Hatley Castle
Hatley Castle
4
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
And you thought your mother-in-law was bad: a mysterious old woman has been haunting this stately castle for years.
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See what travellers are saying
- Dan M24 contributionsThe Hatley Castle a must seeI am a photographer. After visiting many of the places to see in the Victoria area (2 castles, 2 cathedrals, Buchart, Canada's oldest Chinatown, an Island etc). The highlight of the trip was the Hatley Castle. After showing all my pictures to two other photographers it was unanimous, the Hatley won. Why? Artistically, from the elaborate stone crafted walls to the sculptured hedgerows, to other architecture, statues, Italian, Japanese and rose gardens, the overall feeling was pleasant. I hesitantly went to the Hatley Castle (reviews) but so glad I went!Visited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten October 3, 2023
- Louise Masin SattlerLos Angeles, California1,605 contributionsPretty and located in a very lovely area.Hatley Castle is in a lovely area and literally on university grounds. We opted to enjoy the surrounding area of the castle, including the vista from the water's edge. From there you can see the snow-capped mountains in the distance on the mainland. Many photographers and bird watchers appeared to be visiting, as well.Visited July 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten July 3, 2024
- DougJenny W12 contributionsVisit here instead of Butchart!Such a beautiful Castle and Garden! We enjoyed our tour greatly, learning much about the history of this grand home and witnessing the masterpieces of trade that made this place. The gardens were lush and so beautifully maintained. We found this to be far superior to Butchart!Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten July 4, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
272 reviews
Excellent
128
Very good
97
Average
24
Poor
15
Terrible
8
Lisa T
10 contributions
Jul 2023 • Solo
Most uninspiring. This castle looks grand from the outside and is definitely a work of art, showcasing fine detail within, and a beautiful story taking you back in time.
However, whilst the castle has 40 rooms. The $24 tour and $6 for parking ($2/hr) gives you access to 4 of those rooms. Very expensive and underwhelming. The tour saw us stand outside the front doors of the castle for 30minutes before we entered. Once inside, we were there for 20-25 minutes before being given 5-10minues in the museum. Not enough time to get through all of the documents within the museum, but more enjoyable than the tour itself.
The gardens were overgrown, giving it more of a cottage garden feel and there was very little in bloom. I suspect in spring the gardens would be more inviting.
The map of the site is quite poor, and not easy to use as a guide. Definitely needs a revamp.
If you plan to visit I suspect spring may be the best time and would be worth checking if there is a function on as this reduses your access to the site but not the entry fee.
However, whilst the castle has 40 rooms. The $24 tour and $6 for parking ($2/hr) gives you access to 4 of those rooms. Very expensive and underwhelming. The tour saw us stand outside the front doors of the castle for 30minutes before we entered. Once inside, we were there for 20-25 minutes before being given 5-10minues in the museum. Not enough time to get through all of the documents within the museum, but more enjoyable than the tour itself.
The gardens were overgrown, giving it more of a cottage garden feel and there was very little in bloom. I suspect in spring the gardens would be more inviting.
The map of the site is quite poor, and not easy to use as a guide. Definitely needs a revamp.
If you plan to visit I suspect spring may be the best time and would be worth checking if there is a function on as this reduses your access to the site but not the entry fee.
Written July 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Keatyp
Macon GA33 contributions
Jul 2023
Grounds are beautiful, tour a bit underwhelming, and only on the first floor. But my main problem was the bewildering lack of signage. The castle was difficult to find, since there were no signs on the streets to indicate where to turn. Then you meander through a university campus, with no signage to indicate where the castle actually is. When we finally found the parking lot, it was not clear that we needed to pay, but a man told us and showed us where to buy tickets. Then we got to the castle, but couldn't figure out where the tour was. By the time we found the appropriate door, it was too late to buy tickets. The door wasn't marked to indicate that this was where you enter for tours, and there are several doors on the building. Ticket booth was also hard to find, in a little tucked-away spot on the side of the castle. We're in our 70s and have toured many historical sites, and this was hands down the most frustrating. Problems would be easily corrected with helpful signs to indicate the proper procedures. The cafe was another anomaly. A simple sign pointing off in the distance indicating the cafe was in Grants Building. Where or where is that? No map, you're just supposed to know. Weird. Best part was definitely the absolutely lovely gardens, but even that was odd- no sign to direct you to the Japanese garden, which we stumbled upon. Just a strange place!
Written July 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
YY Y
Sammamish, WA82 contributions
Aug 2022
Never heard Hatley Castle until the evening that we ariived at a nearby hotel.
It was a well worth visit to see the Impressive building and gorgeous gardens surrounded.
Visiting inside, however, requires reservation plus more people.
It was a well worth visit to see the Impressive building and gorgeous gardens surrounded.
Visiting inside, however, requires reservation plus more people.
Written September 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brandy H
Vernon, Canada21 contributions
May 2022 • Family
We really enjoyed our visit to Harley Castle. We took the guided tour and found it very informative. Our tour was led by a local lady that spent time visiting the castle as a youth. So her added knowledge was very interesting. Just a side note if you want to attend the tour make sure you make your way down to the garden booth. This is where you purchase your tickets. We were a little lost and sort of stumbled upon it. The garden is absolutely beautiful! And you can also grab lunch in the schools restaurant/ cafeteria. We found it tasty and economical.
Written May 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Louise Masin Sattler
Los Angeles, CA1,605 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
Hatley Castle is in a lovely area and literally on university grounds. We opted to enjoy the surrounding area of the castle, including the vista from the water's edge. From there you can see the snow-capped mountains in the distance on the mainland. Many photographers and bird watchers appeared to be visiting, as well.
Written July 3, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jonique Life
Australia1,816 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
We loved this castle. The parking is paid here so make sure you consider that. The surrounding gardens are so pretty and free to view. You can also go inside and pay for a tour! We didn’t do that but personally still loved just exploring the gardens. It’s an easy walk around! It was cool how x-men was filmed here!
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“Jonique Life” If you find value in our reviews please consider following our social media outlets on Facebook and Instagram as we highlight magical places you can add to your ever growing bucket list.
Written June 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MississaugaBee
Toronto230 contributions
Sept 2022
Hatley Castle was closed when we were there however we very much enjoyed walking around the extensive gardens around the Castle. It would be easy to spend several wonderful hours here. The gardens were second only to Butchart Gardens during our visit to Victoria and surrounding area. We were surprised at how large and lovely the gardens were!
You pay for Parking and the gardens are free (a bargain). Definitely worth a visit even if the castle is unavailable for inspection.
You pay for Parking and the gardens are free (a bargain). Definitely worth a visit even if the castle is unavailable for inspection.
Written December 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
elli j
Sorrento, Canada118 contributions
Oct 2021
What a treasure close to the city, yet far enough to enjoy the greenery and solitude and quiet of off-season. Lots of trees, bushes, flowers in bloom, and thus, hummingbirds and peacocks! Free admission, but donation box on hand. Close to the water's edge and a nice mixture of different styles of garden, incl. Japanese and woodland. Well maintained and easy walks for most people.
Written October 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DewOnTheRoad
Sacramento, CA348 contributions
Aug 2021
Sure, the attraction is called Hatley Castle but the real attraction is the gardens. We walked around the perimeter of the castle and stumbled onto the beautiful gardens. Japanese garden, Italian garden, etc. are wonderful. Even though it was raining, it was so enjoyable walking on the paths weaving through the different gardens. Keep an eye out for the resident peacocks!
Written September 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kenton M
Santa Ana, El Salvador45 contributions
Sept 2022
We drove out to the castle today in spite of the rain. It was beautiful. The sign at the door said closed although the site said it was open. We enjoyed walking around the outside and taking photos though. Worth a visit.
Written October 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It is if the person navigating the wheel chair is not afraid of hills. It is fairly steep going down toward the castle by road/sidewalk. There is one ramp on the left side of the building approaching from the back. I am not sure about the gardens as we did not enter. The trails are wide enough and smooth enough for a wheel chair. The pubic access washrooms below Hatley Castle are wheel chair accessible, but not in the best/most cleanly condition. Sorry I don’t have more info.
Written July 6, 2018
How much time should we plan for a visit to Hayley Castle to see both the house and the grounds?
Written April 30, 2017
hugomarquez
Mexico City, Mexico
I need to know if the catley castle, is opening to the public today december 24.
Written December 24, 2016
Will the castle be closed a week before Christmas? Because my husband and I have a plan to take a tour inside the castle just several days before Christmas when we visit Victoria, BC.
Written November 29, 2016
There is a Holiday Inn Express and few minutes drive but no rooms offered at Hatley Castle or Royal Roads Univerdity where Hatley Castle is located
Written November 27, 2016
Vikki F
Courtenay, Canada
How does a group dinner work? Can we book one and who do we call?
Written November 2, 2016
Call Hatley (250) 391-2666
Written November 3, 2016
Having a group dinner at the castle. What is the dress code?
Written July 17, 2016
I have seen casual, sports jacket, no tie, Definitely not running shoes or jogging suit,
Written July 18, 2016
what is the best way to get there from Oak Bay Beach Resort? bus or cab? Can you make a reservation for the tour? thank you
Written June 24, 2016
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