This Medieval-style Castle is Known as the 'Hogwarts of Massachusetts'

If you've been scrolling through your New Englandtravel feed lately, you've probably seen the viral clips of Hammond Castlein Gloucesterbeing dubbed the "Hogwarts of Massachusetts." As someone who lives just down the road in Marblehead, I can tell you the local reaction to that nickname is… let's call it "spirited."

While the internet is busy debating whether this medieval-style gem is more Gryffindor or Slytherin , the real travel hack is that this place is actually way weirder and cooler than any movie set. Built in the late 1920s by inventorJohn Hays Hammond Jr.(the "Father of Radio Control"), the castle is a wild architectural mashup where 15th-century French facades meet high-tech laboratory vibes.

Related: Stops Along This Coastal Scenic Byway Rival Nantucket, But Without the Crowds

Perched dramatically on the rocky cliffs of the Magnolia coastline in Gloucester, the castle is the crown jewel of the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway—a stretch of Route 127 that is arguably the most beautiful drive in the state. As you pull up, the massive grey stone turrets and flying buttresses look like they were plucked straight from 15th-century Franceand dropped onto the rugged Massachusetts shore.

Inside, the Great Hallis a total showstopper, featuring a soaring 85-foot ceiling, a massive 8,400-pipe organ, and a Renaissance-style courtyard where it actually "rains" into a sunken pool at the flip of a switch. Whether you're standing in the glass-enclosed laboratory or looking out from the arched stone windows at the crashing Atlantic surf below, the scale of the place feels less like a house and more like a fever dream of European history brought to life in New England.

Related: 17 Best Things to Do in Gloucester, Massachusetts, Including Sustainable Travel Ideas

The 2026 season officially kicked off on April 3rd, and if you're planning a North Shore day trip, you'll want to skip the "Hogwarts" hype and lean into the actual history. For those who want the full fairytale experience without the crowds some TikTokers complain about, the Spiritualism Tours by Candlelight(running Thursdays through October ) are the ultimate move. You get to explore Hammond's obsession with the occult, including his attempts to contact the dead using a massive Faraday Cage, and—as a 2026 bonus—your ticket now includes a sunset picnicon the oceanside terrace.

The 2026 "Know Before You Go"

• The Cost:Weekend tickets are $25 for adults, but here's a pro-tip: visit on a weekday for a $20 rate. If you're a Gloucester resident, you can actually get in for free every Tuesday through the season.

• The "Ilvermorny" Debate:In the comments, fans are quick to point out that if this were a wizarding school, it would technically be Ilvermorny(the North American school located in Greylock, MA). But honestly? It feels more like a Game of Thrones set dropped onto the Atlantic coast.

• Special Events:Keep an eye out for their Bridgerton Afternoon Teaand the new Eric Pape fantasy illustration exhibit, which are much more "Gloucester glam" than "Dunkies and Wizards."

The Vibe:It's quirky, it's historic and yes, it's incredibly photogenic. Just don't expect a Sorting Hat at the entrance—expect a massive pipe organ and some of the best ocean views in New England.

Related: The Cape Cod Town Known for Its Famous Oyster Fest Is an Ideal Quiet Fall Escape

This story was originally published by Parade on Apr 7, 2026, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.