Our grand Conservatory display spaces remain open throughout Longwood Reimagined: A New Garden Experience (opening November 22, 2024). During your visit, you may see and hear work being done as we reimagine the area. Learn more about our progress.
Tickets, Admission, and Prices
Timed Ticketing
Weather
Parking
COVID-19
Exploring the Gardens
Accessibility
Visitor Conveniences
Food and Drink
Smoking
Photography & Video
Weddings, Proposals, and other Milestone Celebrations
Private Events, Meetings, and Room Rentals
Horticulture Information
Members’ Frequently Asked Questions
Tickets, Admission, and Prices
Should I purchase tickets in advance of my visit? Can I pick them up in advance of my visit?
Yes. We recommend buying tickets before you arrive at the Gardens. We often sell out during busy seasons such as A Longwood Christmas, and most special events sell out in advance. You can purchase Gardens Admission or special event tickets in advance and print them at home or we can scan tickets directly from your mobile device. Please note that a $3 per ticket fee applies to purchases of special event tickets, including performances, dining events, and Fireworks & Fountains Shows. You may also purchase advance tickets over the phone and pick them up in our Visitor Center. An additional $6 fee applies for phone orders.
Will I be charged additional fees with my purchase?
A $3 per ticket fee applies to performance, dining event, and Fireworks & Fountains tickets. Purchases of Gardens Admission tickets, Memberships, and Continuing Education classes do not incur a fee. Phone orders incur an additional $6 fee.
Can I save tickets to my mobile wallet?
Yes. Use the Apple Wallet or Google Pay icon shown on the ticket to store to your mobile device. You will need to add each individual ticket type from your order to the wallet.
Can I leave and return?
No. Re-entry is not permitted at this time; however, you may stay as long as you like until the Gardens are closed.
I have a ticket for a special event. When should I arrive?
Please plan to arrive at our Visitor Center at least one hour prior to your dining reservation or show time. Please note that specially ticketed events often include all-day admission to the Gardens (Gardens open at 10:00 am). You may experience heavier-than-usual traffic when traveling to the Gardens during the holiday season. There is a short outdoor walk required to reach the Conservatory, The Terrace, or performance venues.
Can I get a refund? Can I exchange my ticket for another date?
All sales are final. Tickets are non-refundable and may not be exchanged for another date and time. Lost or stolen tickets will not be refunded or replaced.
Does Longwood offer discounted tickets?
We offer discounted rates for members of the military, veterans, groups, youth (ages 5–18), college students (with valid ID), seniors (ages 65+), SNAP EBT cardholders, and PA ACCESS cardholders. Please note that military, student, and senior discounts are not available during A Longwood Christmas. Please visit our accessibility FAQs for more information on the ACCESS program. Please check with our Group Visits office about pricing for groups of 15 or more arriving via motor coach.
How do I receive a discount if I am a SNAP EBT or PA ACCESS cardholder?
Discounts are for individuals with any state-issued SNAP EBT card or PA ACCESS card. These cards offer $2 per person Gardens admission for up to 4 individuals (ages 5 and up), including the cardholder. For certain experiences, there may be a higher fee. Children 4 and under are free. The named cardholder must be present for the visit with a matching valid photo ID. Not valid for specially ticketed events, including Fireworks. The discount is available every day during A Longwood Christmas. However, we cannot accommodate if we are sold out. Please visit our accessibility FAQs for more information on the ACCESS program.
How do I receive a veterans or military discount?
We offer veterans and active military a discount on Adult general admissions tickets. Veterans or active members of the military and their dependents (with a valid DoD card) can receive this discount. A separate valid ID must be presented for each discounted admission ticket.
What is a valid veterans or military ID?
A valid veterans ID is a document issued by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to identify a person as a veteran. A valid military ID is a document issued by the United States Department of Defense to identify a person as a member of the Armed Forces or a member's dependent, such as a child or spouse. The primary types of U.S. military ID cards being issued today are the CAC (for active duty members of the military), the DD Form 2, and Department of Defense Form 1173 for retirees and dependents.
Do you sell gift cards?
Yes. Longwood gift cards can be used for general admission, Memberships, classes, special performance tickets, and purchases at The Terrace and Gardens Shop. Gift cards come in any denomination, are good year-round, and never expire. They may be purchased online, in our Visitor Center, or by calling 610-388-1000 (additional fees apply for phone orders).
Does Longwood make donations of admission tickets to support other nonprofits/charity auctions/fundraisers?
Yes, after submitting your request, Longwood reviews submissions and makes a decision at that time whether to fulfill. Submit your request.
Timed Ticketing
What is timed ticketing?
Timed ticketing offers reserved times to enjoy our displays and exhibits. With a timed ticket, a pre-established number of guests enter during each interval, allowing guests to enjoy shorter lines and a better viewing experience. Timed tickets are required for admission.
I am a Member. Do I need a timed ticket?
No. However, Members and guests covered by your Membership require free reservations at certain times through the year. The times when you need to make a free Member reservation in advance include:
- Wednesdays through Mondays from open to close (including Morning Hour for Members) during Spring Blooms;
- Illuminated Fountain Performance evenings (Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays) during Festival of Fountains if arriving after 3:00 pm;
- every day from open to close during A Longwood Christmas.
When making reservations for multiple dates, please do so in separate transactions.
When can I use my Complimentary Guest Tickets?
Complimentary Guest Tickets are for one-time general admission and are not valid for specially ticketed events and blackout days (peak days) during A Longwood Christmas. Blackout days are all Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during A Longwood Christmas, November 22, 2024 through January 12, 2025; and every day December 20, 2024 through January 5, 2025. Other blackout dates may apply; check your tickets to see additional restrictions.
When is the last entry time?
Tickets are sold to allow entry at half-hour intervals from 10:00 am to one hour before Gardens close.
When is the best time to visit during the Christmas season?
Mondays–Thursdays and earlier in the day are generally the best times to avoid crowds.
What if we arrive late, after our entry time?
We will make every effort to accommodate late arrivals, but we recommend you plan to enter during your scheduled time to better enjoy your experience. If you arrive within one half hour of your scheduled time you will be able to enter the Gardens immediately. However if you arrive more than one half hour from your scheduled time you may need to wait for the next available time slot.
Will we have to leave at a specified time?
No, timed tickets apply to entrance times only. You are welcome to stay until closing, no matter what time you enter.
We didn’t know about timed ticketing. Will we be admitted?
We will make every effort to accommodate guests without timed tickets. However, if all times are sold out then you may need to return on a different day.
Do children need timed tickets?
Children ages 4 and under are admitted free and do not require a ticket. Children ages 5 and older do require a timed ticket.
Where can we get timed tickets?
Tickets are available at tickets.longwoodgardens.org.
Weather
What happens in case of inclement weather?
Visiting our Gardens is a largely outdoor experience, and most of our events are rain or shine. We will make every effort to hold outdoor events and performances as scheduled. Cancellation of an event or performance is dependent on weather conditions at the Gardens, and the decision to cancel a performance will be made as close to show time as possible.
Parking
Does Longwood have parking facilities? Is it free?
Parking at Longwood is free. There may be a substantial walk from your car to the Visitor Center, although it is possible to drop passengers off at the Visitor Center then park the car. Guests with a valid accessible parking permit will find accessible parking available near the Visitor Center entrance. During peak visitation times, remote parking may be in effect. Please follow signage and Longwood personnel directing parking. Complimentary transportation to the Gardens is provided.
Do you have charging stations for electric cars?
Three charging stations for plug-in electric/hybrid cars are available on a first-come, first-served basis in our Visitor Center Parking Lot. We use Clipper Creek Model HCS-40 charging stations, which accommodate all electric vehicles that use a standard Level II J1772 plug. Tesla vehicles require the use of a Tesla SAE J1772 Charging Adapter, which is not provided by Longwood Gardens. The charging stations are available to guests free of charge.
COVID-19
What precautions is Longwood Gardens taking against the COVID-19 virus?
Just as our Gardens are a place of pleasure and respite, we strive to ensure they remain a place of wellness and safety. We are continuing our cleaning protocols and offering hand sanitizer stations throughout the Gardens and recommend that you continue to follow CDC guidelines regarding masks. When visiting our Gardens, please do your part by honoring our visiting guidelines, and remaining home if you are sick or symptomatic.
We continue to follow guidelines from the State of Pennsylvania and the CDC—neither are requiring proof of vaccination to enter our Gardens. Indoor performance ticketholders are not required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result, and masks are optional.
Staff members are present in the Gardens to support your visit and answer your questions and concerns.
Exploring the Gardens
Is it outdoors?
Visiting our Gardens is a largely outdoor experience. Indoor experiences include our 4-acre Conservatory, the historic Peirce-du Pont House, the Webb Farmhouse & Galleries, The Terrace, and our Visitor Center.
How do I get around the Gardens?
We have nearly 200 acres that are open to the public. Walking is the primary way to enjoy the Gardens. Accessible paths are available for guests using a wheelchair, electric scooter, or stroller. Shuttle service is not provided inside the Gardens except for our Meadow Garden Shuttle that runs between the Peirce-du Pont House and Webb Farmhouse.
Does Longwood have a tram or bus?
No. But we do offer individual wheelchair, scooter, and stroller rentals while supplies are available.
How far is it from the Visitor Center to the Conservatory?
It is a leisurely 10-minute walk from the Visitor Center to the Conservatory or to The Terrace, located near the Conservatory.
How long does it take to see the Gardens?
Visit lengths vary, but we recommend planning on at least three to four hours to see the majority of the Gardens (including the Conservatory).
Where can I find a map of the Gardens?
You can explore our mobile map at lwg.to/map before you arrive, or pull it up on your smartphone during your visit.
Am I allowed to wear a costume or costume mask?
Costumes and costume masks are not permitted to be worn by guests 14 years of age or older. While Longwood Gardens is beautiful and inspiring, it is also a safe-space, welcoming for all. In that spirit, we ask all guests to be mindful of their attire and associated behavior in our Gardens. Longwood reserves the right to deny admission to or remove any person wearing attire that is considered inappropriate or offensive, that could detract from the experience of other guests, or that could be misconstrued as part of the Longwood experience. Posing as a part of the Longwood experience while engaging with, or taking photos with, other guests not in your party is prohibited.
Does Longwood Gardens offer tours?
Yes, tours are offered at different times throughout the year. Learn more about available tours.
Does Longwood Gardens offer tours for groups?
Yes, guided group tours are an excellent way to experience the garden legacy of our founder, Pierre S. du Pont. Reservations and advance payment are required. Please make a reservation 2–3 weeks in advance. Learn more about tours for groups.
Accessibility
Is Longwood Gardens accessible for people with mobility or physical disabilities?
Yes, our Gardens are easily accessible to guests with mobility or physical disabilities. There are 45 spaces reserved for accessible parking at the front of the Parking Lot near the Visitor Center. Most restrooms and drinking fountains are wheelchair accessible. The Main Fountain Garden Overlook, The Conservatory and The Terrace are equipped with elevators, and some of the doors in the Visitor Center, Conservatory, and The Terrace are automated. Most garden paths are wide and paved, and a wheelchair route is suggested on our map. While most of the route is level or gently sloping, a few areas are more steeply graded but manageable with an able-bodied assistant. The Lookout Loft is the only accessible treehouse. The Chimes Tower and portions of the Peirce-du Pont House are not wheelchair accessible.
Is there a rental fee for wheelchairs, scooters, and strollers?
Wheelchairs, electric scooters, and strollers are available in the Visitor Center on a first-come, first-served basis. Wheelchairs are complimentary; electric scooters are Pay What You Wish; strollers are complimentary for Members, and fee-based for non-Members. Scooters are not available during rainy or snowy weather. (In consideration of other guests, rented scooters must be parked outside The Garden Shop, Open Air Theatre, Peirce-du Pont House, Music Room, Ballroom, and The Terrace when visiting those facilities.)
Can I reserve a wheelchair, scooter, or stroller?
Wheelchairs, scooters, and strollers cannot be reserved in advance.
Does Longwood have scooters for two people?
Our scooters are single-seat only.
Is the picnic area accessible?
The Picnic Area, open seasonally (mid-April through early October), is outside the main part of the Gardens and is accessible only by car or motor coach via Longwood Road. It features 70 picnic tables, grills, and restroom facilities in the shade of tall trees. Because it is in a wooded area, the ground is covered in mulch or gravel and not paved. The picnic tables are not specifically designed for accessibility.
I am a person with a disability and need a caregiver to assist me with my visit. What do you recommend?
Stop by any ticketing counter in the Visitor Center to obtain a complimentary ticket for your personal care attendant.
Do you provide resources in multiple languages?
We do not have any dedicated translators or multi-lingual staff members. You can use your browser translation feature on your smartphone to view our mobile map (at lwg.to/map) in the language of your choice.
Visitor Conveniences
Is there a family restroom/changing room?
Our restrooms are equipped with pull-down changing tables and are large enough to afford guests the privacy they need. Visit the Green Wall in the Conservatory for facilities that are specifically designated as family restrooms.
Where can I breastfeed?
You are welcome to breastfeed in any of the spaces that are open to the public in our Gardens. If you are searching for a quiet location, our Green Wall area in the Conservatory offers a special pod designated as a Nursing Mother's Room for the comfort and privacy of you and your baby.
Are there lockers?
We do not have lockers available for guests.
Is there air conditioning?
The Visitor Center, The Terrace, and the Webb Farmhouse & Galleries are air conditioned.
Is there an ATM?
There is no ATM on site. However, we do accept debit cards as a form of payment.
Does Longwood have wireless internet access?
Yes. Guests can connect to "FreeGardenWifi" free of charge during their visit. Please note that some areas of the Gardens do not have wifi coverage.
Is there a place to recharge my phone?
For your convenience, a complimentary cell phone charging station can be found inside the Visitor Center. You are able to lock your device and leave it charging while you continue to enjoy your visit.
Can I bring my pet?
Pets are not permitted in the Gardens, nor are there provisions to temporarily house them during a visit. Please do not leave pets in your car in the parking lot during warm weather since shade is minimal. Properly identified service animals that provide assistance for guests with disabilities are permitted everywhere at Longwood.
Food and Drink
Can I bring my own food and drink into the Gardens?
Picnicking or bringing in any outside food or beverages (except water) is not permitted. However, we do provide a Picnic Area (open seasonally), outside the main grounds, for the convenience of our guests.
Where is the restaurant? How far is it from the Visitor Center?
The Terrace is a leisurely 10 minute walk from the Visitor Center. A self-service cafe and full-service dining room are both available at The Terrace. Guests can also enjoy the outdoor Beer Garden at The Terrace, available seasonally and during select special events.
Do I need an admission ticket if I want to eat at The Terrace Café or 1906 Restaurant?
Yes. The Terrace Café and 1906 Restaurant are available only to Longwood guests.
Does The Terrace serve kosher food?
We do not have a Rabbi on staff to accommodate a strict kosher diet. The Terrace, however, does purchase kosher products. If you adhere to a strict kosher diet, call The Terrace in advance of your visit so your needs can be accommodated.
I have food intolerances and allergies. Can you accommodate my dietary needs?
Yes, our team of talented chefs are available upon request to review our pre-made options in our Café with you. They also look forward to the opportunity to customize a special meal to meet your dietary needs.
Smoking
Can I smoke in the Gardens?
To protect the health and well-being of our guests, staff, and plants, Longwood Gardens is a smoke-free environment. Guests may smoke in their personal vehicles.
Photography & Video
Does Longwood have a new Photo Policy?
Our beautiful Gardens are a popular location for special occasion and contracted photo sessions. To help ensure our guests have a pleasant visit, we have introduced a new Photo Policy for special occasion and contracted photography that went into effect on October 1, 2024.
To schedule your session and purchase a permit for a specific date and time, or for any questions regarding the photography policy, please email photography@longwoodgardens.org
Does Longwood allow photos/videos to be taken?
Quick photos or videos to capture memories are welcome. We encourage our guests to take casual photographs and videos of their visit for their own personal use and sharing on social media.
For information regarding professional and amateur photography sessions, please refer to our Photo Policy.
Are tripods, monopods, and easels allowed in the Gardens?
Tripods, monopods, and artist easels may be used in the outdoor gardens for floral, landscape, and architectural photography with the exceptions of during Fireworks, Fountain Shows, concerts, and special events. Please note, high-volume attendance or other factors may impact the use of these items and is at the discretion of Longwood staff.
Tripods, monopods, and easels are not permitted in any indoor space at any time of day.
Releases
Longwood will not sign general releases giving blanket permission for stock agencies to use photos taken at Longwood. Portfolio, product, and model photography/videography is not permitted. Content may not be used for commercial purposes. Photography restrictions apply for all performances, fountain shows, concerts and firework events.
Weddings, Proposals, and other Large Group Celebrations
Can I have my wedding at Longwood?
Weddings, religious ceremonies, and proms are not permitted. We look forward to welcoming wedding receptions and other social celebrations in our new Events space beginning in March 2025. Find out more about hosting an event at Longwood.
Can I take photos/videos with my group of 15 more guests at the Gardens?
Quick photos or videos to capture memories are welcome. If you plan to use a professional or amateur photographer, please review our Photography Policy before your visit.
Can you recommend a place for my wedding proposal?
We have many beautiful spaces for your perfect proposal. Please see our Gardens Section to select your desired location. Please keep in mind some areas might be more crowded than others depending on the season or day. Please plan a backup location for your special day as any section of the Gardens may be closed due to maintenance, inclement weather, or event set up.
May I make special arrangements of any kind, including arranging for a staff person to assist me with my proposal?
We do not offer this type of service, however, if you see a staff member nearby, we are more than willing to use your camera to take a photograph of the occasion.
May I set up a special picnic inside or bring food or champagne into the Gardens to celebrate?
Outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the Gardens. We recommend making a reservation in our Fine Dining Restaurant 1906, to celebrate the occasion.
May I visit and tour the grounds in advance to determine my location?
We encourage you to visit Longwood as often as you would like. If you are not a current Member, there is an admission fee for each visit.
May I bring flowers inside the Gardens?
To protect our horticultural collection, we do not allow outside plant material or flowers of any kind to be brought into the Gardens unless approved for use during a permitted photography session or when hosting Events at Longwood.
Private Events, Meetings, and Room Rentals
Does Longwood host private events?
Please explore our new offerings for hosting an event at Longwood, which will be available for events occuring beginning in March 2025. Please note that we do not permit weddings, religious ceremonies, or proms.
My event does not fit the requirements. What other options do I have?
You would be welcome to visit the Gardens without a private event and enjoy the beauty of the season. Learn more about Group Visits for 15 or more guests and other Group Dining Options.
Take a look at our Community Club: Special Offers, which also lists local visitors bureaus that can help you find event venues.
Explore other public gardens, arboreta, and historic landscapes all within 30 miles of Philadelphia, many of which have event spaces: America’s Garden Capital.
Horticulture Information
Do you have a question about Longwood’s Plants and Displays?
Our Horticulture Information Team can answer it for you! We can answer your questions about our history and horticulture, help you identify plants that you see in our Gardens, and even let you know if a plant you see here can be grown at your home.
Contact us via any of the following:
- Fill out our quick online form
- Email us at hortinformation@longwoodgardens.org
- Mail this form to us at:
Longwood Gardens
Horticulture Information Team
P.O. Box 501
Kennett Square, PA 19348
You may also want to check our plant collection database.
We receive numerous questions about general gardening, landscaping, and garden design. While we appreciate your confidence in our staff of horticulturists, we regret that we are unable to respond to these topics.
Additionally, Longwood Gardens cannot accept plant, insect, or disease samples nor provide value estimates for trees and plants or provide consulting.
For these types of topics, please try contacting the following organizations:
- Penn State Cooperative Extension
- Your local county extension service in your state