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Every week as we drive along Highway 840, we catch sight of castle towers rising above the trees. It’s startling — even a little surreal — to see the silhouette of a medieval castle set against the rolling hills of Tennessee. The sight immediately sparks questions. Why is there a castle there? What does it look like up close? Does someone actually live inside those walls?

This is Castle Gwynn, one of the most curious and unexpected landmarks in this part of the state. For most of the year, it remains a mystery, visible only from a distance. But for one month each year, the castle gates open to the public. Visitors are invited to marvel at the exterior of this detailed replica of a 12th-century Welsh castle — and to step into another world during the Tennessee Renaissance Festival.

With an opportunity like that, of course we had to go see it for ourselves.

1. Visiting Castle Gwynn
2. Tennessee Renaissance Festival
3. Renaissance Festival Visitor Information

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Visiting Castle Gwynn

Castle Gwynn is the lifelong project of photographer Mike Freeman. What began in 1970 as a senior drafting class project has slowly, steadily risen from dream to stone reality. More than five decades later, the castle is still a work in progress, with new additions continuing to take shape.

Each weekend in May, visitors are welcomed onto the grounds. The tour begins just beyond the raised gate, in a small lobby area where Freeman himself often greets guests and shares the story behind his ambitious project. There’s also a modest gift shop tucked inside.

Because the castle is a private residence, visitors are not permitted to explore the interior rooms. Still, seeing the structure up close is fascinating — especially the sections that remain unfinished. The castle is adorned with authentic suits of armor and carefully recreated tapestries, and every detail has been crafted with historical accuracy in mind. It’s easy to imagine how breathtaking it will be when the final stones are set.

And if you have a castle as your backdrop, why not build an entire medieval celebration around it?

As Castle Gwynn grew, Freeman helped organize the Tennessee Renaissance Festival, held in the fields just below the hill. Now celebrating nearly four decades, the festival has become one of the largest and most beloved annual gatherings in Tennessee.

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Tennessee Renaissance Festival

Stepping through the gates of the Tennessee Renaissance Festival feels like entering another world — one filled with music, color, laughter, and a cast of characters eager to welcome you into the story.

One of our favorite parts of the Tennessee Renaissance Festival was the incredible cast of characters and their elaborate costumes. People put so much time and care into creating their personas, complete with backstories they’re eager to share with visitors.

They happily stop for photos, fully committed to their roles. Surrounded by that level of dedication, it’s impossible not to get swept up in the spirit of the festival.

Beyond the roaming characters, entertainment venues are scattered throughout the grounds. Fairies spin whimsical tales, pirates belt out raucous sea shanties, and musicians fill the air with the sounds of lyres and flutes.

Checking the performance schedule is well worth it — it’s easy to spend the entire day moving from one show to the next, laughing, listening, and lingering longer than planned.

But the undeniable highlight of the festival is the jousting tournament.

Knights on horseback thunder into the arena, quickly winning the favor of different sections of the crowd. They demonstrate their skill by hurling javelins into hay bales and snatching rings from flags with their swords as their horses race past. When the metal helmets come down and the lances are raised, the excitement becomes electric.

The knights make four passes at one another, lances crashing against breastplates as they attempt to unseat their opponent — all to the roaring applause of the crowd. It’s loud, dramatic, and completely captivating.

The joust is held three times throughout the day, and it’s by far the most popular event at the festival. Arriving early to secure good seats is well worth it — this is one spectacle you won’t want to miss.

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Renaissance Festival Visitor Information

If you decide to visit the Renaissance Festival at Castle Gwynn, here are some things to know before you go.

• TICKETS: It is less expensive to buy tickets online than at the gate. Tickets include the festival and the bus up to Castle Gwynn. There are no tickets for only the castle.
  • $28/adult, $5/ child age 3-12 (when bought online)
  • Special Events- additional $20-$25/adult
  • Season Pass- $100/adult
  • Get your tickets for the Tennessee Renaissance Festival here
• CASH: Once inside the festival, most everything is cash only. They will have ATMs around, but it is better to bring cash with you.
• THEMES & COSTUMES: Each weekend has its own theme including Viking Victory, Fantasy and Folklore, Pirate Plunder, and Celtic Celebration. Dressing up is encouraged. People get really into their characters, so if you enjoy cosplay you will be in good company.
• TRINKETS: A popular thing is to bring a bunch of inexpensive items and trade them. Everyone gets into the trinket trading from the characters to the visitors.
• QUESTS & GAMES: If you enjoy taking part in a quest around the festival, there are many opportunities. These quests have a separate cost. There is a kid area full of activities and games, but each of these have a separate cost as well.

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If you’re looking for a unique Tennessee day trip, the Tennessee Renaissance Festival and Castle Gwynn offer an experience that feels equal parts storybook and spectacle. It’s a place where history, imagination, and a little bit of whimsy meet in the woods.

Thanks for coming along today on this visit to Castle Gwynn and the Tennessee Renaissance Festival. May you build your dreams of a castle on the hill.

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Follow along for more adventures near and far!

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