Gillette Castle State Park

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

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Crowne Plaza HY36 Midtown Manhattan by IHG

Crowne Plaza HY36 Midtown Manhattan by IHG

4 out of 5
Manhattan
Price was £1,895, price is now £833 per person
£833
per person
18 Mar - 21 Mar
found 8 hours ago
Return flight included
London (LHR) to Newark Liberty Intl. Airport (EWR)
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,979 reviews)
Room was very clean ! They staff was great customer service representative Ray provide Amazing customer service advising me off the rewards for loyalty members. I wish would paid attention to the fact there’s a resort fee. Don’t be surprised at check-out.

Reviewed on 7 Feb 2026

Pointe Plaza Hotel

Pointe Plaza Hotel

3 out of 5
Price was £1,921, price is now £835 per person
£835
per person
23 Mar - 27 Mar
found 1 day ago
Return flight included
London (LON) to New York (JFK)
7.8/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
The room was in fine condition, it could just use some touch ups here and there, and better insulation around the window. Staff was otherwise very courteous and helpful.

Reviewed on 5 Dec 2025

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
The East Haddam Bridge, over the Connecticut River, with the Goodspeed Opera House on the right.

Goodspeed Opera House

You can make plans for a show at Goodspeed Opera House on your trip to East Haddam. Wander the riverfront and beaches in the area.

Goodspeed Opera House
Beverly Public Library at 32 Essex Street in historic city center of Beverly, Massachusetts MA, USA.

Essex Library

After visiting Essex Library, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Essex Village. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches.

Essex Library
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

Top Hotel Deals

Waterfront Goodspeed airport 2-bedroom house with AC, WiFi

Waterfront Goodspeed airport 2-bedroom house with AC, WiFi

2 out of 5
East Haddam CT
Waterfront Goodspeed airport 2-bedroom house with AC, WiFi
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 Millhouse Downtown Chester

The Millhouse Downtown Chester

Chester CT
The Millhouse Downtown Chester
Stunning Artisan Waterfall Escape [Walk to Downtown]

Stunning Artisan Waterfall Escape [Walk to Downtown]

Chester CT
Stunning Artisan Waterfall Escape [Walk to Downtown]
The little cottage on the ct river

The little cottage on the ct river

Haddam CT
The little cottage on the ct river
Autumn and Winter at the Haddam House

Autumn and Winter at the Haddam House

Haddam CT
Autumn and Winter at the Haddam House
Walk To Goodspeed Opera House!

Walk To Goodspeed Opera House!

East Haddam CT
Walk To Goodspeed Opera House!
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
See all 454 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.

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