Gillette Castle State Park Tours and Activities

Snap some shots outside, your the beautiful gardens and water views, and then take a tour of the rustic/cabin style interior.
Snap some shots outside, your the beautiful gardens and water views, and then take a tour of the rustic/cabin style interior.
#stunningstructures this little gem on the Connecticut river was a surprise find!
One New Years Eve, my sister and I made the decision to drive up to Maine, as far east as we could get to be among the first to see the sun rise New Year's Day in America. On our way back from this pretty epic adventure (it was a long drive considering both of us had worked until about 10 pm New Years Eve!), we passed by a sign for Gilette Castle in Connecticut. On a whim we decided to stop by- because adventure was what this trip was all about! Well, we found it which was no easy feat. We took all back roads which were not lit and it was pretty dark by the time we made it there. The castle tours were closed for the season but we did get the opportunity to walk around the absolutely beautiful park that the castle sat on. We were blown away- this place was incredible! We vowed to make the trip again during the summer when it was warm and hopefully still daylight! And that is what this picture is from. It took several years but we did make it back! It was June, so all of the trees are in full bloom and it made a stroll through the park just perfect. We got to check out the outside of the castle in depth (unfortunately we were too late in the day for an inside tour, but peeking through the windows let me see how fancy-pants it was in there). Here is what I learned: This castle was built in 1919 (well, that's when it was finished anyway) for the famous produced/actor William Gilette, who was best known as the original Sherlock Holmes! He designed what he wanted and this was the home he retired to! I couldn't picture a more fitting place. If you happen to be in the area, check out this tucked away spot in Connecticut. The drive alone is exquisitely beautiful and worth it!
Gillette Castle State Park Home to famous Actor William Gillette. A door inside the interior of the Castle ! And interesting find I. Connecticut

Plan a trip to see Gillette Castle State Park

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Peachtree Suites

Peachtree Suites

2.5 out of 5
Journal Square
Price was AU$4,446, price is now AU$2,416 per person
AU$2,416
per person
21 Feb - 28 Feb
found 22 hours ago
Return direct flight included
Sydney (SYD) to Newark Liberty Intl. Airport (EWR)
8.2/10 Very Good! (349 reviews)
The room was clean. Had a full kitchen and was very spacious. It was a few blocks from the train station which was convenient to get into the city pretty quickly. Staff was friendly as well.

Reviewed on 13 Jan 2026

Hotel Riu Plaza Manhattan Times Square

Hotel Riu Plaza Manhattan Times Square

4 out of 5
Manhattan
Price was AU$5,408, price is now AU$2,767 per person
AU$2,767
per person
21 Feb - 28 Feb
found 2 hours ago
Return direct flight included
Sydney (SYD) to New York (JFK)
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,348 reviews)
The beds are exceptionally comfortable and clean, and the breakfast offers delightful variety. The friendly staff ensures a welcoming atmosphere. I highly recommend Riu Plaza in Manhattan for a wonderful stay.

Reviewed on 13 Jan 2026

Hampton Inn & Suites Yonkers

Hampton Inn & Suites Yonkers

2.5 out of 5
Northwest Yonkers
Price was AU$4,495, price is now AU$2,419 per person
AU$2,419
per person
21 Feb - 28 Feb
found 22 hours ago
Return direct flight included
Sydney (SYD) to White Plains (HPN)
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,621 reviews)
Besides the parking not being free ($15) everything else was great. Great italian restaurant nearby also.

Reviewed on 12 Jan 2026

Popular places to visit

Located across the street from the overflow parking lot for the Steam Train. Follow the tracks. This is best as a morning shot... 8-9:30 a.m. Great textures and details on this piece. I spent an hour shooting it. The "AMERICAN" logo is classic. #TroverDetour #Abandoned

Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park Trail

You can take time to visit Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park Trail during your travels to Deep River Center.

Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park Trail
Awesome fun for kids ! #KidsFun

Essex Steam Train

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Essex Steam Train during your travels in Essex Village. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches.

Essex Steam Train

Chester Creek Marina

Explore the waterfront in Chester with a trip to Chester Creek Marina. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches.

Chester Creek Marina

East Haddam Historical Society and Museum

You can spend time browsing the exhibits at East Haddam Historical Society and Museum during your travels in East Haddam. Wander the beaches and marina in the area.

East Haddam Historical Society and Museum

Norma Terris Theater

You can make plans for a show at Norma Terris Theater on your trip to Chester. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches.

Norma Terris Theater

Selden Neck State Park

You can take time to visit Selden Neck State Park during your travels to Lyme.

Selden Neck State Park

Top Gillette Castle State Park Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Spacious Lakefront Home|Bikes|Hot Tub| Kayak|Group

Spacious Lakefront Home|Bikes|Hot Tub| Kayak|Group

East Haddam CT
Spacious Lakefront Home|Bikes|Hot Tub| Kayak|Group
The little Chestnut. A charming historic apartment in Downtown Chester

The little Chestnut. A charming historic apartment in Downtown Chester

2 out of 5
Chester CT
The little Chestnut. A charming historic apartment in Downtown Chester
The little cottage on the ct river

The little cottage on the ct river

Haddam CT
The little cottage on the ct river
Pet-Friendly Getaway in Historic East Haddam Home

Pet-Friendly Getaway in Historic East Haddam Home

2 out of 5
East Haddam CT
Pet-Friendly Getaway in Historic East Haddam Home
Walk To Goodspeed Opera House!

Walk To Goodspeed Opera House!

East Haddam CT
Walk To Goodspeed Opera House!
Boardman House Inn Bed & Breakfast

Boardman House Inn Bed & Breakfast

3.5 out of 5
8 Norwich Rd East Haddam CT
Boardman House Inn Bed & Breakfast
Cottage-chic Retreat < 1 Mi to Connecticut River!

Cottage-chic Retreat < 1 Mi to Connecticut River!

3 out of 5
East Haddam CT
Cottage-chic Retreat < 1 Mi to Connecticut River!
Postcard Cabins Machimoodus, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy

Postcard Cabins Machimoodus, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy

2 out of 5
298 E Haddam Moodus Rd East Haddam CT
Postcard Cabins Machimoodus, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy
Riverview Grandeur Tranquility & Luxury Essex CT

Riverview Grandeur Tranquility & Luxury Essex CT

2 out of 5
Essex CT
Riverview Grandeur Tranquility & Luxury Essex CT
See all 460 properties in Gillette Castle State Park
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.