Castle in the Clouds opening day free for Moultonborough residents

MOULTONBOROUGH — 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 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.”

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 plus 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 Oct. 25. The property is open to visitors daily. Guests are encouraged to enter the property via the Historic Entrance. Onsite tickets are available for purchase beginning at 10 a.m. daily, or online tickets can be purchased in advance. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit castleintheclouds.org.