Salem & Hammond Castle Private Day Trip
free_cancellation Free Cancellation up to 2 weeks before
shield Trip Protection available for more flexibility
star Tour Highlights
- check_circle Marvel at Hammond Castle's 80-foot ceilings and 8,000-pipe organ - second largest ever in a private home
- check_circle Discover the eccentric inventor John Hays Hammond Jr., mentored by Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison
- check_circle Learn the true story of the Salem Witch Trials - 20 executions, none by burning
- check_circle See filming locations from Hocus Pocus including Ropes Mansion
- check_circle Stop by the Witch House - only remaining building directly connected to the Trials
- check_circle Private experience with flexible scheduling and hotel pickup for your group
routeTour Itinerary (16 stops)
Pick Up and Transfer to Hammond Castle Museum
Your guide will pick you up in a comfortable minivan and drive you out to Hammond Castle Museum!
Hammond Castle Museum
Enjoy a guided tour, learning about the origin and history behind the Castle. You will then have time to explore the rest of the grounds and take photos!
Transfer to Salem
Drive to Salem for lunch and the afternoon exploration!
Break
Enjoy an hour for lunch at one of Salem's many excellent restaurants (cost not included)!
East India Square
Learn about Salem's maritime past and how it became one of the richest cities in America.
Salem Common
See the heart of historical Salem and learn about the Puritans who settled the town.
reviewsReviews
descriptionTour Description
Experience the best of Massachusetts' North Shore on this unforgettable private day trip! Start with a scenic drive along the coast to Hammond Castle, a hidden gem that even most locals have never visited. Built by eccentric inventor John Hays Hammond Jr. - mentored by both Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison - this medieval-style castle features 80-foot ceilings, an 8,000-pipe organ, and artifacts collected from across Europe. Learn about the quirky inventor who loved pranking his high-society guests with secret passages and fake ghosts!
After exploring Hammond Castle, head to historic Salem for lunch and a walking tour through centuries of history. Discover the truth behind the infamous 1692 Witch Trials - who was really accused, why the hysteria spread, and how none of the victims were actually burned. See the Witch House, filming locations from Hocus Pocus, and neighborhoods where wealthy sea captains built their mansions during Salem's golden age of trade.
This is a private tour - just you, your group, and your guide. The itinerary can be customized to your interests!
Explore Related Tours:
Salem Full-Day Day Trip
Boston & Salem Day Trip
Hammond Castle & Salem Small Group Tour
checklist What's Included
Included
- check_circle Professional local tour guide
- check_circle Air-conditioned private vehicle
- check_circle Hotel pickup and drop-off
- check_circle Hammond Castle Museum entrance tickets
- check_circle Bottled water
- check_circle All transportation surcharges
Not Included
- cancel Lunch (1-hour break provided)
- cancel Gratuity (industry standard is $10-20/hr)
infoDetails & Pricing
- Start Times: Your choice, anytime between 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Hammond Castle is open seasonally (typically May through early September). Check the calendar for availability.
- If bringing luggage on the tour, the vehicle can generally only handle 4 passengers unless traveling light.
- Massachusetts law requires proper car seats until children are 8 years old or 57 inches tall. We do not provide car seats, and refunds will not be available day of for lack of proper seating.
- Prices vary seasonally. See dates.
- Our booking platform adds a 6% service fee for online bookings. Call us to book with no service fees!
| Low Season | High Season | |
|---|---|---|
| 1-6 Guests | $715 + $30/pp | $790 + $30/pp |
| 7-9 Guests | $825 + $30/pp | $900 + $30/pp |
Prices are $5 higher on weekends. See Seasonal dates.
help Frequently Asked Questions
When is Hammond Castle open?
Hammond Castle Museum is typically open from April through December, with limited availability through the winter. Hours vary, so this tour is only available when the castle is open. Check our booking calendar for current availability. Note that although Hammond Castle is open, due to crowds in Salem, this tour does not run in October. Check out our Salem Full-Day Private Trip instead!
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes! Children of all ages are welcome. The castle's medieval architecture and secret passages fascinate kids, and the Salem stories can be adjusted for younger audiences. Note that Massachusetts law requires proper car seats for children under 8 years old or under 57 inches tall, and we do not provide car seats.
Please note: Hammond Castle Museum is not handicapped accessible. The castle has multiple levels connected by stairs, uneven stone floors, and narrow passages. We cannot accommodate wheelchairs or strollers at this location and do not recommend this tour if such access is required.
Will we see Hocus Pocus filming locations?
Yes! We stop at the Ropes Mansion (Allison's house in the movie) and pass by several other filming locations during our walking tour of Salem. Your guide can point out more locations if you're a big fan - just let us know!
What if it rains?
Tours run rain or shine. Much of the tour takes place inside Hammond Castle or in the vehicle, so weather has minimal impact. We recommend bringing an umbrella and comfortable walking shoes for the Salem walking portions.
Is there a shared tour option?
Yes! If you're traveling solo or in a small group and prefer to join others, check out our Castles & Curses: Hammond Castle & Salem Semiprivate Day Trip. It runs on select weekends during the summer season with a maximum of 9 guests.