bannerman castle tour reviews

The Manic Wanderer

How to Visit Bannerman Castle on the Hudson River

On a small island in the Hudson River lies one of New York’s hidden gems, Bannerman Castle. This abandoned castle sits in ruins among the water with a fascinating history and impressive architecture of what remains of its structure. Surrounded by the river and mountains, the castle and home on the island are a breathtaking sight. This is a great day trip for anyone coming from New York City, and below you’ll find how to visit Bannerman Castle on the Hudson River and what the tour entails. 

Where Is Bannerman Castle Located?

Although Bannerman Castle is on an island, it’s still part of Beacon, New York. Beacon is 60 miles north of New York City, which makes visiting the abandoned castle a perfect day trip from the city. The launch dock for the boat that takes travelers across the Hudson River to Bannerman Castle has ample parking for those driving in. 

The dock is also directly across from the Beacon Metro-North Railroad stop for those coming via train. From Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan, take the Hudson Line on Metro-North directly to Beacon. Train schedules and fares depend on the day and time of your visit. You can check current Metro-North details here .  

Find a time when the train will arrive at least 30- 45 minutes before the start of the tour in case of delays. 

When Can You Visit Bannerman Castle? 

You can visit Bannerman seasonally from May through October. Boat and walking tours are available with multiple time slots on the weekends and most Thursday and Friday evenings during this period. Special events hosted on the island are listed with dates on Bannerman's website. 

Bannerman Castle History

For a piece of land so small, it has quite a big history. The island now commonly known as Bannerman Island, was originally called Pollepel Island, and Indian tribes believed it to be haunted. It even has ties to the Revolutionary War as the setting of an unsuccessful attempt to stop the British from moving north. 

In 1900 Pollepel Island was forever changed when Francis Bannerman purchased it to store arms that he’d captured from the Spanish American War. Originally from Scotland, he was an extremely successful entrepreneur in New York and became the largest arms merchant in America. This was due to the seized equipment and weaponry he'd secured after historic wars, including the Civil War. Yet, it was after the Spanish American War, where he obtained 90 percent of the remaining supplies that brought him to the island for a place to hold all the newly acquired dangerous material.  

As a Scotsman, he modeled the building after a Scottish castle and built a separate lavish home for himself and his family on the island. Francis Bannerman passed away in 1918. Shortly thereafter an explosion in 1920 destroyed part of the castles structure leading his surviving family to abandon the island. Impacted by nature's elements, the castle decayed over the years, followed by a three-day fire in 1969 that left it in ruins. 

Today, the island is owned by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation. The not-for-profit organization, Bannerman Castle Trust, holds educational tours now to the public to preserve the historic castle and island. 

How to Visit Bannerman Castle

There are two ways to reach Bannerman Island. You can either take a boat ride, or you can get there by kayaking/canoeing. It's important to note for the latter option that you must have your own kayak or canoe, one will not be provided for you. If you don't have one of your own there is a tour with one provided. However, the price for that tour is $100 per person. 

Both of these methods are organized through the Bannerman Castle Trust and require tickets purchased for each member of your party. They suggest arriving half an hour before departure, so keep that in mind when choosing a date and time. Bannerman Castle tickets can be purchased here . 

Getting to Bannerman Castle by Boat

Traveling to Bannerman by boat was the option I chose for my tour. My ticket included the cruise to the island and a guided walking tour of the grounds. There were four time slots to decide from, and I picked the first tour of the day at 11 am. We drove to Beacon from NYC and found plenty of parking at the lot. The 20-minute cruise on the Hudson River was short, informative, and a beautiful way to start the day on the water. On this tour, you’ll learn about Bannerman’s history, see the castle ruins and visit the separate Bannerman home and gardens. 

Cruise and Walking Tour Pricing:

Adult: $45 Child: $35

Getting to Bannerman Castle by Kayak/Canoe

While I opted for the cruise and walking tour, I would love to visit again by kayaking across the Hudson River over to the castle. This is a self-guided tour from one of four departure points. Once on the island, there is a historian there who will give a 20-minute tour. The tour price is per person, so even if you plan to use a tandem kayak, you will need two tickets. 

Departure Points:

1. Donohue Memorial Park in Cornwall on Hudson   

• Half-hour paddle over to Bannerman. 
• To park, a parking pass is required from the Village of Cornwall.

2. Kowawese Unique Area in Plum Point Park 

• Parking is available within the park. 

3. Scenic Hudson’s Long Dock Park in Beacon, NY

• An hour to an hour and a half paddle over to Bannerman.
• Spacious parking is available. 

4. Cold Spring, NY (Foundry Dock Park)

• An hour and a half paddle over to Bannerman.
• Free parking is available on weekends. 

Self-guided Kayak/Canoe Tour Pricing : $40 per person 

If you don’t have access to a kayak and would prefer to take the kayak and walking tour, where one would be provided for you that is also an option. However, while you can book on the Bannerman Castle website, it is through Storm King Adventure Tours. This tour is also guided, but it is the priciest option of the bunch. Single kayaks are for those ages 12 and up. Tandem kayaks are for ages 7 and up with an adult. 

Kayak and Walking Tour Pricing:

Solo Kayak: $100  Tandem Kayak: $100

Tips: 

• Make reservations at least a week in advance since spots sell out quickly. 
• All tours are conducted rain or shine. Dress accordingly in case of inclement weather. 
• There are no refunds or rescheduling of tours allowed, be prepared to arrive early. In case of serious weather where the captain of the boat cancels the trip, you can reschedule your tour to a different date. 
• For those who plan to kayak with their own vessel, the tour time slot is when you will arrive at Bannerman Island. Make sure there’s enough time to paddle over. 

Cruise & Walking Tour of Bannerman Castle Experience

If you're taking the cruise and walking tour, then your tour begins on the boat! During the ride over to the island, the captain gives a brief talk on the area's history, including information on the Revolutionary War and George Washington. He also told our group what to expect from the tour, and what time to arrive back at the dock for pickup. 

Cruising across the Hudson River during the spring is beautiful. The view of the abandoned castle as I neared the island was a breathtaking sight to behold. At the dock, several wooden staircases lead up to the grounds, where the guide promptly met the group. The tour guide slowly walked us to a few spots to see the castle ruins from different vantage points while discussing the history of Bannerman Island and the Bannerman family.

The final stop is outside the Bannerman residence, where you'll find a stunning garden overlooking the Hudson. Once the guided tour has concluded, you’re able to freely roam the grounds for the next 45 minutes until the boat comes to pick you up. I took some time to soak up the extraordinary views of the river and mountains. Then I explored inside the home that's open to the public on the first level. 

There are short rugged trails either leading down to the base of the river or to the top overlooking the island. They're both quick and worth the effort to complete. Before the boat returned, I sat on one of the many benches near the top of the stairs to the dock with a view of the abandoned castle to take it all in. It was a wonderful way to end my time on Bannerman Island. 

• Wear comfortable shoes. The paths around the island are uneven and rocky in some parts. It would do best with sneakers or an active shoe. 
• The tour is not suitable for mobility issues or strollers due to the terrain so consider this for any visit. 
• Snacks and drinks are available to purchase on the island but not included in the tour. 

Come To Bannerman Castle for a Special Event

While the guided tours of Bannerman are fantastic, the island also holds special events throughout the season for visitors to enjoy Bannerman Castle differently. These events include movie nights, live music, theatrical plays, and formal dinners. The movies and events vary every year, so always check their calendar to see what’s happening. This upcoming fall they’re bringing back Dracula, the original Broadway production. The play sold out in 2022 and is supposed to be nothing short of spectacular! 

Final Thoughts

Visiting Bannerman Castle on the Hudson River was an experience I’ll never forget. Learning the full depth of its history, wandering the grounds, and taking in the endless views of the Hudson Valley made for an incredible tour. Additionally, being so close to NYC, it was the perfect day trip. 

Would you want to visit the abandoned Bannerman Castle? Let me know in the comments! 

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Looks like an interesting place to visit. I live in NYC and seems like a good weekend trip for the summer.

It's interesting and beautiful to visit! It's a great trip from NYC either by car or train!

I certainly would not go looking for a castle in New York State. So it would be fun to visit Bannerman Castle. It sure does look like an authentic castle! I like the idea of heading to Bannerman Island by boat or kayak to start the tour. And would probably book a tour to learn more on my visit. Definitely a fun thing to put on my radar.

The boat trip was a wonderful way to reach the castle, but I'd love to do it again with a kayak tour. I definitely recommend booking a tour for a New York based trip!

Looks very cool! Something else to add to my bucket list.

It's a really cool and interesting experience so close to NYC!

In the early 70,s I was stationed at Stewart Air Force base near Newburg NY. I drove my MGB all around the area I went up the inclined rail ride on Mount Beacon .In my travels I saw Bannermans Castle and have always been intrigued by it and wanted to get close up. A few years ago my wife and I were in the area and could only see it for a few seconds from the train. It is one of the things to do on my bucket list and hope to make it happen this summer

I had no idea there was a rail on Mount Beacon, so I'll have to look into that now! Thank you for sharing your story with me, I hope you get to visit Bannerman this summer! It's a fascinating tour and a beautiful island.

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Exploring the Abandoned Bannerman Castle on an Island in the Hudson River

If you’ve ever stood along the Hudson River near Newburgh, Beacon, or Cornwall-on-Hudson and looked out over the river, it’s likely that you couldn’t help but notice the abandoned castle that sits on an island in the middle of the river.

Your eyes aren’t deceiving you. This six-acre island, known officially as Pollepel Island, is home to the incredible Bannerman Castle. Wanting to learn more about this amazing spot, I signed up for the seasonal tours offered by the Bannerman Castle Trust.

Since Bannerman Castle sits on an island in the middle of the Hudson River, tours start with a 30-minute boat ride that leaves from a dock in Beacon, New York that’s adjacent to the community’s train station. This makes it very convenient both for those with cars and those arriving by rail on the Metro-North Railroad’s Hudson Line (which is only 1:40 from Grand Central Station in New York City ).

Boat rides to Bannerman Castle take roughly 30 minutes to traverse the 3.5-mile distance on the Hudson River. The boat, known as the Estuary Steward, is a relatively small boat with few frills. However, it makes for a nice and comfortable ride to the island.

Along the way, boat operators typically offer a bit of history on the area and point out nearby attractions in Beacon and Newburgh, including George Washington’s Headquarters and Dennings Point . That being said, the narration is unofficial and not a part of the trip, so your experience may vary.

Once docked on the island, guided tours begin at the top of the hill (roughly 70 steps up from the dock). 

These tours of Bannerman Castle offer a fantastic look into the history of the island, including its use by Native Americans, Dutch sailors, and the Continental Army, prior to the island being purchased by Francis Bannerman VI in 1900.

Bannerman was the world’s foremost arms and military surplus merchant. At the height of his company, he produced a 300-page magazine that could (and did) outfit entire armies around the world.

Given his massive storage of explosive munitions, he was encouraged to move his company’s storage out of New York City. Pollepel Island made a perfect spot to safely store his wares.

For most of the next two decades until his death, Bannerman built multiple castles on the island as armories for his business. What you see today are actually multiple castles built next to each other and designed to resemble European castles, especially Scotland.

Despite what you might think about viewing them, people never lived in these castles, though there was a small home on the island for a caretaker and another for Bannerman and his family to stay in when visiting.

After Bannerman died in 1918, things began to change on the island, and it was permanently vacated in the early 1950s. In 1967, the state purchased the island and turned it into a state park. However, due to a massive fire in 1969 and the general state of the structures, it was left to ruin for the next few decades.

Tragedy again struck the island when, in December 2009, despite years of work to preserve the site, a large portion of the castle’s facade collapsed. Leaving only a portion still standing (which is now reinforced with giant metal supports).

Today, the Bannerman Island Trust runs tours on the island and maintains the remaining structures through a partnership with the state.

The guided tours visit several stops around the island, and, at each spot, guides tell more about the story of the island’s fascinating history.

Unfortunately, due to the instability of the remaining buildings, visitors are not allowed near the castle structure. However, there are several good vantage points where you can view it from 100-200 feet away.

Visitors can also explore the first floor of the Bannerman’s home on the island, which is in the process of being restored.

Inside, you’ll find a small gift shop, as well as signage telling more about the island’s history.

The guided tours of the islands last around 60 minutes, giving you roughly 30 minutes to explore the rest of the island. A series of trails wind their way up to various vantage points around the island, offering views of the castle and the Hudson River. There are also beautiful gardens on the island that are maintained by volunteers and add a lot of interest to the island.

Ultimately, my only complaint with my tour of Bannerman Castle is that I didn’t have more time to explore on my own. While I don’t think the guided tour was too long, it would have been nice to have had 45-60 minutes to really explore the entirety of the island. However, given that the entire trip takes 2.5 hours as it is, it’s probably about the right length overall.

It also would have been nice to have been able to get closer to the castle, but that’s obviously not allowed now due to safety issues with the remaining structure.

All that being said, Bannerman Island is a fantastic spot to visit. While this is more of a trip for history buffs than those that like independent exploration, I really enjoyed my time learning about this interesting spot in the Hudson Valley .

If you too love history, don’t miss the chance to take this fantastic tour.

Looking for even more spots to visit nearby? Check out Little Stony Point , the Motorcyclepedia Museum , Dover Stone Church , and Kykuit Rockefeller Estate .

(Note that visits to and docking at the island are only allowed for guided tours and official events.)

Tours of Bannerman Island

More nearby places worth exploring.

Touring Olana State Historic Site: The Home of Artist Frederic Church

Hiking to the Abandoned Ruins and River Trails at Dennings Point

Yonkers Brewing Company: Delicious Beers Near New York City

Is It Worth Attending the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze in the Hudson Valley?

Find more things to do in the hudson valley.

Jim Cheney is the creator of Uncovering New York. After spending 5.5 years exploring Pennsylvania, Jim discovered a love for New York and is excited to spend time exploring this great state and uncovering the best things to do here.

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Very interesting and good detailed coverage and telling us what to expect when we go and where.

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Bannerman's Island

Review Highlights

“ Overall, I loved the physical adventure of kayaking to the castle , coupled with the views and history. ” in 23 reviews

“ Make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes and know there is no restroom except a porter potty on the island. ” in 4 reviews

“ The Bannerman family eventually sold this island to the state of New York, and it was closed down due to safety concerns. ” in 3 reviews

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

Beacon, NY 12508

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Officially called Pollepel Island, and familiarly called Bannerman Island. The non-profit group Bannerman Castle Trust, dedicated to preserving the island and it's structures, hosts hard hat guided walking tours of the island every weekend from May through October. …

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This is for the kayaking tour around and walking tour in Bannerman Castle. A truly unique experience paddling yourself up to the castle, with slightly moving currents giving you just enough resistance to make it challenging. You can get some great "go pro" or selfie pictures on the way from the quaint town of Beacon to the island. Make sure you are comfortable being in a boat alone! Once on the island, the tour was very informative and included lots of walking up and down stairs. Being good sneakers and be prepared for some hiking! But the effort is worth it, as the castle itself is beautiful and full of history. The grounds are nice too, although it is hilly and a bit rugged in some parts. Overall, I loved the physical adventure of kayaking to the castle, coupled with the views and history. A memorable afternoon tour!

See all photos from Matthew N. for Bannerman's Island

A delightful way to spend a couple of hours on a nice summer day. Boat leaves from Beacon New York and it's about a 20 minute ride to the island, with a guided tour of about 45 minutes, some time to explore on your own, and then return on the boat shortly there after. Interesting story behind the castle, and nice walking paths though make sure you wear sturdy shoes because some are rather rocky.

See all photos from Lou C. for Bannerman's Island

Bannerman's Island is simply beautiful! My friend and I kayaked there yesterday. As we got closer and saw the intricate castle, I was in awe. It is a shame that the castle is falling apart. I would've loved to see it in all its glory. We spent an hour or so walking around the island, seeing the beautiful flowers, the Bannerman Residence, and the Rocky beach on the south side. We got lucky because there was live music that day and my friend and I were able to enjoy some classic tunes while we ate lunch. A must see if you are in the area! Make sure to book tickets first though!

See all photos from Nick S. for Bannerman's Island

customer service is terrible. i wanted to make a reservation for July 28 but accidentally made it for April 28. Not 5 min after i contacted them. 3 emails and 3 calls. the emails were never responded to. The calls went to answering service. Rich told me to call back after 3:30 if i didn't hear from them. i did to find out it was because he was off duty and Anita who answered said flatly no reservation changes and was borderline rude. So on the reservation email where it says to contact them with any issues. IS A LIE.

See this place before climate change whisks the remains away! Unique tour of what used to be a sprawling munitions factory built to resemble a castle. Lot of interesting history (lot of drama and explosions in the past). The Bannerman family eventually sold this island to the state of New York, and it was closed down due to safety concerns. Then almost 20 years ago, the Bannerman Trust was established. Now they have tours, hold chef's dinners, show movies, have theater events. The tour boat that brings you over (it's about a 20 minute trip along the estuary) is clean and spacious and the captain is entertaining and kind. Our guides was a husband and wife team, very knowledgeable. There were beautiful views, lovely gardens, and Monarch butterflies everywhere (they apparently come to the island every year). There are bathrooms on the island. There's also a place to buy drinks and souvenirs, but cash only. Over 70 steps to get to the top of the site, so be prepared.

See all photos from Hunter S. for Bannerman's Island

Due to a miscommunication about a reservation .... Everything was worked out beyond my expectations and I was greatly satisfied and can't wait to meet up with friends to experience Bannerman' s Island / Thank you for making the extra effort in contacting me ,you went up and beyond !

Having attended last night's theatrical production on the island, I can safely say it was one of the worst outings I've experienced. If you are attending anything on the island, do COPIOUS AMOUNTS OF RESEARCH ON THE BOAT SCHEDULES. Despite absolutely zero published information, the tickets and entry times correlate to when you can leave at the end of the night ... they have horrible customer service (after spending $80 on tickets ... hilariously corrupt) and the audience is essentially a hostage until the second boat returns at 11 PM. There isn't a single informed person in charge with a shred of experience, because this is a logistical and safety nightmare. There are definite liabilities and the island production team needs significant overhaul and/or state supervision. What an embarrassment. What a joke.

Catching glimpses of Bannerman Castle from the banks of the Hudson for years and having read about its history I was enthralled to set foot on the island. My two companions with less preconceived notions were much less so, by the reality of what the tour actually offers. Not for any fault of the trust, you can't get very close at all to the main arsenal structure due to its instability, see photos as those are the only two views you get. The paths through the garden to the residence are lovely and short and you can go inside the first floor of the residence and go around it. It's small. There are spectacular views of the Hudson River valley. The boat ride over snd back was very nice and the captain provided very interesting information about history of Newburgh.

Bannerman's is a landmark I first noticed on a train trip from Albany to NYC almost 20 years ago. On the island sits a building in ruins that looks like a castle, but it was actually used to house military supplies. Whenever I ride Amtrak, I always try to sit on the Hudson River side of the train so I can look for this and West Point. If you want to know where it is, pull up Google Maps on your phone and put in Bannerman's, that way you will know when you are about to approach it when on the train. I have not yet toured the island, but friends had. In the warmer months, there are an assortment of tours to pick from: http://www.bannermancastle.org/index.html One day I plan to tour this, it would definitely make for a fun excursion out of NYC.

Good evening trip. Not something you see everyday in America. Castles are all over the place in Europe, but we definitely don't see them here. Granted it only has a fraction of the history of the old world castles, it's still a worthwhile side trip if you're in the Beacon area. You will not be able to step foot into the larger "castle." It's a shell. You will only be able to step inside the smaller building, which also looks like a castle. You will also be able to walk around the island on a path. Don't think of it as a hike. It's barely a few minutes long. It's a tiny island. But, there are some spectacular sites, with or without the sunset. It's just a beautiful area, full of greenery, mountains, and of course, the river. Worth a couple hours of your time.

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Visiting Bannerman Castle

By Julie Besonen

• Aug. 29, 2017

The Hudson River acts as a moat around Bannerman Castle , its fairy-tale turrets the right height for Rapunzel to let down her hair. The fragile edifice broods on a rocky little island about 60 miles north of Manhattan, appearing forlorn and romantic. Once upon a time the castle was perhaps the most dangerous place in New York.

Many a traveler aboard Metro-North’s Hudson line has probably glimpsed the castle, wondering, “what is that?” Much is revealed on a hiking tour, including the newly restored Bannerman family mini-castle, about 350 feet away from the towers, cloistered amid gardens and once served by a still-standing outhouse built for two.

Pollepel Island – its official name although it’s commonly called Bannerman Island – is reached by boat from Beacon or Newburgh. There are also kayak tours. Trespassers and river pirates, beware: You can be given a ticket, arrested, or worse. Bannerman recently made headlines when a man’s kayak capsized, resulting in his death, during a return trip from the island with his fiancée. She later pleaded guilty to criminally negligent homicide.

The island’s isolation appealed to Francis Bannerman VI (1851-1918), a Scottish-born arms dealer and Brooklyn resident who bought it in 1900 to house his vast arsenal of munitions. Storing volatile black powder in populous New York City had grown too risky.

From humble beginnings collecting scrap metal, Mr. Bannerman’s fortune mushroomed, taking him abroad where he observed baronial castles. Inspired, he decided to erect a fortress with crenelated towers to house his weaponry. He drew up architectural plans, sometimes on old invoices or napkins, borrowing Scottish, Moorish and Belgian design details. Construction began in 1901. Barges ferried his cannons and artillery up the Hudson, according to a tour guide, Steve Santangelo.

In 1920, the powder house on the island blew up . “The explosion was heard from Poughkeepsie to Peekskill,” Mr. Santangelo said. The castle, too, was affected: its high windows were shattered, as were many more in nearby villages. Mr. Bannerman had died two years earlier and his widow, lodging at the family retreat, narrowly escaped being killed.

Over time, the Bannerman offspring lost interest in visiting their summer idyll. Relics went to the Smithsonian Institution and the island was sold, eventually becoming part of the Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve . In 1969, a conflagration, believed to be arson, left the castle a shell.

The island became safely accessible to the public largely thanks to Neil Caplan, a Beacon resident. In 1992, he started the Bannerman Castle Trust , which has raised more than a million dollars to stabilize the ruins and clear the overgrown paths. Today, about 30 volunteers are involved in landscaping and leading tours, he said, which cost $35 and last two and a half hours, including the boat ride, and run from May through October. Upcoming events include horror movie nights and a five-course dinner. Kayak tours range from $100 to $130.

No one lives on the island, except for “Frank, a black rat snake,” Mr. Caplan said. “And mice, but they don’t stay too long with Frank around.”

Beacon, in Dutchess County, is a fine place to round out the day. Main Street is lined with shops, restaurants and art galleries like Matteawan (436 Main Street), promoting notable midcareer and emerging artists. Dia:Beacon (3 Beekman Street) is more of a rabbit hole, another day trip in itself.

Make time for Meyer’s Olde Dutch (184 Main Street), a new diner with a killer crispy chicken sandwich and loaded double-patty burger. The same chef/owner, Brian Arnoff, is rightfully lauded for Kitchen Sink Food & Drink (157 Main Street), featuring a good wine list and seasonal, delicious dishes like creamy sweet corn gnocchi with crab meat. Sit in the serene back patio.

On the return journey from Beacon, if someone looks out the window and asks, “What’s that?” of the castle, now you’ll have the answer.

Getting there: Trains to Beacon leave hourly from Grand Central Terminal, take about 100 minutes and cost $33.50 round-trip, off-peak. Metro-North also offers reduced fare specials through Oct. 29. Weekend tours of Bannerman Castle often sell out so book in advance at bannermancastle.org .

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Bannerman Castle: How to Visit the Abandoned Castle on the Hudson

The abandoned Bannerman Castle New York is hard to miss sitting out on Bannerman Island, officially called Pollepel Island, in the middle of the Hudson River. 

If you have peered out at the Hudson River near Cold Spring or Beacon, whether on the Hudson Valley hiking trails or as you drive along the river, you have probably seen Bannerman Castle on a island and wondered what it was. 

The best way of answering that question is to book a cruise and walking tour and get to Bannerman Island itself to learn more about the fascinating history of the timeworn ruins. 

If you are questioning if taking a Bannerman Island tour is worth it, since you can see it from various angles and locations along the Hudson River, we would absolutely recommend it. You can never compare actually being on Pollepel Island and seeing Bannerman Castle from afar. 

Get a glimpse of Bannerman Castle’s history and read a detailed description of the cruise and walking tour below.

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How to Get to Bannerman Castle

Bannerman Castle sits on Pollepel Island in the middle of the Hudson River near Beacon, New York, just a few miles north of Cold Spring. Don’t get confused, some people refer to the island as Bannermans Island but the island’s official name is Pollepel Island.

Note: To access the island you need to purchase a ticket. You are not allowed to enter Pollepel Island without one, even when you arrive at the castle on a island with your own small vessel. 

There are two different ways to see Bannerman Castle up close:

1. Book a cruise which comes with a walking tour

There are two ferry ports which you can utilize to get to Bannerman Castle, one in Beacon and one in Newburgh Ferry Landing. 

Since the most popular Island cruise and walking tour starts from Beacon ferry dock, we will concentrate on that way to explore the Bannerman Castle ruin and the island itself (see below).

If you are traveling from New York City the ferry port in Beacon is easily accessible by public transportation. First, hop on the Metro North on the Hudson Line to the Beacon Train Station. Once you get off the train, you walk across the parking lot towards the Hudson River and you will see a sign for Bannerman Castle Tours. 

2. Arrive in your own kayak or canoe and do a self-guided walking tour

In case you are a little more adventurous (and you are fortunate enough to have your own small vessel), you can paddle to Pollepel Island yourself. There are 4 different departure locations you can choose from, depending on how long you would like your paddle adventure to last:

• Donohue Park in Cornwall on Hudson (½ hour paddle one way)
• Kowawese Unique Area at Plum Point  (½ hour paddle one way)
• Scenic Hudosn’s Long Dock Park (1-1 ½ hour paddle one way)
• Cold Spring (1 ½ hour paddle one way)

Make sure to arrive at Bannerman Island at your chosen time slot. Then you will have 1.5 hours to venture the island yourself on the historic trails. You also have the option to join a 20-minute tour of Bannerman Island’s history led by a historian. 

About Bannerman Castle NY

Have you ever wondered like us why there is an abandoned castle on a island in the middle of the Hudson River?

When visiting this unique attraction in New York, we were not only stunned by the beauty of the castle ruins but also by Bannerman Castle’s history.

To get you even more interested in visiting and taking a tour, we will give you a quick synopsis of Bannerman Castle and its owner Francis Bannerman.

Francis Bannerman was born in Scotland and came to the United States to live in Brooklyn at 3 years old. At a young age, Francis used to collect scraps from the harbor, which turned out to be a successful business for the teenager. In 1865, he was able to open his own business called Bannermans. As the business grew and he possessed more and more goods, his store eventually made its way to Broadway in Manhattan. 

He soon specialized in military gear but with so much dangerous material and ammunition in store, the city eventually required Bannerman to look for storage outside the city limits. On a canoeing trip on the Hudson River, David Bannerman (son of Francis) spotted an island in the middle of the river. It was the perfect safe storage space for all the surplus military equipment for the Bannermans. Francis purchased the island in 1900 and began building Bannerman Castle in 1901. 

Without wanting to spoil too much, we can say that after Bannerman died various natural disasters like storms and fires but also vandalism and decay hit the island hard.

In the 21st century, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation purchased the island, recognizing the value of this hidden gem in the Hudson Valley. Nowadays, the non-profit organization The Bannerman Castle Trust, Inc. takes care of Bannerman Island and offers tours and various unique events.

Bannerman Castle Tour Information

Bannerman Island Cruise & Walking Tour (From Beacon,NY)

Price: Adults $40 (12+), Child $35 (0-11) Duration: 2.5 hours Good to Know:

• Tour is welcome to all ages
• Rain or shine tour
• No refund or rescheduling

This is the most popular tour offered to Bannerman Castle. The tour begins with a 30 minute boat ride from Beacon ferry dock to Pollepel Island followed by a 1.5 hour guided tour of Bannerman Castle ruins and gardens.

You will learn all about the island’s history, the various buildings, and of course the Bannerman family. After the conclusion of the tour, you will take the 30 minute boat ride back to Beacon. 

Tours only run seasonally, usually from late April to late October/early November. 

The tour will bring you around the perimeter of the Bannerman Castle ruins and surrounding areas. Since Bannerman Castle is mainly ruins, the Bannerman Island tours do not provide access to the castle due to safety concerns. Most of the ruins are being supported by large metal support beams. 

Here is how to make a reservation for the Bannerman Island Cruise & Walking Tour from Beacon step by step:

• Visit the bannermancastle.org website
• Hover over the Activities banner on the top of the page
• Click on Cruise & Walking Tour
• Book the tour by choosing a date and time is applicable
• Add how many adults and children will attend the tour
• Complete the necessary information, add payment, and submit

You can also book a tour by calling (845) 831-1001.

Visiting Bannerman Castle by Tour Itinerary

To be honest, we are usually not huge fans of guided tours because we like to wander around at our own pace but the Bannerman Island tour was a big exception.

Not only did we like the fact that the tour was led by a Bannerman Castle Trust Historian who was extremely passionate about the rich history the Bannerman Castle has to offer. On top of that you also got the opportunity to walk the grounds on your own.

We would have loved to combine exploring Bannerman Castle with a fun kayak tour but unfortunately we don’t have our own small vessels yet, so we chose the less complicated way to visit Bannerman Island which already included the transportation from the mainland.

The Bannerman Castle tour departed from Beacon’s waterfront right next to the Beacon train station. The starting point is super easy to find due to the large sign saying ‘Bannerman Tours’. 

After getting checked in with the boat crew, the tour group will load the Estuary Steward for a 30 minute cruise on the Hudson River to Pollepel Island and Bannerman Castle.

While on the boat, the crew provides some fascinating historical information about the surrounding area, including the towns of Beacon and Newburgh, George Washington Headquarters, Denning’s Point, and other features along the route. 

As you approach the castle on a island, make sure to really take a look at Bannerman Castle from the water. It looks pretty incredible and definitely provides a unique perspective. 

Once you reach the island, the boat will dock and the tour group will make their way up to the tour starting point, the top of a short semi-steep 72-step climb up a metal staircase..

You will have 1.5 hours to get to know the island and the Bannerman Castle ruins. On top of walking the trails during the guided tour, you will also have some free time to scout out spots you didn’t see on the tour or even come back to favorite lookouts. 

Usually, the tour will split up into 2 smaller groups for the guided tour of Bannerman castle, where you learn about the history of the island and Francis Bannerman and his family. One group will start the tour immediately, whereas the other group will depart shortly after.

The guides were extremely knowledgeable and offered several visuals from different years of the island, Bannerman Castle, and the Bannerman military surplus store. 

Top Tip: We prefer joining the first tour group if possible. That gives you the chance to come back to locations you might have had to rush through before during the tour.

Since the Bannerman Arsenal has had quite a bit of damage done to it over the years, the ruins of Bannerman Castle are not accessible. Therefore, during the tour you will only be able to look at the structure from a safe distance. But even to look at the ancient castle is stunning itself. 

However, you will be able to walk around the grounds and inside parts of the Bannerman residence where you can find more information and pictures about Bannerman Island’s history.

As mentioned before, you will have some time before or after the guided tour to walk around the gardens and to the summit of the island at your own leisure. The island is pretty small with only 6.5 acres, so you will have plenty of time to explore the Bannermans Castle Trail and the other unnamed hiking path of the island. 

Besides enjoying incredible views of the architectural gems on Bannerman Island, you also get to see splendid views of the Hudson River. One of our highlights was the viewpoint in front of the Bannerman residency. Also make sure to cross the bridge behind the restroom which leads to the highest point of Pollepel Island.

At a certain time given to you upon arrival, the tour will meet again at the starting point at the top of the metal staircase before heading back down to the boat dock to return to Beacon. 

Do keep in mind that each tour will vary slightly since you will have a different tour guide on the island and different boat crew members. But one thing is for sure, you will learn a lot about the history of the Bannerman family, business, Pollepel Island, and of course the castle itself on the Bannerman Castle tour.

The Bannerman Island tour is a fun, quick, and interesting activity which is perfect for an evening in the Hudson Valley since it combines the best of the outdoors and history of the area. 

Tour Tips for Visiting Bannerman Castle

• Tours of Bannerman Castle are only offered seasonally.
• Terrain on the island is not conducive to strollers and wheelchairs. It is hilly and rocky. It is best to wear comfortable shoes.
• Parking for tours are at Beacon Train Station or Newburgh Ferry Landing depending on where you are starting from.
• There are special events which occur throughout the year at Bannerman Castle on Pollepel Island, for example movie nights, farm-to-table dinners, and theatrical performances. Check the island’s website for upcoming events and make sure to book in advance.
• Arrive at the ferry dock at least 10 minutes before your tour time to check in.
• Be prepared for various weather conditions and dress accordingly. Tours happen rain or shine. 
• Tours tend to sell out, especially in the fall during the fall foliage, so make sure to book in advance.

What was the most stunning fact you learned on the Bannerman Castle tour? What is your favorite spot on Bannerman Island?

Let us know in the comments below!

Our Other Resources for Hudson Valley

How to hike the mysterious cornish estate trail.

• Beautiful Anthony’s Nose Hike: All You Need to Know
• Hiking Breakneck Ridge: How Tough Actually is this Hike
• How to See the Picturesque Indian Brook Falls
• 33 Most Beautiful Trails for Hiking in Hudson Valley
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How to Hike the Indian Ladder Trail at Thacher State Park

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Ok, you information was good, but it didn’t tell me how to make reservations or how to get in contact with someone to take a tour on Bannerman Castle. There is no phone number. I’m coming from Mississippi. I would like some information on how to take a tour to see Bannerman Castle. Please send me the detailed information, I would appreciate it very much, thanks.

Thank you very much for your feedback. We appreciate it. We will make sure to add this information to our post as it is vital information for travelers. We will also send you a direct email with the information you are looking for to help with your traveling plans. Thank you again. You should receive an email shortly.

It’s a really cool place to visit, especially if you’re interested in history or architecture. The views from the island are amazing, and it’s a great place to take a hike or just relax.

Agreed! It is a fun activity to do in the Hudson Valley.

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• Cold Spring

Bannerman Castle

Bannerman Island, Cold Spring , New York USA

• Independent
• Not Wheelchair Accessible
• Public Restrooms
• Outdoor Seating

“A castle of mystery and intrigue”

Located on an island in the Hudson River, this iconic castle was once a private arsenal and is now a fascinating ruin. The island is open for guided and self-guided Bannerman Castle Tours, seasonally, from May through November. Embark on a guided tour and learn about the history, architecture, and legends surrounding this unique landmark. Take in the panoramic views of the river and surrounding landscape, and imagine the castle's storied past. Prepare for a captivating journey into the enigmatic world of Bannerman Castle!

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Reviewed by william.vrachopoulos

I'm not sure where this map is supposed to lead you, but the castle is literally on an island in the middle of river. Unless your car can drive through the Hudson, you have to kayak.

Reviewed by melinagunnett

If you want to go to the island, you need yo go with a tour. The boat ride is about 30 minutes down the Hudson. The island is beautiful. Along with the large castle ruins there is a small castle near the top of the island where the Banermans lived when they visited the island. It is partially restored and the lower floor turned into a museum.

Reviewed by AlexanderMaerko

We went there and found out that this castle is on an island that you can't get to unless you got a boat.

Reviewed by rachael.saltzman

This is now open to the public, with tours.

Reviewed by ravenhousepim

I wonder whether the name "pollepel" stems from the name of a girl. "Pollepel" is an old Dutch word, (pictured in many famous paintings by old masters, such as Jan Steen), still in use and refers to a spoon, ladle or pot ladle. Pim Gillissen, Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Reviewed by donniedexter

Beautiful place to visit, be sure to get tickets well in advance

Reviewed by AlexisHartmann

This island is also in one of the transformer movies!

Reviewed by Brandon Hite

• 155 Reviews
• 118 Helpful

This place looks straight out of a Ye Old England book. I imagine on my visit I'd be doing a lot of terrible impersonations of Monty Python jokes.

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SELF GUIDED TOUR WITH LIVE MUSIC BEACON

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 2.5 hours
• Users Ages: All ages
• Checkmark Tour Includes: • 30-minute boat ride over to Bannerman Island aboard the Estuary Steward • Self-guided tour of the island in which you will visit the famous Bannerman Castle ruins and gardens • Enjoy a live music concert or performance. • The whole experience is 2.5 hours • Return trip back on the Estuary Steward to Beacon where it all began
• Sunset Rain or Shine: Tours go rain or shine. There is a no refund or rescheduling policy.
• Info More Info: The tour departs from Beacon, NY and advance booking is required for all tours! Please wear comfortable shoes as there is some rough terrain on the walking tour portion of the experience. Strollers cannot be accommodated. There is a 72-step climb from the dock to the start of the tour (there is a rest stop along the way).

Self-guided tour & live music from Beacon, NY

In town for the 3rd Sunday of the month? Just hop on board the Estuary Steward and ride over to Bannerman Island where you can enjoy a self-guided tour and a live music concert or performance.

This tiny jewel in the setting of the Hudson Highlands exhibits rich history and beautiful scenery of this place will provide a wonderfully enriching day for the whole family.

COVID-19:  Vaccination Cards and masks are currently not required at this time but could change depending on the severity at the time. Bannerman Island follows New York State COVID-19 regulations.

Bannerman Castle Trust, Inc.

Third Sunday Music Concerts 2024

May 19 – Paul Spring

June 16 – Damian Ecco (Singer Songwriter)

July 21 – Jasperoo (Duo)

August 18 – Emily Beck

Sept. 15 – Tara O’Grady

October 20 – Scott Beall & Friends

What to bring:

Wear comfortable walking shoes. Dress for the appropriate weather conditions. Your confirmation email is also your tickets for the show.

Please note: In order to put on a show at Bannerman Island, we need to have 2 boat loads of 44 people. If you are on the first boat for the show at 6 pm, when you get to Bannerman Island, you will receive a guided tour of the island before the show. When the show is over, you will return to Beacon after the show is finished.

If you are on the second boat departing to Bannerman Island at 7 pm, you will be escorted to your seats for the show. After the show is over, you will be given a lecture of Bannerman Island, while you wait for the boat to return to pick you up. It takes about 50 minutes. We thank you for your cooperation.

Toland Bros, May 21st

TOM McCoy, June 18th

Tony DePaolo, July 30th

Daryl Brown and Lil’ Bones, August 20th

Jeff Kirn, September 17th

Thistle, October 15th

Wear comfortable walking shoes. Dress for the appropriate weather conditions. Your confirmation email is also your ticket for the show.

Meeting Location:

Beacon Institute Floating Dock (Beacon, NY)

Directions: Take Exit 41 (Beacon) South. Turn right at Beekman Street. Follow and pass main entrance to Metro North Train Station. Make the next right onto Red Flynn Drive (Please note: the Road is not marked!) Red Flynn Drive is the bridge over the train tracks. Once you go over bridge you pass Long Dock Park Entrance. (Do not go into Long Dock Park.) Red Flynn Drive bares to the right. Look to the left as you go down the hill. The Beacon Institute Dock is the first floating dock on the left.

(Exact meeting location details will be provided immediately upon purchase of tickets.)

In town for the 3rd Sunday of the month? Just hop on board the Estuary Steward and ride over to Bannerman Island where you can enjoy a self-guided tour and a live music concert or performance. This tiny hidden gem in the Hudson Highlands and its rich history and beautiful scenery will truly come alive with great music to entertain the whole family.

The Costello’s (Lynn and Bob) – Sun. May 15

The Costellos have made several TV appearances including a spot on CNBC’s show ‘America’s Talking.’ Radio wise, The Costellos have had major rotation on Triple A stations including: WDSTWood Stock, NY, WKZE- Sharon, CT and WVKR, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY. The Costellos are based out of Beacon, NY performing throughout the Northeast.

The Wild Irish Roses (Celtic Family Band) Michael X. Rose – Sun. June 19

The Wild Irish Roses are a true family band. Mom, Dad and 8 kids. They live in New Paltz, NY Josie Rose (21) sings, plays banjo, mandolin, penny whistle, viola. Michael X. (dad) plays guitar. Kristi (mom) sings, plays bass. Hanna (23) plays bodhran. Evelyn(18) sings, plays concertina, accordion,viola. Penelope (16) sings, plays Guitar, and tambourine. Aenghus (13) plays drums. Lazarus (11) plays harmonica.

The Flash Company Band (Celtic Folk Mix) Bryan Maloney – Sun. July 17

Flash Company plays traditional and contemporary Irish and Celtic music ranging from the 18th century tunes of O’Carolan to the work of the Chieftains, Luka Bloom, Touchstone, Cathie Ryan, Solas, Pete St. John, and Cherish the Ladies, as well as original tunes in the Irish tradition. Formed in 2016 and based in the Hudson Valley, the band is comprised of Eric Garrison on tenor banjo, octave mandolin bodhran and vocals; Jim Pospisil on mandolin, guitar, whistles, melodeon, and vocals; and Bryan Maloney on guitar and vocals.

Tony DePaolo (Guitarist) – Sun. Aug. 21

Guitarist Tony DePaolo has maintained a more than 30 year professional career recording and performing in New York City and the surrounding Hudson Valley and Tri-State area. Tony played with such illustrious guitarists as Larry Carlton, Stanley Jordan and Steve Morse as well as world renowned pop-jazz band Spyra Gyra. Tony’s recent recording career has featured him on recordings by vocalist Lindsey Webster, including her number 1 Billboard contemporary jazz hit, “Fool Me Once”, Phil Perry’s recent CD and upcoming Alex Bugnon CD and Tour. Tony has appeared in musical sequences of the HBO series “The Sopranos” and the Chazz Palminteri movie “Once More with Feeling”. Tony’s most recent CD features him in a trio setting with bassist Ira Coleman (Tony Williams, Herbie Hancock, Sting) and drummer Paul Beretta, Leslie West and Mountain.

 Storm King Duo – Judith Tulloch & Steve Franchino – Sun. Sept. 18

Goldee Green – GG and the Shades – Sun. October 16th

RELATED TOURS & THEATRICAL EVENTS

• Most Popular
• Users All ages
• Hour Glass 2.5 hours

Bannerman Island Cruise & Walking Tour (from Beacon)

One of the best things to do along the Hudson River is visit Pollepel Island and Bannerman Castle, a tiny jewel in the setting of the Hudson Highlands.

• Self-guided tour
• Hour Glass 1.5 hours

Arrive in your own Kayak or Canoe Tour

Paddle in your own kayak or canoe to Bannerman Castle and explore this incredible island in the setting of the Hudson Highlands with a self-guided tour! All ages welcome.

• Users Ages 12+
• Hour Glass 4-5 hours

Movie Nights on Bannerman Island

What better way to spend an evening than watching a projected movie under the stars on Bannerman Island? Book your island movie night from Beacon with us now!