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Longwood Gardens
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Botanical Gardens Active Life Parks Botanical Gardens, Parks [Edit]
1001 Longwood RdKennett Square, PA 19348
(610) 388-1000
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 9 am - 5 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
97 reviews for Longwood Gardens
97 reviews in English
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Review from pat o.
2/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
A beautiful and sprawling garden offering various and unique flowers from around the world. I went with a dear friend at the end of January and could only enjoy the indoor flowers, but that took almost half the day. The tour of the Dupont house is gorgeous. A lovely and historical outing that should not be missed while staying in Philadelphia.
In addition, make sure to eat the restaurant. The food is amazing. -
Review from Leah K.
Dover, DE
I've had a membership since Mother's Day, and we try to go up once a month, or every few months. I think we figured out that with a dual membership, if we made it three times in a year, it would have paid for itself, and that's not including the two free day passes we got with it. I also got a discount on tickets to the Indigo Girls concert they had over the summer at the Gardens for having been a member.
We managed to make it up there twice while the Christmas stuff was up, which I highly recommend. The first time, in late November, we went during the early afternoon and spent a lot of time looking at all the stuff inside the Conservatory. There are poinsettias as tall as my mother. Shoulder high Easter lilies. All kinds of red and green and white plants, including "trees" made out of other plants like succulents and bromeliads. Tons of amaryllis, winterberry, decorated trees, poinsettias, narcissus (a stifling quantity of narcissus, hated the smell), kalanchoe, etc... There are lights, too, but they don't look like much in full sun. There are also a bunch of wreaths made of herbs and succulents and orchids and all kinds of stuff.
The second time, this evening, was magnificent. We actually weren't even really there to see the Christmas stuff (been there, done that), but there was a free organ concert we wanted to check out. I was a little "meh" about a free organ concert, but my mother wanted to see it. It was better than I expected - at this one, the guy was friendly and funny, and he kinda put the organ through its paces so we could hear how incredibly versatile it was. Everything from "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" to silent movie scores with sound effects like an old steam engine and birds. But... we almost totally missed the organ concert because when we walked out of the Visitors Center, OH MY GOD the lights were amazing. They had dozens of trees all wrapped individually from the ground up the trunk and out along a bunch of branches. There were extra Christmas "trees" made up of tall conical armatures with lights running from the apex to the ground. There were a bunch of lit stars hanging from the trees over by the fountains where they do a water/light/music show during the day and the night. Multicolored lights, monochromatic lights, you name it. There was even a path that went from the Conservatory to the Garden Railway (where there was not one, but two Thomas The Trains) that was all lit up in glowing green. There were tons of lights in the Conservatory, too - lights on trees and plants and wreaths, lights reflected in the pools... Everything we'd seen in daylight looked even better in the dark with lights.
There was an outdoor stand advertising hot chocolate, gingerbread, a variety of cookies, and brownies. They were sold out of gingerbread and everything else was overpriced (all the food and drinks in the whole place are, which is why we always stop to eat on the way up) as usual - $3.50 for a 10 oz hot chocolate, $4 for a big cookie, but at least it's for a good cause, it supports the gardens. Still, I'm not made of money. It was really chilly out by the time we made it out of the organ concert and headed for the trains, though, and that hot chocolate made a really good handwarmer.
I wish there'd been more signs, or better lit ones. I don't have a very good sense of direction under the best of circumstances, and lit only by a gazillion LED Christmas lights, everything looked a lot different than during the day. Plus a lot of the paths that we would normally have taken were closed off, probably for safety since they were also very dark and not lit up like the others.
The parking lot was a madhouse when we got there around 5:15. I dropped her off at the door without any problem, but once I parked the car, 7 rows back, and started to walk toward the building, I was nearly run down by some guy in an SUV making a break for a parking space. They've got someone directing traffic up close at the main walkway into the Visitors Center, but it's Beyond Thunderdome territory out in the main lot. Better be nimble or have good health insurance.
I don't have kids, but it sure looked like fun times for the kids we saw, especially at the Garden Train area. Lots of shrieks of delight out there. I would think it'd be a great trip for a well rested and thoroughly bundled up child - the Conservatory is nice and warm, but the Garden Train and a lot of the lit trees are outdoors, and there's a fair amount of walking involved to get from the Visitors Center to the Conservatory to the Garden Train, especially with the aforementioned paths shut down.
I plan to renew my membership annually. Always something to see, friendly staff, and spectacular feats of horticulture. Next up is the orchid extravaganza. -
Review from Sarah K.
1/5/2012
Brought the little Thomas the Train fanatic in our lives to see the train exhibit this past week- we were surprised to see how cool it all was.
The last time I was here it was for a school trip in the 80s- I hated it then but that was likely because I was a disgruntled fifth grader who couldn't care any less about flowers and the great outdoors.
This time- 19 month old LOVED the Holiday Train set up (that boasted a half million LED lights- we went during the day and didn't see them...whomp) and the indoor kiddie garden. There was plenty for little hands to do in both of those spots but there were a few more kid friendly places that we didn't see since a 19 month old gets tired fairly quick.
It was a little pricey- but we went on a peak day at a peak hour (Saturday, 11am, New Years Eve.) I hear that the membership is worth and allows for great discounts at the eateries and such.
Cheers to flowers! -
Review from Amanda O.
Philadelphia, PA
12/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
If there was a sixth star, Longwood Gardens deserves it.
I'm a city slicker and the wonderful thing about Longwood Gardens is that it's a short jaunt down the highway from the sea of urban gray cubes. What a wonderful respite and gift to be able to walk around the visionary landscapes of an eccentric industrialist's century old property. My only regret is not having come sooner after moving to Philadelphia.
There is truly something for everyone; the Christmas stroll through gardens and lights and more gardens and more lights... was simply amazing. The overwhelming attention to detail at every turn, in every corner of every piece of the landscape is as brilliant as it is omnipresent.
And the gingerbread hot chocolate wasn't half bad, either. -
Review from Andy S.
Thibodaux, LA
1/27/2012 5 photos
Longwood, located right outside of Philadelphia is a cornucopia of sights for the nature lover out there. The Gardens are acres upon acres of all types of plants, flowers, trees, and anything else involving plant life. There is not much to do here besides walking around and taking in the sights. This may not be for everyone, since it is a lot of walking and there is no action taking place. Think of it as a zoo for plants. There are also waterfalls and fountains and a pretty decent and green restaurant.
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Review from Victoria N.
Frederick, MD
12/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
4 1/2 stars. We came here for the Christmas displays and I can't wait to check it out in the summer. This place is simply beautiful, I'm sure I can't say anything more than what everyone else has. You MUST go listen to the organ, the guy playing it and leading the Christmas carols is very funny.
The gingerbread hot chocolate is really good, and they can put Baileys in it, too! The gingerbread cookies were hard as rock, ok tasting, but not worth $4 a cookie. I would have loved it if there were live music or choirs outside. Apparently they do that sometimes, but not when we were there. I would expect something like that at least on the weekend. -
Review from Rick S.
Glendale, CA
12/31/2011
We came here for the gorgeous Christmas display. I've only been the one time but my friends have been here often and have a membership they like it so much. The DuPont history is fascinating too and I'd love to come back to learn more.
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Review from Ben R.
10/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
Needless to say this place is amazing in the spring and summer, but don't miss this place in the off season either!
Their holiday displays in the conservatory are just as awe inspiring for Christmas, and if you wish to brave the cold and stroll through the many fantastically light adorned trees, you will be happy to find carts selling hot chocolate and mulled cider. -
Review from Anne M.
10/3/2011
Uh.... mind-boggling-beautiful!
I hate the rain. If it's raining out, and I don't HAVE to be somewhere, forget about it - I'm not leaving the house. That being said, we were visiting the area for a wedding, and heard many people raving about Longwood Gardens, so I felt a sense of obligation to NOT miss this.
It was sprinkling and cold. Eeh. Not good. But still, I felt the urge to drive here and check out the massive grounds.
So, we got our umbrellas and trekked through the huge parking lot up to the entrance and made it happen.
Even in the cold sprinkling/misting rain, this was enjoyable and really impressive. It would have been 100% more enjoyable had it been nicer out, but still, it was great. Plus, we spent most of the time here inside the covered conservatory / green house.
Amazing lily ponds.
Gigantic greenhouses.
Stunning architecture and buildings.
Friendly, helpful staff.
Gorgeous flowers, trees, greenery, landscaping.
Fountains, waterfalls, ponds, all over the place.
Bring your walking shoes (and maybe your umbrella, just in case) and plan to be here for a while. -
Review from Wade G.
Philadelphia, PA
1/27/2012
Fabulous place to go with friends or family. I really enjoy their changing events. We went to the Gingerbread Christmas event and it was lovely. I am also going to the Orchids event in March... I can not wait!
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Review from Angela H.
8/23/2011 6 photos
Whoa! Since when did I become Alice in Wonderland?!? Longwood Gardens is the kind of place that makes you feel like you're in a magical world that almost no one knows about.
I paid $8 as a student and then went on my journey through the gardens where I didn't have to plant a single seed. I could relax near a waterfall without hiking through several woods. I sat near the view of a fountain show or I found looking at the landscape of a willow tree was just as peaceful as a trip to a spa. Peaceful and stress-free! It was nature at it's finest and completely affordable.
Even on a hot August day there are enough shaded areas to feel cool but if you sunburn easily--bring an umbrella. It's the norm here and you won't feel out of place.Listed in: Let's Do It Again!, Where to Bring Mom
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Review from Dan F.
Newport, MI
10/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
We were here on a buisness trip here last week. I'm in the horticulture industry and we spent most of our day in their meeting rooms.
This place is pretty cool as Gardens/Conservitories go. Similar to others that I've been to in the past. Everything was very well taken care of. They had replaced many of the annuals with Mums which was nice to see. They aren't just letting the place fall apart because it's October.
Our admission was taken care of so I can't say anything on price.
The gift shop items, I thought were way over-priced. -
Review from Nisha S.
Jersey City, NJ
9/8/2011
If you live in the tri-state Southern NJ, PA, and DE areas, and you haven't visited this place yet, shame on you!!. I have been to gardens in several major cities, and this is one of the best kept in the world!! My mom and I usually visit atleast 2-3 times a year for seasonal flowers.
Everything is labeled, it is kid-friendly, words can not describe. Ticket prices usually include an amazing water fountain show with lights, just breathtaking. Last weekend, we saw both the fireworks and fountain show.
The fireworks tickets were a little pricey at $38 each (including general admission), but we went anyway, since we love seeing the conservatory at night, it was so well worth every penny.
July 4th and mini wedding fireworks, are nothing compared to this, this was art, this was dancing pyrotechnics, this was breathtaking. Each spark went with the beat. I can't even explain it, we were in awe!
I'm going back for more next summer. Can't wait for the Christmas displays. Thank you Longwood for doing such an amazing job for all of us to enjoy!!!!
Go soon, if you haven't yet, for the Fall displays!! -
Review from Nicole R.
8/15/2011
What a beautiful, magical place. I've been here at least 1/2 a dozen times over the last 10 years and I look forward to going back at some point.
I recommend going any time of the year! I actually love visiting during the holidays; their winter displays are breathtakingly beautiful and it's a nice treat when the days are shorter and we all long for a taste of spring/summer. Between the indoor displays of flowers and plants from around the world.... the heavenly aromas....and the meticulously maintained grounds... my friends, you will not be disappointed!
This place is on the pricey side but it's so worth it! It's about a 2.5 hour drive from the DC area (approx) so it's perfect for a day trip :-)
This really is a wonderful place to come and take memorable photographs with your loved ones/friends. I'd recommend this for couples interested in a romantic date idea or families/friends looking to get away for the day. -
Review from Sally W.
Yardley, PA
7/1/2011
I am amazed that I did not write a review of Longwood Gardens yet! It is one of my very favorite spots this side of Heaven.
We are very fortunate to be members, so try to go an average of once a month. The displays are always changing, and it is wonderful no matter what the weather happens to be. Perfect environments inside and out.
Every season brings beautiful changes to the outside displays and gardens. The special events can be fun, but I do prefer less crowds.
Beautiful, peaceful, and healing for the soul..... -
Review from Cynthia S.
DeLand, FL
12/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
What can you say about Longwood Gardens? It is one of the most beautiful gardens in the world, not just the USA. There are acres of perfectly maintained gardens and pathways. There is a conservatory filled w/ seasonal plants that also includes a children's garden, an organ room w/ free concerts, and permanently installed incredible orchids , succulents, and tropicals. The Christmas displays are not to be missed which also include an outdoor light show and a carol sing-a-long. There are 2 dining choices which aren't bad and a very nice gift shop.I love the hot chocolate and cookie stands in December. In fact, I am a member, making this a very affordable place to visit and one of the best public venues in the Philly/Delaware area.
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Review from Simchah O.
Philadelphia, PA
9/14/2011
I was here first for a firework event (in the pouring rain- which coincidentally let up in time) and then during the day another time. I was only able to make it half way through the gardens before they kicked us out for another firework event. I wish I had more time to scope everything out!
This place is absolutely magical and a fantastic place for children (as opposed to an arcade)! I could not help but look at everything with a sense of wonder and awe. Every bit of space at Longwood Gardens smells magnificent and is pleasing to all the senses.
One thing I would definitely recommend doing- get there early and bring a camera. I felt helpless the first time I went- not documenting every beautiful landscape and petal I could! -
Review from Kevin L.
5/9/2011 8 photos
The name DuPont is familiar name that rings throughout America - a super successful and wealthy family that started many businesses, including a chemical company. The family owned this gigantic estate and many of it's features were built for the family and designed by the family, from the fountains to the conservatory.
We arrived in the afternoon and the first thing we watched was the fountain show from the entrance of the conservatory. Honestly, it was quite disappointing (compared to the Bellagio), but I would imagine it to be beautiful at night with the lights and other effects. There's a plethora of flowers, perfect for photographers and nature enthusiasts, and it's beautiful. Younger children can enjoy a water play-zone built specifically for kids in mind inside of the conservatory.
I didn't like the idea garden. Essentially, everything on the right side of the park (on the map) was excellent. I was able to get a lot of great photos and was impressed! Will definitely come back when they offer special decorations, such as Christmas time! -
Review from Ettya F.
5/30/2011
There are flowers, trees, shrubs, ferns and various other greenery, and it's very pretty.
Some of these pretty things are inside a greenhouse...one of the most elaborate greenhouses you'll ever encounter, complete with medicinal plants, tropical plants, desert plants, white plants, green plants, yellow plants, orange plants, pink plants, combination plants...
The point is, don't loose your fellow explorer, or else one of you may be consumed by the man-eating-plant I'm convinced lurks somewhere in the depths of the greenhouse.
There is a birdwatching station, but there are no birds around. This figures because if I were 6 inches high, I probably wouldn't hang around a structure full of 5-foot-something humans. Regardless, it is very pretty - and green - and it's neat to get a birds-eye-view of the woods.
The paths are well laid out...the fountains are magical...the flowers are pretty - but you already knew that.Listed in: FYI: How to Make Some Fall in…
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Review from Steve T.
5/12/2011
Heaven on Earth. As close to the biblical description of the Garden of Eden as you will find. Hundreds of acres of plantings from all over the world, including mature trees, innumerable species of flowers, shrubs, vegetables, fruit trees, aquatic plants, fountains, and the nicest orchid display I've seen in the northeast.
Best to make this trip in the morning, as it is an all day walk. You will walk many miles so wear your most comfortable sneakers. Also, you'll be in the sun most of the time. Crowds can be heavy on weekends, so you should consider a weekday.
Check the LG website, as they run regular special exhibits that will make your trip even more memorable. We caught a lily exhibit last year that was indescribable....literally thousands of different lillies arranged in a myriad of presentations.
The highlight of the experience is the conservatory, which is a huge glass enclosed structure in which the tropical plants are housed. The walk through here is worth the trip itself.
Best to go in Spring, but the experience is solid throughout the summer and early fall. There is a charge to enter but well worth it.Listed in: Happy Trails...
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Review from Hector M.
6/5/2011 6 photos
This is the quintessential day trip from New York (or Philadelphia) and should be the automatic answer in Talk threads. It is 130 miles (2 1/2 hours) from NYC and 30 miles from Philly. Be sure to check out their website regarding GPS directions (http://www.longwoodgar...) before heading out.
I had no expectations and was pleasantly surprised with how impressive and vast it was. It is full of beautiful fountains, plenty of picturesque places, manicured gardens, and a lush meadow. Get there early because the property is massive with plenty to do and see (outdoor concerts, fountain shows, and fireworks). On your way home, be on the lookout for all of the nearby vineyards. -
Review from Lia M.
2/13/2011
I will visit Longwood Gardens anytime - it is absolutely beautiful. I was here in early November, on a rather rainy day, unfortunately. I had been wanting to visit, especially due to the perfume exhibit, and luckily, Ariela M. had the same day off as I did, so a quick trip to Philly & Longwood Gardens was in store for me.
The outside grounds are gorgeous, even without flowers and waterfalls in November. The inside gardens were just as amazing. My favorite was the orchids, of course!
I had been wanting to see the perfume exhibit, as I am obsessed with perfumes. It was small, but with nice information on scents and perfumeries, as well as a beautiful perfume bottle display of some of the most popular perfumes and prettiest perfume bottles. Though I had been to a perfume bottle museum before, I never tire of seeing the bottles and thinking about new fragrances.
The cafe was nice and the meals looked tempting, though we only split a slice of pecan pie. The Pierre du Pont house was also nice to walk through, especially as we needed to get out of the cold. A really cute cat lives there! The shop had some really pretty home decor, if you are into flowers. I must get back in the summertime!Listed in: Travellin'
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Review from Susanne J.
Philadelphia, PA
5/17/2011 2 Check-ins Here
One of my favorite "public" gardens. And by public I do not mean free. I mean open to the public. Each spring Longwood is a spectacular showcase for blooming wisteria, tulips, anemone, foxglove, and snapdragon. The Italian fountains will mesmerize as your eyes are immediately drawn to the cool blue tiles shimmering beneath the surface.
We have a dual membership in our household and it is well worth it for the 4 or more times a year that I go for seasonal exhibits, fireworks displays, and musical concerts. Wear comfortable shoes and stroll the paths as the landscape changes from manicured flower gardens to open field and meadow. Stop for an iced tea at the Terrace Cafe before heading to the conservatory to view more exotic species of flora. Read a book or enjoy a romp in the cow pasture where DuPont used to graze his dairy herd.
This is a place I actually recommend for kids because of the wide open spaces and abundance of color and shape and texture to keep them interested. The garden also offers and abundance of classes for the novice or advanced horticulturalist and has a gift shop with all sorts of tempting items from seed and garden supplies, to books, to jewelry and scented soaps.
I highly recommend the fireworks displays that they pair with music. Splurge and pair the evening with Longwood's delicious pre-show barbeque. It's work the ticket price! Don't forget to view the holiday light display over Christmas and the 1906 restaurant is perfect for a more formal and romantic setting if you're bringing someone special! -
Review from Michael O.
Philadelphia, PA
6/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
Fabulous. I liked this place more than I had expected to.
We arrived and started touring around on our own. It's beautiful and well maintained. Later in the day, they had a free concert in the open air theater. We ate dinner, then enjoyed the fountain show.
It's great for all ages. It's also huge. We were here for almost 6 hours and didn't see the whole property. It's got a little of everything-beautiful grounds, history, music, events....a really wonderful place to spend a day. -
Review from chris e.
Davis, CA
12/20/2011
30 years later, and I still recall Longwood Gardens during Christmas time. A very special place to be with the family.
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Review from Marissa R.
Philadelphia, PA
I had a great day at Longwood with my cousin last weekend!!! It was my first visit, and I was quite impressed.
Luckily, she had a membership so we both got in for free, because I would have been a little unhappy to pay $18 for entrance. We did enjoy walking around and observing all of the beautiful garden areas. When we went for a drink, I noticed that everything on the menu was quite overpriced! But I guess they can get away with that, when they're a monopoly and people need a break while visiting.
Overall, it was gorgeous and I would return. -
Review from Jen R.
Philadelphia, PA
2/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
*Rating for Christmas display only*
Steve and I walked into Longwood Gardens once and walked out with a one year membership and a location for our wedding photos. It is like nothing we've ever seen before. Gorgeous. We've been back a few times since then. We met up with our photographer here on our wedding day and got some pretty amazing shots. The Christmas decorations were a nice touch.
There is definitely a lot of walking involved. This place is massive. We still haven't walked the whole thing. We took our time and enjoyed each room in the conservatory. We didn't spend too much time outside because it was December and therefore a tad bit too cold. My grandfather loved the variety of flowers and my little cousin loved the lights, colors and especially the kid's section where he was allowed to play with water.
I'm planning to visit a few more times throughout the year to see the different displays during each season. The yearly membership definitely comes in handy here. Besides not having to pay $18 for each visit, you get 10% off at the store.
The restaurant here is way overpriced. The food was good but not great. -
Review from Monty W.
Kennett Square, PA
6/14/2011
I've lived in the area around here for many years now, and FINALLY have been enraptured with the beauty that is Longwood Gardens. My family has a garden pass which allows us unlimited visits all year, and literally pays for itself in 2 visits.
Kennett Square may not be the most busy town in the world, but entering the grounds of Longwood Gardens transports you into a land and culture of another time. The sights, sounds and smells of Longwood are an experience that one should not miss. -
Review from Natalie B.
Philadelphia, PA
1/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
Longwood Gardens is absolutely gorgeous, even during the winter. I've been there three times, once for the 4th of July fireworks and twice for the winter orchid display.
The staff is always really friendly and helpful, and there's plenty to see. Their indoor garden (the Conservatory) is open year round, and there's a lake and a few outdoor gardens to wander around. They have musical and theatrical performances throughout the year. The 4th of July fireworks alone were beautiful, but combined with a fountain and lights display, music, and sitting in the grass on a warm summer night was spectacular.
My 1 year old nephew (and my inner child) really enjoyed the kids' garden in the Conservatory. The architecture was fun and unique, and there were lots of fountains for him to play with. My personal favorites are the orchid room and the tree houses.
I recently bought a membership (hooray student discount!) and am excited to return in the spring! -
Review from Lisa M.
Bothell, WA
4/11/2011 2 photos
Ok... I ADORE this place and I'm no textbook plant freak. Since I am no good at keeping plants alive, I visit gardens to photograph and admire the beauty... MY plants have taken out restraining orders against me. :(
Longwood Gardens is the largest garden in the Nation; boasting over 1,050 acres. It is also the former Dupont Estate. It was donated to the state with the provision they never develop the land but instead maintain it for the public to enjoy. Many, if not all the gardens were designed and initially planted by Mr. Dupont himself. Celebrities would wait in anticipation for an invitation from the Dupont's to come and enjoy their estate gardens. Celebrities like Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks... (silent movie era)...
What's refreshing about Longwood is they change the planting all season so you can visit it often and still see something new....some themes are a complete changeover. Most of their horticulturists are volunteers and their pest control system is all natural. (They use cats who live on the grounds). In the spring, they generally plant a food harvest type garden which they donate all harvests to local Food Banks.
In December...the lights come out. See it in the early evening. Even though the outdoor portion of their gardens aren't thriving, their indoor botanical garden is decked out in all the holiday regalia. Additionally, they've got lights strewn all throughout the entrance area trees and side gardens so this is definitely a nighttime event. If I remember correctly, there are also fireworks and a lighted fountain show. Just remember to bundle up with layers.
Be sure to start your tour off with a visit to the old Dupont mansion to get a good foundation for what you are about to experience and the history behind it...who planted it...what was the inspiration...who played amongst the gardens...what did it look like at it's inception...
Things to bring with you: Camera, good walking shoes, water, sunglasses, sunscreen (spring and summer), snacks (food is limited inside), and courtesy. Only service animals allowed.
Longwood Gardens is truly a treasure and I appreciate Mr. Pierre S. Dupont for his generous gift that keeps on giving.
If you're coming from the Philly area.. if you are a wine enthusiast, perhaps schedule your visit in combination with Chaddsford Winery's "Wine and Jazz" fests they have in the summer. Bring your own picnic and seating/blanket...they provide the music and wine. It's less than a 20 minute drive East on Route 1! -
Review from Melissa W.
Philadelphia, PA
3/13/2011 2 photos
Just went to the orchid exhibit this past weekend, and it was fantastic. The indoor conservatory is pretty large and so gorgeous. Great for photography, if you're interested in that sort of thing. Sadly, it is still winter in PA so the outdoor gardens weren't much to look at, but I've been here in other seasons and the garden grounds are absolutely beautiful.
The best is the 4th of July fountain/lights/music/fireworks spectacular. I think they also do summer evenings of classical music with fountain and light shows as well, and a wine tasting festival sometime in the spring. Lots of cool events take place at this gorgeous venue. Gentlemen, if you are looking for a fun and unique date idea, take your ladies here. You can thank me later. -
Review from Jennifer B.
Oakland, CA
8/16/2010
I am completely biased. When the biggest storm of the summer hit Pennsylvania, complete with a tornado warning, I had the beautiful fortune of being stuck in a glass palace, filled with flora diversions. Granted, I wasn't so happy about the predictions of 6 inch hail (we retreated to the ballroom).
Nature's intervention aside, this is possibly the most romantic place I've ever been. Aside from the palace of botanical wonders, there are tree houses, fountain gardens, topiaries, and beautiful flowers everywhere. It's absolutely worth the drive from Philadelphia, and I'll never forget it. -
Review from Rob R.
1/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
For $18, you get (nearly) full access to walk the 1,000+ acre gardens.
This place has a big draw and borders on being tourist-centric. Although there are several themes within themes at the conservatory (don't forget to drop a penny and make a wish), they do a nice presentation. I am not a flower guy by any means but I rather enjoyed walking through.
A perfect way to spend a lazy Sunday with the fam. -
Review from Lily T.
11/20/2010 1 Check-in Here
Beautiful garden for people of all ages. Their indoor greenhouse is filled with different plants, flowers and orchards!
The park is big enough to come spend the whole day. Easy accessible bathrooms all over the park. Everything is great about the park, including the staffs. They are super friendly. The tickets are $16 dollars for adults.
Will return again! -
Review from Dave H.
5/10/2010
Those into flora will be into Longwood Gardens. During weekends, it's chock full of folks wanting to see flowers, especially during the springtime. The grounds are so expansive that there are still peaceful pockets to relax, just be prepared for some walking.
There are plenty of spots for photo opportunities, and the Gardens host cultural arts performances on a regular basis.
Looking for a bite? The Terrace Restaurant on-site has a natural, pleasant decor. Not sure if they still have a salad bar, but it was one of the freshest I've run into. Try the tasty marinated mushrooms! -
Review from Lauren T.
10/4/2010 3 Check-ins Here
Longwood is a beautiful way to indulge all your senses. The gardens contain wonderful displays, plenty of space to walk and explore and fine dining for when you are hungry. We've been to Longwood several times and will be back several times more.
This past Saturday was an exceptional fall day for spending the afternoon at Longwood. The "Making Scents: The Art and Passion of Fragrance" exhibition throughout the gardens is phenomenal. It runs through 11/21 and I highly recommend you check it out.
The water lilies were in full bloom and were beautiful.
The fountains were running and made our visit even more memorable.
We ate lunch this time at The Cafe portion of the The Terrace Restaurant, the self serve option at Longwood. The food was very good! We each had a half sandwich, salad, fresh fruit and lavender cheesecake for dessert. The cheesecake was a unique and tasty treat.
I highly recommend you visit Longwood Gardens. -
Review from Christian H.
Philadelphia, PA
6/30/2010
If you're like me, you've grown weary of commercialized holiday spirit around Christmas time. I am personally sick of the same tired Christmas songs being sung ad nauseum, seeing "It's A Wonderful Life" on TV, and seeing the long lines at the shopping malls. It all seems so phony to me. So when I want to get into the holiday spirit, I take a different route. I go to Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square.
I'm not easily impressed, but the display of holiday lights on the trees and the displays the staff at Longwood Gardens puts together each year are absolutely incredible. There is no way to describe it, you'll just have to see it yourself. It is the perfect place to take a date, take your family, or just go by yourself to take in nature's beauty.
Longwood Gardens is an underrated gem in the Philadelphia area that everyone needs to experience once in their life. We are very fortunate to have this in our area, and need to take the time to visit! -
Review from Dj M.
Feasterville-Trevose, PA
Updated - 5/25/2009 1 photo
I can not think of a better way to spend $16.00 for a relaxing day filled with the beautiful wonders of nature. Longwood's ever changing gardens and conservatories offer a new experience with each visit.
Located in the historic Brandywine Valley, beautiful and majestic trees, such as the Princess trees, which line a main walkway and look like a cross between a right side up Wisteria to a Lilac, are just one of many wonderous sights you will see. Longwood Gardens is considered to be one of the great gardens of the world and is often referred to as the world's premier horticultural showplace.
Numerous and beautiful fountains will entertain you with dancing waters and breath taking gardens surrounding them, such as the Italian gardens, In the evenings the fountains are illuminated with colors. During special events or throughout the year, fireworks blend into the skies behind these grandiose displays of water.
Inside of the Conservatories, you will find spectacular displays of lush tropical plants, lilies, the size of a child's head, Orchids galore, Cacti, banana trees with bunches hovering above, as well as all the familiar and unusual plants and flowers from around the world.
Events are happening here year round and with their open air theatre, concerts can be enjoyed by all ages.
My husband's sister and brother-in-law live in Silver Springs, Md. Anytime she wants to get together, she mentions Longwood Gardens. I share her love for flowers and outdoor beauty, so she never has to twist my arm.
Parking in Longwood Garden's huge parking lot is free. The doors open at 9:00am and year round passes are very affordable. I did notice that wheelchairs, strollers and motorized scooters were available, for minimal charge.
As we were leaving, both of our hubbies said "okay are we done now?" At that my sister-in-law and I both said, simultaneously, "No, we have not visited the Gift Shop"! Many great gift ideas, as well as a gift for yourself, along with an indoor and outdoor flower area, where you can purchase a little Longwood Garden number to take home with you. Flowers make me smile.Listed in: Five Star Wonders!, Family Fun and Kids, How Does Your Garden Grow?
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/28/2008
I love flowers, so, therefore, I love Longwood Gardens. You can easily spend most of your day here… Read more »
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Review from Bob K.
3/15/2010
There are three local institutions that I got annual passes for, and this is one. The other two (Philly zoo and Del Museum of Nat History) get me into multiple places in the area for free, but this one doesn't. It's still worth it for the family pass, because I come here with at least two kids at a time, and I can't pass for a student any more. :(
The children's garden is a hoot, but only a small corner of the indoor greenhouse where there is so much to see. There's one room with orchids all over the walls, and be sure to get to the verrrry limited time orchid palooza (or whatever its called) every February. Unbelievable.
The grounds are such a contrast. There's a meadow with paths in it that invite the kids to see how fast they can run until they can't. That's right beside a wooded area with some very neat enclosed tree houses.
The main house is worth a visit, so you can see the truly interesting story of the founder of this place. He paid for my daughter's former school, for example, back when rich people thought good public education was important.
There is a cafe that was recently upgraded, and while overpriced, offers enough of a variety for all of my kids, between the grill, sandwiches, soups for dad, etc.
Finally, the gift shop is truly excellent -AND you don't even need to get a pass to visit it! So, if any readers out there are looking to shop for the green thumb friend or family member in their lives (me), you can drive up to the free parking and shop away! Plants, books on plants, tchatckes on plants, and all kinds of upscale stuff to be found. Of everything though, the plants themselves were the most reasonably priced.
Take a good camera, with the ability to tight focus. This place is like crack for someone like me, who has three main hobbies, two of which are gardening and photography. -
Review from Kate B.
Philadelphia, PA
4/26/2009
Walking through Longwood Gardens is like journeying into another world -- a world of brilliant reds, and yellows, and purples, of glistening lakes and sparkling fountains, of magnificent greenhouses and impressive topiary. It's like the setting of a fairytale -- only real -- and impeccably manicured.
I love going to Longwood in the winter, for their Christmas show, in the early spring, when the first buds are just starting to bloom, and again for Indian Summer, when the fall colors are just beginning to peak through. With a large greenhouse of exotic plants, several fountain gardens, a waterfall, a topiary garden -- and fields upon fields of beautiful flowers that passersby can wander through, Longwood is truly exquisite.
My only complaint is that it's not more open! How wonderful it would be to wander through the Italian fountain garden -- maybe run through the fountains -- rather than gaze at them longingly, from afar. I want to go up into the Bell Tower and SEE the giant bell ring, and walk up the old staircase next to the waterfall. 10 years ago, you could do these things -- now they're roped off.
Even so, Longwood from a distance is still a magical place -- a perfect weekend escape.
