9 Castles Near Houston That’ll Let You Wear Those Glass Slippers
I’ve always imagined what it would be like to be a princess, waiting for my knight in shining armor to come. However, when I open my closet, I’m pretty sure the castle guards would just send me out, as my OOTDs don’t exactly fit the royal bill.
Hmm, maybe it’s time that I put on those glass slippers and see if I can transform into a fine princess.
Then again, perhaps there’s no need for me to do that, as there are several castles and castle-like places near Houston that can invite me in, even in casual clothes.
So, it’s time to explore these castles and get a glimpse of how the royals lived, and who knows, maybe we can return to our dreams later tonight with new inspiration!
1. 1892 Bishop’s Palace Galveston
Media credit: @danielle_bennignus
Website: https://www.galvestonhistory.org/sites/1892-bishops-palace
Address: 1402 Broadway Avenue J, Galveston, TX 77550, United States
Contact Details: +1 409-762-2475
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Admission: Adult: $15, Youth (6-18): $12, Children (5 and below): Free
The 1892 Bishop’s Palace Galveston is one of the most grand mansions in Galveston. This castle is also considered a National Historic Landmark, adding significance to the nation’s area of architecture.
This castle is made from stone and steel, withstanding every hurricane that came its way—even the 1900 Galveston hurricane, the deadliest natural disaster in American history.
Here, you can appreciate Victorian architecture, which also features influences from the Romanesque and Renaissance periods. You can also appreciate hand-carved woodwork and an octagonal mahogany staircase that’s visible on all fours.
If you want more than just getting image-worthy shots in 1892 Bishop’s Palace Galveston, you can visit the castle for a self-guided tour, allowing you to take a glimpse of the grand lifestyle of the elite during the Gilded Age.
Aside from learning about the castle’s history, you’ll also know who resided in the 1892 Bishop’s Palace Galveston, and appreciate how they preserved this castle for several years.
Pro tips:
- For teachers and students seeking a field trip that’s more focused on history, math, and science, consider availing of The 1892 Bishop’s Palace Galveston excursion package.
- If you or someone you know has physical disabilities, it’s worth noting that this castle tour may not be fully accessible, as ramps for wheelchairs or walks aren’t available.
2. Greystone Castle
Media credit: @greystone_castle_sporting_club
Website: https://greystonecastle.com/
Address: 65756 I-20, Mingus, TX 76463, United States
Contact Details: +1 254-672-5927
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
For those looking for a castle and at the same time exploring their hunting skills, Greystone Castle should be on your list.
Here, you can be a king or queen for a day or two as you try various hunting activities such as turkey hunting, and whitetail deer hunting. You can also include hunting exotics such as the axis deer, and the blackbuck antelope.
There’s also a rifle and pistol range, great for those who would like to practice gun handling, or just want to fire some shots.
Aside from hunting, you can enjoy this castle-like grand and luxurious accommodation along with fine dining throughout your stay.
For those looking for a more family-friendly activity, Greystone Castle offers walking tours within the facility or even safari-style tours that the kids will likely enjoy. You can also enjoy some water activities like paddle boarding and kayaking.
Pro tip:
For a change of environment, you can book Greystone Castle’s corporate meeting packages. For just $600, you can set up an office with complete access to their Wi-Fi, copiers, scanners, projectors, and a 24-hour person conference table.
3. Newman’s Castle Bellville
Media credit: @sammysproductions
Website: http://www.newmanscastle.com/
Address: 1041 Old Hwy 36, Bellville, TX 77418, United States
Contact Details: +1 979-865-9804
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Newman Castle, a private-owned residence, was built to make dreams a reality. Mike Newman, the creative mind behind this castle, constructed Newman Castle for over 12 years.
Once you’re here, you’ll appreciate the blend of medieval and Renaissance architectural styles, drawbridge, and towers—elements that resemble an authentic castle.
While Newman Castle isn’t a historic one, this castle-like place will still remind you of medieval architecture.
During your tour, you can explore the castle’s rooms, furnished with antique items, armor suits, and some detailed woodwork crafted by Mike Newman.
Pro tip:
Don’t hesitate to try out the bakery on site, which is another masterpiece of Mike Newman.
4. Moody Mansion Museum Galveston
Media credit: @1895moodymansion
Website: http://www.moodymansion.org/
Address: 2618 Broadway Avenue J, Galveston, TX 77550, United States
Contact Details: +1 409-762-7668
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Admission:
- Adults: $15,
- Students (6 – 17 years old): $7,
- Children (5 and below): Free,
- Exclusive All-Acess Guided Tour: $35
Moody Mansion, a Texas Historical Landmark since 1967, used to be home to one of Texas’ powerful families, one that made history in town with their businesses in cotton, banking, insurance, newspaper publishing, and hotels.
Now, you can visit Moody Mansion and get a glimpse of how the Moody family lived from 1895 until 1983. After Hurricane Alicia hit that year, repairs and restorations have been in the works, allowing them to open its doors as a museum in 1991.
What’s great about Moody Mansion is that they propose a different way to take a tour around their facility. By availing of their Wellness Walkabout package, you’re not just seeing interesting spaces in Moody Mansion, you’ll also get to clock in some steps.
Meanwhile, self-guided tours are also available, allowing you to take charge of your schedule inside Moody Mansion. Just remember that the latest time to enter the museum is at 4 in the afternoon.
Pro tip:
If you need elevator access during your trip, don’t forget to check in with Moody Mansion’s staff first so they can make special arrangements for you.
It might even be better to call them beforehand to check if there aren’t elevator service interruptions on the day of your visit.
5. Chateau Bellevue
Media credit: @chateaubellevue
Website: https://austinwc.org/
Address: 708 San Antonio St, Austin, Texas 78701
Chateau Bellevue was built by Harvey and Catherine North in 1874, a wealthy and cosmopolitan family from New Orleans.
Over the years, Chateau Bellevue has been passed down to different families until Major Ira Evans turned this home into a castle in 1892.
Now, Chateau Bellevue is one of the sought-after event places near Houston, where you can appreciate a classic French chateau design, complete with its grand entrance, well-kept courtyard grounds, stained glass windows, and elegant decor.
While the traditional elements are present, modern amenities add a different vibe to Chateau Bellevue.
Chateau Bellevue has been one of the sought-after wedding venues too. Aside from weddings. Even better, Chateau Bellevue provides all the production requirements such as catering, audiovisual support, and planning assistance that you need.
Pro tip:
You can rent out spaces in Chateau Bellevue for event or product photoshoots. Maximize the castle’s courtyard, limestone arches, and terraces for a more luxurious backdrop during your shoot.
6. Elisabet Ney Museum
Media credit: @elisabetneyatx
Website: http://www.austintexas.gov/department/elisabet-ney-museum
Address: 304 E 44th St, Austin, TX 78751, United States
Contact Details: +1 512-974-1625
Operating Hours: Wednesday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Admission: Free
Elisabet Ney Museum is a former studio named Formosa before it became a venue to discuss politics, art, and philosophy during the 19th century.
After Ney’s death in 1907, her friends eventually preserved her studio and built a museum out of it.
Now, the Elisabet Ney Museum is not just listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the museum is also a member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Historic Artists’ Homes and Studios program.
Here, you can check various collections of Ney’s sculptures, drawings, and personal stuff.
The museum also hosts various events like the Polka festivals and ‘speed philosophy’ sessions, providing opportunities for cultural enrichment and community engagement.
Pro tip:
Elisabet Ney Museum offers various art workshops and classes, such as photography studio sessions and botanical workshops. You can avail of these classes, especially if you want to expand your skills in a creative and inspiring environment.
7. The Cottonland Castle
Media credit: @ronwaysci7
Website: https://destinationwaco.org/places/cottonland-castle/
Address: 3300 Austin Ave, Waco, TX 76710, United States
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
Admission: General Admission: $50
The Cottonland Castle was originally owned by John Tennant before selling this then-unframed house to cotton broker Ripley Hanrick, in 1906. However, because of financial concerns, a group of investors had to take over the construction.
From a house, they transformed the frame into a castle, complete with three stories, a basement, a servants’ quarter, and a tower.
Since then, The Cottonland Castle has been the town’s constant reminder of the importance of the cotton industry which once brought prosperity and life to Waco.
Now, you can take on a guided tour to see how Cottonland Castle maintained its beauty while it underwent restoration. You’ll get to know the history, and behind-the-scenes details of the castle too!
When you’re here, you’ll get to appreciate the white sandstone and limestone exteriors. You’ll also like that they used imported materials such as Caen stone from France, and Carrara marble from Italy.
While going around The Cottonland Castle will only take roughly an hour, you still need to be ready to walk its three sets of staircases.
Pro tips:
- Take advantage of the Castle Heights neighborhood and explore its historic homes and charming streets. It’s another way to get to know more of Waco’s history and architecture.
- The Cottonland Castle doesn’t have elevators, so be prepared for stairs and uneven surfaces. This also means that wheelchairs and strollers aren’t allowed in the facility, so best to plan accordingly if you ever need mobility assistance.
8. 290 Wine Castle
Media credit: @290winecastle
Website: http://www.290winecastle.com/
Address: 101 Durango, Johnson City, TX 78636, United States
Contact Details: +1 512-790-2654
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM;
- Friday: 11:30 AM – 6:00 PM;
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM;
- Sunday: 11:30 AM – 6:00 PM
For those of you who are curious to know more about wine culture and learn about it in a castle-like setting, then 290 Wine Castle is for you.
The 290 Wine Castle, officially known as Château de Chasse, is modeled after a medieval European castle, highlighting a stone facade, turrets, and a grand entrance.
You’ll likely appreciate your wine tasting even more as you’re surrounded by medieval-inspired decor, luxurious furnishings, and vaulted ceilings.
Here, you can sample rosés, whites, and reds. You’ll also know more about the winemaking process and the unique characteristics of Texas wines.
If you want to take your tour further, you can also request to see the vineyard for more appreciation.
Pro tips:
- Request for 290 Wine Castle’s wine flight. This will allow you to sample various types of wines, eventually letting you discover a new favorite.
- Consider attending wine-pairing dinners hosted by 290 Wine Castle. This will allow you to see a more festive and lively castle, allowing you to imagine what it was like to attend a ball as royalty.
9. Falkenstein Castle
Media credit: @falkensteincastle
Website: https://hillcountrycastle.com/
Address: 7400 Park Rd 4 S, Burnet, TX 78611, United States
Contact Details: +1 855-227-8589
If you’re searching for an event venue that will make your fairytale dreams come true, then the Bavarian setting of Falkenstein Castle is for you.
Falkenstein Castle’s design was inspired by Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany, so you could see the resemblance with their turrets, grand towers, and stonework reflecting the medieval European realm.
As a venue for weddings and grand parties, you can choose from their elegant ballrooms, and take lovely photos at their grad staircases. You can enter each room in Falkenstein Castle as you’ll probably find a great corner to take your photos too!
You can also plan an outdoor event where you can maximize their well-kept courtyard and extensive grounds.
Pro tip:
Public tours are currently not allowed at Falkenstein Castle. While venue oculars are still permitted, Falkenstein Castle remains strict as they want to limit castle tours to those who will use the castle as an event venue.
