After 6 miles take the B4061 to Thornbury. At the bottom of the High Street bear left into Castle Street. After 300 yards, the Castle entrance will be found to the left of the church.