Activity Overview
Aside from being an inventor, John Hays Hammond collected medieval, Renaissance, and Roman artifacts. He built a medieval-style castle composed of 15th, 16th, and 18th century architectural elements as a wedding gift for his wife. The castle perfectly complemented his collection and also served as his house and laboratory for his inventions.
Things to Do
- Watch an introductory video about John Hays Hammond, book a tour guide, and get medieval souvenirs from the Gift Shop.
- Explore the many rooms of the castle on a self-guided tour with the help of a map. Visit the hall, courtyard, dining room, inventions exhibit room, library, and the kitchens among others.
- Walk on the castle grounds, visit the gardens, and watch the view of the Atlantic shore line from the grounds.
- Be on the lookout for secret passageways, hidden balconies, peepholes, and hideaways.
- Join the Castle of Shadows, a haunted castle night held annually during the Halloween season or the Robin Hood festival in the summer. Check the Special Events page on their website.
- Schedule a private rental of the Renaissance dining room, courtyard, and great hall perfect for weddings, photo shoots, and other private functions.
Hammond Castle Museum Insider Tips
- The castle is not accessible for handicapped individuals and since the rooms are small, the castle might be difficult to navigate for persons with claustrophobia.
- Check the website for the museum schedule. They are open only from Fridays-Sundays during the months of September-October. Visit the museum early. Ticket selling stops at 3:30PM.
- Food is not sold in the area. Bring snacks and enjoy eating in the benches overlooking the sea.
