Sure there has been A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court thanks to Mark Twain’s imagination, but castles in Connecticut? Yes, the state of Connecticut has some cool castles with extraordinary views that are certainly worth a visit. Among these 7 Connecticut castles, including castles in CT to visit or castles in CT for weddings, you will be charmed by these castle in CT.
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Castles in Connecticut
Check out these 7 intriguing Connecticut castles that will amaze you with their diversity in architecture as well as purpose.
If you are looking for castles in CT to visit for great landscape views, check out Gillette Castle in East Haddam, Castle Craig in Meriden and the Sleeping Giant Castle in Hamden. Once its safe to enter, Hearthstone Castle will join this list.
If you are looking for castles in CT for weddings, check out Gillette Castle, St. Clements Castle and Branford House.
If you are looking for a castle in Connecticut to buy, you are in luck! Check out Chris Mark Castle and Cornwall Castle below.
Gillette Castle in East Haddam
Sitting high above the Connecticut River, nestling itself within the broader Gillette Castle State Park, William Gillette castle resembles a medieval fortress.
Gillette Castle history is more prosaic because it was actually the retirement home of actor William Gillette. Yet, its craftsmanship means it is one of the must-see castles in New England.
William Gillette was a descendant of Thomas Hooker who founded Hartford, Connecticut. He was most famous for playing Sherlock Holmes in the movies.
Built between 1914 and 1919 of local fieldstone, steel and concrete, Gillette Castle is a unique structure evidencing the creativity of thousands of local craftsmen.
There are a lot of special details in the remarkable craftsmanship, such as a table trackway so the floors don’t get scratched when furniture is moved.
Within the castle stone walls – which you can tour – you’ll find 24 rooms full of white oak woodwork, unique doorways, and built-in furniture.
William Gillette was a creative genius with a thing for drama and mystery, so there are lots of secret panels and hallways built into this castle in Connecticut.
Gillette Castle is open throughout the summer and until Columbus Day weekend in October along with the seasonal Gillette Castle ferry.
Gillette Castle, one of the historic CT castles you can visit.
You can also take the historic 200 year old Chester-Hadlyme ferry across the Connecticut River to the castle.
Enjoy picturesque views of the Connecticut Valley from atop the castle. William Gillette had a little electric train that went around the grounds that ran from his very own Grand Central station.
You can also spend the day trekking one of the many beautiful hiking paths. You can either hike the train trail or ride the restored Gillette Castle train!
The stunningly scenic surrounding area makes this one of the prettiest castles in Connecticut. This is one of the castles in CT for weddings but only during Saturdays in the summer months.
Address: 67 River Road, East Haddam, CT 06423
The striking stone terrace of the Gillette Castle in Connecticut.
Castle Craig, Meriden CT
Situated on East Peak, Craig Castle is an observation tower built in 1900 which overlooks Hubbard Park’s 1,800 acres.
Hubbard Park is located in the Hanging Hills of Connecticut which is part of the 100 miles that the Metacomet Ridge runs through the Connecticut Valley in Massachusetts and Connecticut.
One of the cool castles Connecticut offers could easily be mistaken for the ruins of a Scottish castle.
Donated by a benevolent local to the people of Meriden, industrialist Walter Hubbard, this castle in Meriden is made from the local rock found in Hubbard Park.
Slightly taller than the similar Mount Battie Tower in Maine, the tower at Castle Craig Meriden rises 33 feet high.
From the observation deck at the top of the tower, you get spectacular panoramic views on a clear day of the greater Meriden area, maybe even as far as the Berkshires and Long Island Sound.
You can choose to drive to the tower or enjoy one of the hiking trails through the woods, designed for all skill levels. There are picnic areas on the grounds.
If you’re visiting in the fall, Castle Craig Meriden is a great viewpoint from which to observe fall foliage.
The craggy cuff on which Castle Craig stands on presents a dramatic outlook.
Castle Craig Meriden CT is closed during the winter for safety reasons but Hubbard Park is open all year round.
Address: Peak Dr, Meriden, CT 06451
Sleeping Giant Castle, Hamden CT
Sleeping Giant State Park is also part of the Metacomet Ridge. The name comes from the 2-mile-long mountain range resembling a giant lying on its back according to local Native American lore.
Sleeping Giant Castle is 4-story tower was built in the 1930s built by the Works Progress Administration. (A similar project by the WPA was the Bascom Lodge built on top of Mount Holyoke, one of the must-visit places in Massachusetts).
The view from the observation deck of Sleeping Giant tower offers impressive views of this Connecticut state park and surrounding areas.
You’ll need to walk up the ramps to get to the top of Sleeping Giant Castle. In lieu of steps, ramps allow for an easier, more gradual ascent.
Sleeping Giant Connecticut Castle is an observation tower with far-reaching views.
The 1447 acres of Sleeping Giant State Park offers over 30 miles of hiking trails, caves, and rock climbing, so there is plenty to keep you busy even after you visit the castle.
Chris Mark Castle, Woodstock CT
If you’ve ever wanted to feel like royalty in a fairy tale, take a trip to Chris Mark Castle. If you like it, you could buy it.
The Chrismark castle is on the market for an asking price of $60 million.
Christopher Mark made his fortune selling miniature historical figurines. Then, he decided to life-size his dreams for a real-life castle.
Or, specifically, the dreams of his two daughters who loved to dress up his princesses.
Finished in 2010, this CT castle took 7 years to complete. With stunning views, the Chris Mark Castle sits on 75 acres of land including a 30-acre pond.
Chris Mark Castle with its stone bridge towers over a moat (Image credit: CTInsider)
At one point, there was even a zoo where Chris Mark had camels, zebras and emus. Sure, why not. If you can have radiant floor heating in a castle in CT, what’s a zebra or two?
After all, Doris Duke famously kept pet camels at her Newport Rhode Island mansion, Rough Point.
Visitors enter Chris Mark castle only after going over a stone bridge and moat.
Within the 35,000 square foot complex, you’ll find a bunch of features for modern convenience such as an exotic greenhouse, private theater, audio recording studio.
Add the fairy-tale-style turrets and a dungeon and you’ve got the full package.
This castle in CT is used for parties, events, and movie and music video filming. And, you can see why below because it photographs beautifully.
With 8 bedrooms and 9 full bathrooms, there is plenty of room to spread out, too.
Check out the video tour of this Connecticut Castle guided by one of his daughters, Christina Mark who has garnered attention for ChrisMark Castle from her TikTok account.
All you need is a prom dress, a dream and daddy’s millions.
Address: 450 Brickyard Road, Woodstock CT 06281
St. Clements Castle, Portland CT
Soak up the breathtaking views in the 90-acre historical beauty that is St. Clements Castle and Marina.
Completed in 1902, St. Clements Castle was built by the Taylor Family. The exterior is made out of local granite blocks. Local Irish and Italian craftsmen worked on the masonry and interior woodwork.
The architecture is modeled after 16th-century European castles especially the French chateaux. More flourishes have been added over the years, such as the extensive balcony and Norman-style towers.
Bridge over the Connecticut River connecting Portland and Middleton Connecticut.
The estate, which is used for weddings and events, offers stunning views of the Connecticut river, romantic gardens, and a flower-filled courtyard.
Whether you prefer an event in one of the polished ballrooms, or at the scenic marina overlooking the river, St. Clements is the perfect spot to host a special event and is one of the most beautiful castles Connecticut has to offer.
Address: 1931 Portland-Cobalt Road, Portland CT 06480
Branford House at UConn Avery Point
Branford House is probably more a mansion BUT it does have some turrets.
Really, when is a castle in CT become just a mere McMansion with pretensions? There are others more qualified than us to answer this vexing question.
Having been built during the Gilded Age, Branford House has historically relevancy going for it. Branford House also has a great backstory.
It was built by Morton Freeman Plant, the n’er do well heir to a wealthy family. Dad tried to cut Morton out of his will. Morton had his own ideas and successfully contested the will.
Yes, Morton did spend lavishly, including on Branford House, but he was also an astute businessman who doubled the inheritance he got from his dad.
Morton Freeman Plant: Unsung hero to all late bloomers whose parents think they are useless.
Similar to Edith Wharton who built The Mount in Lenox, MA, Morton Plant hated the Newport Rhode Island social scene.
He chose the Connecticut Coast for his summer cottage which looked a lot like the Newport Rhode Island mansions.
Branford Hall in Groton Connecticut is a popular events venue.
Branford House is a mix of European styles. The music room in its entirety was imported from Cornwall, England.
Among the many cool features are a 2 story fireplace and an elevator in the building and extensive gardens, with an exotic plant nursery, as the setting.
Branford House is also one of the popular castles in CT for weddings.
Address: 1084 Shennecossett Rd, Groton, CT 06340
Hearthstone Castle in Danbury
As a bonus, we are throwing in Hearthstone Castle which is located in Tarrywile Park.
We can not condone visiting it because it is an abandoned building and fenced off to the public.
On the other hand, Hearthstone Castle is due to be renovated at some point. Hearthstone Castle is on the National Register of Historic Buildings and the city of Danbury can’t just walk away from it.
Built during the Gilded Age as a lifestyle change for a New York socialite, Hearthstone Castle is a 3 story stone building with commanding views of the countryside. The architecture is loosely based on a Norman castle.
Once refurbished, Hearthstone Castle will be a great tourist opportunity.
Where To Find Castles in CT
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