PA Counties

5 Must-See Attractions in Bucks County

Rusty Glessner

A collage featuring must-see attractions in Bucks County, Pennsylvania: The impressive Fonthill Castle with its unique architecture and sprawling lawn; the interior of the Mercer Museum showcasing an eclectic collection of artifacts and a suspended boat; the charming New Hope Railroad station with a classic train engine and a historic ticket booth under a bright blue sky; and a spooky display at the Vampire and Paranormal Museum, featuring skeletons and eerie artifacts in a dimly lit room.

If you’re looking for the best things to see and do in Bucks County, you’re in the right place!

A map of Pennsylvania with Bucks County highlighted in red, located in the southeastern corner of the state, while the rest of the counties are shown in a light beige color.

Bucks County is one of the three original counties established by colonial proprietor William Penn in 1682.

A charming scene at the New Hope Visitors Center in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, featuring a historic white building with a red brick walkway, an American flag hanging by the entrance, and a vintage-style clock surrounded by vibrant flowers, capturing the quaint and welcoming atmosphere of the town near the New Hope Railroad. — New Hope in Bucks County.

The county, named after the English county of Buckinghamshire, has its seat in Doylestown.

A view of the Mercer Museum in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, taken from the lawn. The six-story reinforced concrete structure, designed by Henry Mercer, resembles a medieval castle with its numerous windows, gables, and chimneys. The building is surrounded by lush greenery, including neatly trimmed shrubs and trees, which enhance its imposing and historic appearance. The sky is clear and blue, adding to the picturesque setting. This photo captures the grandeur and unique architectural style of the museum, which houses a vast collection of over 17,000 pre-Industrial tools and artifacts, providing a comprehensive portrait of pre-Industrial American material culture. — The Mercer Museum in Doylestown.

From museums to historic sites to scenic railroad excursions, here are 5 of the best things to see and do in Bucks County.

Simply click on the blue text links on the map above or in the descriptions below to read more in-depth information about each destination.

A detailed wall display at the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, featuring a series of intricately designed tiles titled "Tiles of the New World," each depicting historical scenes and figures, showcasing the artistry and craftsmanship of Henry Chapman Mercer's traditional tile-making methods from the early 20th century. — The Moravian Tileworks in Doylestown.

1. Fonthill Castle

Visiting Fonthill Castle in Bucks County offers a captivating journey through a labyrinth of eclectic architecture, filled with handcrafted tiles and artifacts that reflect the creative genius of Henry Chapman Mercer.

A collage of four images showcasing different aspects of Fonthill Castle in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The top left image displays the castle's striking exterior, highlighting its unique architecture under a clear blue sky. The top right image captures the detailed interior of a room with a grand fireplace, surrounded by bookshelves and intricate tile work. The bottom left image shows a hallway with a wooden door, vaulted ceilings, and ornate tiles adorning the walls. The bottom right image presents a cozy bedroom, complete with a single bed, antique furniture, and framed artwork on the walls, showcasing the historical and artistic ambiance of the castle.

2. The Mercer Museum

Exploring the Mercer Museum in Doylestown immerses visitors in a vast collection of pre-industrial tools and everyday objects, all housed within a towering concrete castle that showcases Henry Chapman Mercer’s dedication to preserving American history.

A collage of four photos showcasing various aspects of the Mercer Museum in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The top left image displays the museum's interior, highlighting suspended artifacts such as boats and carriages within the concrete structure. The top right photo features a collection of vintage woodworking tools arranged on workbenches and walls, reflecting early American craftsmanship. The bottom left image captures the exterior view of the Mercer Museum, with its distinctive six-story reinforced concrete castle-like architecture amidst greenery. The bottom right photo offers another perspective of the museum's interior, showcasing more suspended artifacts and the intricate design of the museum space. This collage collectively illustrates the museum's dedication to preserving and showcasing pre-Industrial American material culture through its extensive collection of tools and artifacts.

3. The Moravian Tileworks

A visit to the Moravian Tileworks in Bucks County reveals the living legacy of handcrafted tile-making, where artisans continue to produce intricate, historic designs using the traditional methods pioneered by Henry Chapman Mercer.

A collage of four photos taken at the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works in Bucks County, Pennsylvania: the top-left image shows the historic building's exterior with a sign detailing its status as a National Historic Landmark; the top-right image features an artisan pressing a design into a clay tile; the bottom-left image displays a handcrafted tile with the word "PEACE" and two figures shaking hands; and the bottom-right image showcases shelves filled with a variety of handcrafted tiles for sale, all highlighting the traditional craftsmanship established by Henry Chapman Mercer in the early 20th century.

4. The New Hope Railroad

The New Hope Railroad offers enchanting sightseeing journeys through Bucks County aboard meticulously restored historic trains, blending scenic beauty with a rich heritage of rail travel.

A collage of four photos showcasing the New Hope Railroad in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, including: the historic Witch's Hat train station with a maroon locomotive beside it under a blue sky; the train winding through a lush forested area; passengers seated inside an open-air observation car with wooden benches; and a bright red "Welcome to the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad" sign at the station entrance, inviting visitors to "ride the rails back in time."

5. The Vampire and Paranormal Museum

The Vampire and Paranormal Museum in Bucks County (VAMPA) is a must-see destination for those fascinated by the supernatural and mythical!

A collage of four photos from the Vampire and Paranormal Museum in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The top-left image shows an elegant room with chandeliers, religious artifacts, and glass display cases. The top-right image features a skeleton-themed chair and various medieval artifacts. The bottom-left image displays a richly decorated room with an ornate fireplace, statues, and a large painting. The bottom-right image highlights an intricately carved vampire hunting trunk filled with wooden stakes, crucifixes, and other tools.

Nearby Attractions

18 Must-See Attractions in Philadelphia is your guide to some of the best things to see and do in Bucks County’s neighbor to the south.

The best things to see and do in Philadelphia Pennsylvania.

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

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