Guided Group Tours

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. Please email the Group Visits office at groupvisits@longwoodgardens.org, or call 610.388.5223 to make your reservation today.

The Longwood Story

During The Longwood Story Tour, you will explore the seasonal highlights of Longwood's diverse gardens while learning about our heritage and horticultural excellence. Designed to tell the story of how one man's vision turned Longwood into one of the great gardens of the world, this tour is perfect for first-time visitors and frequent guests alike. Our guided tours are available at 11:00 am, 12:30 pm, 2:00 pm and 3:30 pm.

Plan Your Visit

Visiting Tips & Garden Etiquette

We have compiled Visiting Tips and answers to Frequently Asked Questions to help you make the most of your experience. Be sure to review our calendar of events to plan your day.

Parking

Your group should park personal vehicles in the main parking lot. Buses should disembark in front of the Visitor Center and park in the main parking lot.

Check-In/Ticketing

Group leaders should check-in at the Group Ticketing Window in the Visitor Center. Tickets will be given to the leader. The leader is responsible for the distribution of all tickets for all members of the group. Longwood cannot be held responsible for holding individual tickets for latecomers. Re-entry is not permitted at this time.

Amenities

Our mobile map on our website helps enhance and guide your visit. Restrooms, wheelchair/electric scooter rentals, a mobile charging kiosk, and our Garden Shop are also located inside the Visitor Center. Dining facilities are located a short 7-minute walk from the Visitor Center.

Payment Policy

• Prices subject to change.
• All guided tours require advance reservations and a minimum of 15 ticketed guests. Tours can be arranged for fewer than 15 guests, but the full fee for 15 will be charged.
• Reservations must be made 2–3 weeks in advance.
• A major credit card is required to hold your guided tour reservation. Refunds are given with one week notice, but cancellations must be made directly through the Group Visits Office.
• Payment via check is accepted, but it must arrive in the Group Visits Office two weeks prior to the date of visit. We do not accept purchase orders as a form of payment.
• No exceptions will be made to this policy.

Please Note

Complimentary admission is offered to each motor coach driver and tour operator in a group of 15 or more ticketed guests with an advance reservation.

Group Dining Options

• Gift Cards
  Groups may purchase Gift Cards to use in The Café and 1906. Gift Cards offer groups flexibility when dining at Longwood. Pre-loaded cards are available in varying amounts. Please factor in the number of Gift Cards needed, including Leaders and Bus Drivers.
• Picnic Area
  We offer a Picnic Area located across the street from the main parking lot for Longwood visitors only, available seasonally (mid-April through early-October). Please note that picnicking or bringing in any outside food or beverages (except water) is not permitted in other areas of the Gardens. Please use the Picnic Area before or after your visit. Reentry to the Gardens is not permitted after leaving the Gardens and visiting the Picnic Area.
• Explore the Region
  The Brandywine Valley has so much to offer, visit a local restaurant to show your support of the region.

Book Your Visit

Contact our Group Visits office at 610.388.5223 or groupvisits@longwoodgardens.org.

Please note that we do not have a space available for private meetings or events and cannot reserve/hold tables for parties of any size during regular Gardens hours. Dining is on a first-come, first-served basis in the Café and Beer Garden. 1906 can only accommodate parties of 8 or less by advance reservation. Use this link for answers to other Frequently Asked Questions regarding Private Events, Meetings, and Room Rentals.