Longwood Gardens & Winterthur

[LibLively]

We'll be stopping in Philadelphia overnight on our fall cruise (October). Our ship has a shore excursion to Longwood Gardens & Winterthur which leaves from Philadelphia and returns 8 hours later. My question: would we do better to rent a car and go on our own? How much time should we allow for Longwood Gardens and how much for Winterthur? Can you really see both in one day, or should we just concentrate on one? What will the traffic be like leaving from Philadelphia (not during rush hour)? Our ship docks at noon and spends the night in Philadelphia, so I'm assuming either both or one of the above destinations is open until later in the evening as our tour from the ship wouldn't leave until shortly after noon. Are there any special tours you can book ahead independently at either of the two places that are given by docents? Any info would be appreciated.

[chrystine]

I live near Longwood Gardens & Winterthur. I've been to Longwood numerous times but I have not been to Winterthur. Longwood Gardens is a good hour drive from the pier or more depending on traffic which can get bad even at non-rush hour times. I would probably go with the ship tour instead of renting a car assuming the ship is not charging an outragous amount for the tour. If you are really into flowers/plants, you can easily spend 3-4 hrs at LW Gardens. They have a nice restaurant there as well.

[LibLively]

Thank you for the information. I was wondering whether or not enough flowers would be in bloom at Longwood in mid-October to make the trip worthwhile. I know there is a lot to see at Winterthur and I didn't want to cut either visit too short. Sounds like we should go with the ship though and not rent a car...that way if there's a problem with traffic we won't have to be concerned.

[Robrph]

Hi,

 

I'm a resident of Philadelphia and have visited Longwood Gardens several times. There are several indoor conservatories where you can spend several hours seeing everything. Not much going on in the evening, though after Labor Day. In the summer, there are fountain shows with lights at night- not so in the winter.

 

Winterthur has some lovely outdoor gardens featuring an amazing rose garden- of course in Ovtober, you probably won't see much! Many things to see inside, however.

 

Rob

[Mysteryreader]

Speaking as a Delawarean familiar with both, I doubt you can do both.

 

Winterthur's strength is the museum not the gardens. You can do an escorted tour without advance tickets that takes less than an hr, but for a longer (3-4 hr) tour, you'll need tickets in advance. Winterthur has a website (http://www.winterthur.org) to check for more info. By the time you reach the parking lot, buy tickets, get to the museum, do the tour, return to visitor center, etc., you're talking 1 1/2 hr minimum. There's a cafeteria that serves lunch and tea and has a lovely Sunday brunch.

 

Longwood is a wonderful place. (We have frequent visitor passes and go several times a mo.) Whatever the time of the yr, the Conservatory is open with seasonal displays. Now, however, a large portion of the Conservatory is closed for renovations that will require several yrs. In Oct there should be fall floral displays outdoors. There are many outdoor gardens that focus on different things. (Italian water garden, rock garden, idea garden, topiary garden, etc.) Their website is http://www.longwoodgardens.com. There's a nice restaurant for lunch; Sunday brunch is offered, too. A comprehensive walk around the grounds and through the Conservatory will take at least 2 hrs. (We do a brisk walk in a route around the outer perimeter, and that takes 45 min.)

 

Both of these close at 5:00 (The outdoor gardens at Longwood are currently open until 6:00, but that will change in Oct.) If you rent a car, you can reach either of them in about an hr. Winterthur is on hwy 52; a 20 min. ride north on 52 to hwy 1 west will take you to Longwood.

 

I suppose it's physically possible to do both, but that kind of flying visit isn't going to be very satisfying. I'd check out the websites and choose one. Since they're both great, I can't recommend one over the other.

 

M/R

[Mysteryreader]

I reread your message. I can't figure out what an 8-hr tour is going to do after 5:00. Is dinner included? Regarding traffic noonish in Philadelphia: it won't be too bad. I don't know where you'll be renting a car, but I would estimate driving time from Philadelphia to Winterthur will be about 1 hr. (I-95S to 52N. It's not the shortest route, but it's the most easily managed by those unfamiliar with the area.) Driving straight to Longwood will take longer b/c there's no direct restricted access hwy.

 

M/R

[LibLively]

M/R

Thanks for the advice...I think the ship might have rethought the excursion that had been planned, as it is no longer listed as an option! It seemed a little ambitious to me too, as I've heard such great things about both places, but have never spoken to anyone who did both in one day!! Too much!

[Dave King]

I work at the Navy Yard up the street from where the Cruise Terminal is located. For Rental cars you'll have to travel to the Phila Airport for rentals. I'm not sure if there's a shuttle for this. If there are any tours from your ship for Phila proper I'd surely advuse taking them. Tour operators know more about the area than you can pick up by driving. You know the old saying "Sit Back and Leave the Driving to Us." Trust me that's the best. I've rented autos in Halifax and also done the tour bus thing, and I'd rather leave the driving to someone else. They know how, when and where to go. Especially in downtown Phila during the day time.

 

Spend the extra cash and let someone show you the sights.

 

Enjoy our City and your Cruise.

 

dave