Find jolly old fun at an amazing venue north of Boston. Photo courtesy of Hammond Castle Museum

Visiting Hammond Castle Museum in Gloucester

Hammond Castle Museum has stood on the shores of Gloucester for a century. Originally the home and laboratory of John Hays Hammond, Junior (an early developer of the remote control), the museum has been open to the public since the 1970s. Hammond always intended his home to be a museum, and designed it as an authentic replica of a European castle.

Actually walking on the drawbridge will inspire your little (or big) knights and princesses. It's an exciting and atmospheric museum to visit, so pick a day and make a day trip out of it!

On a regular day, after marveling at the towers and drawbridge, kids can pick up a free scavenger hunt when going through Admissions at the Gift Shop. Going with older children? They will be able to appreciate the STEAM elements of the castle and exhibit rooms that include Hammond’s historical inventions. Younger children will also like this location and we visited with several children under 10 years old. The outside grounds of the castle provided fun picture opportunities for us. There is a space to run around, as well as a stunning seaside view. 

What To See at Hammond Castle Museum

Looking at a copy of Hammond Castle's online map and grabbing a selection of relevant library books before and after enhanced our visit, providing context to the swords and armor, towers, and halls of this beautiful building. Hammond Castle Museum is very popular, and it can be very busy during the summer months. 

Look ahead and plan your trip around days it is open. Pick three or four elements or rooms that you really want to get to. For example, the Courtyard at the center of the castle was my favorite for the ambience, and it was also one of the busiest parts of the castle. Walkways line the pool in the center of the courtyard, occasionally big tours will move through; if you are in a small  private group, you'll need to maneuver around these larger tours. 

Kids can engage if fun activities like scavenger hunts at Hammond Castle Museum. Photo courtesy of the author

Events at Hammond Castle Museum near Boston

Hammond Castle Museum is  open for public tours during school vacation in February. Currently, the website lists all children under 12 years old enter for self guided tours free with a ticket between February 16th – 20th! It’s important to note, the last entrance for Hammond Castle at 2:45 PM. It’s open 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM.

And any Demon-hunters out there? K-Pop meets medieval at their upcoming concert experience on Feb 18th at 6-8pm.

On the morning of February 20th the Museum will be hosting another special program. Arms and Armor is ideal for ages 10 and up. The presentation explores the history and engineering of medieval European armaments. On display will be a selection of replica helmets, armor pieces, and weaponry from the medieval to Renaissance periods. This hour-long presentation will explore the evolution of armor and weapons throughout the Middle Ages, as well as the science behind their construction and use. It will include a discussion of the career paths of knights and blacksmiths and a demonstration of how their equipment was cleaned and maintained. Admission includes a self-guided tour of the Museum following the program. 

Also, check out the Bridgerton Afternoon Tea event for families. Held on Saturday, February 28th. It offers an event for guests of every generation with a Queen, Ladies-in-Waiting and a pianist.

Know Before You Go: Visiting Hammond Castle Museum

Hammond Castle is typically open to the public from April to January, and on select dates in the winter, such as February break week.

It's a good idea to reserve tickets online before visiting.

Free Parking is available in the museum lot, but preferably get there early because this often fills up, and on-street parking is permitted only on the museum side of Hesperus Avenue. 

The museum is not stroller-friendly, as there are a number of steps to navigate.

Are there Dining Options at Hammond Castle Museum?

While there aren't onsite restaurants, downtown Gloucester is only about two miles away. There are plenty of places to eat in Gloucester and Cape Ann. Woodman's of Essex and the Seaport Grill in Gloucester are great spots for coastal New England fare.

Lead photo courtesy of the author