We welcome the chance to share the beauty of Winterthur with our members and guests. Becoming a member is an inexpensive way to have access to Winterthur 6 days a week, dawn to dusk, for walking, birding, picnicking, and otherwise enjoying the garden, galleries, museum collections, and wider estate.

Where can I picnic? Can I picnic on the grass? Can I drive to my destination?

Members and guests can picnic anywhere on the grounds. In the interest of safety, we ask that you do not explore the barns, houses, outbuildings, or any areas marked “Staff Only.” Please maintain a distance of 25 yards from outbuildings/work buildings and residences for your safety and for the privacy of our tenants.

You are welcome to walk on the grass and to set up your picnic in the shade of one of our trees. We do ask that you walk or take the garden tram to your picnic destination, not drive.

What hours of the day can I picnic? Days of the week?

Guests can picnic on the estate from 10:00 am to dusk, Tuesday-Sunday, with their wristbands and can come back the next day with their paid admission (they must request a second wristband). Members can picnic on the estate from dawn to dusk, Tuesday – Sunday. (The US Naval Observatory makes sunrise and sunset times available on their website.)

Is there a limit to the number of people in a picnic group?

The Winterthur garden is a peaceful and tranquil place. In the interest of keeping disturbance to other guests to a minimum, please limit the size of your picnic group to 10.

What are some of the better picnic spots on the grounds?

Sycamore Hill is a beautiful place to picnic. From the Bristol Summerhouse you can view across the valley to the train station and see the sky reflected in the pond – and there is almost always a breeze.

Behind the Cottage, along Clenny Run is a beautiful lawn and you can enjoy the sound of Clenny Run burbling along its stone-lined channel.

For families, the lawn next to Enchanted Woods is conveniently close to the children’s garden and to rest rooms. In April and May the nearby Sundial Garden offers a place for a fragrant, flower-filled stroll.

These are just a few – there are many more wonderful spots at Winterthur to enjoy a picnic.

What should I do with my trash?

Please take your trash with you when you leave. If you must deposit your trash, there are waste receptacles located in Enchanted Woods, near the restrooms, and adjacent to the Museum.

Can I pick wildflowers, collect mushrooms, collect rocks, etc. at Winterthur?

Please don’t! We ask that our guests and staff members take only photographs and leave only footprints. We ask that you help us to maintain the natural habitat that exists here at Winterthur so that other visitors can continue to enjoy the beauty of our garden, woodlands, meadows, and wetlands. Please do not move or remove any natural or manmade materials from any part of the estate.

What rules of “garden etiquette” should I be aware of?

Please don’t climb trees, stone walls, or other garden structures. Be aware that there are other guests in the garden and keep noise to a minimum (use headphones with CD players, etc.). Walking and running are allowed, but other recreational activities such as bicycling, rollerblading, kite flying, croquet, ball playing, Frisbee playing or sledding are not allowed. For safety’s sake we don’t allow guests to start fires, set up tents, or bring their own furniture into the garden.

H. F. du Pont and generations of his family enjoyed walking the Winterthur estate. Today, Members, visitors, and staff all take advantage of the estate’s roads and walkways to experience nature up close and on foot. We encourage you to walk the estate and enjoy the garden, meadows, and woodlands throughout the seasons. The following are some frequently asked questions about walking at Winterthur.

We welcome the chance to share the beauty of Winterthur with our members and guests. Becoming a member is an inexpensive way to have access to Winterthur 6 days a week, dawn to dusk, for walking, birding, picnicking, and otherwise enjoying the garden, galleries, museum collections, and wider estate.

Who can walk at Winterthur?

All visitors are welcome to walk the grounds of Winterthur as long as they are wearing a wristband or displaying their membership card. We encourage walkers to become Members to enjoy this activity on a daily basis.

Where can I walk at Winterthur?

You are welcome to walk throughout the garden and the wider estate. Winterthur’s roads, garden paths, and mowed trails in meadow and woodland areas are all excellent walkways. In the interest of safety, we ask that you do not explore the barns, houses, outbuildings, or any areas marked “Staff Only.”

When can I walk at Winterthur?

Guests can walk the estate from 10:00 am to dusk, Tuesday-Sunday, with their wristbands and can come back the next day with their paid admission (they must request a second wristband). Members can walk the estate from dawn to dusk on days when Winterthur is open to the public. (The US Naval Observatory makes sunrise and sunset times available on their website.)

Can I get a map of Winterthur that shows paths, roads, and trails?

Yes. You can request a garden map at the Visitor Center or you can download a PDF of the Winterthur Estate Map. The map shows roads and paved paths as well as the locations of restrooms and emergency call boxes on the estate. The mowed paths in the meadow and woodland areas are not shown on the map, but you are welcome to explore them.

How large is Winterthur?

Winterthur is nearly 1,000 acres.

How many miles of roads are there at Winterthur?

There are 10 miles of roads.

Do Members have special access for walking?

Members receive free general admission every day that we are open and are allowed to walk the estate from dawn to dusk. Please display your membership card when walking.

Can I picnic at Winterthur?

Yes. Outside food and drink are allowed in the garden. No alcohol please. Be sure and use the waste receptacles provided.

What should I do if I get injured?

Please report your injury to our Public Safety office 302.888.4911. There are several emergency call boxes located on the estate (locations are marked on the Winterthur Estate Map).

Can I walk my dog at Winterthur?

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.

Can I arrange a walk for my club?

Yes. Winterthur offers discounted rates of admission for groups. Please call 800.448.3883 or see our website for additional information.

Can I pick wildflowers, collect mushrooms, collect rocks, etc. at Winterthur?

Please don’t! We ask that our guests and staff members take only photographs and leave only footprints. We ask that you help us to maintain the natural habitat that exists here at Winterthur so that other visitors can continue to enjoy the beauty of our garden, woodlands, meadows, and wetlands. Please do not move or remove any natural or manmade materials from any part of the estate.

What other rules of “garden etiquette” should I be aware of?

Please don’t climb trees, stone walls, or other garden structures. Be aware that there are other guests in the garden and keep noise to a minimum (use headphones with CD players etc.). Walking and running are allowed, but other recreational activities such as bicycling, rollerblading, kite flying, ball playing, Frisbee playing or sledding are not allowed.