The Countryside of Philadelphia has a rich tradition of horticulture featuring more than 30 gardens within 30 miles of the city, earning the title of “America’s Garden Capital”, which bursts into a vibrant display of blooms every spring. From the incredible expanse of the du Pont Estate to various art and cultural events, the countryside offers an incredible spring experience across its public gardens, museums, arboretums, and more throughout the season.
du Pont Estate
The du Pont estates are part of America’s Garden Capital, home to more than 30 gardens within 30 miles of the countryside of Philadelphia, the highest concentration of public gardens in the United States. Book a spring escape to discover the du Pont family’s storied estates and gardens, where Longwood Gardens bursts into bloom, Winterthur’s 175-room mansion and trails invite exploration, and Nemours Estate showcases timeless elegance amid beautifully manicured grounds.
Longwood Gardens
The Countryside of Philadelphia is at its best bloom during spring. Experience Spring Blooms from March 27 through May 3 at Longwood Gardens by walking through the rainbow rows of flowers and surround yourself in colour in the lush conservatory. Longwood’s renowned Festival of Fountains also returns May 8, 2026, so book a stay with untimed tickets to Longwood Gardens.
Brandywine Museum of Art
Discover an outstanding collection of American art housed in a 19th-century mill with beautiful gardens surrounding the property along the Brandywine River. Renowned for its holdings of the Wyeth family of artists, the museum features galleries dedicated to the work of N.C., Andrew and Jamie Wyeth. Moreover, Wyeth Studio Tours is set to return at the Brandywine Museum of Art in April, where you can enjoy a tour behind the canvases of Andrew and N.C. Wyeth as well as the new N.C. Wyeth Mural Experience tour.
Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
Once the home of Henry Francis du Pont, Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library features an outstanding American collection of antiques and a glorious garden.
Nemours Estate
Nemours Estate, once the home of Alfred I. du Pont, is a French-style chateau furnished with antique furniture, rare rugs, tapestries, and outstanding works of art, all set among spectacular French formal gardens.
Mt. Cuba Center
Mt. Cuba Center was named “Best Botanical Garden” in North America by USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Here, the spotlight is on native plants at Mt. Cuba Center, where elegant formal gardens, woodland landscapes, and serene pastures encompass the former estate of Lammot du Pont Copeland.
Hagley Museum and Library
Visit restored mills, a workers’ community and the ancestral estate of the duPont family. Located on 235 acres along the banks of the Brandywine in Wilmington, Delaware, Hagley is the site of the gunpowder works founded by E. I. du Pont in 1802.
Jenkins Arboretum & Garden
Jenkins Arboretum and Garden, an outstanding natural retreat, is a husband’s living memorial to his wife. As you walk among the rainbow of azaleas and rhododendrons, you will experience life in a dense forest.
Chanticleer Garden
Known as a “pleasure garden,” Chanticleer is designed to illustrate the beauty of the art of horticulture. View vegetable gardens complemented by cut-flower gardens, or woodlands surrounded by grasses and sweet-smelling herbs.
Tyler Arboretum
Tyler Arboretum encompasses 650 acres of rare plants, ancient trees, and historic buildings and natural landscapes. The Butterfly House and Garden offer visitors a unique up-close look at native butterflies.
Welkinweir
At the heart of a 55-acre arboretum of mature specimens of rare and unusual trees and shrubs and formal gardens is a historic estate house that spans three centuries.
Equestrian Season
Spring opens the gates for equestrian season in the Brandywine Valley. Make plans to visit the Devon Horse Show & Country Fair the oldest and largest multi-breed horse competition in the country from May 20 – 31, 2026. The Country Fair offers delights for the whole family. Amusement rides, festival fare, and renowned shoppes and vendors await at this storied event.
More in Art and Culture
Pair your visit with more art events this spring: the annual Historic Yellow Springs Art Show, April 25 – May 10, 2026, and the Chester County Studio Tour, May 16 – 17, 2026. Plan ahead for the Phoenixville Dogwood Festival and Parade from May 13 to 16, 2026, to experience the Countryside of Philadelphia’s rich scope of service during World War II.
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