Gillette Castle is full of history, art, architecture, nature and much more. At first glance, it’s a large medieval castle carved in stone, but you’ll be amazed by the enchanting views of the Connecticut River and the incredible gardens that surround it.
Activity/Place Highlights
Gillette Castle is surrounded by 74 hectares of purely natural life, forests, and gardens. Inside the castle, the decoration is charming. The famous actor William Gillette built it and he, together with the local artisans, took care of the exotic interior design. Besides having a marked theatrical style, white oak wood carved by hand, also has beautiful stone fireplaces, stained glass, perfectly arranged furniture, and 47 unique doors.
In addition, curiosities such as secret passages inside the castle, hand-operated light switches, and clever door closures could also be told. The great Gillette strategically placed mirrors that allowed him to see the unsuspecting guests who were trying to open their bar with an intelligent lock. He also built a hidden staircase that made it easy for him to move around without being seen around his castle.
Outside, thanks to the castle that sits on top of a cliff. The view that is presented to the Connecticut River from the south terrace is. Undoubtedly, an enviable and impossible to forget the image. Also, you will have trials for a quiet and relaxing walk along the 3-mile route from Gillette. On the other hand, you have the option of approaching a narrow gauge railway, which will take you to travel approximately 4.8 kilometers inside a mini train that transports 28 passengers. It is an old station that still stands
How to get there
Gillette Castle is located in Haddam, about 55 kilometers by road southeast of Hartford, Connecticut. The nearest airports are the Tweed-New Haven Regional Airport, 51 km away, and the Bradley International Airport, 69.4 km away.
When to go
Gillette Castle is open for visits from the Memorial Day weekend in late May to Columbus Day (October 12). Goodspeed Musicals offers performances at the Goodspeed Opera during this time, but be sure to book tickets in advance, as the shows tend to run out ahead of time.
How Long
The tour of the castle is approximately one hour. In a day you can tour the mansion, walk around the forest, trails and even make a small picnic.
Opening and Closing Hours
This incredible medieval castle opens its doors every day of the week, from 10 am to 5 pm. All the staff at the place are very friendly and will be willing to help you with any questions.
Planning
The most romantic way to get there is with the steam train and the Essex riverboat. A steam locomotive that hauls the restored cars takes it to the Deep River station. Here you board a ship for the trip to the Connecticut River, east of Haddam. From East Haddam, it is a half-mile (0.8 km) hike uphill to Gillette Castle.
You can buy the tickets until 4 in the afternoon at the castle. In addition, you can also book them through the website. The tickets to board the train and the boat of the Essex River also get there.
Inside Information
Inside the place, there are gift shops, food, and beverage concessions, as well as restaurants in the area and hiking routes. Parking is free, also has parking for buses. You only have to pay the ticket to the castle at the price of about $ 6, children between 6-12 years pay $ 2.50 and minors enter for free.
History
The renowned actor, director, and playwright, famous for his theatrical performances of Sherlock Holmes, built in 1914, on the top of a hill his own home. A large 24-room castle which was completed in 1919, near East Haddam, Connecticut, where the actor was born. He lived in this mansion, which shows a medieval style, after his semi-return from the stage.
After the actor died, the state of Connecticut bought the property, along with its large forest-filled land, to the executors of the Gillette testament in 1943. Now this place is for the enjoyment of tourists and locals who admire this great masterpiece.
Websites
https://portal.ct.gov/, www.goodspeed.org, www.essexsteamtrain.com
Other nearby attractions
You can not stop enjoying the city of Chester, Connecticut. This place will give you a day of total relaxation. Just walk through its streets, live and breathe while the city celebrates music, history, art, crafts, theater, culture. You can take a ferry along the beautiful Connecticut River, visit art galleries and shops. Also, try the restaurants with exquisite food in the center of the city. In addition, you can attend a function of the Norma Terris theater, swim in the cedar or ride a bicycle.
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