LivingTravelThings to See and Do in Brandywine Valley, Delaware

Things to See and Do in Brandywine Valley, Delaware

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.

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