The 16th-century Thornbury Castle, built during the reign of Henry VIII, is the only Tudor castle in the United Kingdom operating as a hotel and restaurant. Now part of the Relais & Châteaux collection, the Bristol-based castle has completed a two-year, multimillion-pound refurbishment and is offering a refreshed programme of experiences and activities for guests.
Catherine of Aragon Suite © Thornbury Castle
Thornbury Castle History Tours
Thornbury Castle has served as a home to kings, queens, dukes and duchesses, and its rooms and grounds hold many stories. Guests can join a guided history tour led by a local historian to explore both the interior and exterior of the castle. The tour begins with an overview of the castle’s origins and the notable figures who lived there. The guide then leads visitors through different areas, highlighting architectural details, furnishings and lesser-known features. The tour concludes in the gardens and grounds, where the historian discusses landscaping and architectural context. Tours are available to hotel guests for £15 per person and must be prebooked.
Falconry
Falconry has been practised in Britain for centuries and was once a symbol of status in Tudor England. Today visitors of all ages can take part in falconry sessions led by Michael Davie, one of England’s leading falconers. He offers expert commentary and live demonstrations with birds of prey, giving insight into their behaviour, training and historical significance. Falconry sessions run daily between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., with tickets priced at £350 per person.
© Thornbury Castle
Become a Tudor Queen for a Day
For a memorable, immersive experience, Thornbury Castle offers a “Tudor Queen for a Day” package. The full-day experience, running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., includes lunch and afternoon tea, a lady-in-waiting service, a falconry introduction, complimentary mead, chocolates and refreshments. Guests are dressed in period costume and styled to resemble a Tudor queen; a professional photographer captures the day and provides keepsake images. Pricing varies depending on the number of participants. Private, bespoke bookings are available for groups of at least four people.
© Thornbury Castle
Garden Tours & Wine-Tasting Experience
Guests can take a guided walk around the castle to appreciate surviving Tudor features such as arrow-slit windows and original planting schemes. Garden tours run through November and can be reserved at the hotel reception. A seasonal wine-tasting experience is also offered from July through November; details and availability are published by the hotel.
Clay Pigeon Shooting
For those seeking outdoor sport, Lady’s Wood Shooting School is a 30-minute drive from the castle and provides clay pigeon shooting on a variety of targets. The facility features more than 30 stands, six towers, sporting stands, a grouse butt and the Lady’s Wood Extreme Tower. Sessions must be booked in advance; a one-hour session starts at £90 with cartridges included. A two-person booking is offered at £65 per person, cartridges included.