Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA is one of the top botanical gardens in the country and is absolutely impressive any time of year. It is family friendly (but not dog friendly). Even in the colder months, the grounds are beautiful and the indoor conservatory is incredible.
An impressive train display beloved by children comes out in the fall and stays through the holiday season, as well as pumpkin and harvest gardens and displays. You will find many colorful blooms outside through November, in addition to gorgeous fall foliage. There is an enormous quantity and variety of chrysanthemums.
The holiday lights are magical, but it does get crowded, so look on the website regarding reservations. Both outdoor and indoor Christmas displays remain through early January, and when the weather is cold you can warm up with a cup of hot chocolate or a drink from the Beer Garden. There is also a café and full service dining (reservation required.) The conservatory is also quite large, so you can spend lots of time there when the weather is less pleasant.
Longwood is one of the first places you can find spring blooms outdoors, and the blossoms crescendo in a stunning display of color as the weeks get warmer. Fragrant wisteria weeps gracefully over walk-through terraces and brilliant foxgloves and tulips line the walkways in every color.
On hot summer days there is plenty of shade, especially around the treehouses, tower, and Italian water gardens, and you can always cool off in the grotto or inside children’s garden. The fountains run regularly throughout the summer months, and if you stand close enough during a show, you can get a good dousing to cool down.
We come here often as members, but it’s BIG – you can easily spend a whole day, or several days if you choose to purchase membership (worth it if you’re paying for multiple children for multiple days). If you have limited time, you may want to plan carefully exactly which parts of the garden you want to see, as it’s too large to be covered in a day.
The conservatory is not to be missed, and if you have children, they will most definitely want to check out the children’s garden (inside the conservatory.) The main garden and fountain area lies somewhat between the entrance (where the gift shop is located) and the conservatory, straight ahead. You can then cross a bridge from the conservatory off to the right to find the dining area.
If you head to the left after entering, you will find the fountains and the structure where the grotto and pumphouse are located. The Eye of Water and Chimes Tower is beyond this and is a fun climb with a pleasant view, and the hillside garden where it is located is enchanting.
If you head to the right you will find the wisteria, the lakes and Italian Water Garden, the treehouses, and the Pierce DuPont house. On either side you can find meadow and woodland paths.
Whichever way you choose to go, and whichever season you choose to visit, you will find a resplendent and spellbinding destination in Longwood Gardens.
