A mid week luxury break could become a brush with history. Tony Watts went to sample a venue almost 600 years old and where Henry VIII once stayed.

Just what is the collective noun for hyperboles? A harangue? A hurrah? I might well be stretching for my Roget in writing this, having enjoyed a remarkable stay at Thornbury castle. Sumptuous accommodation, delicious cuisine... need I say more?

Work on the fortified manor or "castle palace" began in 1511, but the unfortunate Third Duke of Buckingham had his work, and his height, cut short in 1521 by Henry VIII. To rub salt into the wound, Henry stayed there with Anne Boleyn in 1535, before billeting his daughter Mary there for several years.

While extensive work has since been undertaken to restore the grandeur of the building, the glorious historical detail is still there. Everywhere you look there are authentic oriel windows, ornate ceilings and tapestries. You climb turret-like stairs to ascend to your chamber (these are NOT bedrooms!) which have stone walls and imposing four poster beds. Modern convenience has been allowed to intrude in the form of modern bathrooms for those guests who might object to the old style privies! The fireplaces are also gas fired - but still a great treat on a cold winter's evening, and in fact the whole place really is delightfully warm with no need to feel authentically chilled.

Walk into the main area of the castle where the fine wining and dining take place and, again, the detail is excellent. Wood fires roar away in massive stone fireplaces, axes and swords hang on the walls. The grounds too are superb, with the chance to partake of croquet and even some archery - Henry would have approved!

But what really marks out Thornbury Castle as a place to make off for a night or even a few days of unadulterated pampering is the highly attentive way in which the staff look after the guests. The food, as you would expect, is first class, but the way it is presented is a real treat. Nothing is too much trouble.

For a luxury weekend or midweek break, Thornbury Castle is up there with the best. And yet its pricing structure is comparable to many newer hotels with none of the history. Its location - just a few miles from the M4/M5 interchange, make it easy to reach and it is handily located for daytime drop-ins to Cheltenham, Bath, Tintern and Cardiff.

More on 01454 281182 or www.thornburycastle.co.uk