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Longwood Gardens

1001 Longwood Rd, Kennett Square, PA 19348 · Kennett Square, PA

Why you should go…

About 45 minutes from Center City in the Brandywine Valley, Pierre du Pont's former estate ranks among the premier display gardens on Earth. More than 1,100 acres hold a five-acre Main Fountain Garden with choreographed water shows, a glass conservatory sheltering 13 indoor gardens, an Italian Water Garden, and a 10,010-pipe organ. Every season brings a different spectacle, from summer fountain performances to the famous A Longwood Christmas light displays. Timed tickets are recommended, especially for holiday visits.

  • #gardens
  • #fountains
  • #conservatory
  • #brandywine valley
  • #day trip

Good to know

General sport & outdoor guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Weather calls the shots

    Check the forecast the morning of and keep an indoor backup in your pocket for the day it turns.

  • Shoes, water, sun cover

    The three things that decide whether you last the whole outing or cut it short after an hour.

  • Parking and launches fill early

    On a nice weekend, lots and trailheads are often full by mid-morning.

  • Daylight shrinks in shoulder season

    Spring and fall visits need an earlier start than the same trip in July.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Longwood Gardens, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library

    $25–$50

    A former du Pont estate holding the world's top collection of American decorative arts, set in a 1,000-acre naturalistic garden.

    6.5 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Chester County

    Free

    Rolling Pennsylvania countryside known as the Brandywine Valley, home to Longwood Gardens and historic Revolutionary War sites.

    7.2 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Museums
    Family Favorite

    Delaware Museum of Nature & Science

    Under $25

    Natural history museum near Wilmington with dinosaur, shell, and bird exhibits plus a planetarium.

    8.8 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Local Gem

    Spruce Street Harbor Park

    Free

    Hammocks, floating beer gardens, and LED-lit trees turn Penn's Landing into the city's favorite summer hangout.

    29 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Whitewater Rafting Adventures

    $50+

    Lehigh River outfitter offering whitewater rafting, paintball, ziplining and biking in the Pocono Mountains.

    69 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Pocono Whitewater

    $50+

    Guided whitewater rafting on the Lehigh River near Jim Thorpe, with trips for families and thrill-seekers alike.

    70 mi awayMore like this