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This 1511 Tudor castle, turned luxury hotel, once hosted King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn on their honeymoon. It was also the home of Queen (then princess) Mary I.
Dripping with royal history, it’s everything you expect from a castle: Tudor-style interiors, spiralling tower staircases, suits of armour, large open fireplaces, and panelled rooms with four-poster beds.
There’s even good old-fashioned archery and falconry in the grounds.
A hotel fit for a king (or queen). Children over 8 only.
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Bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Bristol, United Kingdom (UK)[19 miles]
One of Bristol’s most iconic landmarks, the Clifton Suspension Bridge is a spectacular sight, 75 metres above the dramatic geography of Avon Gorge.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free
Tetbury, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom (UK)[21.7 miles]
The National Arboretum is one of Europe’s most beautiful collections of trees, with over 15,000 different species and a stunning treetop walkway.
Best for ages: 13+ | £11
Tetbury, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom (UK)[24.1 miles]
A beautiful, organic and sustainable garden, Highgrove is also the private home of the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall.
Best for ages: 14+ | £2,950
Castle Combe, Wiltshire, United Kingdom (UK)[24.8 miles]
One of England’s prettiest villages, Castle Combe is a perfectly-preserved slice of medieval life, with a pub that has been open for more than 500 years.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Other worthwhile experiences in this destination if you have the time or the interest, closest first
Berkeley, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom (UK)[9.7 miles]
A spectacular fortress, home to the Berkeley family since the late 12th century, surrounded by a beautiful grounds and deer park, with regular history-themed events.
Best for ages: 18+ | £15
Bristol, United Kingdom (UK)[10.6 miles]
Science buffs shouldn’t miss this careful chronicling of the history of air and space travel – the highlight is the chance to climb aboard a retired Concorde.
Best for ages: 4+ | £1,750
Bristol, United Kingdom (UK)[18.1 miles]
An annual celebration of all things graffiti, Upfest takes place for two weeks each summer, transforming the neighbourhood of Bedminster and bringing together international artists.
Best for ages: 10+ | Free | 2 weeks
Bristol , United Kingdom (UK)[18.2 miles]
Lovingly restored, the city’s 150-year-old public hot tub is now a sleek spa and restaurant complex – the heated outdoor pool is worth a visit alone for its charming Victorian decor. Adults-only packages.
Best for ages: 18+ | £100
Destination guides including or relevant to this place to stay
United Kingdom (UK)
Bristol is the beating heart of the UK’s South West, with an offbeat focus on culture and the arts plus interactive history, a cutting-edge independent food scene and street eats all on offer.
Round-ups that include this placetostay
Multiple countries
From hilltop-smothering fortifications to simple one-room towers, here’s our round-up of the best ‘real castles’ for a unique heritage stay, and an authentic experience of life from a bygone era.
Multiple countries
Here’s our round-up of 60 unique and unusual places to stay – from castles to palaces, treehouses to caves and even UFOs – that justify a place on any travel bucket list in their own right.
