General information

Does Longwood offer discounted tickets?
Longwood offers discounted rates for members of the military, groups, students (ages 5–8, or any age with valid student ID), and seniors (ages 62+). Please check with our Group Visits office about pricing for groups of 15 or more.

Does Longwood Gardens offer a military discount?
Yes. Longwood Gardens offers a military discount of 25% off general admission. Members of the Department of Defense, Armed Services, or dependents can receive this discount onsite by providing a valid military ID. Just stop by one of the ticketing counters in our Visitor Center.

What is a valid military ID?
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.

How much is parking?
Our parking lot has ample space and is free of charge.

Can chaperones of pre-school groups get a chaperone rate?
Chaperones who accompany groups of children ages five and under are not eligible for a chaperone rate since Longwood does not charge admission for the children.

How do I get around the Gardens?
Longwood Gardens has about 300 acres that are open to the public, and walking or using a wheelchair or electric scooter (see Accessibility) are the only ways to experience it. It is best to wear comfortable shoes, and leave yourself ample time to take in the gardens. For your comfort, we also recommend hats and sun protection, especially in the summer. Visitors find plenty of time to rest by enjoying the The Terrace , seeing one of the many fountain shows, or taking in a performance.

How far is it to walk around the Gardens?
To walk the entire 20-room Conservatory at a leisurely pace takes about 1-1½ hours and covers ½ mile. The 20 outdoor gardens take an additional two to three hours and cover 2¼-3¼ miles of walking. The Heritage Exhibit in the Peirce-du Pont House takes ½ to one hour.

Is it outdoors?
While we have an expanse of gardens outdoors, including a wildflower meadow, we have many acres of gardens within Conservatories. The Main Conservatory houses nearly 20 gardens and covers about four acres, and it is all inside. The Heritage Exhibit, located inside the Pierce-du Pont House, is also indoors.

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.  On very crowded days (Easter, Mother's Day, the week after Christmas, etc.) there may also be a substantial walk from your car in the Parking Lot to the Visitor Center, although it is possible to drop passengers off at the Visitor Center then park the car.

Does Longwood have a tram or bus?
On Senior Days tram service is available in the Gardens.

Is Longwood Gardens accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes, Longwood is easily accessible to visitors with disabilities. There are 45 spaces reserved for handicapped parking at the front of the Parking Lot near the Visitor Center. Most restrooms and drinking fountains are wheelchair accessible. The Conservatory and the Terrace Restaurant 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 the Guide 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 ADA 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 or children's strollers?
Electric scooters, wheelchairs and children's strollers are available for rent in the Visitor Center, on a first-come, first-served basis. Scooters, wheelchairs and strollers are free for Members. All others are charged the following:

Electric Scooter: $25
Wheelchair: $4
Single Stroller: $6
Double Stroller: $9

Please note:

• Rentals are on an unreserved, first-come, first-served basis.
• Rentals are free for Members in need of this service. This benefit does not extend to Member guests.
• Electric scooters are for mobility-challenged guests.
• Scooter training is required and restrictions do apply. A release form must be signed by the guest operating the scooter.
• At the discretion of Longwood Gardens, scooters are not available during inclement weather or when the temperature is below 36 degrees Fahrenheit.
• In consideration of other visitors, rented scooters must be parked outside the Open Air Theatre, Peirce-du Pont House, and The Terrace when visiting those facilities.

Can I reserve and wheelchair or scooter?
Wheelchairs and scooters can not be reserved in advance.

Does Longwood have scooters for two people?
Our scooters are single-seat only.

Is the picnic area handicapped accessible?
The Picnic Area 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 were not specifically designed for handicapped accessibility.

Can I bring in blankets, chairs, etc. to reserve my spot for Fireworks & Fountains?
On Fireworks & Fountains evenings, chairs are allowed in after 3:00 pm. At that time, visitors can reserve their spots for viewing the show. For the best viewing experience, we recommend bringing a chair.

Where is the best spot to watch the Fireworks & Fountains Shows?
The Fireworks & Fountains are best viewed on the lawn in front of the Main Conservatory.

Where are the daily functions held?
Many visitor activities take place daily at Longwood. Visit our Events page and enter the dates of your visit to find out what activities are happening on a specific day and their locations. You will also be given a printed handout of the day's events when you arrive at Longwood.

Where are the restrooms?
There are several restrooms open to the public at Longwood Gardens. In addition to the restrooms in the Visitor Center, there are rest facilities located in the Open Air Theatre, the Lower Level of the Main Conservatory, The Terrace, and the Catalpa Classroom at the far west end of the gardens. There are also facilities at the Main Fountain Garden and the Italian Water Garden.

Is there a family restroom/changing room?
Our restrooms are equipped with pull-down changing tables and are large enough to afford visitors the privacy they need. We do not have facilities that are specifically designated as family restrooms.

Are there lockers?
We do not have lockers available for visitors.

Is there air conditioning?
Both the Visitor Center and The Terrace are air conditioned.

Is there an ATM?
There is no ATM on site. However they are available nearby outside the Gardens.

Does Longwood have wireless internet access?
Yes. Guests can connect to our "Garden Wifi" free of charge during their visit. Please note that some areas of the Gardens do not have wifi coverage.

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 dogs or cats in your car in the Parking Lot during warm weather since shade is minimal. Properly identified Service Dogs that provide assistance for visitors with disabilities are permitted everywhere at Longwood.

Can I bring food and drinks into the Gardens?
Outside food and drink are not allowed in the Gardens. The Terrace provides two dining options within the Gardens—a self-service cafe, and the full-service dining room.

For visitors wanting to bring their own food, our picnic facility is located across from the Gardens and has picnic tables, grills, and restroom facilities. It is open mid-April through mid-September from 9:00 am until the Gardens close or dusk (which ever comes first, weather permitting). From mid-September through Christmas, the picnic area closes at 4:00 pm.

Can I purchase bottled water in the Gardens?
The Terrace offers bottled water. In addition, vending machines for bottled water are located in the Visitor Center and the Conservatory. Several drinking fountains are located throughout the Gardens.

Where can I get a hot/cold drink?
Hot and cold beverages and beer and wine are all available at The Terrace. During the Christmas display, outdoor concerts and special events there are concession stands throughout the Gardens or near the performance venue.

Where is the cafeteria? 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 Longwood.

Do I need an admission ticket if I want to eat at The Terrace?
Yes. The Terrace is available only to Longwood visitors.

Does The Terrace have food for ethnic groups or kosher food?
Longwood Gardens does 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, we suggest you either bring your own food or call The Terrace in advance of your visit so your needs can be accommodated.

Does Longwood allow photos/videos to be taken?
Longwood Gardens encourages its guests to take casual photographs and videos of their visit for their own personal use. However, personal photographs and videos may not be used for commercial purposes. Additional restrictions may apply for performances (announcements will be made prior to each show). 

All photographers/videographers must purchase general admission to the Gardens or be active Members.

Photography sessions must not interfere with the enjoyment of Longwood's other guests.

All professional photographers must sign a permission form indicating that any photographs or video/film footage taken at Longwood will not be used for promoting commercial products or services.  (Please note that Longwood will not sign general releases giving blanket permission for stock agencies to use photos taken at Longwood.)

Please note:
All photography is at the discretion of Longwood Gardens.
Product photography is not permitted. 
Portfolio photography for aspiring photographers and models is not permitted.
Changing of clothing or photography of bathing suits or lingerie is not permitted.

Commercial filming and photography are permitted by appointment at the discretion of the Gardens. Location fees and insurance are required, and certain restrictions may apply. For information about commercial photography and filming, call 610-388-5442.

During your visit you may be filmed, videotaped, and/or photographed by a Garden employee or contract photographer. Your attendance serves as permission for the use of your image by the Garden and its constituents.

Are tripods and easels allowed in the Gardens?
Monopod/ tripod/easel use by amateur photographers and artists is permitted in the Conservatory and the Peirce-du Pont House from 9:00 am–12:00 pm daily.

• Monopod, tripod, and easel use is not permitted in the Indoor Children's Garden at any time.
• Hand-held easels (without legs) for drawing and painting are permitted any time.
• Photography, painting or drawing sessions must not interfere with the enjoyment of other guests.
• Tripods, monopods, and easels are not permitted in the Gardens during Fireworks shows and during the Christmas display. They are permitted all other days at the discretion of Longwood.

Tripod use is limited to garden photography. Use of tripods for individual or family portraits, product photography, or portfolio photography for aspiring photographers is not permitted.

All photographers and artists must purchase general admission tickets or be active Members.

Photography, painting or drawing sessions must not interfere with the enjoyment of other guests or create any safety concerns. Hand-held easels (without legs) for drawing or painting are also permitted any time. Portable chairs and equipment carts are not permitted.

It is not necessary to inform Longwood of your plans in advance; simply purchase your admission ticket upon arrival and proceed to the Information Desk in the Visitor Center where you will fill out a permission form and receive a tripod or easel tag.

What else is in the area? How do I get there?
There are several accommodations in our area. Please view our page on other Brandywine Valley attractions for more information.