Thornewood Castle
A historic Tudor Gothic castle on American Lake, offering unique rooms, enchanting gardens, and a fairytale wedding venue.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer wedding crowds
Thornewood Castle
Best Time
Fewer wedding crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Tudor Gothic castle on American Lake, offering unique rooms, enchanting gardens, and a fairytale wedding venue.
"Absolutely stunning! From the architecture to the grounds to the views to the service... it's all incredible!"
💍 Book Wedding Venue Early
Popular for weddings, book your event or stay far in advance!
🚶♀️ Explore the Gardens
Don't miss the stunning sunken gardens and statues; they're a highlight!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Architecture
Entire Castle
Step into a fairytale with this stunning Tudor Gothic castle, built with pieces from a 400-year-old English manor.
Enchanting English Gardens
Castle Grounds
Wander through meticulously maintained gardens, complete with statues, offering a serene escape and picturesque views.
Hollywood Haunts
Castle Exterior
Spot the filming location for Stephen King's 'Rose Red' and 'The Haunting of Bly Manor.'
American Lake Views
Castle Waterfront
Enjoy breathtaking vistas of American Lake from the castle's private dock, adding a touch of serene beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Fairytale Stays
Embrace the Castle's Unique Rules
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💍 Book Wedding Venue Early
Popular for weddings, book your event or stay far in advance!
🚶♀️ Explore the Gardens
Don't miss the stunning sunken gardens and statues; they're a highlight!
👻 Spooky History Buffs
Discover its 'Rose Red' fame and haunted legends.
🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky
If visiting for an event, parking can be a bit awkward for guests.
Tips
from all over the internet
💍 Book Wedding Venue Early
Popular for weddings, book your event or stay far in advance!
🚶♀️ Explore the Gardens
Don't miss the stunning sunken gardens and statues; they're a highlight!
👻 Spooky History Buffs
Discover its 'Rose Red' fame and haunted legends.
🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky
If visiting for an event, parking can be a bit awkward for guests.
🛏️ Unique Room Stays
Each room is unique; enjoy the historical, upscale furnishings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Guests consistently praise Thornewood Castle for its stunning architecture, beautiful grounds, and unique, luxurious accommodations. Many highlight its fairytale-like atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for weddings and romantic getaways. While some note the staff can be strict with rules and parking can be awkward for events, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, with many highly recommending it for its memorable and enchanting qualities.
"Absolutely stunning! From the architecture to the grounds to the views to the service... it's all incredible! The staff were a bit of sticklers when it came to the 'rules', but it wasn't of any huge concern. My son and his wife had their wedding and reception here. It's such a beautiful place. Not only the castle, but the view of the lake and then the sunken gardens. I was able to get a brief tour of my son and his wife's room and the amenities, and I was awestruck! Thank you for allowing us to have the wedding and reception at such a wonderful place."
Jake
"Unique experience. Stay at a historical venue. Upscale and luxury furnishings per the past decades. Cozy and seclusive get away. This castle seems to be operated primarily as a wedding venue. There were only two families staying at the castle on the night we were there. Each room is unique. No on site dining or front desk staff."
Justin C
"The hotel is beautiful and the grounds are amazing to walk. There are alot of weddings that take place here like ALOT! So be prepared to view a couple during your stay. The only thing negative I have to say is the location it is very awkward, and if you are staying here and u have a friend that lives in the area it's kinda pain to ahbe them park on the grounds."
Rusty C
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Thornewood Castle is located in Lakewood, Washington. From Seattle, you can drive south on I-5 for approximately 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic. The castle is situated on American Lake.
Public transport options to Thornewood Castle are limited. Driving is the most convenient way to reach the castle. Consider ride-sharing services if you are not driving.
For events, parking can be a bit awkward. It's advisable to arrive a little early to navigate the grounds and find suitable parking.
Thornewood Castle is located near Tacoma, offering access to attractions like the Museum of Glass and Point Defiance Park. The castle itself is a destination with its gardens and lake views.
Thornewood Castle is situated in Lakewood, Washington, on the shores of American Lake, offering a picturesque setting.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Thornewood Castle primarily operates as a private estate and wedding venue. While overnight stays are available, general public access for tours might be limited. It's best to check their official website or contact them directly for current visitor policies and tour availability.
As a private estate and venue, Thornewood Castle does not have standard public operating hours. Access is typically for guests staying overnight or attending events.
Yes, Thornewood Castle offers unique rooms for overnight stays. Booking in advance is highly recommended due to limited availability and its popularity as a venue.
Information on public tours can vary. It's advisable to check the official Thornewood Castle website or contact them directly to inquire about any available tour options or special event access.
Room rates at Thornewood Castle can vary significantly based on the room type, season, and day of the week. It's recommended to check their booking platform or contact them for the most up-to-date pricing information.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Guests can enjoy exploring the historic architecture, the beautiful English gardens, and the views of American Lake. Overnight stays offer a unique, immersive experience in a fairytale setting.
Some visitors have noted that the staff can be strict about castle rules. It's wise to be mindful of any posted guidelines to ensure a pleasant stay for everyone.
Absolutely! The castle's architecture, gardens, and lake views provide a stunning backdrop for photography, especially for weddings and special events.
Thornewood Castle offers a unique, historic, and luxurious atmosphere. It's often described as a fairytale or a step back in time, with a touch of gothic charm.
Yes, Thornewood Castle is a very popular venue for weddings and events, known for its magical ambiance and beautiful setting.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Thornewood Castle does not typically have an on-site restaurant for general dining. Meals are usually provided as part of an overnight stay or for catered events.
Policies on outside food and drinks may vary. It's best to confirm with the castle management, especially if you are staying overnight or attending an event.
The castle is located near Tacoma, which offers a variety of dining options, from casual eateries to upscale restaurants.
Breakfast is often included for guests staying overnight at Thornewood Castle, adding to the luxurious experience.
Yes, Thornewood Castle is a popular venue for events and weddings, and catering services are typically available through their event planning.
📸 📸 Photography
The castle's exterior, the grand entrance, the English gardens, and the views of American Lake are all exceptional spots for photography.
Photography inside the castle is generally permitted for guests staying overnight or attending events. Respect any private areas or restrictions.
Absolutely! Thornewood Castle is renowned for its fairytale ambiance, making it an incredibly popular and picturesque location for wedding photography.
While generally welcoming to photographers, it's always a good idea to inquire about specific restrictions, especially if you are not a registered guest or attending a private event.
Its unique Tudor Gothic architecture, historic details, lush gardens, and waterfront location contribute to its highly photogenic nature.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💍 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Stay in one of the uniquely appointed rooms, wander hand-in-hand through the enchanting gardens, and enjoy the serene lake views. 👻 Ghost Hunters & History Buffs
+1 Explore the castle's architecture, imagine the stories held within its walls, and perhaps even experience some of its rumored ghostly inhabitants. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Castle's Storied Past
This unique origin story contributes significantly to its authentic, old-world charm and makes it a truly one-of-a-kind destination on the West Coast. The castle's architectural style is a striking example of Tudor Gothic, evoking a sense of grandeur and timelessness. Beyond its physical construction, Thornewood Castle is steeped in local lore and has even gained fame in the entertainment world. It served as the primary filming location for Stephen King's miniseries 'Rose Red,' lending itself to the mansion's haunted reputation.
+1 This connection to popular culture adds another layer of intrigue for visitors interested in its storied past and alleged paranormal activity. Experiencing Thornewood Castle as a Guest
Guests are encouraged to embrace the castle's ambiance and explore its beautiful surroundings. The meticulously maintained English gardens and the serene views of American Lake are significant draws.
Thornewood Castle: A Wedding Dream
+1 The combination of its stunning Tudor Gothic architecture, the picturesque American Lake backdrop, and the beautifully manicured English gardens provides an unforgettable setting for ceremonies and receptions. +1 Couples are drawn to the castle's unique charm, which offers a romantic and historic ambiance that is hard to find elsewhere. The castle's capacity to host intimate ceremonies or larger celebrations makes it versatile for various wedding styles.
The dedicated event staff and the availability of on-site services, such as bartending, further enhance the planning process for couples. From the lush floral arrangements to the overall magical feel of the day, Thornewood Castle consistently delivers a dream wedding experience, as evidenced by numerous glowing reviews and social media posts from happy couples and their guests. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit