Think grand fireplaces, sprawling grounds, whispering tales of a bygone era, wonderful culinary experiences, and a suite so luxurious it would have pleased Henry VIII himself. Our stay at Thornbury Castle wasn’t just any weekend getaway, it was an unforgettable and majestic escape, one that transported us back in time without sacrificing modern comfort.

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The castle

We arrived on a cool September afternoon, the kind where the sun is out one minute and the next it’s raining and grey, then one after that the wind picks up, and then back to sun. As we arrived, the sun was glinting off the stones on the castle, making everything look like it belonged on a postcard. After a friendly welcome at check-in, we nipped back outside again to explore the castle grounds before the inevitable impending downpour.

The grounds

The castle and grounds have a rich history, one that permeates every corner. Now, I knew this already from what I had read, but standing in the midst of it all in person is something else entirely. The lush green lawns, winding paths, and towering trees created an atmosphere of calm. From all corners of the gardens and grounds, the castle stands majestically in the centre, a testament to the grandeur of its past. We explored the gardens and the ruins and discovered hidden nooks and crannies. This was the perfect way to start to unwind and set the mood for our stay, so we immersed ourselves in the peaceful ambience of this historic estate.

The walled garden

From the grounds, we walked to the walled garden on the other side of the castle, an experience accompanied by ‘Ohh’s and ‘Wow’s throughout. Such a wonderful space… a garden filled with vibrant flowers, fragrant herbs, and towering trees on three sides, with a winding path leading visitors through the various sections of the garden, where they can admire the intricate topiary, relax on comfortable benches, or simply enjoy the atmosphere. And with the fourth wall of the garden being the impressive castle itself, here you can take a seat on a sunnier day and take it all in. But not on this day, because as we had walked around the whole garden, the rain came and we went inside where a fantastic afternoon tea experience awaited.

The afternoon tea

Thornbury Castle truly impressed us with their inclusivity. From the standard menu to full vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free menus, everyone gets to indulge in this delightful tradition. We opted for the vegan and vegetarian selections, and they were feasts indeed. Delicate finger sandwiches, delicious scones with jam and clotted cream (fluffy oat cream on the vegan option, of course), and an assortment of sweet treats arrived on a tiered stand, each bite bursting with the promise of sweetness and flavour. The atmosphere in the restaurant was charming and gentle chatter created a warm and inviting ambiance. The staff were incredibly friendly and attentive, ensuring our every need was met.

The suite

Refreshed and rejuvenated, we checked into our suite – the Mary Queen of Scots. Stepping through the doorway was like stepping into a luxurious time capsule. The pièce de résistance was the grand four-poster bed, a sight (and sleep) fit for royalty. The large bathroom was amazing, a room created for relaxation and comfort. The well-stocked mini-bar was a welcome indulgence and as we appreciate a good cuppa, the excellent coffee and tea-making facilities hit the spot. As the hotel knew from our check-in that one of us is vegan, they had even made sure to stock the mini-bar with plant-based milk.

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The restaurant

At 8pm, we made our way down to the restaurant for dinner. A three-course feast awaited, each course a culinary masterpiece and a delicious experience. The menu showcased fresh, seasonal ingredients, all made into beautiful and tasty dishes. We had an espuma of leek and potato, the pea soup starters, the mushroom risotto and the cauliflower mains, and the vegan raspberry cheesecake for dessert. Everything was delicious, the atmosphere in the restaurant was lovely, and the attentive service from all members of staff ensured our evening was truly special.

The moonlight

After dinner, we nipped out to the walled garden for a stroll as the rain had stopped. The castle in moonlight and bathed in the lights from the restaurant and lounges inside, was a breathtaking sight. The castle looked even more magical than before and standing there, surrounded by history and beauty, it was a very peaceful moment.

The kitchen garden

The next morning, I woke up having had an unbelievably comfortable night’s sleep… well, thank you very much, Thornbury Castle, for ruining sleeping in a normal-sized no-poster bed for us forever 😉 I woke up feeling refreshed and ready to explore a little more, so I embarked on an early morning walk through the grounds. That’s when I stumbled upon a hidden gem: the hotel’s very own kitchen garden! Bursting with vibrant fruits and vegetables, it was a testament to the hotel’s commitment to sustainability and local sourcing. Seeing the fresh produce that would find its way onto plates in the restaurant solidified our appreciation for Thornbury Castle’s eco-conscious practices. Knowing we were supporting a business that cares about the environment made the whole experience even more enjoyable.

The breakfast

Finally, it was time for breakfast, the grand finale of our luxurious escape. We both opted for the vegan English breakfast and it was perfect. Packed with flavour and perfectly cooked and presented, it was the best way possible to start the day and to finish our lovely stay at Thornbury Castle.

The stay

Our entire stay at Thornbury Castle was exceptional. From the meticulously maintained grounds to the luxurious rooms and the impeccable service, every detail was thoughtfully considered. The staff were friendly and professional, ensuring our every need was met with a smile. But beyond the physical aspects, Thornbury Castle offered something more: a step back in time, a taste of history, and a truly luxurious escape. It’s the kind of place that stays with you long after you’ve checked out, leaving you wanting to return and relive the magic.

Check out www.thornburycastle.co.uk to book your afternoon tea, dinner, or stay at Thornbury Castle.