You Can Spend the Night in Henry VIII’s Honeymoon Castle

Looking for your next dream vacation? We think we’ve found it. Henry VIII’s honeymoon castle is a charming—and luxurious—hotel. And while it is currently for sale, as of now, you can still stay there for a couple nights.

Thornbury Castle is located in England’s idyllic South Gloucestershire area. The structure dates back to the 10th century and was at one point owned by William the Conquerer, who gifted it to his queen. However, Thornbury wasn’t technically a castle until the 16th century, when the Duke of Buckingham constructed the Tudor manse that remains in existence today. Soon after, the duke was executed for treason under Henry VIII, at which point the castle became part of the king’s official property.

After his wedding to Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII and his doomed second bride spent their honeymoon at the castle. The property remained under the control of the British royal family until Elizabeth I ascended the throne, at which point it was returned to the Duke of Buckingham’s descendants. For a period of time, Thornbury fell into a state of disrepair. In the 1850s, it was restored and brought back to regular use.

Now the castle is a magnificent 28-room hotel. Its Tudor architecture is in fine form, and its decor is geared to match the era. (Yes, most of the guest rooms have four-poster beds.) The hotel has its own restaurant as well, and functions as a wedding venue. But for those looking to make a visit on a romantic honeymoon of their own, think again. Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn’s union did, after all, ultimately meet a bloody end.

Above, take a look around the charmingly royal Tudor hotel.