Side of the fieldstone castle with a pergola over the walkway

Hours & Fees

Gillette Castle State Park's grounds, trails and parking are open every day of the year from 8 a.m. to sunset and are free. The castle itself opens only for ticketed tours: daily from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, on weekends and holidays through Columbus Day, and on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Tours run every 15 minutes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

At a Glance

Hours at a Glance

Grounds and trailsDaily, 8 a.m. to sunset, all year

Grounds feeFree

Castle, summerDaily, Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day

Castle, fallWeekends and holidays to Columbus Day

Castle closedColumbus Day to Thanksgiving

Castle, holidaysFri–Sun, Thanksgiving to Christmas

Tour timesEvery 15 min, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (holiday last 3:30)

River campsiteMay 1 to Columbus Day

FerryApril 1 to November 30

Park Grounds

DEEP opens the grounds daily from 8 a.m. to sunset in every season. That covers the trails, picnic areas, river views, the Goldfish Pond and the ferry landing. There is no entry or parking fee.

Castle Interior

DEEP's castle calendar:

Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day: open daily for tours.
Labor Day to Columbus Day: weekends and holidays only.
Columbus Day to Thanksgiving: closed.
Thanksgiving to Christmas: Holiday Tour Program, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (holiday tours).
After Christmas until Memorial Day weekend: DEEP lists no tours.

Tours start every 15 minutes between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; during the holiday program the last tour is at 3:30 p.m. The Friends of Gillette Castle State Park say the last ticket is sold at 4 p.m. and the last entry is at 4:15 p.m.

Visitor Center and Concessions

The Friends say the visitor center, with restrooms, the gift shop and a film, keeps the castle's hours, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on open days, and that the concessions building beside it is open when the castle is open.

Corner of the fieldstone castle with a wooden pergola and benches

Fees

Grounds, trails, parking: free.
Castle tours: $6 ages 13+, $2 ages 6–12, free for 5 and under; free with a Charter Oak or Heritage Pass (tickets).
River campsite: $5 per person per night (camping).
Terrace wedding ceremony: $285 (weddings).

Seasonal Hours Nearby

Chester–Hadlyme ferry: April 1 to November 30, weekdays 7:00 a.m. to 6:45 p.m., weekends 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., closed Thanksgiving (ferry).
River campsite: May 1 to Columbus Day, one night maximum.

Winter

The grounds stay open all winter. The Friends note that park roads are plowed but trails are not cleared of snow and ice.

Water lilies covering a shaded woodland pond

FAQ

Hours & Fees FAQ

What are Gillette Castle's hours?

The grounds are open daily 8 a.m. to sunset. Castle tours run 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every 15 minutes on open days: daily in summer, fall weekends to Columbus Day, and Friday to Sunday from Thanksgiving to Christmas.

Is Gillette Castle open year-round?

The grounds are. The castle interior is closed from Columbus Day to Thanksgiving and after the holiday program until Memorial Day weekend.

Is Gillette Castle open on Mondays?

In summer, yes: tours run every day from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. In the fall season, only holiday Mondays such as Columbus Day.

Does it cost money to enter Gillette Castle State Park?

No. The grounds and parking are free; only castle tours cost money.