Frequently Asked Questions

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 Terrace Restaurant 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 Chimes Tower and portions of the Peirce-du Pont House are not wheelchair accessible.

Are there wheelchairs or electric scooters available?
Yes. Nearly 50 non-motorized wheelchairs are available for touring the Gardens. They can be borrowed on an unreserved, first-come, first-served basis at no cost from the Information Desk in the Visitor Center.

Also, a limited number of single-person electric scooters are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Scooters are free for Garden Passholders and $10 for non-Garden Passholders. Scooters are not available during rainy or snowy weather, or when the temperature is below 36°F. (In consideration of other visitors, the scooter must be parked outside the Open Air Theatre, Peirce-du Pont House and the Terrace Restaurant when visiting those facilities.)  

Is there a rental fee for wheelchairs or scooters?
Wheelchairs are available to our guests free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Electric scooters are also available on a first-come, first-served basis, free of charge for Garden Passholders and $10 for non-Garden Passholders.

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.

Does Longwood have stroller rental?
We do not have strollers available for guests. Visitors are welcome to bring their strollers into the Gardens.

Can I bring in blankets, chairs, etc. to reserve my spot for fireworks?
On fireworks evenings, chairs and blankets are allowed in after 3:00 pm. At that time, visitors can reserve their spots for viewing the fireworks.

Where is the best spot to watch the fountain or fireworks displays?
The fountains and fireworks are best viewed on the lawn in front of the Main Conservatory.

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 Restaurant, 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 Restaurant 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?
Longwood Gardens is not a hot spot for wireless internet access.

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 Restaurant 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 October, weather permitting.

Can I purchase bottled water in the Gardens?
The Terrace Restaurant 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 Restaurant. 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 Restaurant 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 Restaurant?
Yes. The Terrace Restaurant is available only to Longwood visitors.

Does the Terrace Restaurant 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 Restaurant, 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 Restaurant in advance of your visit so your needs can be accommodated.

Does Longwood allow photos/videos to be taken?
Personal photography and video is permitted at Longwood Gardens. Additional restrictions may apply for performances (announcements will be made prior to each show).