Newman’s Castle
Located in Bellville, Tx. Newman’s Castle is a great place to visit for a day trip
Located in Bellville, TX. Newman’s castle is one man's dream realized. In his early 20’s Mike Newman lived and traveled in Europe. By his own admission, he has always been fascinated by castles.
When he returned to the States he moved to Bellville, Tx. “Not having much to do and needing to make money he bought the old shopping center in town and turned it into Newman’s Bakery,” said our tour guide. “Not being much of a baker Mike’s Mother stepped in and helped him,” He added. The bakery became a success.
Soon after he bought 20 acres of land on the edge of town. While trying to figure out what kind of home to put on the land it occurred to Mike that he should build a castle. In 1998 the first slab was poured. Mike, with some help, began setting cinder blocks one by one to build his castle. He completed his Castle in 2008 and opened it to tours to the public. Mike Newman recently passed away in March 2024. This castle is his living legacy. This castle proves that with determination and perseverance, you can achieve anything.
A beautiful view of the castle grounds from one of the towers.
Tours are by reservation. Check out Castle | Newman's Castle (newmanscastle.com) to make reservations for a tour. It will run you, 20$ per person. When you first arrive on the castle grounds the fully functional draw bridge will be down so you can make your way into the castle. When my family and I went there wasn’t a guided tour. You are free to walk in most places within the castle at your own pace. In the afternoon our tour guide gave us a brief history of the castle. We then enjoyed ham and cheese sandwiches in the great hall.
Once you cross over the moat and enter the 3400 sqft castle, you can find many rooms that you would see in a European castle. There is a dungeon where criminals and cowardly knights languish, a great hall for feasting after a successful campaign, a great bell tower to sound the alarm, and a chapel complete with baptismal for those fortunate souls who find God.
Newman’s Castle
Newman’s castle features its own Chappel and baptismal as well as a dungeon, dining hall, and bell tower. Some brave knights have fought their way to the top of the bell tower to save a princess. Others have ended up in the dungeon!
Great Hall
A bed of nails for those who like to kick back and relax!
While, I enjoyed the interior of the castle and was thoroughly impressed that one man built everything in it, including the furniture and woodwork. My favorite part of the experience was fishing the fully stocked moat. Yes, that’s right fully stocked! I didn’t have to sneak in after hours or do any special negotiations. The moat contains catfish, bass, perch, carp, and bluegill. It is open for catch and release only. I mean, how often do you get to fish in a castle moat?
What a backdrop!
James Boyce with a nice perch. Even the fish can’t resist Newman’s Donuts!
I wasn’t planning on fishing this day. But, this is why you should always keep a fishing rod in your car!