Castle Hill Ipswich MA: A Castle You Don't Want to Miss

The old saying goes that you can’t miss the house if there’s no house. When it comes to Castle Hill Ipswich MA, it’s even easier to understand.  The site of this sprawling Colonial estate is nothing short of magical. It’s also not just magical because of its past. It’s magical because of its present and its future.  Castle Hill Ipswich MA is nothing short of a treasure trove of history and beauty. The old Ipswich Castle sits on a 56-acre stretch of land surrounded by 150 acres of protected forest. It’s a perfect setting for a sprawling Colonial estate built in the 18th century.

What to Expect at Castle Hill

One of the best things about visiting Castle Hill Ipswich is that it’s all about you and your loved ones. The estate is not open to the public. But, there are places where you can visit and get a glimpse of what goes on there.  There are six historic buildings on the estate. The Great House is the oldest and largest. It’s home to the estate’s hosts, the Bishops. Another historic building is the Bishop’s Forge. It’s where Ipswich’s former Blacksmiths made their wares. Another is the Bishop’s Barn. It’s where you can see the estate’s oldest and most iconic horse-drawn wagon. Click here for more.

History of Castle Hill Ipswich

This estate is steeped in history. It has been in the Bishop family for nearly two centuries. The original castle was built in 1720. It was used as a residence until the early 1800s. Nowadays, it’s a museum which showcases the history of Ipswich.  The estate is also famous for the many famous guests who have stayed there. Well-known personalities like Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Henry Ford are among the guests who stayed at Castle Hill Ipswich.

Castle Hill Ipswich Today

Today, Castle Hill Ipswich is a private residence. It’s currently owned and operated by the Bishop family. The privately-owned estate is not open to the public.   However, you can visit the Castle Hill Ipswich Museum. The estate is home to the museum, Bishop’s Barn, Bishop’s Forge, the Ipswich Museum, and a nature preserve. The museum at Castle Hill Ipswich is open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. It’s closed on Sundays. The cost for admission is $5 for adults and $3 for kids.

Where to Stay at Castle Hill

There are two distinct parts to Castle Hill Ipswich. One is the Great House and the other is the historic Bishop’s Barn and Bishop’s Forge. The Great House is the oldest and largest historic building on the estate. It’s also the oldest stone house in Ipswich. You can choose to stay in the Great House or in one of the Bishop outbuildings.  The Great House is home to the Bishops. It’s also where you can make reservations for dinner. You can choose from a variety of Victorian-era recipes. There are four different rooms in the Great House. The Bishop’s Suite is the largest. It’s also booked exclusively for Bishops. More information here.

Which Castle Hill to Visit?

There are two castles on Castle Hill Ipswich. One is the original castle built in 1720. The other is the more modern-looking castle built in 1927. The original castle is the one you should visit.  The original castle is a museum. It’s a replica of the castle built in the 18th century. The original castle is also a working museum. It’s a great place to learn about Ipswich’s history and see how the Bishops live in the house.

Which Route to Take at Castle Hill

This is where you really get to taste the true flavor of Ipswich. There are so many different routes you can take at Castle Hill Ipswich. You can take the Castle Hill Ipswich Walk. This route is most popular among walkers and cyclists. The walk will take you through the Ipswich forest and the Ipswich River.  You can also take the Ipswich River Walk. This route will take you along the Ipswich River. There are some stunning views of the river and Ipswich from this route.

Final Words: A Hideaway for Romance and Rejuvenation

Castle Hill Ipswich is all about romance and rejuvenation. This is what the estate is all about. The Bishops welcome guests to the estate for three things. They want you to feel comfortable and at home. They want you to experience the beauty of Ipswich. And, they want you to rejuvenate from the experience.  You don’t have to look too far to see what all the Bishop family mean by rejuvenation. The working museum and gardens on the estate are breathtaking. You can also visit the Ipswich Museum or Ipswich River. There are so many ways to rejuvenate at Castle Hill Ipswich. You’ll definitely have the time of your life.