New England is home to several beautiful castles waiting to be admired and explored. Although New England castles may not be that old, many of the castles of New England are full of history and their own quirky stories. These 12 castles in New England are definitely worth adding to your bucket list.
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Castles in New England
Here are 12 castles in New England totally worth a visit if you are visiting New England in the summer.
Many of the castles of New England are open only in the summer. Some of the castles are also available for rental.
Massachusetts Castles
There are quite a few Massachusetts Castles. We found 15 cool castles in Massachusetts when we did an overview and that doesn’t even include the unpublicised castles uses as private residences.
Winnekenni Castle, Haverhill MA
The rugged solid looks of Winnekenni Castle was inspired by Scottish fortresses.
Built in the 1870s by Dr. James R. Nichols as a summer home, using local boulders and rocks, as Dr. Nichols wanted to prove that New England’s native resources could be used as building materials.
After Dr. Nichols’ passing, Winnekenni Castle was sold in 1895 to the city to be used as a public park.
Run by a non-profit organisation nowadays, the scenic castle grounds are used as a public park and the Castle itself hosts many events.
Address: 347 Kenoza Ave, Haverhill, MA 01830
Castles in MA suitable for weddings include Winnekenni Castle (Image credit: Diane (Beckwith) Zink)
Hammond Castle, Gloucester MA
Another fortress-like structure, Hammond Castle sits above a bluff in Gloucester Massachusetts.
With stunning views of the Atlantic, Hammond Castle was built for inventor, John Jays Hammond, Jr. in the 1920s.
The castle now operates as a museum where guests can learn about his inventions and walk about the estate.
Address: 80 Hesperus Avenue, Gloucester, MA 01930
Many Massachusetts Castles like medieval-style Hammond Castle were situated for their fabulous views.
New Hampshire Castles
These two New Hampshire castles in New England are probably the most visually stunning from the best 7 castles in New Hampshire roundup we did.
Castle in the Clouds, is a beautiful estate perfect for a New England day out in nature. Majestic Searles Castle on the other hand is an idyllic event or wedding destination.
Castle in the Clouds, Moultenborough NH
Castle in the Clouds was built in 1913 by Thomas Plant, Castle in the Clouds was built by a well-connected and wealthy manufacturing magnate. For example, President Teddy Roosevelt visited the estate to hang out with his friend.
Castle in the Clouds was designed in beautiful Arts and Crafts-style architecture. The mansion incorporates itself into the landscaped grounds.
This New England castle is open for visits from May through October.
Address: 455 Old Mountain Rd, Moultonborough, NH 03254
Castle in the Clouds is among the more whimsical castles New Hampshire offers.
Searles Castle, Windham NH
Completed in 1915, Searles Castle was designed as a 1/4 size replica of medieval castle in Oxfordshire, England.
After passing from the hands of the original owners, Searles Castle was owned by various private institutions during the mid-20th century.
Nowadays, this castle in New England serves as a beautiful special events and wedding venue in New Hampshire.
Address: 23 Searles Rd, Windham, NH 03087
Searles Castle New Hampshire is a popular wedding venue.
Connecticut Castles
Some of the Connecticut Castles in New England, such as Gillette Castle and Castle Craig noted below, are known for their amazing viewpoints over the surrounding countryside.
In addition to checking out the beautiful castles themselves, make time to add in time for some fun hiking trails.
Gillette Castle, East Haddam CT
The fortress’ location within Gillette Castle State Park is what really sets this castle apart from others.
Take in the stunning views of the Connecticut River and surrounding area as you tour the castle, which used to be the home of actor, William Hooker Gillette.
Gillette Castle has a mottled stonework exterior and white oak interior showing the handiwork of thousands of local craftsmen.
Open for visitors from summer through October, Gillette Castle is a work of beauty.
Address: 67 River Road, East Haddam, CT 06423
The striking stone terrace of the Gillette Castle in Connecticut.
Castle Craig, Meriden CT
This observation tower offers an impressive panorama of Hubbard’s Park and the greater Meriden area.
Take in the views of the lush 1,800-acre park, which is particularly beautiful in fall as visitors can witness the vibrant colors of the changing of leaves.
Choose to drive to the tower, or hike one of the beautiful trails designed for people of all athletic abilities.
Castle Craig is closed during the winter but the parkland is open all year round for visitors.
Address: Peak Dr, Meriden, CT 06451
The craggy cuff on which Castle Craig stands on presents a dramatic outlook.
Rhode Island Castles
Our two Rhode Island castles are inevitably in Newport Rhode Island, that home of conspicuous consumption in the Gilded Age.
OceanCliff, Newport RI
Oceancliff Hotel is a 10-acre oceanfront property that was formerly used as a summer home and now operates as a prime destination for weddings and events.
OceanCliff was built for a Mr. Gaun M. Hutton whose claim to fame was building the Trans-Siberian railroad, the longest railway in the world, for the Russian Czars in 1916.
Take in the breathtaking views of Narragansett Bay, enjoy world-class fare, and even book a private sailing charter during your stay.
Address: 65 Ridge Rd, Newport, RI 02840
Belcourt, Newport RI
Built in 1891 by Oliver Belmont, the house was originally meant to be a private summer oasis for Belmont and his horses.
When he married his neighbour, Ava Vanderbilt, in 1896 she redid the house to make it more elegant for people than for horsey comfort.
Either way, the house was only expected to be used just a maximum of 2 months in the summer!
Over the years, the house has seen many owners with various intentions for the property. Today, tourists can visit the estate on a 50-minute guided tour.
The house is being completely restored in hopes of bringing the Belcourt back into a state of its former glory.
Address: 657 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 02840
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Belcourt, a castle in Rhode Island considered a simple summer “cottage” in Newport.
Maine Castles
Are all Maine castles practical? Definitely not but they do tend to swing that way.
Although you would think so from our two choices below. Norumbega Castle is a B&B and Mann Castle is a library.
Other picks from our top 10 awesome Maine castles roundup include Mount Battie Tower which is a lookout point and Castle Tucker, home to the Historic New England organisation.
Norumbega Castle, Camden ME
This charming castle from the 1880s has been transformed into a luxurious 4-star bed and breakfast. Its dark, gothic exterior and ornamental stained glass are truly something to be admired.
Visitors can stay in one of the 12 uniquely and elegantly decorated rooms and enjoy stunning views of Penobscot Bay.
This gorgeous property is the perfect place for a peaceful getaway.
Address: 63 High St., Camden, Maine, 04843
Lobster boats in Penobscot Bay in Maine.
Mann Castle (West Paris Library), West Paris ME
This castle/library was gifted to the West Paris Library Association by Lewis M. Mann in 1926.
The characteristic medieval-style archway and locally sourced fieldstone take the town back to an era long departed.
Although the library continues to grow, the castle design remains intact.
Address: 226 Main St, West Paris, ME 04289
Vermont Castles
Our choices for the best Vermont Castles includes Wilson Castle which labels itself as the “only true castle in Vermont” and the 1990’s built Gregoire Castle.
Although lacking the history of Wilson Castle, you can actually rent out Gregoire Castle for a vacation home!
Wilson Castle, Proctor VT
Set on 115-acres of land, this massive Vermont castle built in 1867 by a local Vermonter who went to study in England.
Having married a member of the English aristocracy, he built a castle for her in Vermont.
The castle passed through several hands before entering into the hands of the Wilson family in 1939. A descendant of the Wilson still owns it today.
The impressive 3-story castle contains 32 rooms, an art gallery, a pool room, and countless valuable antiques, leaving much to be explored.
Visitors can partake in a historical tour with a guide, or on their own, or come to the castle at night for a creepy ghost tour.
Address: 2970 W Proctor Rd, Proctor, VT 05765
Gregoire Castle, Irasburg VT
Surrounded by sweeping views of verdant forests and stunning mountains, Gregoire Castle is also known as the Northeast Kingdom Castle.
The Bavarian-style manor is set on 20 acres so that guests can indulge in a tranquil, luxurious getaway.
The property comprises all the essential amenities, plus a hot tub, large pond, fire pit, and ice-skating rink.
No matter the season, this property is a marvelous destination for a family getaway.
Gregoire Castle has a fairytale setting in Vermont (Image credit: Kane Realty)
Castles of New England Map
For your trip planning purposes, here are the castles of New England mapped out.
With these castles, New England shows off a diversity of its landscapes as well as ranging from visitor attractions to places with guest accommodation.
The 12 best castles of New England to visit.
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