Right in front of you, you’ll spot a grand stone building draped in winding ivy, complete with castle-like battlements along the rooftop and tall, narrow windows-just look straight ahead for the Union Jack waving proudly on top.
Ah, you’ve found the Castle Hotel, where history and hospitality meet in rather dramatic style! Imagine yourself standing here three hundred years ago-no vehicular traffic, but the clip-clop of horses’ hooves mingling with the chatter of soldiers, politicians, and curious townsfolk all swirling around a powerful Norman fortress. This spot isn’t just a pretty face; it stands on the very bones of a real 12th-century castle. In the swirling summer of 1685, the Duke of Monmouth launched his doomed rebellion against King James II right here, with his troops nervously crowding the ancient stone halls-until, of course, they met their match at Sedgemoor. Later, the air filled with the anxious murmurs of Judge Jeffreys’ Bloody Assizes-sort of like a terrifying courtroom drama, but without the TV remote to change the channel.
The hotel itself may seem like it has always welcomed travelers, but the main building was actually put together in the late 18th century, once even known as Clarke’s Hotel. Over the years, extra floors were added in the 20th century, so the Castle has grown as freely as its tangled vines. Look closely at the impressive archway-those 13th-century chamfered arches and sturdy buttresses have seen everything from medieval knights to celebrity chefs (though probably never at the same time). The Castle Bow is a survivor from the old precinct gate, reminding us just how much history clings to these stones.
If you catch a whiff of food in the air, that’s the famed Brazz restaurant-a place where head chefs have battled for Michelin stars faster than you can say “sauce reduction.” The Chapman family has run this place for more than 70 years, and if you listen closely, you might hear a playful argument in the kitchen about who lost-and who almost regained-the coveted star.
So, whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just in the mood to imagine medieval intrigue, the Castle Hotel invites you to step through time and maybe even enjoy a cheeky pudding in the present day.
