Thornbury Castle, England day trips: Berkley Castle, a short drive from Thornbury Castle. This is the same "Berkley" that founded the University in California, believe it or not! Some story about how Lord Berkley couldn't or wouldn't 'go with the establishment' of the time, so he donated his fortune to the other side of the country, in California. The guided tour is definitely worth your time if you're in the neighborhood, but not worth going too far out of your way. Unfortunately, they did not allow photos inside the castle, so these pictures are of the outside of the castle and of the grounds. The beginning of the music is supposed to sound like a castle gate opening - does it work for you? Copyleft music by Cjacks. (You can view this video, and other travel videos in full-size and near-DVD quality, travel stills and more at jpmeyer.com). Thornbury Castle is part of the von Essen Group of hotels, "a private collection of individual country house hotels in the UK, each with a distinctive style and character of its own" according to vonessenhotels.co.uk, but we think of it as Real People having Real Fun!