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 10:00 am, 11:30 am, 1:00 pm and 2:30 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. For the safety of all guests, buses should park in our designated bus parking lot, and refrain from disembarking in front of the Visitor Center.

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. Guests may come and go from the Gardens, we simply ask that all guests stamp their hand when exiting to re-enter later in the day.

Amenities

There is a 5-minute orientation film that guests can enjoy. Our interactive map on our website helps enhance and guide your visit. Restrooms, wheelchair/electric scooter rentals, a mobile charging kiosk, and our GardenShop 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.
• 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.

Book Your Visit

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

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.
• Explore the Region
  The Brandywine Valley has so much to offer, visit a local restaurant to show your support of the region.
• Yuletide during A Longwood Christmas
  Bring a group for an elegant luncheon or dinner in a private room during A Longwood Christmas. Groups of 25-65 guests may reserve the Terra Cotta Room for a 2-hour catered event at 12:30 pm, 3:30 pm, or 7:00 pm. Learn more.

Please note that private events are no longer offered during Garden hours, except during A Longwood Christmas. Use this link for answers to other Frequently Asked Questions regarding Private Events, Meetings, and Room Rentals.