Looking for the perfect pastry with a path to historical flavor? How about a castle built by a Texan with turrets, a moat, a working 3,000 lbs. drawbridge, and hot coffee? Then make tour reservations and drive over to Bellville, a small town outside of Houston, which has been home to Newman’s Castle for 20 years. Load up on sweet treats at the bakery at 504 E Main St., at the junction of Hwy 36 and Hwy 159, then time travel five miles outside of town to the castle.
Places to Eat
Get a Taste of Medieval Texas: Tour Newman’s Bakery & Castle
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The bakery has served the community for over 33 years with donuts, quiche, croissants, pigs-in-a-blanket, and more, which are made fresh daily, as well as full breakfasts and hot lunches. It’s open Monday through Friday 4 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday & Sunday 4 a.m. through 5 p.m. From here, tour check-in is completed and directions to the castle are provided.
Tours are offered six days a week, begin at 10:30 a.m., and run roughly 1.5 hours. Reservations are required. Call 979-865-9804, and bring the kids to be knighted along with your inner child imagination. Or raid the whole castle and rule with your own wedding, wine tasting, birthday party, or any other event.
The castle itself was built by Mike Newman in 1998 after a European trip impressed a fervent desire to bring old England to Texas. The castle is complete with traditional decor and architectural details which are all fully functioning, including a huge catapult and equipped dungeon. Feel free to quote all the Monty Python you wish!
Check out Bellville while you are there as well! This 170-year-old community may have a relatively small population, but it makes for good exploring. Visit the historical county jail and see the “gallows,” which were only used one time, on March 14, 1901. Or you can shop local businesses and Market Day, a monthly event occurring every first Saturday. Treats, history, and architecture are all worth the trip!
