Visiting Guidelines

We are pleased to welcome you to our Gardens. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, please respect these guidelines.

 

Code of Conduct

General Guidelines

Just For Members

A Longwood Christmas

Code of Conduct

We commit to providing a safe, secure, and welcoming Gardens for all. Guests will be treated in a consistent, professional, and courteous manner by all staff.

Our guests, staff, volunteers, contractors, and vendors have the right to an environment free from abusive, harassment, and/or threatening behavior, including unwanted advances, lewd or inappropriate touching, and the use of derogatory or offensive language. In the event that any such behavior or other conduct that is disrespectful takes place on our property, or there is a failure to comply with our rules and code of conduct, we reserve all rights permitted by applicable law. This includes but is not limited to the right to deny admission, prevent entry, require a person already admitted to leave the property, prohibit future ticket purchases and attendance, revoke Membership privileges, and prosecution.

We reserve the right to determine what constitutes unacceptable behavior that could otherwise interfere with other guests’ enjoyment of the Gardens. Guests are expected to comply with lawful requests of Longwood personnel. Guests are also encouraged to report any inappropriate behavior to a staff member. Violations are taken seriously by our team as we work to protect our guests, each other, the Gardens, and the guest experience.

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Still have questions?

View our Frequently Asked Questions

General Guidelines

Planning your Visit

Ticketing

Accessibility

Parking

Food & Beverages

Restrooms

Nature and the Environment

Guest Etiquette

Guests with Young Children

Attire

Service Animals & Pets

Garden Shop

Photography in the Gardens

WIFI & Social Media

Chairs & Blankets

Planning Your Visit

  • Be sure to explore our website prior to your visit to see what's in bloom, browse our online calendar of events, programs, fountain shows and more.
  • Check our hours of operation and note special announcements, including possible early or temporary closures of areas and/or specific displays, which vary depending on the season and based on operational need. Please note that closures are posted as soon as possible, but we also occasionally experience last-minute closures.
  • When you arrive, find directions and details about seasonal displays on our mobile map.
  • Please allow 3.5–4 hours for your visit. Stay as long as you wish; however, re-entry is not permitted except for Gardens Premium Members and Innovators.
  • Single ($6) and double ($9) strollers are available for rent in our Visitor Center on a first-come basis and may not be reserved in advance.
  • Scooters and wheelchairs are available for rent in our Visitor Center on a first-come basis and may not be reserved in advance. Guests must be 18 years of age or older to rent an electric mobility scooter. Electric mobility scooters are not available during inclement weather. Shuttle service is not provided.

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Ticketing

  • Buy your ticket in advance and have your ticket ready to show when you arrive. Sell out is possible.
  • Real-time ticket and Member reservation availability is found on our homepage. With a timed ticket, you may enter the Gardens as early as 30 minutes before (except for 10:00 am reservations) or as late as 30 minutes after your entry time. Later or earlier arrivals cannot be accommodated.
  • To avoid lines, we encourage you to print tickets at home or have them ready to be scanned on your smartphone.
  • For performances, guests are to sit in their designated/ticketed seat and present a valid ticket when requested by staff and volunteers.
  • The only authorized sales agent for performance tickets is Longwood Gardens. Tickets purchased from any other sources may not be valid. Longwood Gardens is not able to honor, replace, or refund invalid tickets. Invalid tickets must be confiscated by Longwood Gardens and a copy of the tickets will be provided at the customer’s request. A copy of the invalid tickets may be used to alert the point of purchase.
  • Ticket and Member reservation resales for profit are prohibited.

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Accessibility

  • At Longwood Gardens, we welcome everyone to enjoy the beauty of our Gardens. Read more about our accessible options available to you, for both before and during your visit.
  • We encourage you to bring your own wheelchair, electric mobility scooter, stroller, wagon, or personal mobility device.
  • Scooters and wheelchairs are available for rent in our Visitor Center on a first-come basis and may not be reserved in advance. Guests must be 18 years of age or older to rent an electric mobility scooter. Electric mobility scooters are not available during inclement weather. Shuttle service is not provided.

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Parking

  • Parking is always free.
  • Accessible spaces are available in the front rows of the main lot.
  • Parking at our remote lot is used during high visitation days and for events throughout the year—complimentary transportation is provided to the Gardens.
  • Traffic can sometimes become heavy approaching the Gardens during our peak seasons—Spring and Christmas—so please plan accordingly to ensure you arrive within your timed ticket window.

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Food & Beverages

  • Bringing individual size water bottles is permitted.
  • Coolers and outside food are not permitted inside the Gardens.
  • Alcoholic beverages must be purchased on site and consumed in a responsible manner. Anyone who appears to be intoxicated or shows signs of impairment may be denied entry or asked to leave the Gardens.
  • A self-service Café and full-service dining room (1906) are leisurely 10-minute walks from the Visitor Center. Guests can also enjoy the outdoor Beer Garden, available seasonally and during select special events.
  • Reservations for our full-service dining room, 1906, are strongly recommended and can be made on our website, longwoodgardens.org/dine/1906.
  • If you have food allergies or dietary restrictions, we can review options with you and make accommodations. Contact us at 1906@longwoodgardens.org at least 72 hours before your visit.
  • Our picnic area, located a short drive across the street from the Gardens, is open seasonally from mid-April to late-October. The space opens with the Gardens and closes with the Gardens or at dusk, whichever is first. Please enjoy your meal before or after your visit if you would like to take advantage of this space, as re-entry is not allowed once your ticket or Member reservation is scanned.

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Restrooms

  • Restrooms are in several locations across the Gardens. We support gender diversity and self-identification.

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Nature and the Environment

  • Wildlife and insects, including ticks, bees, and mosquitoes, are a part of our ecosystem. We recommend that you check for ticks after leaving the Gardens. We ask that you please do not feed the wildlife.
  • Leave plants and flowers for other guests to enjoy. Climbing trees or picking plants and flowers is strictly prohibited.
  • You might get wet passing by one of our many fountains, but for your safety, never climb into our fountains, pools, lakes, or creeks—this is strictly prohibited
  • 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.
  • Other items and actions that cause damage to the plant collection and wildlife, including balloons, blowing of bubbles, rice throwing, and the use of confetti, is strictly prohibited.

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Guest Etiquette

  • Please use earphones when listening to your phone and/or handheld digital devices.
  • Behavior, gestures, volume, or language that are deemed disrespectful, disruptive, harassing, illegal or criminal, or impinge on the enjoyment or peace of others are not tolerated. We equally hold all persons accountable for treating everyone with dignity and respect.
  • Stay on designated pathways throughout the Gardens and obey posted signage to protect yourself, as well as the landscape areas, lawns, and plantings. Do not cross any fences, chains, roped-off areas, or other safety barriers.
  • Weapons of any kind, items that look like weapons, or other materials that may be considered hazardous or dangerous will not be permitted. Longwood reserves the right to refer anyone violating this to local authorities for removal.
  • Smoking and vaping (of any substance), e-cigarettes, and use of any illegal substance is strictly prohibited.
  • Because climbing trees is dangerous and does considerable harm to the health of the tree, we ask that all refrain from climbing on the trees while visiting.
  • Items that are disruptive to the guest experience or could pose a safety concern, including, but not limited to: drones, remote operated toys, balls, frisbees, kites, other sports equipment, bicycles, rollerblades, skateboards, scooters, hoverboards, other recreational devices, musical instruments, radios, Bluetooth speakers, or other audio equipment are not permitted.
  • Defacing, damaging, destroying or removing any real or personal property constituting part of or located in or on the property, including writing, spraying, scratching, or affixing graffiti on such property will be referred to the local authorities.
  • Guests sunbathing or failing to be fully clothed will be asked to leave the Gardens.
  • While the Gardens seem like a great place for a jog or a run, we ask that you please reserve this activity for outside the Gardens.
  • Guests found holding weddings or other ceremonies will be escorted out of the Gardens as this is prohibited. Solicitation and performing unauthorized commercial activities and/or events are also strictly prohibited.
  • In case of an emergency, guests are expected to promptly follow the direction of Longwood staff and volunteers.

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Guests with Young Children

  • We ask that an adult always accompanies children. The Gardens are large and often busy.
  • Single ($6) and double ($9) strollers are available for rent in our Visitor Center on a first-come basis and may not be reserved in advance.
  • Baby changing stations are available in most men and women’s restrooms throughout the Gardens, as well as in the family restrooms at the Green Wall area of the East Conservatory.
  • You are welcome to nurse anywhere in our Gardens. For your convenience, we have a mother’s room in the Green Wall area of the East Conservatory.

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Attire

  • Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes, as our Gardens are an experience spanning across hundreds of acres.
  • All guests are required to wear shirts and shoes. Guests will not be admitted or will be asked to leave if found dressed in clothing that displays profanity, pornography, violence, support of drugs or drug use, gang symbols, derogatory sentiments, promotes discrimination against any group or is likely to provoke a disturbance or embroil other groups or the general public in conflict, including obscene or indecent attire, such as swimsuits or lingerie-like clothing.
  • Use of umbrellas are permitted for rainy weather and to keep cool on sunny afternoons. Please note, we do not permit raised umbrellas in our outdoor performance areas (during fountain shows, concerts, fireworks, etc.).
  • Wearing costumes, costume masks or apparel that can be interpreted as a costume, and costumed hired entertainment is prohibited while in the Gardens. Children who are under 14 years of age are permitted to wear costumes.

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Service Animals & Pets

  • Certified trained service animals are always welcome.
  • Pets are not permitted.

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The Garden Shop

  • Extend our beauty into your home with horticulturally inspired, hand-picked selections of home decor, gardening essentials, apparel, plants, and one-of-a-kind works from local artisans. Shop onsite at The Garden Shop or visit our online store. If you shop prior to entering the Gardens, The Garden Shop is happy to hold your purchases until your departure.

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Photography in the Gardens

  • Quick photos and videos to capture memories are welcome.
  • Please refer to our Photo Policy when deciding whether the Gardens are appropriate for your photography needs and/or plans. 
  • Special occasion and contracted photography sessions, whether professional or amateur, are never allowed in our indoor spaces. 
  • For all special occasion and contracted photography sessions, you must schedule your session and purchase a photography permit for a specific date and time—at least 4 weeks in advance. Please refer to our Photo Policy for more information.
  • Photos and videos taken in the Gardens must only be for non-commercial purposes.
  • Tripods, monopods, and easels are only allowed during specified hours in select locations. Please review our Photo Policy.
  • 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.

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WIFI & Social Media

  • Connect to our free wifi; look for the FreeGardenWIFI network when you arrive.
  • Want Gardens updates, beautiful photos, and ticket sell out alerts? Be sure to follow us @LongwoodGardens on Instagram, Threads, X (formerly Twitter), and like us on Facebook.
  • #LongwoodGardens

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Chairs & Blankets

For certain special events at our Gardens, additional guidelines apply:

  • Chairs and blankets are not permitted in the Gardens, other than for certain special events.
  • Please reference the chart below to see if your event or performance permits you bringing a personal chair and/or blanket.
  • Please note: There are benches and seating around the Gardens for your use and enjoyment.

See below to determine when personal chairs and blankets may be placed at the event location

EventChairsBlankets
Visiting the Gardens (non-special event)NoNo
Open Air Theatre ConcertsNo (venue provides chairs)No
Main Fountain Garden Illuminated Fountain PerformancesYes, after 12:00 pm Fridays–SundaysYes,* after 12:00 pm Fridays–Sundays
Members-only HoursYes, after 12:00 pmYes,* after 12:00 pm
Fireworks ShowsNo (New: Reserved seating when purchasing tickets)No

*Please note: For the best, unobstructed viewing experience for evening Illuminated Fountain Performances, we strongly recommend chairs; however, blankets will be permitted in designated locations.

 

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Just For Members

  • Review our General Guidelines.
  • Please show your photo ID and either your Membership card or Member reservation (when Member reservations are required) for admittance to the Gardens. Your Membership card is required to take advantage of discounts in our Café, 1906, Beer Garden, concessions, and Garden Shop.
  • Reservations are required certain times during the year. Plan ahead and make them in advance! Use separate transactions if making reservations for multiple dates. Reservations are not required for Gardens Premium Members and Innovators.
    • Spring Blooms: Every day from open to close
    • Festival of Fountains: Friday–Sunday after 3:00 pm
    • A Longwood Christmas: Every day from open to close
  • Set up your online account.
  • Show your card at our partners to receive a discount.
  • Complimentary Guest Tickets are for one-time general admission and are not valid for specially ticketed events, Member-only events, and blackout days (peak days) during A Longwood Christmas. Other blackout dates may apply; check your tickets to see additional restrictions.
  • Review our Members' Frequently Asked Questions.

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A Longwood Christmas

  • MAKE THE MOST OF THE SEASON. Review our Code of Conduct and General Guidelines.
  • TICKETS SELL OUT. Check our homepage for real-time ticket and Member reservation availability.
  • COME EARLY! Purchase tickets or make Member reservations for before 2:00 pm to miss the rush of traffic and still have time to explore all the Brandywine Valley has to offer after your visit.
  • PLAN AHEAD. Print your timed Member reservations and tickets at home or go paperless and open your print-at-home tickets on your smartphone prior to entering the Visitor Center.
  • TRAFFIC. Traffic becomes heavy approaching the Gardens from 2:00–8:00 pm.
  • COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS are good for one-time general admission and are not valid for specially ticketed concerts/events, Member-only events, and blackout days. Blackout days are all Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during A Longwood Christmas, November 21 through December 21, 2025; and every day December 22, 2025 through January 4, 2026. Other blackout dates may apply; check your tickets to see additional restrictions.
  • BE OUR GUEST. Stay as long as you wish, however, re-entry is currently not permitted except for Gardens Premium Members and Innovators.
  • LIGHTS. Outdoor holiday lights begin to come on at 10:00 am; fire pits begin to come on at 12:00 pm; they are best viewed after dusk.
  • FOUNTAINS. Open Air Theatre fountain shows run daily at 10:15 am and every 15 minutes starting at 12:00 pm, weather permitting. The Main Fountain Garden light display runs daily starting at 2:00 pm, weather permitting.
  • BUNDLE UP! A Longwood Christmas is both indoors and outdoors. Please check the weather before departing for the Gardens, dress accordingly, and wear comfortable shoes.
  • SHOP AND DINE. Our Café, 1906, Beer Garden (weather permitting), concessions, and The Garden Shop are all available for you. Make a reservation for your visit day in our full-service restaurant, 1906, via tock or by calling 610.388.5290.
  • NAVIGATE. Find details about the display and where to find the holiday cheer on our mobile map.

For Our Members during A Longwood Christmas

  • RESERVATIONS. Members may visit anytime, but require free, timed reservations every day open to close. Innovators and Gardens Premium Members and those included in their Membership do not require reservations. Reservations are limited, and sell out is likely. With a timed Member reservation, you may enter the Gardens as early as 30 minutes before (except for 10:00 am reservations) or as late as 30 minutes after your reserved entry time. Arrivals later or earlier than the allowed 30-minute window cannot be accommodated. When making reservation for multiple dates, please do so in separate transactions. Stay as long as you wish, however, re-entry is currently not permitted except for Gardens Premium Members and Innovators.
  • GUESTS not included in a Membership require a timed admission ticket or Complimentary Ticket. We cannot accommodate a Member's request for tickets if we are sold out. You may also upgrade your Membership to a level that allows you to bring guests any time you visit the Gardens.
  • PLAN AHEAD. To avoid lines we encourage you to print your Member reservations at home and show them upon entry. Or go paperless and open your print-at-home tickets on your smartphone prior to entering the Visitor Center for scanning.

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