[Castle Stay Guide] Spend a Night in a Real English King’s Castle – Affordable Luxury That Lets You Live Like Royalty (UK Castle Stay #1)

When you think of England, you might picture magnificent medieval castles scattered throughout this country rich in history and romance. Have you ever thought about not just visiting these castles as tourist attractions, but actually staying in one for a truly special experience? Recently, there’s been a growing trend of “castle stays” partly inspired by social media influencers like Kemio sharing their castle accommodation experiences in England on Instagram.

Today, I’d like to introduce you to a place that can make such dreams come true: Thornbury Castle. This castle, once a residence of English royalty, combines historical gravitas with modern comfort and is popular primarily among British locals. Despite this, it doesn’t appear in most general tourist guidebooks and remains relatively unknown to international visitors—truly a hidden gem of accommodation.

I recently stayed at Thornbury Castle and would like to share its charms with you through a series of articles!

What is Thornbury Castle?

Thornbury Castle is a magnificent 15th-century castle located in South Gloucestershire, England. Built in 1521 by Duke Edward Stafford, this castle boasts luxurious architecture and interiors and is known as a place where historical figures, particularly Tudor royalty, actually stayed.

Most notably, Henry VIII and one of his wives, Anne Boleyn, are known to have stayed at this castle. Furthermore, Mary I, known as “Bloody Mary,” also lived in this castle and is said to have spent considerable time here. With such historical background, Thornbury Castle offers a special place where you can feel the lives of past royalty.

The interior preserves historical decorations while guest rooms retain medieval charm alongside modern amenities, allowing you to experience a fusion of past and present. Particularly noteworthy is the Catherine of Aragon Tower Suite located on the top floor of the castle’s minaret (tower). Here lies England’s largest bed (10 feet wide, approximately the size of two queen beds). You’ll be amazed not only by its size but also by its construction with a velvet canopy—truly a bed fit for a castle. I stayed in this room and will report on the interior in detail in my next article.

How to Get There and Travel in England

Thornbury Castle can be accessed from London in about 2 hours by car. While driving is recommended, public transportation is also possible. In this case, it takes about 2 hours by train from central London to Bristol, then transferring to a bus for a total journey of about 3.5 hours (slightly shorter from Heathrow Airport). Although access as a tourist destination is somewhat complex, this makes the sense of achievement upon arrival all the more special.

Let me briefly touch on driving in England. Although I rarely drive back home and am essentially a “paper driver,” England’s roads are relatively easy even for international visitors, and I found I could drive without major stress or danger. Country roads and suburban areas, in particular, have less traffic, and road signs and lanes are easy to understand, so even first-timers can enjoy driving with peace of mind. I’ll provide more details about driving there in another article.

Accommodation Rates

Regarding the accommodation rates, you might brace yourself for costs ranging from tens to hundreds of thousands when staying in a real castle. However, Thornbury Castle offers exceptional value given its luxury! Rates vary by season, exchange rates, and room type, but you can stay from around $350 for a basic Deluxe Room and up to about $900 for the top suite rooms. This price range makes it attainable for special celebrations or once-in-a-lifetime luxury trips.

Castle Experiences

Thornbury Castle offers activities that allow guests to experience life as medieval nobility. For example, you can enjoy cricket, and there are excellent tasting course dinners with delicious cuisine. During dinner especially, you can spend an elegant time in a romantic atmosphere illuminated by candlelight.

Additionally, the vast gardens are another highlight. If your timing is right, you can join a passionate tour by the resident gardener. These gardens aren’t just beautifully arranged flowers; they’re designed with consciousness of plant ecology, seasonal changes in beauty, and usefulness as ingredients for castle cuisine—listening to this explanation alone makes for a fascinating experience.

Conclusion

The Thornbury Castle I’ve introduced today is a spot I highly recommend visiting for those planning a trip to England. This place, where you can stay in a castle filled with history and romance and experience life like nobility, offers special moments that can’t be experienced elsewhere. In my next article, I’ll provide a detailed report of my actual stay experience, so please look forward to it!

Read the next article here!

[Room Tour] Staying in a Real Castle Once Home to an English King – Affordable Luxury That Makes You Feel Like Royalty (UK Castle Stay Guide Part 2)

Book your stay at Thornbury Castle here!