Ropes Mansion and Garden
Historic mansion and a stunning, free Colonial Revival garden, famous as Allison's house from Hocus Pocus.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Flowers in bloom, fewer crowds
Ropes Mansion and Garden
Best Time
Flowers in bloom, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic mansion and a stunning, free Colonial Revival garden, famous as Allison's house from Hocus Pocus.
"The garden is free to explore and absolutely stunning."
🎯 Garden is FREE!
The beautiful Ropes Mansion Garden is free to explore. Enjoy the flowers and peaceful atmosphere.
✨ Hocus Pocus Fans Rejoice
This is Allison's iconic house from the movie! Perfect for a spooky photo op.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ropes Mansion Garden
Rear of the mansion
A free, stunning Colonial Revival garden with vibrant flowers, a pond, and a Little Free Library. Perfect for a peaceful stroll.
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Historic Mansion Interior
Inside the Ropes Mansion
Explore rooms filled with history, Ropes family memorabilia, and captivating architecture. Offers a glimpse into 18th-century life.
Hocus Pocus Filming Location
Exterior of the Ropes Mansion
See the iconic 'Allison's House' from the beloved Halloween movie, a must-visit for fans.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Garden First, Mansion Second
Hocus Pocus Connection & History
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Garden is FREE!
The beautiful Ropes Mansion Garden is free to explore. Enjoy the flowers and peaceful atmosphere.
✨ Hocus Pocus Fans Rejoice
This is Allison's iconic house from the movie! Perfect for a spooky photo op. +1
💍 Romantic Proposal Spot
The garden is a popular and romantic spot for proposals.
🚶♀️ Stroll Down Chestnut Street
Combine your visit with a walk along Chestnut Street to see other historic mansions.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Garden is FREE!
The beautiful Ropes Mansion Garden is free to explore. Enjoy the flowers and peaceful atmosphere.
✨ Hocus Pocus Fans Rejoice
This is Allison's iconic house from the movie! Perfect for a spooky photo op. +1
💍 Romantic Proposal Spot
The garden is a popular and romantic spot for proposals.
🚶♀️ Stroll Down Chestnut Street
Combine your visit with a walk along Chestnut Street to see other historic mansions.
🕰️ Timed Entry for Mansion
If touring the mansion, be aware of timed entry slots.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Ropes Mansion Garden as a beautiful, free oasis in Salem, perfect for a peaceful stroll and photos. While the garden is a major draw, the mansion tour offers historical insights and a connection to 'Hocus Pocus,' though some find the tour time limited. Overall, it's a highly recommended stop for its charm and accessibility.
"Beautifully preserved 1700’s mansion on Essex Street in Salem. Close to the Witch House. Garden is free to explore and absolutely stunning. We added $5 to Peabody Essex Museum entry fee for mansion tour. Timed entry. It’s beautiful inside with a lot of history and memorabilia from the Ropes family. Helpful staff to answer questions. Four stars is due to not enough time to explore. Only 20 minutes to explore the house and its numerous rooms and countless keepsakes (after 5 minute intro). Oh, & it’s Allison’s house in Hocus Pocus. Definitely worth the visit."
Josey N
"We only saw the gardens, but they were beautiful! It's definitely worth seeing! The flowers were so pretty and they even had a little pond AND a Little Free Library!"
Sabrena
"I've visited the Ropes mansion many times, summer, winter, fall and its just beautiful! I've never toured the inside but its great you can walk the backyard grounds for free and enjoy the beauty of it! This is the first time I've gone when the flowers were bloomed in the backyard and it was gorgeous!"
ELOCIN RUZAM
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Ropes Mansion and Garden is located at 318 Essex Street in Salem, MA. It's easily accessible by walking from downtown Salem, as it's near other attractions like The Witch House. If driving, be aware that parking in Salem can be challenging, especially during peak seasons.
Public parking garages are available in Salem, but they can fill up quickly. Street parking may be limited. Consider using ride-sharing services or walking if you're already in the downtown area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Ropes Mansion Garden is free to enter and explore year-round. Tours of the mansion interior require a ticket, often bundled with Peabody Essex Museum entry or available for a small fee.
The garden is open 365 days a year, offering a beautiful escape at any time. The mansion interior has specific tour hours, so it's best to check their official schedule.
While the garden is free, touring the mansion typically involves a fee. Some visitors mention adding a small fee to their Peabody Essex Museum ticket for access.
Yes, you can freely explore the beautiful Ropes Mansion Garden without taking a guided tour of the house.
📸 📸 Photography & Social Media
Absolutely! The garden is incredibly picturesque with its flowers, pond, and historic charm, making it a popular spot for photoshoots and social media content.
Photography policies inside historic mansions can vary. It's best to check with the staff upon arrival or look for signage regarding interior photography rules.
The blooming flower beds, the serene pond, and the exterior of the mansion itself (especially with the Hocus Pocus connection) are prime spots for Instagram-worthy shots.
🎫 👻 History & Hauntings
The Ropes Mansion is known for its historical significance and is often mentioned in discussions about haunted places in Salem, with some visitors reporting eerie experiences. +1
Built in the 18th century, the Ropes Mansion is a Georgian Colonial home with a rich history tied to the Ropes family, including Nathaniel Ropes, a judge on the Superior Court of Judicature.
The Ropes Mansion served as the exterior for Allison's house in the popular 1993 film 'Hocus Pocus,' making it a significant landmark for fans visiting Salem.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the mansion interior might be less engaging for very young children due to its historical nature and rules, the Hocus Pocus connection can be a fun talking point for older kids and teens. Consider focusing on the garden and the exterior for a family-friendly experience.
💰 Budget Travelers
If you're interested in the mansion's interior, look for combined tickets or consider if the small entry fee aligns with your budget. Many visitors find the garden alone to be a very satisfying experience, so you can absolutely enjoy the Ropes Mansion's charm without spending a dime.
💖 Couples & Romantics
Take a leisurely stroll hand-in-hand through the blooming flowers, enjoy the peaceful pond, and soak in the historic atmosphere. It's a lovely place to create lasting memories together.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Ropes Mansion Garden
Many travelers find the garden to be a highlight of their Salem visit, often recommending it as a must-see even if they don't tour the mansion itself. The free access makes it an excellent option for budget-conscious travelers or those looking for a peaceful interlude. It's also a sought-after location for special events like weddings and proposals, adding to its romantic allure.
+2Remember to be respectful of the garden's beauty and the surrounding historic property. As noted by some locals, it's important to 'respect our historic places, including nature' to ensure its preservation for future visitors.
The Ropes Mansion: History and Hocus Pocus
For many, the mansion's primary draw is its role as Allison's house in the iconic Halloween film, Hocus Pocus. This cinematic connection has cemented its status as a pilgrimage site for fans of the movie, drawing visitors eager to see the real-life inspiration for the Sanderson sisters' adversaries. The exterior of the mansion, with its distinctive architecture, is instantly recognizable to fans.
+1Beyond its film fame, the Ropes Mansion is also whispered to be one of Salem's more haunted locations. Ghost tours often include a stop here, and some visitors have reported experiencing unusual phenomena or capturing intriguing images in the windows. This blend of historical depth and spooky lore adds an extra layer of intrigue to any visit.
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