Craigdarroch Castle

A National Historic Site Of Canada: A 39 Room Mansion Built Between 1887 And 1890 For The Coal Baron Robert Dunsmuir, With Stained Glass, Carved Wood And A Tower With A View. It Served As A College And A Hospital Before Becoming A Museum. Not A Real Castle. Tickets Charged; Open Daily With Long Summer Hours. · Victoria, British Columbia

Craigdarroch Castle is a stone Victorian mansion on a hill in Victoria's Rockland neighbourhood, about 1.5 km east of the Inner Harbour. Built between 1887 and 1890 for the coal baron Robert Dunsmuir, it is a National Historic Site of Canada and has 39 rooms. It is not a real castle, just a very large house dressed up as one, with a tower, carved wood, stained glass and Victorian furnishings. Later it served as a college and a hospital before becoming a museum. The tour is self-guided and climbs through several floors, finishing with a long staircase to the tower and a view toward the Strait. It suits history fans, families with older children and anyone who likes period interiors and craft. It is not quick, so allow about 90 minutes, and it is not fully accessible because of stairs. Tickets are charged and it is open daily with longer summer hours, but check the times before you walk up the hill.

Stone Victorian mansion on a hill in the Rockland neighbourhood about 1.5 km east of Victoria's Inner Harbour, with a stair tower, a ballroom and a view of the Strait, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

The museum is open daily, with longer hours in summer and shorter days in winter, and last entry set some time before closing. Exact times change by season and by year, and the museum may close on certain holidays or for special events, so check the official website before you go. Tickets are charged, and timed entry or online booking may be offered at busy times such as summer weekends and school holidays. The gift shop and tea service follow their own hours, which can differ from the house, and some rooms may be closed for conservation. The hilltop location means a short uphill walk or a parking search, so allow extra time.

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