Although you would think the Granite State would be too practical for something as fanciful as castles, there are several great castles in New Hampshire to visit. New Hampshire castles have their own intriguing back stories. There’s a castle in New Hampshire to suit your needs whether you are looking for a NH castle to visit or a castle in New Hampshire to rent. New Hampshire castles come as historic, modern or faux-historic. There’s even ice castles in New Hampshire for winter fun!
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New Hampshire Castles
These New Hampshire castles serve a variety of purposes.
Some NH castles like the Castle in the Clouds or Madame Sherri’s Castle Ruins, are perfect for a walk in the countryside.
Although loaded with history, Fort Constitution and Searles Castle on the other hand serve modern uses.
Castle Anam Cara is a New Hampshire castle that looks to the past even though it is modern structure.
Castle in the Clouds
Castle in the Clouds was built in the Ossipee Mountains in 1913 by Thomas Plant, a wealthy man who made his fortune in the shoe manufacturing industry. It is one of the must-see castles in New England.
Castle in the Clouds, was originally named Lucknow Estate because Mr Plant originally wanted to build a castle in the Indian city of Lucknow and not New England.
One famous visitor was President Teddy Roosevelt who was a friend of Thomas Plant.
Designed in beautiful Arts and Crafts-style architecture, the mansion stands in harmony with the surrounding nature, a feature that Naumkeag, the castle in Massachusetts would appreciate.
Castle in the Clouds is among the more whimsical castles New Hampshire offers.
The 6,300-acre estate boasted some of the finest amenities for its time, including a man-made lake, a golf course, and a greenhouse.
Today you can take a trolley up to the impressive mansion for a self-guided tour.
Enjoy the peaceful gardens, take a trip to the trout pond, and don’t forget to take in the spectacular views of the Lakes Region.
Castle in the Clouds is surrounded by 28 miles of well-maintained hiking trails. There are miles of trails suitable for all abilities.
In terms of castles, New Hampshire’s Castle in the Clouds is probably the most famous.
This NH castle and family-friendly attraction is open from May through October.
Address: 455 Old Mountain Rd, Moultonborough, NH 03254
Madame Sherri’s Castle Ruins
Castles in NH don’t come more atmospheric than Madame Sherri’s Castle Ruins.
Located in Madame Sherri Forest, visitors can enjoy a beautiful two-mile hike on the Ann Stokes Loop to the site.
The remains of a grand staircase at Madame Sherri’s Castle New Hampshire.
Madame Antoinette Sherri, originally from France, was a successful costume designer for Broadway.
She was well known for her lavish parties in the roaring 20s and during the prohibition era that would make even Jay Gatsby envious.
Sadly, what was once an extravagant gothic castle and summer home burned down in 1962.
All that’s left of this NH castle these days is the medieval-looking stonework stairs and archway.
The site attracts nature lovers and paranormal investigators alike.
Madame Sherri Forest is the setting for Madame Sherri’s castle ruins in New Hampshire.
Some people have claimed to see Madame Sherri herself at the top of the staircase, while others have said if you listen closely, you can still hear the faint music of one of her legendary parties.
Address: Madame Sherri Forest, West Chesterfield, NH 03466
Searles Castle
Built at the behest of Edward Francis Searles, Searles Castle was meant to be a 1/4 size replica of medieval-style Stanton Harcourt in Oxfordshire, England.
Searles Castle was completed in 1915 and constructed using granite, fieldstone and dark red sandstone.
Searles Castle New Hampshire is a popular wedding venue.
In 1952, the property was used by the Sisters of Mercy, and then Castle College for over 25 years.
In more recent years, preservation of the site has been of utmost importance for members of the local community. This castle in NH now serves as quite the remarkable site for weddings and events.
Address: 23 Searles Rd, Windham, NH 03087
Castle Anam Cara
Located on 8 acres, Castle Anam Cara was built to resemble a medieval Celtic castle keep.
Despite its ancient looks, Castle Anam Cara was only built in the mid-90’s.
Although the outside is concrete blocks and rebar, it goes for historic looks inside though with wood-fired heating and ancient timber flooring.
At this privately-owned castle, New Hampshire seems to be doing a historic version of the homesteading trend. It’s pretty much the exact opposite of Chris Mark Castle in Connecticut.
One of the owners does venture into the outside world though performing at Renaissance Faires as Duncan of Doh Naught, medieval entertainer.
Castle Anam Cara welcomes visitors for tours and also hosts weddings.
Address: 40 Hansonville Rd, Rochester, NH 03839
Fort Constitution Portsmouth Harbor Light
Built in the early 17th century, Fort Constitution is also known as Fort William and Mary.
Located on three acres on New Castle Island, Fort Constitution played a historic role in the American Revolution.
On a lesser known ride, Paul Revere rode to Portsmouth from Boston in December of 1774 to warn the locals that the British were planning on reinforcing the fort over fears of colonist uprisings.
Americans in Portsmouth pre-emptively seized the supplies at the fort which may have been later used in the Battle of Bunker Hill in June of 1775.
Could Fort Constitution be a castle in New Hampshire? The fortress was used to guard Portsmouth Harbor and it’s got history on its side.
On the other hand, among NH castles, there is only a little house with a courtyard and stone walls. And, this castle in New Hampshire has a lighthouse.
Fort Constitution is one of the sights to see in Portsmouth New Hampshire.
Is this all too practical to be a proper castle?
You decide. We are not here to castle-shame.
Address: 25 Wentworth Rd, New Castle, NH 03854
Castles in NH With Accommodation
Ever wanted to rent a castle in New Hampshire? Just like some of the castles in nearby Maine, you can book a stay in a New Hampshire castle.
Check out Kimball Castle with its beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee views or Hunt Castle with its views of popular New Hampshire destination, Mt Monadnack.
Kimball Castle
At Kimball Castle, New Hampshire you can actually stay on the premises of the estate near the main castle.
The Innkeeper’s Cottage is a one-bedroom listed on AirBnB on the grounds of Kimball Castle and near walking paths.
Kimball Castle and its 20-acre property overlook Lake Winnipesaukee and offer a sweeping panorama of Mount Washington.
It was built in the 1890s for railroad tycoon Benjamin Ames Kimball. He was inspired on his trip to Germany by the fortresses along the Rhine River, which lent to the vision of his own being built.
Sadly, although the estate was abandoned and deteriorated over many years even though it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Restoration efforts are underway since new ownership took over in 2018. Kimball Castle will be a wedding and events venue.
Address: Locke’s Hill Rd., Gilford, New Hampshire
Hunt Castle
Despite Hunt Castle’s gothic-looking façade, the building was only constructed in 1995 and boasts tons of modern amenities, like air-conditioning!
The 500-acre storybook property is the perfect place to book a family reunion or small event with friends. The castle can house 22 people, and there is so much to do on the premises that it would almost be a challenge to get bored.
Within the 11,000 square foot castle, lodgers can find a bar, billiards, a full kitchen, 8 bedrooms, a playroom for children, a library, and like all castles – secret passageways. Head to the highest turret for the best views of Mount Monadnock.
On the property, you’ll find a beach that is perfect for volleyball, sunbathing, or fishing. Feel free to jump in the water to go swimming or paddleboarding.
The property also boasts a hot tub and swimming pool. Visitors will have access to both the walking and ski trails during their stay.
Address: 1000 Sauvola Dr, Rindge, NH 03461
You can rent Hunt Castle on VRBO at this listing.
Bonus: Ice Castles in New Hampshire
Since 2011, Ice Castles in New Hampshire is an annual winter attraction created in North Woodstock (as well as a few other places in the United States).
Professional ice artists create ice castles made entirely of ice. The ice castle in New Hampshire is on an acre of land and uses about 25,000 pounds of ice.
Each ice castle is hand-made and takes thousands of hours to create. Every year, the ice castle in New Hampshire gets recreated from scratch.
The popular ice castles attraction is located in the White Mountains.(Image credit: Ice Castles)
Some of the ice sculpture features are even interactive like ice slides and tunnels. They also feature castle features like an ice throne and towers.
Catch an ice castle in New Hampshire when you can (from early January to early March) before the ice thaws and melts away for another year.
Ice castles New Hampshire truly are a winter wonderland.
Address: 24 Clark Farm Rd, North Woodstock, NH 03262
Map of New Hampshire Castles
For your trip planning purposes, here is a handy map of New Hampshire castles, including New Hampshire ice castles.
Map of the best 7 castles in New Hampshire (+ Ice Castles in New Hampshire).
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