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If you’ve ever wanted your own “Beauty and the Beast” scene where you and your partner blissfully dance the night away in a castle ballroom, then your dream can come true.
Numerous castles in New York offer luxurious accommodations, on-site spas and restaurants, and behind-the-scenes tours. If you want to embrace your inner princess, it’s time to visit these castles in New York!
How Many Castles Are in New York?
Multiple elegant, magnificent, and mysterious castles are located throughout the Empire State. Castles certainly have more of a European architectural identity.
But you can find dozens of estates with multiple towers, secret passageways, and ballrooms with chandeliers in New York. Some castles look like King Arthur came to visit, while others are more simple but not lacking in majesty.
When Is the Best Time to Visit New York?
New York experiences harsh winters. The closer you visit the Great Lakes, the windier and colder the climate will be from December to March. The Adirondacks increase in elevation and are snow-capped throughout the winter season. Many of the castles aren’t open during the winter season either.
Late spring through Fall offer prime opportunities to visit the Empire State.
The blooms of spring, the mild temperatures of summer, and the beautiful colors of Fall create unique scenery during different times of the year. Plus, attractions, restaurants, museums, and other places you might want to visit will be open.
Visit These Amazing Castles in New York
You don’t have to go to Ireland to see stunning castles. A trip to New York will provide ample opportunities to see some amazing architectural masterpieces.
Some of these locations you can visit for free, while others require a small fee. Visitors are permitted inside some of these castles and only on the outside grounds at others.
Singer Castle
Address: 1136 County Route 6, Chippewa Bay, NY 13623
Cost of Entry: Free unless booking a tour or overnight stay
About the Castle: Singer Castle is 100 years old, with beautiful furnishings, secret passageways, and mysterious dungeons. In addition, the castle has 28 rooms, a four-story tower, and an elaborate boathouse.
If you’d like to spend the night, you can reserve the Royal Suite. This suite comes with an entire castle wing that can sleep up to six people.
Know Before You Go: If you want to book a guided tour, they leave at the top of every hour. Tickets are $14.75 per adult, $7.75 per child, $12.75 per military adult, and $6.75 per military child. Children under age four are free. There are many steps inside the castle, so strollers are not permitted.
Visitors can watch a video of Singer Castle in the video viewing room at no charge or can shop in the Gift Shop. You can only get to Singer Castle via tour boat, shuttle service, or personal watercraft.
Wing’s Castle
Address: 717 Bangall Road, Millbrook, NY 12545
Cost of Entry: Varies depending on the accommodations
About the Castle: Now a bed and breakfast, Wing’s Castle is 75 miles north of New York City near the Taconic State Parkway. Guests get complimentary tours.
You can choose from four different accommodations: the Dungeon Room, the Annex Suite, the Chamber Room, and the Cottage. The castle overlooks the Millbrook Vineyards and Winery for a beautiful view.
Know Before You Go: Wing’s Castle has offered public tours in the past but isn’t currently offering tours except to guests staying overnight. The accommodations are for adults. Small children and pets aren’t allowed.
Olana State Historic Site
Address: 5720 NY-9G, Hudson, NY 12534
Cost of Entry: Access to the site is free. Tickets for guided tours vary depending on the tour and day of the week.
About the Castle: This National Historic Landmark in Greenport preserves the home of Hudson River School artist Frederic Church. It was once where Church received inspiration for his paintings.
Now, the castle offers those same spectacular views of the Hudson River Valley, the Catskill Mountains, and the Taconic Range to visitors. The 250 acres include five miles of carriage roads, which are great ways to explore the landscape.
Know Before You Go: The grounds are open daily, but tours are only available on certain days. There are regular programs and events and school field trips. Dogs are welcome on leashes on the grounds.
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Belhurst Castle
Address: 4069 W Lake Road, Geneva, NY 14456
Cost of Entry: Varies depending on the accommodations
About the Castle: Once a private residence in the 1800s, Belhurst Castle is now open to the public as a luxury hotel, restaurant, and spa. It was also a speakeasy during the Prohibition era.
Today visitors can enjoy Fingers Lakes Winery and two large ballrooms for special events. Accommodations include chambers, cottages adjacent to the castle, or guest rooms in the Vinifera Inn. Dining options and a spa and salon are on-site.
Know Before You Go: This isn’t a castle open to public tours as it’s a resort facility. The Vinifera Inn is a modern addition that was finished in 2003. White Springs Manor, a 1900s Georgian revival farm manor, is another lodging option 2.5 miles from Belhurst Castle.
Mohonk Mountain House
Address: 1000 Mountain Rest Road, New Paltz, NY 12561
Cost of Entry: Varies depending on the accommodations
About the Castle: One of the more unique castles on this list is Mohonk Mountain House, a Victorian castle on the shores of Mohonk Lake in the Shawangunk Mountains.
Founded by the Smiley Family in 1869, the house now offers farm-to-table cuisine, an award-winning spa, and overnight accommodations. Three meals daily are in the price of your stay, and numerous activities such as yoga classes, hiking trails, green fees, and more.
Know Before You Go: This isn’t a castle open to public tours as it’s a resort facility. Individual rooms, suites, and the entire Grove Lodge are available for rent. Outdoor recreational opportunities are extensive, from boating and paddling to swimming and golf.
Castle Gould
Address: 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point, NY 11050
Cost of Entry: Free
About the Castle: The estate grounds of Howard Gould and his wife Katherine Clemmons feature two castle-like buildings. The main house is called the Hempstead House and came about after Katherine didn’t feel like the smaller house, the Castle Gould, suited her.
While smaller, Castle Gould is still impressive. Castle Gould became the location for the stable, carriage house, and servants’ quarters. The castle features a beautiful rotunda used for private events.
Know Before You Go: There are no tours at Castle Gould, but visitors can access the Welcome Center and Gift Shop. There are regular classes, cultural events, and family activities.
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Highlands Castle
Address: 19 Skyline Drive, Bolton Landing, NY 12814
Cost of Entry: Varies depending on the number of guests
About The Castle: Overlooking Lake George in upstate New York, Highlands Castle can accommodate up to 18 guests. The castle is a popular destination for honeymooners, weddings, and special events.
Highlands Castle gives guests access to a large kitchen with a dining table in the octagon tower and the Great Hall in the center for more formal dining or entertaining.
Additionally, guests can also enjoy a family room with comfortable seating and a flat-screen TV, a library/music sitting room, and outdoor terraces with stunning views of the Adirondacks and Lake George.
Know Before You Go: Highlands Castle is not open for tours but open for overnight stays. For four guests, you can rent the entire castle for $7,995 per night. Additional guests are $395 per night. You can also book the Royal Bedroom for $895 per night for a couple or the King’s Suite for $895 per night for four guests.
Boldt Castle
Address: 1 Heart Island, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607
Cost of Entry: Adult – $11.00, Child (5-12 years) – $8.00, Child (4 years and under) – Free
About the Castle: Built in 1900 by millionaire George Boldt, the six-story castle was left empty for 70 years until it was restored to its glory and opened to the public.
The Alster Tower is known as the Playhouse. It includes a two-lane bowling alley, billiard room, library, shell room, and theater. Boldt Castle includes a beautiful ballroom and a grand room with a grand staircase.
Know Before You Go: Visitors can only get to Boldt Castle via tour boat or personal watercraft.
Tickets are for the Boldt Castle only, but visitors who wish to also tour the Yacht House can purchase a package that includes both tours. Tickets just for the Yacht House are also available for purchase.
Belvedere Castle
Address: 79th Street, New York, NY 10021
Cost of Entry: Free
About the Castle: Built for show, Belvedere Castle is unique. It was never home to anyone famous or a millionaire and was decoration in Central Park.
Here, visitors can enjoy beautiful views of Central Park, a visitor center, and a gift shop. It sits atop Vista Rock, a 130-foot-tall outcropping of schist.
Know Before You Go: Belvedere Castle is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Visitors can download the Belvedere Castle Audio Guide on the Apple Store or Google Play. There are numerous programs and activities for the community throughout the year.
Lyndhurst Mansion
Address: 635 S Broadway, Tarrytown, NY 10591
Cost of Entry: $10/person
About the Castle: A four-story tower and fancy turrets distinguish this castle in New York. Guests can walk the grounds from May to October with a Daily Grounds Pass. Access to the castle is only with guided tours.
Choose from a Classic Mansion Tour, a Backstairs Tour, or an Upstairs-Downstairs Tour. These tours take visitors to the 1894 bowling alley, the 1911 swimming pool, the observation tower, and more locations within Lyndhurst Mansion.
Know Before You Go: You can’t bring dogs on leashes on the mansion grounds. You must purchase a Daily Grounds Pass to walk the landscape on your own.
Live Out Your Fairytale Daydreams at These Castles in New York
These castles in New York offer various options for visitors who want to explore historic and architecturally stunning structures. If you’re looking for a guided tour, several of these castles provide them in-season.
If you’re looking to splurge for a romantic getaway, several castles offer luxurious accommodations for a king and queen.
Edinburgh Castle and Windsor Castle lure Americans every year – and for good reason. But if you’re looking to visit a castle, you don’t have to fly across the Atlantic. Take a visit to the Empire State and start exploring these castles in New York!
Which castle will you visit first? Tell us in the comments!
