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Hammond Castle Museum
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15 reviews for Hammond Castle Museum
I visited the Hammond Castle for the first time this Halloween. They make it all "scary" for the month of October. I've never been to the castle and this was my first visit.
I definitely would like to go back during the day so I can see what it looks like with the lights on!! We were there at night. The grounds that I could see looked absolutely amazing. It's gorgeous! I love how you could hear the ocean below crashing on the rocks while you were waiting to go into the "haunted castle".
The price was cheap! Only $15.00 to get in. It's a very long walking tour, too! They literally take you all over! Right down to the dungeon in the basement. It was absolutely creepy and totally scary. They even take you over the moat and outside to the back of the cemetary. People were screaming in out group and a young girl who we didn't even know was clamped onto one of my friends she was so scared.
I LOVED IT! I love being scared and this is the place..totally creepy and totally fun! I definitely will go back next year to see it during the day and for the haunted castle! A MUST!
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I love Hammond Castle. I've no idea how it compares to a real castle, but since I'll probably never get to roam around in a real castle, this is the next best thing. The collection of art and artifacts is amazing and beautiful. The story behind the castle is intriguing and romantic. If you are interested in history, or if you're a romantic, you'll love this place.
A couple of things -- This place is not for the infirm. There are a lot of stairs. If you are going up the towers be very careful. They are narrow and the stairs are slanted and worn. And if you have any breathing problems at all, be careful. The air in the towers is not great. Might be best to stay in the main parts of the castle.
There is a gift shop, but it's rather small and nothing really caught my eye. After our visit inside, we wandered around the grounds for awhile and enjoyed the landscaping. I actually took almost 300 pictures on one visit. Yes, I'm slightly insane.
We went on a very hot summer day and the castle was extremely warm. They have fans, but it didn't seem to matter much. We'd have stayed longer, but we were wilting.
I must confess I have not done any traveling abroad, so this was a fun and interesting destination one overcast Tuesday. Although I cannot imagine actually living in a castle because of the musty odor that permeates every room, it was like nothing I have ever experienced before and I found myself pondering what it must have been like for others.
Definitely pick up a map in the gift shop, for there are many rooms to explore on 4 or 5 different levels. I noticed that there were many items that were recent mixed in with older ones. I guess for the average person (not meaning to offend anyone) that would be fine.. however I am curious and interested in more than just the handful of labeled items. I don't think it would be too much trouble for them to take the time to research and have more items labeled. Mr. Hammond chose these items for a reason, they were hand picked by him!
The grounds were very pretty and boasted a wide variety of flowering perennials and shrubs. The roses were all in bloom and the perfume hung in the air and wrapped us up in its lovely scent as we relaxed on a bench that overlooked the ocean.
please note: if you are claustrophobic, this destination may not be right for you as all the rooms are small, confined passageways and some dimly lit areas. There is only one way in and out of the rooms in many cases.
I found the castle charming and intriguing.. and for $10 worth the price.
One of the things I love most about Hammond Castle is that it looks like a real European castle. I did a report on Hammond last year and the curator, John Pettibone, was immensely helpful and friendly. He is extremely passionate about Hammond and is often the one to lead the tours. He'll definitely be able to answer any questions you have. Having curated the castle for a long time, he knew some of Hammond's servants and they told him many interesting stories about Hammond. The castle is definitely moth eaten and run down but the architecture is still very much intact and extremely fascinating. The Great Hall with it's wondrous resonance is probably the most amazing. The Castle also does a haunted house which can be very frightening depending on the year and the kids working on it. Definitely check this place out if you're visiting.
This is one of my favorite places to visit any time of year. Hammond was an inventor (Hammond organ, remote control) and there are a lot his patents and inventions on display here. It also really cool just to think that this guy built a castle for himself and his wife.
It is in a wooded area, but one side of the house faces the ocean. Ideally I would love to get married here in October, but that is a busy time for the castle. They host haunted caslte nights during the Halloween season. I have been multiple times and some years have been better than others, but the castle itself is great no matter when you visit. Cool place to take visitors and kids!
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We brought dog with us on a day trip from Boston and enjoyed taking photos and exploring the grounds. We did not actually buy tickets to go inside the museum and opted to be satisfied with walking around on a beautiful day. The staff, when encountered were friendly. The views of the water and Gloucester were good. The grounds were well kept with a large number of benches and shady spots of breaks. There were many great photo opportunities with more details and little additions with each look. Next time we come up, either without the dog or on a cooler day when we could leave him in the car, we will go inside. Skip the gift shop - it is over priced and very limited selections of things but is where you buy the tickets for the tours and also provides a bit of a view of the museum before you commit to it. All in all, if you are in the area, why not go. If you miss it, stop by on a future trip.
Fantastic destination. Would like to return, soon.
I'm sure this "midieval castle" is beautiful in the daylight, but my experience was during a dark, cold and rainy October night. This castle has a disturbing side.
Hammond Castle hosts an annual haunted house that is more artistic than gory and very fun! The setting is perfect, and the crew does an amazing job. Well worth the drive and the 12 bucks! Get a candy apple or some kettle corn when you buy your tickets and you won't even notice the line.
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Such a cool cool place!
Built in the 1920s by John Hammond Jr as a wedding present, it combines architecture from 3 different centuries on a cliff overlooking Gloucester Harbor.
You can take a self guided tour and you can also rent out the Castle for weddings. It also has been the site of many a renaissance faire in past years.
Parking available on site.
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I was knighted here when i was a wee child. It's pretty beautiful - nice to sneak around when they are closed too - great views of the ocean. If you are in the area why not check it out?
From others:
My ambition is to leave a modest, but beautiful, museum....I want only an authentic atmosphere, some furniture, and genuine architectural pieces -- doors, windows, etc. In cold restrained New England, a place with the romantic beauty of the Italian and French past may prove the inspiration of many poor artists and students to come. It will give them something that I have been fortunate enough to know and enjoy. I also gives me satisfaction to think that I may be able to produce something of lasting worth."
John Hays Hammond, Jr.
in a 1924 letter to his father
John Hays Hammond, Jr. built his medieval-style castle between the years 1926 and 1929 to serve both as his home and as a backdrop for his collection of Roman, medieval, and Renaissance artifacts. In addition, the building housed the Hammond Research Corporation, from which Dr. Hammond produced over 400 patents and the ideas for over 800 inventions. Second only to Thomas Alva Edison in number of patents, John Hammond was one of America's premier inventors. His most important work was the development of remote control via radio waves, which earned him the title, "The Father of Remote Control."
From the website: http://www.hammondcast.../
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This is a great place to come and visit with family or friends. Located right in Gloucester, you can definitely make a day trip out of it. The castle is located in a beautiful setting overlooking the ocean. The facility is so neat and interesting with lots to look at inside! A great take, I will be back again someday and maybe to check out during Halloween.
love this place.truly a gem and extremely interesting
John Hays Hammond, Jr. built his medieval-style castle between the years 1926 and 1929 to serve both as his home and as a backdrop for his collection of Roman, medieval, and Renaissance artifacts. In addition, the building housed the Hammond Research Corporation, from which Dr. Hammond produced over 400 patents and the ideas for over 800 inventions. Second only to Thomas Alva Edison in number of patents, John Hammond was one of America's premier inventors. His most important work was the development of remote control via radio waves, which earned him the title, "The Father of Remote Control."
Visitors to Hammond Castle Museum are welcome to explore the castle on a self-guided tour of eight rooms including the great hall, indoor courtyard, Renaissance dining room, two guest bedrooms, the inventions exhibit room, the Natalie Hays Hammond exhibit room, the tower galleries, as well as several smaller rooms and passage ways. you may also enjoy the beauty of the castle grounds and a view of the Atlantic shore line. lots of history close to Boston. it will amaze you.
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I shot a wedding at this castle and the staff was very helpful. The setting was great, including unique rooms, a fantastic hall, and an excellent view. My only critique would be that there was a lot of dead grass on the grounds of the property - and I assume this was because it was in early September and perhaps there were many weddings (and feet) that had made their way across it. It would have been nice for the castle owners to re-lay fresh grass as needed.
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This is an amazing eclectic castle a la Heast or Gardner. Beautiful grounds, and they also open up as a haunted house at Halloween!
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cool place. a hidden gem I'd say