FINAL WEEKEND - Holidays in the Park! All the details inside.

This month: Final weekend for the holiday program! A photo essay of an awesome photography event at the Castle. We also announce plans for January 1 First Day Hikes. Plus, Gillette and his Castle will be featured in a community radio show.

Plus - a bonfire, scavenger hunt, hot cider, snacks and holiday shopping!

See the full list of fun stuff at this link.

Make your weekend plans now!

We had a very cool photography event on November 26.

Loads of fun pictures of the Castle and some special visitors.

Click the button below to see MORE!

Check out the photos!

Photograph courtesy of Robert Fiedler

Radio show at 4:30 p.m. December 18 on WWUH, 91.3 FM

The Mystery of Sherlock Holmes and his Gillette Castle

The life of William Gillette will be featured this Sunday on a new show on community radio from the University of Hartford.

The description from WWUH: The original Sherlock Holmes – the one who created all of the mannerisms that characterized the famous sleuth (his hat, pipe and “Elementary my dear Watson”) – was an actor from Connecticut. And, he built one of the most iconic homes still in existence in the state – Gillette Castle. Hear the fascinating background on the man and his castle from author Erik Ofgang.

Tune in to 91.3 FM on Sunday, or listen online. Instructions for the online broadcast can be found at this link.

First Day Hikes on January 1

Celebrate the start of a new year with fresh air and exercise!

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., we'll have a welcome table, hot cider and trail maps that explain the many historic features that dot the grounds.

Starting at 11:30 a.m., William and Helen Gillette themselves will be on-site to welcome everyone!

Sturdy shoes and warm clothing is recommended. We hope to see you there!

Guided Hikes on January 1

We are so pleased to offer guided hikes of the train trails on January 1!

Follow the route of William Gillette's narrow-gauge train system. The hikes are each approximately an hour long, and they cover gentle and flat trails that have some brief climbs.

Guided hikes will be limited to 20 visitors each, and REQUIRE advance registration.

We will have five hikes, at 10:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., noon, and 1:30 p.m.

Sturdy shoes and warm clothing is recommended.

We hope to see you there!

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