An underwhelming experience not worth the entry fe...

An underwhelming experience not worth the entry fee of $34.
I'm from the UK, and upon picking up on my accent the gate attendee warned me that it was not the same scale as castles back home, but seeing how there can be some of quite some size, I thought there was plenty of room for an interesting site.
A self guided tour is a fine idea, and works for many other attractions, but it requires a well directed route, and information ideally beginning with the origin of the building. We came across limited information in this aspect, and left feeling that we had actually just paid admittance to supply rent to an investment property.
The view from the top of the castle is good, but so are the views across bay from the roadside on the way up. The gardens are nothing special, and looked as if they needed some TLC, but would probably be more pleasant in summer.
On the whole its an okay place to visit that felt incredibly soured by the price of it. Would have stopped for a coffee and cake too, but didn't want to hand over more money.
I feel that if they lowered the price, or even made it free/asked for donations it would get far more foot traffic, and people more willing to part with their money in the cafe and gift shop.