PA Historic Places

Exploring Longwood Gardens in Chester County

A collage of four photos from Longwood Gardens: The top left image shows the Main Fountain Garden with an elegant staircase and manicured hedges. The top right image captures the Italian Water Garden with symmetrical pools and a tall central fountain. The bottom left image features the lush conservatory with hanging plants and vibrant flowers. The bottom right image depicts a colorful flower-lined brick walkway in the Lakes District.

If you’re looking for information about visiting Longwood Gardens in Chester County, you’re in the right place!

A close-up view of the Main Fountain Garden at Longwood Gardens, featuring intricately designed circular and semi-circular fountains with water jets, manicured hedges, and a central pathway leading to the grand Conservatory building in the background, framed by a bright blue sky with fluffy white clouds.

Longwood Gardens is a horticultural paradise that happens to be one of the most renowned botanical gardens in the world.

A charming circular fountain in one of the gardens at Longwood Gardens, surrounded by vibrant yellow and pink flowers. The brick pathways lead visitors through the lush greenery and blooming plants under a bright blue sky with fluffy white clouds. The scene captures the beauty and tranquility of the garden setting.

Longwood offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.

Visitors standing on the balcony of the Canopy Cathedral treehouse at Longwood Gardens, surrounded by lush green foliage. The treehouse features a steeply pitched roof and large, diamond-paned windows, blending harmoniously with the forested environment. Below, more visitors explore the area, highlighting the treehouse's appeal and accessibility.

With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and diverse attractions, Longwood Gardens is more than just a garden—it’s a journey through nature, art, and history.

Visitors walking near the Chimes Tower and waterfall at Longwood Gardens, with the tower partially obscured by dense greenery. The lush landscape and serene water feature create a picturesque scene under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

Directions | Hours | Admission Fees

Longwood Gardens is located at 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348.

Longwood Gardens is open Sunday, Monday, Wednesday: 10:00 am–6:00 pm | Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 10:00 am–10:00 pm | Tuesday: Closed.

A close-up view of the small fountains in the Main Fountain Garden at Longwood Gardens, with water spouting from ornate stone structures into a reflective pool. The garden features classical architecture with arches and decorative urns, creating an elegant and serene atmosphere under a bright blue sky.

Admission fees as of 2024 are: Adult 19+ years: $32.00 | Senior 65+ years: $28.00 | Youth 5-18 years: $17.00 | Child 0-4 years: Free.

The Conservatory at Longwood Gardens, featuring ivy-covered columns and lush hanging baskets filled with vibrant flowers. Visitors stroll along the walkway, enjoying the meticulously maintained greenery and colorful floral displays. The glass roof allows natural light to flood the space, highlighting the beauty and serenity of the garden setting.

History of Longwood Gardens

Longwood Gardens owes its origins to Pierre du Pont, an industrialist and philanthropist who purchased the property in 1906 to preserve the trees from being cut down for lumber.

An exhibit at Longwood Gardens detailing how Pierre du Pont created Longwood. The text describes the history, beginning with the decline of Peirce’s Park after George Washington Peirce’s death in 1880, its sale in 1905, and Pierre du Pont’s purchase in 1906 to save the trees. The narrative highlights du Pont’s development of gardens and his personal involvement in designing them. A black-and-white photo at the bottom of the exhibit shows the early state of the gardens.

Pierre du Pont was a key figure in the DuPont Company, a chemical empire founded by his family in the early 19th century.

Exhibit detailing the history of the DuPont Company at Longwood Gardens, featuring historical photos, advertisements, and artifacts. The display highlights the company's founding, growth, and contributions to various industries, with a focus on Pierre S. du Pont's role in its expansion and innovation. The informative panels and memorabilia offer visitors insights into the company's legacy and its connection to Longwood Gardens.

Under his leadership, the company expanded significantly, amassing the fortune that allowed him to travel the world and draw inspiration from the great gardens of Europe and beyond.

An exhibit sign at Longwood Gardens titled "Longwood Design, Inspired by Travel," describing how Pierre S. and Alice B. du Pont's extensive travels influenced the design of the gardens. The sign mentions their more than 30 major trips, including 12 to Europe, where they visited numerous estates and gardens. It includes an illustration of the Cataract fountain at the Philadelphia World's Fair in 1876, highlighting Pierre's interest in technology and engineering from a young age.

Over the years, du Pont transformed the estate into one of the world’s most celebrated botanical gardens, blending his passion for horticulture with his love for innovation and design.

A lush indoor garden at Longwood Gardens features a tranquil water feature surrounded by a variety of tropical plants and trees. The scene is set within a spacious conservatory with a high, arched glass ceiling that allows natural light to flood the area, highlighting the greenery and creating a serene atmosphere.

What You’ll See at Longwood Gardens

Visitors to Longwood Gardens are greeted by nearly 1,100 acres of meticulously maintained indoor and outdoor gardens, each offering a unique blend of colors, textures, and scents.

A rectangular fountain surrounded by vibrant flower beds with red, yellow, and purple blooms at Longwood Gardens, framed by well-manicured hedges and lush green trees in the background.

The Main Fountain Garden is a highlight, with its spectacular water displays choreographed to music, creating a mesmerizing dance of water and light.

Spectacular water display in the Main Fountain Garden at Longwood Gardens, with jets of water creating graceful arches against a bright blue sky. The Conservatory is visible in the background, and visitors can be seen enjoying the show from various vantage points. The mist from the fountains adds a refreshing element to the scene, highlighting the garden's intricate water choreography.

The Italian Water Garden, inspired by du Pont’s travels to Europe, features serene pools and fountains that reflect the surrounding greenery, offering a tranquil escape.

The Italian Water Garden at Longwood Gardens, featuring a central fountain jetting water high into the air surrounded by symmetrically arranged pools and green lawns. The garden is framed by neatly trimmed trees and lush greenery, creating a tranquil and picturesque setting. The cloudy sky adds a serene backdrop to the elegant water displays and manicured landscape.

The Conservatory at Longwood Gardens is a marvel of architecture and botanical diversity.

A lush section of the Conservatory at Longwood Gardens, featuring vibrant green grass, colorful flowers, and ivy-covered columns. Hanging baskets filled with blooming plants adorn the ceiling, creating a stunning display of botanical beauty. The spacious glass roof allows natural light to illuminate the verdant scene, enhancing the vibrant colors and tranquil atmosphere. Visitors can be seen in the background, enjoying the serene environment.

Spanning over four acres, it houses thousands of plant species from around the world, arranged in themed gardens that showcase everything from tropical rainforests to arid deserts.

A beautifully designed interior space in the Conservatory at Longwood Gardens, featuring tall potted plants, hanging floral arrangements, and a reflective marble floor. The grand windows and high ceilings allow ample natural light to illuminate the lush greenery and vibrant flowers, creating an inviting and serene atmosphere. Visitors can be seen in the background, enjoying the botanical displays.

Visitors can wander through lush greenery, vibrant blooms, and stunning displays that highlight the beauty and diversity of the plant kingdom.

Inside the Conservatory at Longwood Gardens, featuring a lush display of tropical plants, vibrant flowers, and a tranquil water fountain. The glass roof and spacious design allow natural light to flood the area, highlighting the diverse and meticulously arranged plant collections.

With its ever-changing exhibits, the Conservatory offers something new and captivating with every visit.

Visitors entering the grand side entrance of the Conservatory at Longwood Gardens, with large potted plants flanking the doorway. The entrance features tall pillars and arched windows, creating an elegant and welcoming atmosphere under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

Kids will love the Birdhouse Treehouse, where they can climb the steps up to the canopy of surrounding trees.

A wooden treehouse nestled among tall green trees at Longwood Gardens, with people climbing the stairs to explore the canopy-level structure. The treehouse provides a unique perspective of the forest, offering an adventurous and immersive experience for visitors.

This treehouse provides a unique perspective of the gardens and an adventurous escape for young explorers.

Interior view of the Birdhouse Treehouse at Longwood Gardens, showcasing wooden walls and large windows that frame the surrounding trees. The treehouse's rustic design includes a wooden bench and stairs leading down, offering visitors a cozy and immersive experience within the forest canopy.

Another gem within Longwood Gardens is the Peirce-du Pont House, the original home of the Peirce family, who owned the property before du Pont.

The exterior of the Pierce-du Pont House at Longwood Gardens, covered in lush green ivy and featuring classic brick architecture. The house has multiple stories with green shutters and arched windows, surrounded by mature trees and well-maintained gardens. The bright blue sky and scattered clouds provide a picturesque backdrop to this historic building.

This historic house has been meticulously restored and now serves as a museum, offering insights into the early history of the gardens and the lives of its previous owners.

A study inside The Peirce-du Pont House at Longwood Gardens, featuring dark wooden bookshelves filled with books, a fireplace, and antique furniture. Portraits hang above the fireplace, and a globe and clock are displayed on a side table.

The house is surrounded by beautiful landscapes that echo the charm and elegance of a bygone era.

A fountain in the Peirce Park section of Longwood Gardens, surrounded by lush greenery and tall trees. The central jet of water rises high into the air, while smaller jets encircle it, creating a serene and refreshing scene under a bright blue sky. The natural setting provides a peaceful backdrop for the fountain.

Music lovers will be captivated by the Longwood Organ, one of the largest Aeolian pipe organs in the world.

Audience members watch a demonstration of the Longwood Gardens organ, with a large screen displaying the organ's controls, set in an elegant room with chandeliers and decorative wall panels.

With its rich, resonant tones, the organ fills the Conservatory with beautiful music during regular performances, adding another layer of enchantment to the garden experience.

Informational sign at Longwood Gardens detailing the Du Pont legacy of pianos and organs, highlighting Pierre S. du Pont's collection and passion for musical instruments. The sign mentions notable pieces, including two Steinway Concert Grand Pianos, an Astor Piano, and a large pipe organ with 10,010 pipes. An accompanying photo of Pierre S. du Pont and a quote about preserving history and developing new techniques add context and insight.

You’ll find several of du Pont’s pianos and organs on display in the Conservatory.

A grand piano in the elegant Conservatory Ballroom at Longwood Gardens, featuring large windows, chandeliers, black columns, and intricate parquet flooring.

The Chimes Tower, a tower equipped with a set of bells, also delights visitors with its melodic chimes that can be heard throughout the gardens.

The stone Chimes Tower at Longwood Gardens stands tall amidst lush greenery, with its round structure and arched windows visible under a bright blue sky with fluffy white clouds. The tower's historic architecture and natural surroundings create a serene and picturesque setting.

The Visitor Center at Longwood Gardens provides a perfect starting point for any visit.

Entrance to the Longwood Gardens Visitor Center, featuring a modern, curved canopy and glass doors. Visitors are walking towards the entrance, flanked by lush greenery and under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

Here, guests can find maps, information about current events and exhibits, and a gift shop stocked with garden-themed souvenirs and plants.

A display of potted bonsai trees and other plants in the gift shop at Longwood Gardens. The arrangement features a variety of small, meticulously cared-for plants in decorative pots, inviting visitors to explore and purchase them. Shelves in the background hold additional gardening supplies and plant pots, enhancing the shop's charming and horticultural atmosphere.

Final Thoughts

Longwood Gardens is a treasure trove of beauty, history, and horticultural excellence.

Ornate steps leading down into the Main Fountain Garden at Longwood Gardens, framed by elegant stone railings and lush greenery. The garden features beautifully manicured hedges, circular pools, and fountains that create a stunning visual display. The colonnade and tree-lined paths in the background enhance the garden's grandeur under a clear blue sky.

Whether you’re strolling through the outdoor gardens, marveling at the plant collections in the Conservatory, exploring the historic Pierce-duPont House, watching a fountain show, or enjoying the musical performances, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

A red brick walkway at Longwood Gardens' Lakes District is lined with vibrant, blooming flowers in shades of pink, purple, and red. The path is flanked by lush greenery and tall trees, with visitors strolling under a bright blue sky filled with white, fluffy clouds.

For more information, please check out Longwood Gardens’ OFFICIAL WEBSITE.

A picturesque view of the Love Temple at Longwood Gardens, featuring ornate stone columns and an intricately designed domed roof. The temple is surrounded by lush greenery, with ferns and various plants creating a serene and secluded atmosphere. The nearby pathway invites visitors to explore this charming and romantic spot within the garden.

Christmas at Longwood Gardens | Festive Lights & Floral Delights shows you what happens each year from late November thru early January when the gardens here transform into a dazzling winter wonderland.

A collage of four photos showcasing Longwood Gardens at Christmas, featuring the grand fountain garden illuminated with festive red and green lights, the West Conservatory adorned with hanging floral and light arrangements, the conservatory framed by blue-lit trees and glowing Christmas decorations, and a vibrant walkway covered with a dazzling canopy of multicolored lights, creating a magical holiday atmosphere.

The Sunken Gardens at Mount Assisi are part of the beautifully manicured grounds of the Saint Francis Friary in Cambria County.

The Sunken Gardens at Mount Assisi in Cambria County Pennsylvania.

Open to the public from dawn until dusk and free of charge, the Sunken Gardens at Mount Assisi are comprised of 3.5 acres of fountains, statues, and gorgeous landscaping, some of which dates back more than 100 years!

Saint Anthony of Padua statue inside the Sunken Gardens at Mount Assisi in Loretto Pennsylvania.

Hershey Gardens in Dauphin County opened in 1937, with Milton Hershey’s simple request to “create a nice garden of roses.”

Exploring Hershey Gardens and Butterfly Atrium in Dauphin County Pennsylvania

That “small” rose garden has blossomed into 23 acres of themed gardens, statues, ponds, and botanical beauty, all open to visitors year-round.

The Children's Garden contains 32 themed mini-gardens along its meandering walkways and paths.

Nearby Attractions

The Brandywine Museum of Art in Delaware County features six galleries dedicated to showcasing American art, with a special emphasis on the Wyeth family and other regional artists from southeastern Pennsylvania.

A collage showcasing highlights from the Brandywine Museum of Art in Delaware County, PA. The top left image depicts a spacious gallery featuring a collection of American art, with paintings displayed on soft green walls under modern track lighting. The top right image captures a detailed model train layout from the Brandywine Railroad exhibit, featuring colorful trains winding through a miniature autumnal landscape. The bottom left image highlights "The Wonderful World of Wyeth Miniatures" exhibit, with intricately crafted miniature scenes and a festive model village displayed against a rich green backdrop. The bottom right image shows the museum's exterior, a historic brick building adorned with a large wreath, with a modern museum sign in the foreground and trees framing the scene. Together, the images convey the museum's diverse artistic and cultural offerings.

The National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum in Chester County is comprised of a collection of buildings, artifacts, and exhibits that illuminates the region’s vital role in the iron and steel industry in America.

A collage of four photos taken at the National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum in Chester County, PA. The top left image shows the front view of the Lukens Executive Office Building, a stately brick building with a neatly trimmed hedge and wrought iron gate. The top right image displays a detailed model of the steelmaking process inside the museum, showcasing various stages and machinery involved. The bottom left image features a narrow-gauge steam engine labeled "Lukens" parked on a short track, with green trees and a partly cloudy sky in the background. The bottom right image shows the museum's entrance sign, which indicates tour times and is set against a backdrop of lush greenery and a brick pillar.

Brandywine Battlefield Park in Delaware County preserves and interprets the story of the Battle of Brandywine, the largest and longest single day land battle of the American Revolution.

A collage of four photos from Brandywine Battlefield Park in Chester County, Pennsylvania, showcases the historical significance of the site. The top left image features a historical marker detailing the Battle of the Brandywine, which occurred on September 11, 1777, where American forces attempted to halt the British advance. The top right image shows a cannon positioned in a field, representing the battlefield. The bottom left image depicts Washington's Headquarters, a stone house with a commemorative plaque. The bottom right image displays a museum exhibit with American military equipment, including firearms and a mannequin dressed in period attire. These images collectively highlight key aspects of the largest and longest single-day land battle of the American Revolution.

Pennsbury-Chadds Ford Antique Mall in Chester County is a treasure trove for antique lovers and collectors alike.

A collage showcasing different aspects of the Pennsbury-Chadds Ford Antique Mall in Chester County, PA. The top-left image features a spacious aisle filled with vintage signs, collectibles, and a blue bicycle. The top-right image highlights a well-lit hallway with glass display cases showcasing antiques and collectibles, complete with a decorative red carpet runner. The bottom-left image focuses on the vinyl record section, with colorful bins filled with classic albums and retro music decor. The bottom-right image displays the mall's iconic outdoor sign, promoting its two-level layout and operating hours. The collage reflects the mall's diverse offerings and welcoming atmosphere.

Find even more great spots to explore all across Pennsylvania with the interactive PA Bucket List Travel Map!

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