To many visitors to the UK, a Tudor castle true to its original grandeur and décor is a unique find. For Brits, it’s not necessarily something out of the ordinary. The UK has a host of show-stopping historical sites and visiting a National Trust estate, or an English Heritage building is a pleasant – but not unusual – weekend activity. But few of these properties offer visitors the opportunity to stay overnight and fully immerse themselves within their walls. None offers an experience quite like Thornbury Castle.

Thornbury Castle is an extravagant Tudor retreat in rural Gloucestershire. The property’s luxurious and majestic grandeur lives up to its coveted Relais & Châteaux status and maintains the prestige that has characterised its past. Here, guests are invited to revel in the historic splendour of the property, and with extravagant bedchambers, award-winning cuisine, and flawless gardens, there seems to be no better place to do so.

Thornbury Castle was originally built for Edward Stafford, one of King Henry VIII’s closest rivals. The conspicuous display of Stafford’s wealth and power intimidated the king who assumed the countryside retreat after the nobleman was found guilty of treason. Here, Henry and his second wife, Anne Boleyn, enjoyed a comfortable retreat before the castle was passed down the king’s bloodline after his death. Five hundred years after Thornbury Castle was built, the property still exudes the opulent charm that so captivated the Tudor monarch.

The use of the word bedchambers in place of the more usual rooms speaks to the property’s rich regal history that guests continue to enjoy today. Each bedchamber at Thornbury Castle is decorated in the traditional style and features period detailing elevated by contemporary amenities. The property’s Superior Deluxe bedchambers, for example, boast luxurious four-poster beds and delightful arrow-slit windows, while warm wooden panelling, intricate ceiling embellishments, and red-hued carpeting stay true to the original design features of the castle. However, the walk-in shower, flatscreen TV and minibar rival the experience of even King Henry VIII.

The Henry VIII Suite – perhaps the most eye-catching of all the bedchambers at Thornbury Castle – is where the king and Anne Boleyn stayed during their time here in 1535. The room retains some of its original features and décor but meets the expectations of today’s traveller with comforts including luxury bathroom facilities and a Nespresso machine. In another unique feature, the Catherine of Aragon Tower Suite is home to the largest four-poster bed in any UK hotel.

Thornbury Castle’s dining offering is spectacular. Awarded 3AA rosettes, the property’s restaurant lives up to the luxury of its rooms. Executive chef, Carl Cleghorn, and food and beverage manager, Frederic Bellard, work together to create a sumptuous fine-dining experience. Guests are presented with imaginative and traditional British cuisine in keeping with what has been served at Thornbury Castle down the centuries. The seasonal tasting menu includes Orkney scallop with kohlrabi, lovage and a shellfish bisque, as well as Manor Farm lamb with red pepper, gnocchi, tomato, black garlic and basil. The optional cheese course is followed by a choice of dessert including parfait with Manuka honey, lemon and meringue. Guests can enjoy their meals in the most lavish of dining rooms that continues the theme of warm wood panelling and rich red furnishings that characterises the rest of the hotel.

Thornbury Castle is located on 15 acres of land that include manicured gardens and wild countryside in which guests are encouraged to slow down and reflect. Stone walls, traditional features and sculptures mean the Tudor ambience follows them as they stroll the surrounding lawns. The property’s Rose Garden has recently been relocated to a spot once inhabited by a 1920’s summerhouse and contains a multitude of varieties of the fragrant flower, selected for their historical connections. Equally, the Kitchen Garden and Herb Garden provide the castle’s chefs with traditional produce with which to create their contemporary dishes. The textures and colours within the borders make for a fascinating stop on a walk of the castle grounds. The Privy Garden and Labyrinth continue the colourful yet traditional atmosphere with abundant wildflowers and tulips within, contrasting with the rough stone wall that envelops them.

The market town of Thornbury is also worth a visit. Just a short car journey from the castle, Thornbury is equally steeped in history, with some estimating that human activity in the area could date back as far as the Neolithic Age. The town has a quintessentially British highstreet and charming local pubs where guests can cosy up by the fireplace in winter or enjoy the sun from the garden in summer. Thornbury also offers wonderful walks through the countryside including a ‘heritage trail’ that showcases the town’s historic buildings.

For connoisseurs of history and luxury, Thornbury Castle doesn’t skimp on either aspect. The property maintains its original historical charm through the continued preservation of original features and decoration. However, the rooms boast all the amenities expected of a sumptuous stay. Thornbury Castle has certainly evolved since the days of King Henry VIII, but it refuses to let go of its past splendour.