Moultonborough, NH – Castle in the Clouds will open for its 2026 Season on Saturday, May 23. Visitors can look forward to spectacular views of Lake Winnipesaukee and daily tours of the restored Lucknow Mansion. This year, Castle in the Clouds will debut a new exhibition, From Private Estate to Public Treasure: Lucknow after Thomas and Olive Plant. This exhibit features stories, photographs, and memorabilia of the various owners of the Lucknow Estate before the Castle Preservation Society (CPS) was founded in 2006 to manage the estate as a public attraction and museum.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of CPS, which is responsible for the ongoing care and restoration of the Lucknow Mansion and Estate. “This is a pivotal year for the Castle Preservation Society since we are concluding our current strategic plan and continuing to plan for the future of Castle in the Clouds,” said Charles Clark, Executive Director of CPS. “Our entire team of staff, board and volunteers are extremely proud of all we have accomplished in the past 20 years, including the significant renovations to the Lucknow Estate which are either complete or scheduled for completion this year.”
In 2025, the U.S. Department of the Interior designated the Lucknow Estate as a National Historic Landmark (NHL). An NHL designation is the highest federal recognition of a property’s historical, architectural or archaeological significance. This designation for the Lucknow Estate is a testament to the efforts of CPS and the Lakes Region Conservation Trust to care for the property.
On opening day, Castle in the Clouds offers free admission to all Moultonborough residents. This Moultonborough Appreciation Day offers local residents a complimentary opportunity to visit the mansion before the largest crowds arrive in the beginning of summer. In addition to tours, opening day activities include the season’s first Saturday Hike and a Lucknow Garden Tour. Throughout this season, Castle in the Clouds will offer 200+ public program sessions, including classes and workshops, a presentation on the history of Ossipee Park, a production of Romeo and Juliet from Advice to the Players, and many other community events. The full calendar of programs and events can be found on the Castle in the Clouds website.
The 2026 season runs from May 23 to October 25. The property is open to visitors daily. Guests are encouraged to enter the property via the Historic Entrance. The original driveway to the Estate was repaved at the end of 2025, and provides an amazing introductory experience to any Castle visit. Onsite tickets are available for purchase beginning at 10:00 am daily, or online tickets can be purchased in advance. The Gift Shop, Carriage House and Exhibit Gallery open at 10:00 am and trolley service to the mansion begins at 10:15 am. Lunch is served in the Carriage House restaurant daily from 11:30 am until 3:30 pm. In addition to self-guided mansion tours, a limited number of tickets for guided tours of Lucknow Mansion and the Lucknow Mansion Basement are also available for those seeking an in-depth and behind-the-scenes experience. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.castleintheclouds.org.
