Thornbury Castle where Henry VIII spent his honeymoon

Thornbury Castle was built during Henry VIII's reign. Photo / Wikimedia Commons

If you've ever dreamed of owning your own castle, here's your chance - if you happen to have a huge amount of money burning a hole in your pocket.

Thornbury Castle, once home to Henry VIII and his new bride Anne Boleyn, is now on the market for £8.5 million (NZ$15m).

Situated on the edge of Thornbury, a market town in Gloucestershire, the Grade I listed Tudor Castle is now a luxury hotel with 28 en suite bedrooms, a restaurant, private dining facilities and a dedicated conference and events space.

The imposing mansion is set in unspoiled grounds, with a vineyard and kitchen garden.

Built during Henry VIII's reign by Edward Stafford, Duke of Buckingham, the property was claimed by the king after the unfortunate duke was arrested for high treason and executed on Tower Hill.

Taken into new hands in the 1850s, Thornbury Castle was renovated and became a family home - then, between 1966 and 1986, was a restaurant, at which Nigel Slater was among the staff.Following the death of Henry's daughter Mary I, the castle was returned to the Stafford's descendants, but remained unoccupied for two centuries and fell into ruin.

Martin Rogers, head of UK hotel transactions, at Savills, said: "Thornbury Castle offers a unique opportunity to an investor looking to own a historic hotel.

The fantastic reputation of the business and the sympathetic Tudor interiors have ensured the hotel remains popular with guests and we expect significant interest while marketing the asset."