Thornbury is situated some 12 miles north of Bristol and 4 miles from the banks of the River Severn. The town of Thornbury has retained all the character and charm of a typical English Market town. The town centre contains a wide range of historic buildings, the earliest being of the 15th century and Thornbury boasts the only Tudor castle in England and that is a hotel.

The Parish Church, with its magnificent 130ft medieval tower, is a prominent landmark and is illuminated at night. Built in finely fashioned stone, topped by an open parapet and tall pierced turrets, the town is one of the best examples of its type in the country. The chancel was originally built around 1340 but has been much altered. The nave dates from the 15th century as does the pulpit, which is situated on a pedestal carved with trefoiled panels and is one of the few medieval stone pulpits surviving in England. The church was once connected to Thornbury Castle by a timber gallery, which was reputedly used by Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and Mary Tudor.

For its size, Thornbury has a surprisingly large number and range of shops. The conservation award winning St. Mary's Centre offers a peaceful pedestrianised shopping mall containing an attractive blend of modern stores and cottage shops stocking a wide range of convenience goods and souvenirs.

In the winter months Thornbury's famous Christmas lights delight both residents and visitors alike. The ceremonial switching on of the lights takes place in November when a celebrity is invited to turn them on at an evening street fair with stall and fair rides to mark the occasion. Thornbury is also a Britain-in-Bloom award winning town and during the summer months, visitors are able to enjoy the profusion of beautiful flower displays adorning the town. In 2000 and again this year 2003 the town achieved the highest accolade by winning the Portman Cup, for the highest scoring town in its category.