Gillette Castle FAQ
Short answers to what visitors most often ask about Gillette Castle State Park. The grounds are free and open 8 a.m. to sunset every day; the castle opens for ticketed, self-guided tours on a seasonal schedule, at $6 for ages 13 and up, $2 for ages 6 to 12 and free for 5 and under. Each answer links to the page with the details.
Visiting
The park is at 67 River Road, East Haddam, CT 06423, on the east bank of the Connecticut River (parking and directions). Tickets and tour times are on castle tours; the full calendar is on hours.
The Castle and Its Builder
William Gillette, the actor famous for playing Sherlock Holmes, built the castle from 1914 to 1919 (William Gillette, history).
Outdoors
Trails, the tunnel and the river are on hiking, train trail, kayaking and river camping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gillette Castle State Park free?
Yes. The grounds, trails and parking are free. Only the castle tour costs money: $6 for ages 13 and up, $2 for ages 6 to 12, free for 5 and under.
How much are tickets to Gillette Castle?
$6 for ages 13 and older, $2 for ages 6 to 12, and free for children 5 and under. Charter Oak and Heritage Pass holders get in free. ReserveAmerica adds a processing fee.
When is Gillette Castle open?
The grounds are open daily 8 a.m. to sunset. Castle tours run every 15 minutes, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., daily from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, weekends and holidays to Columbus Day, and Friday to Sunday from Thanksgiving to Christmas.
Do you need to book Gillette Castle tickets in advance?
DEEP strongly recommends it. Daily tickets are limited and each 15-minute slot holds 18 visitors. Book on ReserveAmerica.
How long does it take to tour Gillette Castle?
About an hour. Tours are self-guided.
Who built Gillette Castle?
William Hooker Gillette, the Hartford-born actor and playwright who played Sherlock Holmes on stage about 1,300 times. He designed the house and most of its furniture himself.
When was Gillette Castle built?
From 1914 to 1919, with an expansion from 1923 to 1926.
How big is Gillette Castle?
24 rooms and 14,000 square feet, on a 184-acre state park.
Can you bring a dog to Gillette Castle?
Yes, on a leash in the picnic areas and on the trails. Dogs are not allowed in the castle or other buildings, on decks, or at the river campsite.
Is Gillette Castle wheelchair accessible?
The first floor of the castle, the terrace and the visitor center are accessible. The upper floors and most trails are not. DEEP lends all-terrain wheelchairs with advance reservations.
Can you take a ferry to Gillette Castle?
Yes. The Chester–Hadlyme ferry runs April 1 to November 30 and lands below the castle. It costs $5 per car on weekdays, $6 on weekends, and $2 on foot or by bike.
Is there food at Gillette Castle?
There is no restaurant. Bring a picnic; Grand Central Station, Gillette's old railroad station, is a picnic shelter facing the river.
How long are the hiking trails at Gillette Castle?
About 3.8 miles of blazed trails in total. DEEP's featured walk, the Train Trail to the Blue Trail, is about 1.5 miles and goes through a 75-foot tunnel.
Can you camp at Gillette Castle?
Only at one primitive riverside site reached by canoe or kayak, May 1 to Columbus Day, $5 per person per night.
Can you get married at Gillette Castle?
Small ceremonies can be held on the terrace on Saturdays from June through September, for up to 50 guests, for a $285 DEEP fee.
Is Gillette Castle open at Christmas?
Yes, for holiday tours on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The last tour is at 3:30 p.m.
Is Gillette Castle haunted?
Neither DEEP's park page nor the Friends' history page describes the castle as haunted. The park's real oddities are Gillette's own: carved puzzle latches, mirrors placed so he could watch his liquor cabinet, and a dark 75-foot railroad tunnel.