We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The Tripadvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.
Open today: 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Review Highlights
Great pit stop to explore

This place is such a neat experience. I will say up front it was closed when we got there so we... read more

Reviewed 4 weeks ago
Kyle C
via mobile
Really interesting stop. Happy we did it

We stopped here on our way to RI. So glad we did. When you think Gillette you think razor so... read more

Reviewed September 26, 2024
nataly02
,
Columbus, Ohio
via mobile
Read all 800 reviews
  
Reviews (800)
Filter reviews
800 results
Traveller rating
551
209
29
5
6
Traveller type
Time of year
LanguageAll languages
More languages
Traveller rating
551
209
29
5
6
Show reviews that mention
All reviews sherlock holmes gillette castle connecticut river day trip visitor center beautiful grounds snack bar self guided ferry stone admission structure pond essex
Selected filters
Filter
Updating list...
19 - 24 of 800 reviews
Reviewed September 4, 2023 via mobile

If you enjoy castles, you'll want to check this out. It's the castle of William Gillette, who is most known for playing Sherlock Holmes.

The 184 acre grounds includes a railroad station, vegetable cellar, and fish pond.

There's a big paved parking lot with handicapped spaces in front.

You can tour the grounds and check out the gift shop free, or tour the castle for a fee.

We did the free version, and it was still a nice time.

The gift shop is next to the parking lot. They have books, clothes, toys, fridge magnets, etc. They have clean restrooms that have recyclable porta pottees.

It's kind of a hill walking up to the castle but not too steep.

It's got a beautiful view out onto the lake and beyond.
It was a gravel pathway around the castle. One or two parts is made of stepping stones though.

A few benches and picnic tables to sit and relax for a bit. There are a couple of vending machines.

There's a walking trail, too. We did not walk it.

Definitely recommend this, whether you do the free or paid tour.

Date of experience: August 2023
1  Thank jakb1984
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.
Reviewed August 25, 2023 via mobile

We enjoyed this spot, for just $6ea. We got to see inside the Castle… or you can skip it & just enjoy the park for free. Pack a lunch & enjoy a picnic on the tables near a beautiful pond. (Bring, big spray) they have a restaurant for fast foods but it wasn’t open. Gift shop, restrooms were open.
We went on a Thursday so they still had tickets for sale round 11am. They only allow a few people in at a time (5-10) in 15min windows to help control how many are inside. It’s an old small space… we are happy we went.
Be sure to complete your tour by stopping by at the old ferry by the river, a park area down there has the old caretaker’s home as well as another picnic area.

Date of experience: August 2023
1  Thank zonkey99
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.
Reviewed August 2, 2023

We were able to see the outside of this unique castle and the lovely views surrounding the castle. Unfortunately, we were too late to get a ticket to see inside. We will have to make sure we get back to that area again sometime. It is a lovely drive and a beautiful location.

Date of experience: July 2023
Thank Alison P
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.
Reviewed July 11, 2023

My family and I got here at 3:55pm to buy a ticket and the cashier told us to go around the bend to get the tickets. By the time we could find where to get the tickets it was 4:00 and they told us we can’t buy tickets after 4:00. Horrible service and horrible people running the place. Would not recommend.

Date of experience: July 2023
Thank Tracy J
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.
Reviewed June 22, 2023 via mobile

In my opinion, this is a must stop.The castle is amazing inside and out. So worth a tour to see how advanced it was for its time. It amazed me, and I enjoyed it very much.

Date of experience: June 2023
1  Thank crystal p
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.
View more reviews