Begun in 1511, Thornbury Castle is the only Tudor castle in England operating as a hotel — and it comes with the history to match: Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn stayed here in 1535, and the gardens they walked in are still laid out below the windows. It’s now a Relais & Châteaux property near Bristol, in Gloucestershire.
Why it made our list
You can actually sleep in a royal bedchamber. The rooms are genuine castle quarters — arrow-slit windows, Tudor fireplaces, ornate ceilings, and four-poster beds — including the very chamber said to have been used by Henry VIII. There’s a coroneted 500-year-old vineyard, a baronial dining hall, and the kind of atmosphere no purpose-built hotel can manufacture. For history lovers, it’s a chance to stay inside the story.
What guests say
Thornbury holds a strong 4.7/5 on Tripadvisor across more than 875 reviews:
- The history and the character of the bedchambers are the standout — guests love that it’s the real, lived-in article.
- The dining and the grounds draw repeated praise.
- Honest cautions fit a 500-year-old building: rooms vary (some are cosier or have more stairs than others), so it’s worth asking about the specific chamber when you book.
The consensus: book a historic four-poster bedchamber, go for the occasion and the history, and dine in.
Good to know
- Price: bedchambers from around $385/night (roughly £299).
- Best time to visit: spring–autumn for the gardens; deeply atmospheric in winter.
- Getting there: about 30 minutes north of Bristol; roughly 2 hours from London.
- Suits: history lovers, couples, anyone wanting to sleep in a piece of Tudor England.
Details verified against the castle’s official site at time of writing. Prices are indicative and change — confirm current rates and availability before booking.