Everyone loves a good castle, right? Right! Well, there’s a state park that straddles the towns of East Haddam and Lyme, named for the stone estate hiding inside of it. It’s a truly enchanting spot that hides what might just be the best castle in Connecticut, and it’s worthy of a road trip from any corner of the state. So if you have dreamed of exploring fairy tale lands, this place will be a real dream come true. Let’s take a closer look at Gillette Castle, one of the best castles in the US.

Gillette Castle State Park is located in East Haddam.
Jason Eppink/Flickr
William Gillette, the American actor famous for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes, commissioned and designed this castle as his private residence in 1914. The castle now receives over three hundred thousand annual visitors! You don't want to miss out on this once in a lifetime experience.
The 122-acre park is simply gorgeous.
Jay McAnally/Flickr
It will require a short hike to reach Gillette Castle, but when the path looks like this, who cares! William wrote in his will that the property could not go to "some blithering saphead who has no conception of where he is or with what surrounded." So, it went to the public instead.
Don't you want to visit this masterpiece?
Mstrsail/Wikimedia
As you approach the hill you'll see the stone giant beckoning you to go inside. Though it's not as complete as it once was, its eleven million dollar restoration in 2002 helped to make it one of the most incredible destinations in the state.

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Just climb the stairs to start your adventure!
Selbe Lynn/Flickr
You'll get to visit another time and step inside the mind of a brilliant actor when you visit this place. William Gillette hand selected every detail, right down to the unusual doorknobs.
The museum inside lets you explore the castle for yourself.
Photo Phiend/Flickr
You'll notice each of the 47 doors inside is unique, because William felt that no two should be the same! Open from 8 am to sunset, you could spend all day hanging out here.
It could be your new favorite picnic spot.
Joe Mabel/Flickr
Folks love coming here and having a light lunch on the lawn or outside on the veranda. It really is a magical experience, and you'll feel like royalty standing here! Especially in the summer and fall seasons.
Plus, there's a great view!
C J Oliver/Flickr
From the castle you'll have this wonderful view overlooking the Connecticut River. There's no place more incredible than this in Connecticut. So, hurry over!

 

This isn’t the only castle hiding in Connecticut. Check this list for even more unique castles in Connecticut you can visit! Share photos of your castle exploring adventure with us on Instagram @onlyinconnecticut to have them featured!

Have you ever visited the Gillette Castle? Do you consider it to be the best castle in Connecticut? Share your experience with us in the comments below! And you can learn more about this unique spot on the state park’s website.

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best castle in Connecticut

Jackie Ann | November 23, 2019

Can you spend the night in a castle in Connecticut?

If you’re looking to spend an enchanting weekend in a truly unique surrounding, Ellington Castle is just the ticket. Located in Ellington, Connecticut, this storybook castle is an Airbnb rental that will make you feel like you’ve been transported to another realm. Each of the three bedrooms have their own unique decorations that’ll make you never want to leave this picture-perfect fairyland that's a memorable castle getaway in Connecticut.

Are there any abandoned castles in Connecticut?

One of the most popular abandoned castles in Connecticut is the Hearthstone Castle that’s nestled within Tarrywile Park in Danbury, Connecticut. Built in 1897, it was built as a summer home by wealthy New York photographer, E. Starr Sanford. In 1985, the castle and surrounding area was purchased by the city of Danbury, which has sadly not been able to maintain it. The castle is gated off and not open to the public, but you can view it from outside the gate and check out how quickly nature is reclaiming this once grand structure.

What is the largest castle in Connecticut?

While technically not a full blown castle, Castle Craig does have a tower that rises 32 feet high, giving visitors who dare to climb to the top a spectacular view of Long Island Sound and the Southern Massachusetts Berkshires. Dedicated in 1900, Castle Craig is located within Hubbard Park in Meriden, Connecticut and it offers one of the most beautiful aerial views in the state. Castle Woodstock in Woodstock, Connecticut boasts an incredible 18,777 square feet of space on 75 acres of beautiful woodlands in addition to having its own private lake.

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Featured Addresses
Gillette Castle State Park, East Haddam, CT 06423, USA