When in Gloucester, Massachusetts, the number one place you MUST visit is Hammond Castle, an actual European castle perched high on a bluff on a stunning New England shoreline. You will feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you explore the grounds of this magical place. Built by John Hays Hammond, Jr, a scientist, inventor, and art connoisseur, it was completed in 1929 as a wedding gift to his wife. He was one of the most eccentric man I’ve ever heard about and you’ll learn all about him throughout your visit. Let me show you around…
IT ALL STARTS OUTSIDE
Peek through the arches to see Gloucester Harbor and Eastern Point light.
It is such a peaceful spot as you look out at the water.
The outside of the castle is stunning.
What kind of castle would it be if it did not have a drawbridge?
THE COURTYARD
Designed as a medieval village, this is my favorite place in the castle. Hammond, being as eccentric as he was, had pipes in the ceiling that he would create a downpour of “rain” onto his guests that were late for dinner…lol!
He would jump off this wall into the pool, which would scare his guests because, since he designed it as an optical illusion, they didn’t know was so deep.
This sarcophagus was often used as a diving board. Don’t worry…it was empty.
THE GREAT HALL
This huge room, with 65-foot ceilings, was their living room!
The first thing you’ll notice when you walk in this room is the suit of armor looming behind you.
This huge hall has an 8,200 pipes organ that he didn’t play. It is the biggest organ ever to be in a residential home in the US.
As a collector of oddities, he proudly displayed a skull of one of Christopher Columbus’ crewmen.
DINING ROOM
I can only imagine the crazy dinner parties that took place in this room! He would often serve meals such as boiled tongue in a cherry sauce and then tell his guests the story of St Romanus who had his tongue cut out for preaching the wrong form of the gospel.
THE LIBRARY
Hammond was an avid reader and was often seen with a book in his hands.
Because of the arch in the ceiling, you could hear what people were saying on the other side of the room. Hammond loved to eavesdrop on conversation of his guests and embarrass them with what they said.
THE MEDIEVAL BEDROOM
I love all the red in here!
THE EARLY AMERICAN BEDROOM
Always a prankster, the room is filled with hidden doors, and when the doors are closed you couldn’t find the bathroom or even your way out. His guests would be pounding on the walls as he laughed.
THE BELL TOWER
On your way out, head over to the Bell Tower and look up. This bell would ring every 15 minutes every single day. I think it would drive me crazy!
SHOULD YOU DO A GUIDED TOUR OR A SELF-GUIDED TOUR?
If you’d like to do a self-guided tour, the castle offers a wonderful 16-page guide that gives you a map and information about the grounds and all the rooms. However, I personally liked the guided tour better because the guides really make the history of the castle come alive. Tours run approximately every 90 minutes and entertaining for families.
CANDLELIGHT TOURS:
Alexander Graham Bell suggested to Hammond that he work at night and sleep during the day, which is a practice he adopted. His friends and family often went long periods of times without seeing him. Every Thursday in July and August, you can tour the castle the way Hammond often saw it…in the dark! Check the website for times.
80 Hesperus Ave
Gloucester, MA 01930
Tips for a great day at the castle:
Admission fee: Adults $14
Seniors $10
Children (ages 6-12) $9 Children under the age of 6 are free!
From June 1- September 30th they are open 7 days a week from 10:00-4:00. (check their website for dates in 2020)
Before you start exploring the castle, you may want to watch the 12-minute video that will introduce you to the Hammond family and the castle.
The following items are not allowed in the castle: Food, open beverage containers, backpacks, tripods, selfie sticks, and strollers.
The museum is not handicap accessible for wheelchairs and walkers. Also, be aware that the grounds have uneven, stone floors.
There is plenty of parking in the lot at the castle.
There is a gift shop.