Thornbury Castle

Splendid fare at Henry’s Tudor pile

History buffs and fine-dining enthusiasts alike will be enamoured by this unique staycation destination near Bristol. Once the property of Henry VIII, Thornbury Castle is now a luxury Relais & Châteaux hotel which blends its Tudor splendour with the best of 21st-century hospitality.

England’s most notorious ruler may have only spent ten days at his grand pile on the south Gloucestershire border, yet the interiors of this striking castle are dressed as if it’s expecting a second visit at any moment.

On the oak-panelled walls of the historic dining rooms hang gold-framed portraits of his relatives, while the guestrooms are furnished with the kind of palatial four-poster beds and opulent fabrics you’d expect of royal quarters.

Executive chef Carl Cleghorn’s refined dishes perfectly complement this grand setting. Using the finest locally sourced and castle-grown produce, he crafts classic European dishes executed to the highest standards.

Whether you plump for the à la carte or tasting menu, dinner starts with drinks beside a roaring fire in the lavish drawing room and your evening is punctuated with little surprises such as canapés and amuse bouche.

A fantastic wine list makes it a cinch to find the perfect pairing for dishes such as Loch Duart salmon ravioli with crevette and shellfish bisque. The friendly front of house team know the menu well and are on hand with recommendations to help diners navigate the many pages of old- and new-world wines.