Gillette Castle is a wonderful destination for a day trip from the Mystic area. It has so much to offer! The castle itself was built high on a cliff above the Connecticut River in the early 20th century by legendary Sherlock Holmes stage actor William Gillette. Known as a man ahead of his time, he paired beautiful craftsmanship with quirky design. You will be amazed by the history of this unique structure!
For $6, you can tour the castle. We were there last November (just out of season), and the castle was undergoing restoration and maintenance, so we were unable to see the inside. Walking around the grounds is free! We brought our pup and spent nearly two hours exploring the property. There are stunning water front views, lovely foliage, quaint structures and the remains of an old estate railroad. Kids would love playing with frogs and watching fish in the pond, as well as good old fashioned exploring. Definitely worth a visit. I can't wait to go back and see the inside.
Gillette Castle is located in East Haddam, CT. You can learn more by visiting CTvisit.com.