hammond castle

The castle is a wonderful tool to engage the young in age and heart to re live the splendor of America's age of inventions after the industrial revolution. The castle theme enthralled me as a young child, on visits to the museum with my grandparents, immigrants from Great Britain and Ireland. Then I learned that the history of the property wasn't about chivalrous knights protecting maidens in Gloucester, but about the role that Americans had in inventing the first real wave of technological advances. This is a great property with wonderful staff and trustees.

Just to get one thing out of the way, this is NOT a "fun place" to take the kids. Unless you have an older child into history, inventions, or artifacts...this is strictly an attraction only adults will appreciate. It is a breathtaking beauty as you make your way down from the parking lot. Including a view of the ocean & sailboats through lovely arches of stone. It is wonderful to look at all the exterior details. The entrance for visitors is through a modest-size door with an inconspicuous sign over it, not the huge "castle"-type entryway. (That makes for a lovely photo op though!) Having traveled a while, first stop was the restrooms on the left :) Not castle-esque, but they were very clean & in the ladies room the windows were open & gave a beautiful ocean view. Next should be the gift shop counter to purchase your tickets. From other reviews it looks like you might want to call ahead, but there ARE guided tours. Just ask when next one steps off! You can always wait in the small room where the informational video is playing. Our tour guide could have spoken a bit louder but had lots of antectdotes we would have missed out on just going ourselves. I think they could use an evaluation here to make sure guests are able to appreciate more of the history & items but that would have made the tour duration longer of course (perhaps different tour-type choice at different times?) Anyway, alot more facts than given, mixed in with the antecdotes would have been better. For example: not enough time was spent on all the inventions this man should have been given more attention for. Still, it was an interesting tour & was filled with an interesting mix as he was an ecclectic collector. All non-original extra decor items should be "audited" for authenticity factor & need. A couple of rooms have alot of the original owners' items on display that could be relocated to other rooms & all the extra nonsense could be discarded. The main hall is a great sight to see as well as the pool area (you would never know you are inside here). Alot of dusting & spring cleaning is needed here and would make all the difference in the world. There are some doors closed to the public, understandably. We wandered around after the guided tour to take a closer look at things we had wanted to spend more time on. Having the guided tour first made this all the better afterward. In our wandering, we were able to see areas that SHOULD be closed off until more presentable (kitchen, etc.) Still it is a unique little treasure with alot of history. I can not impress enough upon one to go around after & take the time to see all the amazing artistic details, etc. you miss in the tempo of the tour. Do both before leaving. I'm glad we went. It was a feast for the eyes indoors & out, especially if you don't go LOOKING for fault in details. I hope somehow this place can be saved from deterioration. It's a unique gem.

I lived right next door to the castle and i loved it, grand and spooky all at the same time. they shipped this castle from europe piece by piece and it's amazing. Perched on a cliff over looking the atlantic ocean you couldn't ask for a better place for a castle. the tour is great, and they also play one of the largest organs around hence "hammond castle" You could have your wedding there, they also have special events. If you like castles this is it.

Amazing history behind build and reason for structure. Winding castle steps lead to heights of room upon room - indoor pool - ball room - organ - all amazing sights. A well kept museum with tons of interesting nooks and crannies.

Do not miss Hammond Castle when visiting the Cape Ann area. I've been many times just to explore the grounds on my own, and spend time on the back lawn enjoying the ocean view. I took my first official guided tour last summer, and I can't believe I waited so long to do so! You are guided throughout many rooms, narrow corridors, winding staircases and of course the great hall. The guide was funny and filled with information. It was fascinating to learn about the life of John Hammond, and how he came to build his medieval themed castle filled with tricks and traps. Go in the summertime when you can truly enjoy the outside areas. During the month of October the castle is transformed into a Haunted House which is also worth a visit. This event is quite popular, so expect long lines, and buy tickets in advance.

We went for the evening candlelight tour. I thought we'd be walking through the castle by candlelight but it really was the castle itself that was candle lite in places. Still, it was fun and very informative.

Yes, it's a real castle with a coastline for a moat and an old fashioned Roman bathing pool, lots of intriguing secret panels and if your enjoy Halloween, it's the perfect party . THe mummy roll with Charmin or the Monster Mash musical chairs type freeze. Costumes are Disneylike , storytellers and puppeteers will amaze you. The grounds facing the ocean are magnificent as well as the ocean-side drive to get there and also in exiting the castle on the roads to the South. A must to book a white tie affair or grand garden party.

I was there today and it was fun to see the castle at night and see the inside of the castle. The ocean and grand were best parts.

Stopped here by chance on a tour of Cape Ann, The grounds and location of the castle are very picturesque. We decided to take the tour, which is either self guided or you can go with a guide. We walked through on our own. There is a lot to see and the story of the owner is fascinating. We especially like the courtyard pool area, The owner had been somewhat of a prankster the story goes, and had hookups that could make it rain, fog or even thunder in the pool area. Be sure to read the info that accompanies the pieces around the castle. The artifacts have been collected from around the world and put together in this castle. There is also a video you can watch which tells the story of the castle.

This was a very interesting place. There was a lot of information about the owner. This is a self guided attraction.

A Great place to visit in Gloucester. You can go inside and take a tour which costs money. Which we have. or just go around the outside and it is still beautiful. We have done both. The last time we went ti was not open for a tour so we just walked all around outside. .It is free if yu dont take the inside tour.

This castle is just gorgeous. I rate it 4 stars bc the museum is only open on Fridays,Saturday's & Sunday's. The views from the outside of this castle are just breath taking.

We didn't make it in time to tour the inside. Last tickets sold at 3:30 PM. But you are still able to walk around the outside of the castle for free. There are some pretty views, and garden paths. It was showing a bit of age and lack of care on the outside, but still an amazing thing to see.

We went to Hammond Castle on the suggestion of a family member. I wasn't expecting to see a castle in Massachusetts, but this was amazing. The mixture of the history of John Hays Hammond and his interest in Medieval architecture and art is well versed. The views are spectacular and we picked a great day to do it; I only wish we had more than an hour to check it out.

wow the scenery is amazing the castle itself is breathtaking a MUST see for anyone who loves castles and landmarks