So we were just taking pictures (not a photoshoot) Got yelled at by some guy who works there, lots of attitude and ill spoken because we had to pay for a photoshoot, again. Just taking PICTURES LIKE EVERYONE ELSE WITH A DIGITAL CAMERA. Mind you. He yelled at us because of a bench that was MOVED BEFORE we got there that had nothing to do with us....... He ruined the experience ‍ wouldn't recommend going if he's there. He's incredibly rude. Shame cause the castle was beautiful not worth going if their workers have attitude problems.

Enxhi B.

I love going to check out castles because I find them so cool and interesting. This seemed like a popular one so we decided to drive up from Boston to spend the day around Gloucester. The pictures made the castle seem bigger than it is. We saw everything pretty quickly which I didn't expect. Parking was also full and you have to wait for a spot to open up. Overall decent museum but not that impressive

Mallory W.

I have been wanting to come to Hammond Castle for years and finally got to go! I came with my best friend, and we had such a great time. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted very warmly and everyone we met who worked there was friendly and helpful. You have two options: self guided or guided tours. We chose the self-guided, but the woman at the check-in counter suggested we go watch the short introduction movie about the history of the place, and I am glad she did. The video is maybe 5 minutes, but worth the watch as you learn a lot in that short time and it's great to listen before the tour. The castle is huge, and there's so many interesting things to see and read about. I don't want to give too much away, as I personally feel it's much better to experience this in person. If you're a fan of eclectic places, art, and science, this place is for you. If you've ever been to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, they have a lot of similarities and I love that! If you've been wanting to go, I highly recommend taking the trip here. It's just 30 minutes north of Salem, and we were in Salem for a visit and it was such an easy drive to get here from there.

Olivia S.

What a cool place to visit! You can either 1. Walk through the museum on your own or 2. Take a guided tour. We ended up walking through the castle on our own and with the paper guide and map, there was enough information to follow along and get a sense of the history. The castle was beautifully decorated for the holidays!

Nichole M.

I love castles and history. I did NOT want to pay for a tour so we went on a self guided tour. Enjoyed the freedom of having the ability to tour by ourself. There are lots of informational signs so I felt I learned a lot. The building is absolutely beautiful and well cared for. Really loved the atrium area and the library. Appreciate the opportunity to see and experience a castle.

Jon R.

This evening on May 31, 2025 was a truly magical Ceremony for a Romantic wedding in honor of a Prince and his breathtaking Princess among their family and friends, in the Great Hall of this Medieval style museum. The Hammond Castle, perched high along one of Massachusetts breathtaking Atlantic Coastline in the Magnolia Area of Gloucester built by scientific inventor John Hays Hammond in the 1920's! This amazing Architectural undertaking encompassing several centuries of artifacts and exhibits from the 15th Century on! This day was executed perfectly by the Staff to give this Couple, who I will only say are Prince Benjamin and his beloved Princess Veronica. It began with invited guests arriving to see how beautiful it was. Their arrangements of the huge long family style tables on each side of the Great Hall so that the Bride would walk down the aisle along the white lining draped tables with ivory and gold china plates and crystal glasses for water and champagne flutes to eventually toast the newly married couple and beautifully adorned with flowered vases and a special Thank You Gift for their Guests! The Ceremony began down the aisle with the proud parents and brides maid of honor and bridesmaid! Both gowned in Royal shades of lavender and purple chiffon! This Princess Bride wowed her mesmerizing guests while on their feet to witness her long journey flanked by her guests toward her beloved handsome to be Prince on the staircase next to his groomsmen! Her White Satin off the shoulder full length bridal gown the had a long white laced train to marvel any Royal Wedding! This ceremony was performed in a manner that was so perfect. You were clued to his every word especially when each said their vows to each other, he then pronounced them married! Then, the festivities begun, with an open bar and a feast fit for a King! From Chicken Parm, Pasta with Red Sauce, Potatoes and Steak Tips with baked Haddock along with Rolls and tasty Caesar Salad! To eat family style was a treat to make it so accessible to chat with others! My Royal married couple sat facing their guests and had a view with made it all so intimate and inclusive! We dined, we drank, we danced to a wonderful DJ, we laughed and we all celebrated their wedding Day at this MAJESTIC HAMMOND CASTLE for this special Prince and Princess!

Michael C.

The Hammond Castle is a beautiful mid evil home of one of Americas greatest inventions belonging to John Hammond and his wife. John invented radio operations for the U.S government. He also invented other things that we take for granted everyday he was quite a man. But you can tour the castle and it's very interesting the great hall and the gardens are beautiful the view overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and Gloucester harbor the grounds are very well preserved they have a guided tour or self tour parking is limited but you won't regret it it's worth the trip to see this Mid-Evil Castle they have a gift shop as well then you can take a short drive to see the Fisher man's memorial

Erica A.

We took a ride to Hammond Castle as a day trip. It's been on our list of things to do for a while. This is definitely a place to go when the weather is nice as it's right on the water and it's beautiful outside in the gardens. It cost $25 for each one of us to get in, and took about 45 minutes to go through the museum. There's a lot of very interesting artifacts some dating back to the sixth century. We decided to do the self-guided tour, and I think if I was to go back, I would do the guided tour just to learn more about the different artifacts that were there. Some of the areas were very tight for somebody who was claustrophobic, and we were there during what seemed to be a pretty busy time so we had to stop and wait quite often to let people go past us to get into the next room due to the tight spacing. It was definitely something to check out if you're in that area because it's very unique. We really enjoyed it!

Paul J.

What a great experience architecture, as well as the art, and the story behind it all was excellent what a beautiful place to visit. Look forward to my next visit.

Olivia N.

Overall rating: 4.4 Visited this place over the holidays with family. Not as large as the pictures make it seem and the items are interesting for someone's house. The outside though is absolutely beautiful. Definitely recommend a tour because trying the solo route is not it. I wish the castle represented more than just someone's project. But I guess that's history.

Felicia G.

We went to the Hammond Castle for a self guided tour as we were too late to get on a guided tour. Very beautiful castle with all its rooms and outside views of the beautiful ocean. We found out the castle is named after the man John Hays Hammond Jr. who had it constructed for his many artifacts and exhibits for his 400 patents and his work in the study of remote control. The castle was built between 1926-1929 I believe if you like castles and happen to be in this area it's a must see. I have so many pictures of so much stuff there is no way I could load all this on here. Amazing place. Gorgeous top to bottom. The staff is amazing and will answer any question you have.

Aya R.

Castle built in the 1920's that was once used as a lab during the war. Very cool exhibits, both the castle as a residence and the lab area. The outlook on the water is gorgeous and I recommend taking time to soak in the views on the lawn. Beautiful courtyard inside the castle as well. It's fun to explore through the different corridors and floors. Moreover, the north shore is a great place to visit when in MA!