Castle Hill on the Crane Estate
| Hours: | Hours Vary see below |
| In/Outdoor: | Indoor, Outdoor |
| Cost: | $$ see below |
| Category: | Historic Landmarks |
Castle Hill was well known by Native Americans, who called the area Agawam, referring to its rich fishery. John Winthrop, Jr., son of the first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, laid claim to Castle Hill in 1637. In the 1880s, Castle Hill Farm was transformed from an agricultural holding into a gentleman’s farm, with a rambling, shingle-style cottage that is now The Inn at Castle Hill.The Great House was later designed by some of the century’s most notable architects and landscape architects and is furnished with period antiques. Castle Hill came to exemplify the American Country Place Era with its farm and estate buildings, designed grounds and gardens, and diverse natural areas.
View our Crane Estate Photo Adventure.
Nature at Castle Hill
Castle Hill is also home to a wide diversity of wildlife typical of northeast Massachusetts forests. Deer, fox, turkey, and a multitude of songbirds can be observed from the many trails and roads on Castle Hill. In addition, Castle Hill is home to several pairs of nesting great horned owls and red-tailed hawks. Due to its location on the Atlantic Ocean and adjacent Crane Beach, unusual species such as turkey vultures, migratory hawks, and even an occasional bald eagle can be seen soaring above the landscape.
Trails
Four miles of trails and roads. Moderate hiking. Castle Hill is a link in the Bay Circuit Trail.
When to Visit
Grounds and Guided Tours: See hours below. A wide range of public programs are offered throughout the year; please visit our Events Calendar for details. For more information including hours and pricing also visit Crane Beach, CraneOutdoors and the Crane Wildlife Refuge.
Facilities
Public restrooms in the Great House (open during tours) and in the visitor parking area. The Inn at Castle Hill offers overnight B&B accommodation.
| HOURS | ↑ top |
Castle Hill Grounds: Open Daily, Year-round 9AM–5PM, February–October Last admission at 4PM 9AM–4PM, November–January Last admission at 3PM Open Limited Hours on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. ------- Great House: January — Mid-April Closed Mid-April — Memorial Day Open Weekends & Holiday Mondays 10AM–4 PM Memorial Day — October Tuesdays–Sundays & Holiday Mondays 10AM–4PM November Open Weekends & Holiday Mondays 10AM–4 PM December Open for Special Events Only -------- Crane Beach: open all year round 8am - 20 minutes before posted sunset
| COST | ↑ top |
Grounds: Members: FREE. Nonmembers: $10 per adult; $5 per child. Ipswich residents FREE on non-holiday weekdays (onsite, with valid ID).
Great House Tours: Adult and Child ticket prices vary by tour and include Grounds & Gardens admission. Members: 50% Off. To arrange tours for groups of 15 or more, email [email protected]
| WEBSITE | ↑ top |
www.thetrustees.org/places-to-visit/north-shore/castle-hill-crane.html
| LOCATION | ↑ top |
290 Argilla Road, Ipswich, MA map
Phone: 978.356.4351
From Rt. 128 North Exit 20A, take Rt. 1A North for 8 mi. to Ipswich. Turn right onto Rt. 133 East and follow for 1.5 mi. Turn left onto Northgate Rd. and follow for 0.5 mi. Turn right onto Argilla Rd. and follow for 2.3 mi. to entrance.
| RELATED LINKS | ↑ top |
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Info changes frequently. We cannot warrant it. Verify with Castle Hill on the Crane Estate before making the trek. If you find an error, please report it...
