Thornbury Castle, Thornbury

• The UK's only Tudor castle hotel: The 500-year-old Relais & Chateaux Thornbury Castle is a stunning base for exploring the Cotswolds. Constructed in the early 1500s by the Duke of Buckingham and having undergone a multi-million refurbishment, it has hosted such prestigious guests as Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and Mary I, and keeps modern-day guests occupied with regal pastimes like falconry, archery and croquet.

• Bursting with character: Much of the castle dates back to the 16th century and retains period features like large open fireplaces, ornate carved ceilings, intricate oriel windows and shining suits of armour in the corridors. In good weather, lord it up in the castle's expansive walled gardens, where you can enjoy a peaceful stroll. Thornbury Castle carries a Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice award under its princely belt.

• Award-winning dining: Food is served in a series of original dining rooms (including the grand-sounding Tudor Hall and Baron’s Sitting Room) once frequented by the likes of Sophia Loren and Laurence Olivier. The three AA Rosette-holding menu comprises modern and internationally-inspired dishes alongside a number of traditional English favourites, all featuring ingredients that are sourced locally or from the centuries-old kitchen garden. 

Entry requirements

The passport, visa and health requirements at the time of booking can be viewed on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website for UK citizens, and on the Department of Foreign Affairs website for IE citizens. It is your responsibility to ensure that you and all members of your party are in possession of all necessary travel and health documents, and in compliance with any other immigration/entry requirements before you travel, including whether your passport must be machine readable or which visas/waivers may be required for entry, such as ESTA for USA travel and/or ETIAS for EU travel. Please also be sure to check the validity of your passport and allow up to 10 weeks for passport renewals.