New York is an extremely popular tourist destination. Although it is most popular for its holiday attractions (like movie sites and Christmas markets), bustling nightlife and exciting food scene in its capital city, the state of New York also has dazzling castles that many travelers may not know about. While not all of them are available to stay in, tourists can take photos or even go on tours to learn more about their history and significance. These are the top castles to visit in New York that offer travelers a unique and regal experience.
New York Grand Castles
Central Park
The Belvedere Castle is located in Central Park and is an iconic landmark. It is a stunning structure and its name even translates to “beautiful view” in Italian. The castle offers travelers panoramic views of the surrounding park. It has three levels of terraces and is 1,820 square feet, so it is not a site that requires a lot of energy to tour. The castle houses a park visitor center, gift shop and some of the best photo spots that the park offers. Admission into the castle is free, so many tourists make sure to stop by the castle before exiting the park.
Thousand Islands
This Victorian castle with medieval influence is a famous landmark in the region and is located on a small island. This castle has 120 rooms and is only accessible by boat. Construction began on Boldt Castle in 1900, so history buffs may really love a visit to this site. Visitors of the castle are in for a treat since it is only open to guests seasonally. Between May and October guests can visit Heart island (on the Saint Lawrence River) to get a tour of the castle. For only around $15 travelers can gain admission to the castle that also doubles as a yacht house. The castle has recently opened for weddings, romantic trips and family vacations.
Hudson Valley
Travelers that love the outdoors will flock towards this Victorian castle resort on the water. Mohonk Mountain House is an exclusive all-inclusive resort with an array of amenities. Unlike more accessible options, this castle requires guests to have a reservation to visit. Travelers can opt to make an overnight reservation or book a day pass for some of the popular activities the castle offers. The castle even offers packages for solo travelers, spa specials and midweek discounts. Many tourists enjoy spending their time at the Mohonk Mountain House engaging in outdoor fun like hiking, relaxing during spa services or dining at one of the immersive culinary experiences that are available.
Saratoga Springs
This castle is a private airbnb with room for over sixteen guests. The property is on eight acres of land and has 6500 square feet of space for its guests to explore. The rentable castle is in the Saratoga Springs area, where guests can observe stunning views of nature and explore downtown. The ornately decorated castle has a quite modern interior, so travelers that prefer classic and modern accommodations will appreciate this spacious property.
Bannerman Island
The castle on Pollepel Island allows guests to take tours and even doubles as a unique theater. To support the preservation of the castle, there are cruises and walking tours that allow visitors to learn more about the history of Bannerman castle. Travelers can even book self guided tours with live music, if they prefer to explore the grounds independently. But the movie nights are the most popular attractions of this castle. Tourists can spend their evening enjoying a castle movie night or boat tour with themes like Dracula and the Titanic. Tours generally cost around $40 to $350 per person, depending on the particular experience that guests select.
Lake George
This private lake property that overlooks Lake George is available for rent. Highlands Castle is located on a secluded family owned estate, along with two other mini (yet magical) castles. This luxury stay is the biggest property on the estate and the first built, in 1982. The castle sleeps up to eight guests and is definitely a high end accommodation. The halls are lined with gothic antiques and stained glass windows, so guests can enjoy an authentic feeling castle with Mountain views that can be booked for nearly $8,000 a night (with four guests).
Piermont
Lord’s Castle is a ten bedroom property with plenty of property amenities. The 15,000 square foot castle was built in 1840, so travelers can appreciate its extensive history and riveting architecture. Although the castle has been standing for a long time, the castle has since been transformed and remodeled with features like ornate chandeliers, a pool, an elevator and a two bedroom cottage. Lord’s Castle also sits on 19 acres of land and is in a well preserved suburb of New York, so it offers a nice spacious area for guests to stay.
Millbrook
Wing’s Castle is a quaint bed and breakfast with a range of accommodation options. There are four different spaces that visitors can book. The annex suite, dungeon room, chamber room and the cottage are the private stays that tourists can book. Both the dungeon and chamber rooms offer guests their own space with a private entrance. These rooms are best for couples or solo travelers since they fit a maximum of two guests. The annex suite on the other hand is a two level accommodation with its own dining room and kitchen. This suite has a balcony where guests can view the courtyard and enjoy their free continental breakfast. The cottage is the best option for travelers that prefer a secluded getaway since it is an entire separate cottage that can fit up to four guests. All of these options will cost guests between $300 to $500 a night.
Long Island
This historic mansion is a hotel and sprawling estate. Guests of the Ophelia Castle commonly cite that the estate feels like an elegant European property. This castle is even a popular wedding venue due to its classy (34 to be exact) guest rooms and suites. The luxury rooms of this castle are supplemented by the top notch culinary experiences and historic mansion tours that are available. For brides and travelers alike, this property offers irresistible views and amenities. Rooms range from $500 to $1300 per night. The formal gardens, spacious lawns, grand suites and overall air of opulence are some of the top features of this luxury castle, which guests come back time and time again to experience.
Finger Lakes
Belhurst Castle is a unique resort that has history dating back to the 1700’s. The property has a restaurant, pub, three distinct hotels, full service spa and a winery. The castle has several guest rooms which offer its guests over eight classically decorated spaces. This castle is a great option for travelers that enjoy a historical flair to their accommodations, since all the rooms are seemingly decorated with antique pieces.