Thornbury Castle - Leisure

The Grounds

The 15 acres of land that surround the castle itself provide both stunning views and boundless activity for all who stay.

The Privy Garden and Labyrinth each offer two refined takes on classic Tudor garden experiences: the first, a stone wall-encased explosion of white-flowering foliage around which to relax and enjoy refreshment; the second, a winding journey through wildflowers and long grass, which features a magnificent array of tulips from April through to June.

Other invigorating activities abound elsewhere on the grounds. Croquet on the lawn offers gently stimulating sporting activity (or, if you lean more to King Henry VIII’s disposition, perhaps fiercely fought competition!).

Archery sessions are a chance to test your marksmanship against rather more accommodating targets than an invading army, while falconry demonstrations are entertaining, awe-inspiring and educational all at once. Local historians can be booked for tours of the castle and grounds or you could even try your hand at some axe-throwing!

A charge may apply for activities and pre-booking is required.

Treatment Room

There is a treatment room on the second floor of the South Wing, bringing the most finely-honed contemporary treatments, equipment and massage techniques to an out-of-time setting.

Local Attractions

SS Great Britain

Step aboard the extraordinary time machine that is the SS Great Britain to discover a truly impressive, meticulously rendered recreation of life aboard what was the world’s first great ocean liner. Image credit to Brunels SS Great Britain.

The Cotswolds

Set across 800 square miles and five counties, the rolling hills of The Cotswolds are made up of many delightful, diverse areas ripe for exploration, meandering and relaxing; from quintessentially English villages to breath-taking nature reserves.

The Regency Spa Town of Cheltenham

Cheltenham is a beloved spa town that offers a harmonious blend of vibrant festivities, gentle relaxation and revered culinary destinations throughout its quaintly realised streets and regal white-faced architecture.

Thermae Bath Spa

At Thermae Bath Spa, you get to experience the rejuvenating effects of the local hot springs in a thoroughly contemporary setting; a one-of-a-kind complex that boasts luxurious treatments, relaxation spaces and a spectacular rooftop pool. Image credit to Visit Bath.

Roman Baths

The famous baths that once played such an intrinsic role in the lives of Roman settlers may no longer play host to the luxuriations and machinations of its original visitors, but what does remain is a site of genuine historic interest. Image credit to Visit Bath.

Thornbury and District Museum

This lovingly tended to, local community museum boasts a wealth of interesting exhibitions, collections and activities for all ages.

Berkeley Castle

The historic charm of this striking, quintessentially English estate has been wonderfully preserved and shared by its proud custodians – a family that have called the castle home for almost 900 years.

Clifton Suspension Bridge

Set against the spectacular cliffs of the Avon and designed by the world famous Victorian engineer Isambard Brunel, the Clifton Suspension Bridge is one of nearby Bristol’s most beloved landmarks. Image credit to Gary Newman.

Britsol Harbourside

Once a busy dock where sailors and merchants would trade goods and set sail for voyages of discovery, Bristol's Harbourside has been re-energized by an attractive, modern development offering vibrant eating experiences and sporting activities alike. Image credit to Paul Box.