The Most Beautiful Castles in Texas

Enjoy Balmoral Castle and its vast grounds with a stay at one of the best hotels nearby
Enjoy Balmoral Castle and its vast grounds with a stay at one of the best hotels nearby | © AJB / Alamy Stock Photo
Alex Temblador

Let’s be honest; we know why people visit Texas. They’re looking for barbecue or Tex-Mex food, want to experience a rodeo or two-step, or love the great outdoors and sports enthusiasm of the Lone Star State. They’re not visiting Texas for the castles… but maybe they should. Surprisingly, Texas castles are totally a thing – and they’re beautiful. Don’t believe us? Check them out below!

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Falkenstein Castle

Falkenstein Castle is a magical castle in the small town of Burnet, Texas, built by Terry and Kim Young. The Youngs toured Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany, built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria. King Ludwig II had plans to build a castle nearby, Falkenstein Castle, but died before he could begin. The Youngs tracked down the blueprints of that castle and brought them back to Texas where they built their own Falkenstein Castle. Today, the castle is idyllic, surrounded by trees in Texas hill country and is often rented out for weddings, events, and filming for TV or movies.

Here is a quiet and friendly museum where you can go and explore Dallas through the ages. It has interactive elements at many of the stations, complete with information and quizzes to help children and adults alike retain what they are learning. It’s a four-story building with amazing architecture, and the museum uses the first two floors. It’s a place to see where Dallas has been in the past and a reflection on where Dallas should go in the future. This museum needs to be seen by locals and tourists alike.

Bishop’s Palace

One of the most beautiful homes in Galveston is Bishop’s Palace, built in the early 1890s for local lawyer Walter Gresham and his wife Josephine Gresham. The house has withstood a hurricane and several severe weather patterns. It later became the residence of the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Galveston, Christopher E. Byrne. The house is now owned by the Galveston Historical Foundation. You can take private tours and admire everything about the house from the stained glass windows to the intricate carvings made when the house was first built.

Newman’s Castle

Bellville, Texas isn’t well-known in the Lone Star State, except for its most prized attraction: Newman’s Castle. Local Mike Newman was inspired by his travels through Europe to build a castle. He began working on the castle in 1998, and 20 years later, Mr. Newman’s vision has come true and produced a beautiful castle that glistens white against the surrounding water of the moat. Tours are available six days a week and include the opportunity to visit the chapel, keep, and courtyard.

Pemberton Castle

Pemberton Castle appeared in the 1994 film Blank Check, and it’s no surprise why: This home is beautiful. The Pemberton Castle gets its name from its location in the Pemberton Heights neighborhood of Austin. However, it’s also known as the Fisher-Gideon House. Built in 1926, it began as a water tower and pump house to fight fires and water crops before expanding into the beautiful Gothic Revival castle it is today.

Trube Castle

Built in 1890, Trube Castle delights those who visit the historic district of Galveston, Texas. This Victorian-style castle is 7,000 square feet with 21 rooms and was designed by Alfred Muller for John and Veronica Trube, per Mr. Trube’s request to have it look like the castles he grew up with in Denmark. Over the years, it’s been a private residence, bed and breakfast, and today is rented out for events, photo shoots, and even for a night’s stay. Tours are available by appointment, and are well worth the opportunity to walk upstairs to the observation deck and get a view of the harbor.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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