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    Gillette Castle State Park

    4.4 (123 reviews)
    Open 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

    Gillette Castle State Park Photos

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    Jay S.

    Gillette Castle State Park has a large parking lot, and the visitor center has clean bathrooms, a gift shop, and refreshments. The grounds are well kept with beautiful walking trails, and an amazing views of the Connecticut river. There are picnic tables spread throughout the property. We purchased tickets for a self-guided tour of the inside of the castle that was built in 1919 to be the home for William Gillette the actor, director, playwright, who was famous for portraying Sherlock Holmes, and his many cats. This is a great day trip well worth seeing for kids, and adults to enjoy.

    Jojo S.

    I visited Gillette Castle on a Saturday the last one before the season changed to weekend-only tours. We bought tickets around 12 PM and were able to get a showing at 2:45 PM. Tickets are very reasonable at only $6 each, with no extra taxes or fees. Just note that tickets must be purchased online before you arrive. There's a large parking lot near the entrance, along with a visitor center and a small shack that sells snacks and ice cream. The visitor center also has bathrooms, though honestly, they're not great they felt more like indoor porta-potties. As for the castle itself, check-in was smooth. Tours run every 15 minutes in small groups. First, you gather in the foyer where a guide gives a short introduction, then move through areas like the living room, kitchen, and bar with different guides offering fun facts along the way. After that, you're free to explore the upstairs bedrooms on your own. The whole experience takes about 30 minutes or less. The castle has beautiful views outside, perfect for photos (though no videos are allowed inside). While I was there, I even saw a couple having wedding photos taken and a small reception being set up with one long table, it looked so intimate and pretty. Beyond the castle, the surrounding park is lovely for picnics, biking, or just walking the trails. Overall, it's a quick but worthwhile stop with gorgeous scenery and a unique historic charm.

    Sharon B.

    This was a beautiful castle and we were glad that we decided to visit. We got tickets there without any issues. We walked around the outside of the castle before our tour. There is a beautiful view of the Connecticut River below and lots of walkable trails around the park. We enjoyed the tour inside the castle. Each floor had a docent to receive the guests and tell us a little about Gillette and his castle. It's so interesting and we learned a lot about its history as well as funny stories about its owner/builder. We didn't feel rushed at all.

    Gillette Castle
    Tara W.

    What a stunning castle! The craftsmanship is simply exquisite--from the grand staircase and sturdy stone walls to the finely crafted doors and even the thoughtfully placed couches. For a man known first as an actor and writer, Gillette was truly a remarkable visionary. The self-guided tour was delightful. Friendly staff were stationed throughout the castle, ready to share fascinating details and little-known stories about Gillette and his incredible home. A wonderful glimpse into a bygone era, lovingly preserved!

    Yvonne H.

    Finally made it to this state park, unfortunately the tours of the castle were closed when we went this weekend. The grounds are beautiful and very clean. The castle is impressive with beautiful views. They have a large parking lot and visitor center with bathrooms. I'd definitely return in season to tour the inside of the castle.

    Visitor center was closed but restrooms were open
    Jen W.

    This is a beautiful spot. We've been here a couple of times. First time we took a tour of the castle with the family. It was very interesting. Even the kids enjoyed it. Second time we came to hike the property. There are several marked paths throughout. We picked one that went down to the river. There are picnic tables down there where you can enjoy a meal along the river as well as two little beach areas. I have no idea is swimming is allowed here so if that interests you, check first please. A ferry runs in this area. The park opens at 8am and closes at sunset. The Castle is only open for scheduled tours and is closed between mid-December and the end of May. You can find dates, times and purchase tickets on their website. Tickets are non-refundable within one week of your tour date, however, to be sure you get a spot, it is recommended you book ahead of time. A very small wedding ceremony (not the reception) can be held here for twenty guests or less, but only outside the Castle and only at specific times. See their site for important information and call them to reserve. As this is a public park, you can choose to hold a ceremony anywhere in the park without prior authorization as long as you understand the public may 'crash' your ceremony. The grounds are beautiful. The house is so interesting. Ticket prices for the tour are reasonable and they have a pass for a family of four that covers three State Parks in one ticket. You can make a day trip at this location if you plan your tour, take a hike and pack a meal to enjoy. Picnic tables are spread around the property. Trails are nicely maintained, however they are not all smooth going. Besides roots and rocks, some trails have steps, so strollers won't work. Check out the trail type before heading out. There is a large parking lot near the visitor center and restrooms are located inside. Pets are permitted on a leash in picnic areas and on trail but not in the castle or it's surrounding decks. Definitely worth a visit imho.

    William Gillette
    David J.

    Wow. What cool house and hiking trails. The house was renovated and is in excellent shape

    Eva E.

    After a crazy busy week at work and I need some nature... Gillette Castle in East Haddam.. what a PLACE! We walked over 3 miles and all around the castle with the dogs, some of the most beautiful scenes of Connecticut River with the stunning sunset we found a stream and a sneaky dark walking tunnel. There was a couple there having a gothic theme revival wedding which I thought was EPIC, black dress and gothic theme pictures, perfect! Dog friendly with a visitor center, bathrooms, ample parking, incredible views, snacks and drinks and during the summer a small cafe. It wasn't open when we went but that could have been the day or time (Sunday afternoon)

    Rebecca K.

    Beautiful, amazing property and castle! I would highly recommend going in. I went on a bad day where the computer was broken and to register for a ticket online is extremely cumbersome. Once you get inside, they give you a little bit of history, but no tour! Absolutely gorgeous, and worth the visit.

    Yoselyn A.

    It's a beautiful park, and I really enjoyed walking there with my friends. I'm looking forward to returning and enjoying it this summer.

    There are 47 very ornate and unique doors throughout the castle, some leading to secret passages!
    Cindy P.

    We went a bit out of our way to visit the castle and are so very glad we did, it's definitely worth it! We learned everything we didn't know (which was nothing) about William Gillette and how he amassed his fortunes with Sherlock Holmes! We saw one of his plays being reenacted, secret passages, gorgeous views and 47 unique doors in his "pile of rocks"! They've restored the castle to greatness and there isn't a tiny hint of the 17 cats that once lived there other than their toys and knickknack likenesses! Be prepared to walk with comfy shoes and buy your castle tour tickets early, they sell out! If no tickets are available you're still able to walk fully around the castle and peek in the windows to get an idea of Williams talents.

    Isn't it so beautiful.
    Brenda F.

    I loved loved loved my experience here. The castle tour is wonderful. There are parts that are guided and there are parts you are on your own. You have to reserve tickets in advance as it sells out quickly . While shopping in the gift shop, I witnessed a lot of people being told tours were sold out. I love a good castle tour and this was right up my alley. The hiking trail was a extra plus. Definitely the highlight of visiting my friend in Connecticut. Definitely come check this out.

    Solarium adjacent to the dining room
    Steve Ray F.

    Gillette's Castle is a true hidden gem. Over 100 years old this home of actor, playwright, author and train enthusiast is well kept and fascinating look back in time. The history of the property and its design are fascinating. From the design of the doors and door locks (no two are the same) to the theatrical flare of the home. To the shear marvel of the craftsmanship that a small number of artisans created in a relatively small span of time. The actor's development of the character of Sherlock Holmes is an amazing story of talent and chance. From having never read Arthur Conan Doyle to collaborating with Doyle to bring Sherlock Holmes to the stage, William Gillette created the personification of Holmes that is recognized even today. The personal train that once ran 3+ miles around the property is gone but hikers can still walk the "rails to trails" paths. The steam train served its life out at Lake Compounce park in Bristol, but a restored electric engines is available for viewing in the visitors center along with some of the original cars. Prepare to spend a few hours admiring the landscape, the gorgeous views of the Connecticut River, the castle and its architecture, and of course the man whose vision brought it all together

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    The former home of the late actor and portrayer of Sherlock Holmes on stage. Amazing exhibits.

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    Ask the Community - Gillette Castle State Park

    Review Highlights - Gillette Castle State Park

    Once I learned that William Gillette was the first actor who played Sherlock Holmes, I started geeking out.

    Mentioned in 16 reviews

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    On memory alone this place scores a 5! Yes it is somewhat dirty with tons of goose crap. But I…read morebasically spent years 2-16 coming here all the time. The little play area of the park was so cool when I was 2-5. Then it was the lake I loved swimming in and where I learned how to swim (6-8). My mom would always yell to me not to go past my waist but I did any way. The trick is to go in almost to the waist and dive forward and go under and then swim back to waist length depth. She never knew, or, she probably did and figured she would let me think I was being clever. A little older I remember throwing my ninja turtle(s) into the "deep end" and trying to find them. So yah, if anyone finds him send me a message. When I was a little older I jumped off the docks and eventually, rode my bike off of it too (dumb "tweens"). There were always the basketball courts though those are in sad shape and when I was younger, the scary older boys looked imposing. Around the same time my friend and I would ride our bikes* to Rogers lake and/or kayak. Finally, from about 14-16 or 17 or so, I did crew and those are my last memories. I think I purposely flipped my boat deep in the water the last time I ever went on the lake. *Watch your bikes. Don't do what I did and "hide" it by some bush near the lake. Some good for nothing low life scum stole my Grey Gary Fisher bike and I never got it back, obviously (cops don't care). I wish karma strikes this loser back in whatever way is deemed appropriate by those who dole it out (perhaps some low life can steal his/her childs bike). Other than bike stealing low life losers, I suspect it was someone with the first name E, this is a safe place.

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    Gillette Castle State Park - parks - Updated May 2026

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