Visit a Castle in Texas: Things to Do in Bellville Texas

Things to do in Bellville TX This Weekend

Just an hour east of Houston, Texas is the small, friendly little town of Bellville. Bellville, Texas is a fun little town where you can spend a full day visiting and doing all sorts of fun activities. Many of the activities must be scheduled, so be sure to call ahead and make your reservations.

Why Visit

Why Visit Bellville, TX?

Newman's Castle reflected in the water in Bellville, Texas

A Castle Day Trip with Small-Town Charm

Bellville, Texas is a fun little town where you can spend a full day visiting and doing all sorts of fun activities.

Many of the activities must be scheduled, so be sure to call ahead and make your reservations.

Easy Houston Day Trip

Bellville is only about an hour east of Houston, so it’s an easy small-town escape when you want something different without a long drive.

Schedule Ahead

A lot of the best Bellville activities work best with reservations, tours, or a quick call ahead, so this is a town where planning a little helps.

More Than Just the Castle

The castle is the headline stop, but Bellville also gives you downtown browsing, wine, local food, farm visits, and an easy overnight option.

Explore

Explore a Castle and the Bellville Square

Newman's Castle in Bellville, Texas
Castle details at Newman's Castle in Bellville
Castle grounds at Newman's Castle in Bellville

Explore Newman’s Castle

You would never know this wasn’t a castle from the past. Mr. Newman has built his castle in Bellville, Texas to look and feel like an authentic castle, and has invited visitors in for tours. You start at the Newman Bakery for a yummy breakfast where you’ll purchase your tour tickets and get directions to the castle. Then you travel about 5 minutes to the castle, which is so picturesque! You’re greeted by his guard dogs (don’t worry, they’re super friendly)! Mr. Newman gives you a history of the castle and has a “knighting” ceremony for any children in attendance. As you explore the castle and wander the grounds, you’ll feel like a kid in a magical place. Make sure to read all about this amazing Bellville castle!

Downtown Bellville square

Shop the Downtown Square

The Bellville downtown square has several cute shops to browse through and maybe find a few treasures to take back with you. Coco and Duckie is a cute shop with a variety of fun and unique items. Treasure Crafts is another cute store with hand-made and home goods, a great place for finding gifts. You’ll also find unique and fun fashions, furniture, and other beautiful items at Buck Ferguson’s Originals. You’ll meet the friendly locals as you explore the downtown shops.

Inside Phenix Knives in Bellville

Learn from a Blacksmith

At Phenix Knives, a local blacksmith shop, you can make your own knife, or shop the items made by local and celebrity blacksmiths. Plus, you can meet one of the first contestants from the reality TV show, Forged in Fire, Cowboy Szymanski. It’s a fun and unique activity that you wouldn’t expect in a quiet little town like Bellville.

Learn About Some Austin County History

At the Austin County Jail Museum, you can learn a little about Bellville, the jail, and Austin County history. Tours are only on Saturdays, and you’ll want to call ahead to book your tour. You’ll see some artifacts on display, as well as walking the jail cells, just as they were when it was a jail.

Eat

Eat, Sip, and Slow Down in Bellville

Food from Farm to Market Produce Company in Bellville

Eat Items Made from Scratch

While you’re on the downtown square, stop in at Farm to Market Produce Company just a block away. You can pick up fresh vegetables, a salad or cold items, or choose a take & bake option like the cauliflower pizza, piled high with toppings. They offer breakfast tacos, soups and baked goods. Every day there’s a different special and it all looked delicious!

Grab a Coffee or Smoothie

The Bellville Perk is a neighborly place to grab a coffee or smoothie and sit and relax. They have several options including small hand-held breakfast items. It’s just a great small-town coffee shop that makes you feel like you’re at home.

Try Local Craft Beer

If beer is more your style, be sure to check out Huff Brewing Company. They offer some of their own craft beer and bring in local food vendors and often live music. It’s a fan-favorite in the area with a good vibe. Check for days/times before you go as they are only open certain days.

Food from Bellville Meat Market
Bellville Meat Market baked potato and smoked meats
Bellville Meat Market to-go meal

Take BBQ To-go at Bellville Meat Market

There are some interesting and yummy places to eat while you’re visiting Bellville, Texas. We had dinner to-go from Bellville Meat Market. It’s a meat market, with to-go dinner options cooked for you, including some yummy baked potatoes topped with your choice of toppings – hope you’re hungry, because they’re big! You can also pick up some different cheese, sausages, jerky and baked goods to enjoy for yourself or as a gift for others.

Wine stop in Bellville, Texas

Enjoy a Glass of Wine

For a fine wine experience, try Ruffus Pleasant. You can enjoy a relaxing evening at this upscale wine spot on the downtown square.

For a more relaxed vibe, Ubar Wines has a small country cabin with an outdoor patio where you can try a wine flight or have a glass. We got to meet the owners who were very welcoming. Be sure to grab an extra bottle or two for later.

Stay

Farm Tours and an Easy Overnight

Horse at Bluebonnet Farm in Bellville

Tour a Horse Farm

Schedule a tour of the Bluebonnet Farm where you can see where they raise and train American Saddlebred horses right here in Bellville, Texas. You’ll learn all about their farm, meet some of the beautiful horses, and get a better understanding of their daily lives. It’s always fun to learn about animals, as well as exciting careers such as those at the farm. Riding lessons are also available.

Kitchen inside the Bellville square Airbnb

Stay in a Cute Airbnb

Right on the Bellville square is a beautiful little Airbnb perfect for a getaway and close to all of the things to do in Bellville. We enjoyed how spacious it was with a large living and dining area, four beds, and the vintage design. It’s perfect for large families and still affordable enough for couples who want something nice.

Best for staying right on the square

View the Airbnb

Wrap Up

Things to Do in Bellville, Texas: Final Thoughts

For such a small and quiet town, there really are several things to do in Bellville, Texas. It is definitely worth a getaway for a day or two. Be sure to check out the schedules and remember some places require a reservation.

Jessica of My Curly Adventures

About Me

Hi, I'm Jessica! I'm a Texas-based travel creator blending colorful style with local eats, nature escapes, weekends, road trips, and practical tips to help you make the most of where you live.

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