I’ve lived in Maryland nearly all my life. I adore nature and when I travel I want nothing more than to seek out beautiful spaces. Ask me how it is that I’ve never stepped foot inside Longwood Gardens before this year.
I have no idea. It is a mystery.
But what I can tell you is that from the moment I entered the gates, I was enchanted. Stepping across the threshold is like walking into an entirely different world bursting with colors and textures.
My husband and I went with two other couples, not knowing what to expect or if it would be appealing to the group as a whole. I can tell you unequivocally that none of us wanted to leave that evening. It’s romantic. It’s inspirational. It is a botanical wonderland!
Longwood Gardens, A Playground for Nature Lovers
Longwood Gardens has a rich history that dates back to the early 1900s, and it’s all thanks to Pierre S. du Pont, of the famous Du Pont family. He purchased the land to save an arboretum of old trees from being cut down. What started as a personal passion project turned into one of the most beautifully designed gardens in the country.
Today, Longwood Gardens is a massive playground for nature lovers. And when I say massive, I’m not exaggerating. It is over 1,000 acres. Longwood is made up of 20 outdoor gardens, 20 indoor gardens, woodlands, meadows, a historic bell tower anchored on a 50-foot waterfall and even European fountains. You could easily spend the whole day wandering around and still not see everything. (And we did!)
The indoor conservatory by itself is 4.5 acres – bigger than some parks! It houses everything from tropical plants and orchids to bonsais and succulents.
What to Expect in Different Areas
I wish I had done a bit more research before visiting so I knew what to look forward to. (What can I say? I was in a go-with-the-flow mindset that weekend.) I’m sure I missed some of the sites, there seemed to be secret discoveries around every corner!
Here’s a breakdown of some of the key areas so you know what to expect:
- The Main Fountain Garden
This is the crown jewel of Longwood and my personal obsession. It’s a European-style garden with grand fountains that put on daily water shows, and in the summer, there are spectacular nighttime performances with water, lights, and music. It’s kind of like the garden version of a fireworks show. We spent a good deal of time resting on the lawn watching the fountains and pretending we were lounging in the gardens of Versailles. - The Meadow Garden
If you like a less manicured and more natural space, the 86-acre Meadow Garden is a will likely be your haven. You’ll find walking trails, wildflowers and native plants, with birds and wildlife adding to the serenity.We took some of our best photos of bees and butterflies in the Meadow Garden. - The Italian Water Garden
Designed by Pierre du Pont, this elegant garden features terraced fountains and reflective pools. It reminded me of my trip to Paris. Simply gorgeous and perfectly peaceful! - The Conservatory
The Conservatory is like a world tour of plants. Apparently that space alone has more than 5,500 species. The Palm House feels like a tropical rainforest, while the Orchid House is breathtaking. I was obsessed with the variety on display. There’s also a “children’s garden” inside, which has fountains, tunnels, and whimsical features. This big kid ran all around it and played in the fountains. (Hey, you only live once, right?) - The Forest Walk and Peirce’s Woods
I am a hiking girl and love nothing more than an opportunity to wander in the woods. The Forest Walk is a beautiful little woodland trail that winds through towering trees while Peirce’s Woods is an opportunity to experience a more natural forest environment that feels a little more wild and free. Some of the trees in Peirce’s Woods are over 100 years old. - The Idea Garden
If you’re a gardening enthusiast, this area is full of inspiration. You’ll see a variety of planting techniques, from formal flower beds to vegetable gardens. We got a ton of inspiration for our gardening spaces here.
But truly, I’m only scratching the surface. We wandered for HOURS and could have added another full day to our itinerary.
Oh, did I mention the food? We definitely did not go hungry. There are a variety of options on the property to choose from. They have a picnic area, café, beer gardens, fine dining at 1906 and private dining also held at 1906.
How Much Time Will You Spend at Longwood Gardens?
Honestly, a visit to Longwood Gardens can be as quick as two hours or a full-day adventure depending on how much you want to explore. I’d recommend carving out at least half a day if you really want to soak it all in, and if you’re someone who loves taking pictures or just needs a quiet place to relax, you could easily spend even longer.
There are plenty of benches and seating areas scattered throughout the gardens, so if you need a break, there’s always a place to sit and take in the views. Trust me, you’ll want to pause and enjoy the beauty as you go.
First-Time Visitor Info
If it’s your first visit to Longwood, here are a few tips that may help you plan:
- When to Visit
Longwood Gardens is open year-round, but the best time to visit depends on what you’re after. Spring at Longwood brings tulips, daffodils, and cherry blossoms, while summer ushers in roses and water lilies. In the fall, visitors are treated to gorgeous autumn colors, and winter transforms the gardens into a twinkling, holiday wonderland. I’m personally heading back for the holidays because I’ve been told that is when the garden really goes all out with the lights and decorations. - Admission Prices
Tickets vary depending on the season and events. Ours were $30. Pricing is dynamic, meaning it can change based on the time of day and year. If you’re planning to go during one of their big events, like the holiday lights or a summer fountain show, snag your tickets online in advance. This helps you skip the lines and guarantees your spot, as tickets can sell out. - What to Expect
The gardens are massive, so comfy shoes are a must. A leisurely visit will take you a few hours, especially if you stop to admire the various gardens, the Italian Water Garden, or the breathtaking conservatory filled with exotic plants. Don’t miss the fountain performances—they’re scheduled throughout the day and set to music in the evenings (and they’re quite the show!). - Dining
There’s an on-site restaurant and café, but packing a picnic is another option. There are designated areas to enjoy your food, and trust me, sitting in the garden while munching on snacks with the sound of fountains nearby is pretty magical. - Accessibility
The gardens are very accessible, with wheelchair rentals available and paved paths through most of the major sections. This makes it easier for anyone to explore without any trouble.
Visiting Longwood Gardens is like exploring a mini-world of nature, art, and history, all wrapped up in one stunning package. Whether you’re there for the flowers, the fountains, or just the fresh air, you’ll walk away feeling like you’ve discovered a true hidden gem. Just make sure your phone’s charged because you’ll definitely want to snap a few (or a few hundred) photos!
Details:
Longwood Gardens
1001 Longwood Road
Kennett Square, PA 19348
Instagram: Longwood Gardens
