[Morning Edition] Full English Breakfast in a Real Castle! Feel Like Royalty Without Breaking the Bank – UK Castle Stay Guide (Part 4)

In my previous article, I introduced the tasting course dinner at Thornbury Castle. This time, I’ll report on the English breakfast the following morning and how we spent our time at the castle afterward. The traditional breakfast enjoyed in a medieval castle and the leisurely way we spent our time was truly a special experience.

The Journey to Breakfast

Descending the steep spiral staircase to the breakfast hall. I wonder if the Tudor family once lived this lifestyle?

After sleeping deeply from the previous day’s luxurious dinner and travel fatigue, we realized it was almost 9 AM. Since we heard breakfast was served until 10 AM, we quickly got ready and headed to the breakfast hall.

As we descended the stone spiral staircase from the Catherine of Aragon Tower Suite to the breakfast hall, my heart raced with the lingering impression of last night’s dinner and anticipation for breakfast. The high ceilings and thick stone walls created an atmosphere as if we had time-traveled back to the medieval era.

Breakfast Hall Bathed in Morning Light

Upon arriving at the breakfast hall, I was greeted by pleasant morning sunlight streaming through the antique windows. This hall was the same as the previous night’s dinner venue, but interestingly, the space illuminated by morning light showed a completely different expression than at night.

The heavy curtains were thrown open, and the morning sun reflected off the stone walls, enveloping the entire room in soft light. The tables were set with pristine white linen and elegantly arranged silver cutlery. I was moved by the opportunity to enjoy breakfast in a space that combined medieval castle ambiance with modern comfort.

The English Breakfast

The English breakfast brought to our table was truly traditional, including:

– Toast
– Baked beans
– Grilled tomato and shiitake mushrooms
– Bacon
– Hash browns
– Sausages
– Black pudding
– Eggs prepared to your liking (I chose fried eggs)

At first glance, this might seem like a standard offering. However, this English breakfast stood out for its deliciousness, made with high-quality ingredients and prepared with care.

We enjoyed trying various jams and butters

Black pudding is a personal favorite of mine. Some people might be hesitant as it’s made from solidified pig’s blood, but in the UK, it’s a beloved national dish. It’s an essential component of an English breakfast, and once you taste its unique flavor and texture, you’ll be hooked. Thornbury Castle’s black pudding was especially delicious, with perfectly balanced spices.

How We Spent Our Time After Breakfast

Thornbury Castle has many attractions both inside and out

After breakfast, I had some free time until my afternoon tea reservation at 2 PM. I was able to use this time to enjoy Thornbury Castle more deeply.

First, I explored the castle

to enjoy the daytime atmosphere, different from the previous night. The stone walls illuminated by morning sunlight and the vivid greenery of the garden were striking.

Next, I spent some relaxing time in the castle’s lounge and library. I enjoyed the quiet moments surrounded by history-filled books. There were many rare books on British history and literature, making it an irresistible space for book lovers.

The library contained various intriguing books with rather risqué content

Also, fortunately, being an Expedia Gold member, I had received a drink voucher worth 30 pounds (about $40). I used this voucher to enjoy coffee on the terrace outside the castle. The coffee time, basking in the warm outdoor air, was exceptionally pleasant. From the terrace, I could view the vast gardens and St. Mary’s Church standing next door, giving me the sensation of being inside a painting.

Tea outside is particularly pleasant during summer!

Tudor Cosplay Service

By the way, although I didn’t use it this time, Thornbury Castle apparently offers a Tudor cosplay service. You can dress in medieval costumes and experience what it might have been like to truly time-travel back to the past. This is a service I’d highly recommend for cosplay enthusiasts and history fans.

In particular, you can wear costumes of Henry VIII or Anne Boleyn and take photos in the room where they actually stayed. This would undoubtedly create wonderful memories worthy of social media sharing.

Conclusion

The English breakfast at Thornbury Castle and how we spent our time afterward was an experience beyond mere accommodation. It was a luxurious time where we could enjoy traditional British cuisine and spend leisurely moments in the special space of a medieval castle. This experience became a wonderful memory of our trip to England.

In my next article, I plan to share the charm of afternoon tea, which is an absolute must-try when visiting Thornbury Castle. A stay at Thornbury Castle, where you can enjoy British food culture and history, is certainly guaranteed to be a special experience. Stay tuned!

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