Tudor splendour on the outskirts of Bristol

Dine in historic opulence at Thornbury Castle, a Relais & Châteaux hotel in a castle once owned by King Henry VIII.

Retaining many of its period features, and sympathetically furnished with antiques and fabrics that capture a bygone age, Thornbury Castle will appeal to those who enjoy a sense of occasion and grandiosity with their dining experience. The oak-panelled walls of the 16th-century dining room are lined with gilt-framed paintings of the castle’s former patrons, while guestrooms at the history country hotel are bedecked with palatial four-poster beds and ornate chandeliers.

Befitting this royal setting is the refined three-AA-rosette dining. Executive chef Carl Cleghorn creates dishes fit for a king, maximising the use of locally sourced and castle-grown produce. Whether opting for the à la carte or tasting menu, it’s impossible not to be bowled over by the likes of Creedy Carver duck leg and aerated foie gras served with rhubarb, hibiscus and ginger bread, or pan-fried turbot paired with a silky pomme puree, fennel and bouillabaisse sauce.

Elevate the experience further by asking the front-of-house team to help pair the chosen dishes with wine from the extensive list.

Trencherman’s tip

Follow afternoon tea in the dining room with a stroll in the castle’s beautiful gardens.