Thornbury Castle
Gloucestershire, England
Photo: Gareth James, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Charles Drown, CC BY-SA 2.0 · nick sarebi, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- Thornbury Castle Hotel
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Hotel guests only
- Nearest station
- Pilning, 5.7 miles (straight-line)
- Stays
- Overnight accommodation available
- Note
- Tudor castle hotel; dining open to non-residents
Pinpoint
Castle St, Thornbury, Bristol BS35 1HH
Telephone 01454 281182
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Thursday | 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Friday | 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Saturday | 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Sunday | 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
A genuine Tudor castle - built in the early 16th century for the Duke of Buckingham - now operating as a hotel, with the option to book dinner or afternoon tea even if you're not staying the night. It's an unusual way to experience a castle: sleeping in it, rather than filing through it.
At a glance
Worth the trip
Staying overnight in an actual Tudor castle room, complete with the history talk reviewers say the staff and tour guides deliver as part of the experience.
Before you go
Non-residents can book afternoon tea or dinner without a room, which reviewers say is worth it despite the price; if you want the history element, ask about the tour guide rather than assuming it's automatic.
What visitors say
Thornbury Castle reviews · 4.6 / 5 across 1,255 Google reviews
Recent reviewers consistently describe outstanding overnight stays at what is now a hotel, repeatedly praising attentive, memorable staff service, spacious historic rooms, and strong breakfasts - with several enjoying the novelty of dressing in Tudor-style attire.
A couple of practical notes recur: there are many stairs and no lift to the rooms, and the afternoon tea, while good, is considered a little pricey for the portions.
“The staff here were great. Room was extremely spacious. The bathroom suite was amazing. The whole experience was lovely. Our tour guide was great - highly recommend to learn more about the history of the castle. Special…”- Bennett, visitor review
Within reach of Bristol (11 miles), Cardiff (29 miles) - see what else is nearby.
Weddings at Thornbury Castle
Thornbury Castle is on our wedding roll because Thornbury Castle Hotel mentions weddings on their own site. Visit their site.
Comparing options? See every castle wedding venue in England, or the full UK wedding roll.
Dates, capacity, licensing and exclusivity change constantly and we hold none of it - treat this as a starting point and speak to the venue before you plan anything around it.
History
Edward Stafford, 3rd Duke of Buckingham · 1511
Edward Stafford, 3rd Duke of Buckingham, began construction in 1511 as a residence reflecting his status as England's wealthiest nobleman owning eleven castles. Designed for elegant living with fashionable architectural features rather than serious military defence, it exemplifies early Tudor country-house ambitions. Today it operates as a luxury hotel preserving its Tudor character.
Adapted from this castle's Wikipedia article, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “Lots of space for parking too!” - Long Yin Choy
- Guided tours
- “Our tour guide was great - highly recommend to learn more about the history of the castle.” - Bennett
Common questions about Thornbury Castle
Where is Thornbury Castle?
Thornbury Castle is in Gloucestershire, England, at Castle St, Thornbury, Bristol BS35 1HH.
Can you visit Thornbury Castle?
Thornbury Castle operates as a hotel, so access is normally for staying guests rather than day visitors. Contact the hotel directly about staying or visiting.
Can you stay overnight at Thornbury Castle?
Yes - Thornbury Castle offers bookable accommodation, so you can spend the night in the castle itself or within its grounds. See the Castles You Can Sleep In guide for the full list and how each stay works.
What is the highlight of visiting Thornbury Castle?
Staying overnight in an actual Tudor castle room, complete with the history talk reviewers say the staff and tour guides deliver as part of the experience.
Is Thornbury Castle a ruin or still intact?
Thornbury Castle is largely intact - Tudor castle hotel; dining open to non-residents.
