Brandywine Valley is a great getaway destination that is often overlooked by residents of the Mid-Atlantic region. Located in Delaware, just one hour south of Philadelphia, one hour north of Baltimore, and two hours north of Washington, DC, the Brandywine Valley offers historic attractions, art museums, landscapes, and many outdoor recreation opportunities. free. The gardens and arboretums are spectacular destinations for nature lovers and the historic houses are must-sees for those interested in the decorative arts.
Many of the attractions, located within a 10-mile radius of Wilmington, Delaware, are the legacy of the DuPont family. (EI DuPont founded the DuPont chemical company in the early 1800s, starting out as a gunpowder manufacturer.)
There is so much to see and do when visiting the Brandywine area that you cannot experience it all in one trip. Here are some suggestions to help you plan your getaway.
Visiting tips
- Allow enough time to visit each attraction, half a day for most of them. Take your time and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the historic sites and gardens.
- Plan ahead and book guided tours in advance.
- Wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather.
- Visit the gift shops. Delaware does not have sales taxes, so be sure to enjoy some great shopping.
- Enjoy the scenery and outdoor recreation. Play a round of golf, canoe down the Brandywine River, or have a picnic at one of the area parks.
- Visit a winery or brewery.
- Enjoy a wide range of gourmet restaurants or dine at one of the historic sites.
- The Brandywine area has a variety of places to stay, ranging from grand hotels to cozy bed and breakfasts.
01
of 11
Hagley Museum and Library
Direction
200 Hagley Creek Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807, EE. UU.Get directions
Telephone
+1 302-658-2400
Web
Visit the website
To learn about the history of DuPont, start at Hagley. The 235-acre site along the Brandywine River is home to DuPont’s original gunpowder mills, estate, and gardens. The museum features exhibits, demonstrations of gunpowder machinery, and tours of the first DuPont family home built in 1803. Special programs are held throughout the year for many age groups.
02
of 11
Longwood Gardens
Direction
1001 Longwood Rd , Kennett Square , PA 19348 , EE . UU.Get directions
Telephone
+1 610-388-1000
Web
Visit the website
The 1,077-acre major horticultural showcase includes 20 outdoor garden areas, 4 acres of indoor greenhouse gardens and 11,000 different types of plants. Built in 1919, Longwood Gardens is the living legacy of Pierre S. DuPont and is the most recognized attraction in the Brandywine Valley. The Gardens offers classes and workshops, flower displays, gardening demonstrations, garden walks, and other special events.
03
of 11
Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library
Direction
5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, DE 19735-1819, EE. UU.Get directions
Telephone
+1 800-448-3883
Web
Visit the website
Henry Francis Du Pont’s 1,000-acre estate houses a collection of more than 85,000 American antiques and decorative arts. The 175-period halls, exhibition galleries, and gardens are open for tours and a variety of special events.
04
of 11
Nemours Mansion and Gardens
Direction
850 Alapocas Dr, Wilmington, DE 19803, EE. UU.Get directions
Telephone
+1 302-651-6912
Web
Visit the website
Alfred I. DuPont’s 102-room home features fine antique furniture, rugs, tapestries, paintings, and China. The 300-acre gardens include reflecting pools, fountains, and sculptures. Tours are available and reservations are suggested.
05
of 11
Brandywine River Museum
Direction
1 Hoffmans Mill Rd, Chadds Ford, PA 19317, EE. UU.Get directions
Telephone
+1 610-388-2700
Web
Visit the website
The 19th century mill with a beautiful setting along the Brandywine River houses one of the largest collections of North Carolina paintings, Andrew and Jamie Wyeth. The art museum also features the works of other well-known American illustrators.
06
of 11
Delaware art museum
Direction
2301 Kentmere Pkwy, Wilmington, DE 19806, EE. UU.Get directions
Telephone
+1 302-571-9590
Web
Visit the website
The museum houses a collection of world-renowned American art and illustration and pre-Raphaelite British art. The Copeland Sculpture Garden, on the museum grounds, displays the works of contemporary sculptors.
07
of 11
The Delaware Contemporary
Direction
200 S Madison St, Wilmington, DE 19801-5110, EE. UU.Get directions
Telephone
+1 302-656-6466
Web
Visit the website
The museum presents more than 30 temporary art exhibitions in all media, including painting, sculpture, photography, and art installation. DCCA also offers educational programs, gallery talks, and family events.
08
of 11
Read house and gardens
Direction
42 The Strand , New Castle , DE 19720 , EE . UU.Get directions
Telephone
+1 302-322-8411
Web
Visit the website
Guided tours are available in the restored 19th century home, a National Historic Landmark, located in historic New Castle. The riverside city served as the first capital of the state of Delaware and includes historic sites, specialty shops, and restaurants.
09
of 11
Delaware museum of natural history
Direction
4840 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, DE 19807-1827, EE. UU.Get directions
Telephone
+1 302-658-9111
Web
Visit the website
The small museum has an extensive collection of seashells, an African waterhole, a giant squid, dinosaur skeletons, and an interactive discovery room with hands-on activities for children.
10
of 11
Mount Central Cuba
Direction
3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE 19707-9579, EE. UU.Get directions
Telephone
+1 302-239-4244
Web
Visit the website
Parks and gardens
4.4
The horticultural institution is dedicated to the study, conservation and appreciation of native plants of Appalachian Piedmont, with the best wildflower gardens in the region. Tours run seasonally and require advance reservations.
eleven
of 11
Museum of Rockwood
Direction
4651 Washington Street Extension, Wilmington, DE 19809, EE. UU.Get directions
Telephone
+1 302-761-4340
Web
Visit the website
The English estate, owned and operated by New Castle County, features unique gardens and a Gothic country mansion that was built in 1851 by Joseph Shipley, a Quaker merchant banker. The Carriage House and Walled Garden are available to rent for private functions. Guided tours of the mansion are available by reservation.