Very recently while exploring the Delaware River area I came across Fonthill Castle and decided to explore it. As a result, this ended up being one of the many highlights of my day trip outside NYC and in addition to highly recommending you check this place out too, I’ll be explaining everything you need to know about it.
Info:
- Name:Â Fonthill Castle
- Location: Dolyestown Pennsylvania
- Cost to enter: $8 for kids, $15 for adults (only for tours)
- Distance from NYC: 2-3 hours
- Ideal time to visit for: 1 day
- Reviews: 4.9 out of 5
Overview:
Fonthill Castle is one of the most popular castles in Pennsylvania. It’s located pretty close to the town of New Hope (30 minutes). When you get there, parking is free (there’s 2 areas for it) but if you wish to take a guided tour through the castle, then you’ll need to sign up for a timed entry tour here. In addition to Fonthill Castle, there’s actually 2 additional bonuses to exploring this place:
- There’s actually 2 additional castles here: Moravian Pottery Museum nearby and the 2nd is the museum castle located right next to Fonthill Castle.
- There’s also very beautiful and tranquil hiking trails around the area I’ll talk about shortly which I recommend exploring as well.
Now as far as history goes, I’ll give you the short summary: Fonthill Castle was built by Henry Chapman Mercer. The man was an anthropologist, archaeologist, and a tile-maker and as you can may have been able to spot from the photos, he had a taste for gothic type structures..The main castle is over 100 years old and you can actually go inside it today (via a guided tour only).
Photos from inside Fonthill Castle:
As you walk through its rooms, you’re going to find out about the various ways you can immerse yourself in its rich past. You might be surprised to learn that there’s a strong connection between Fonthill Castle and another historical gem – the Mercer Museum. Both are legacies of Henry Mercer, and if you’re into early American artifacts, these places are great to explore. Together, they offer a unified historical experience that transports you straight to the turn of the 20th century.
Mercer’s appreciation for art and ceramics is evident throughout the castle. He was an avid collector, and his pieces are carefully displayed throughout the property. Each room feels like a history event. There are 3-4 floors and a roof you can explore during the guided tours.
Additional attractions in the area:
Besides Fonthill Castle, there’s plenty more to uncover in the area. Let’s start with the lush, inviting grounds that surround the Castle. These are perfect for a scenic picnic, offering a serene backdrop that’s hard to find anywhere else. Bring a basket, a blanket, and immerse yourself in the ambiance of historical elegance. And again, there are numerous hiking trails around the area that I found to be quite amazing too.
If you’re itching to learn more, Fonthill Castle offers workshops and lectures throughout the year. These are fantastic ways to dive into the depths of local history, understand Mercer’s impact, and even explore topics beyond the Castle’s walls.
Art and photography enthusiasts will find their niche here, too. The estate provides classes where you can learn to capture its unique beauty through your lens or paintbrush. It’s a chance to create your own masterpieces inspired by Mercer’s legacy.
More places to see nearby:
After you’ve finished exploring the Fonthill Castle area, should there be even more time remaining in your day, then I have a few additional recommendations on what else there is to see:
As I also mentioned, there is the town of New Hope 30 minutes away which I would recommend visiting for a number of reasons:
- They have a cool train ride called the New Hope Railroad
- They have plenty of restaurants to finish up the day at
- The road right next to the town is extremely scenic and worth exploring. There’s also other parks and outdoor activities all around
Next there’s Doylestown, the heart of Bucks County, boasts an impressive cultural scene. Museums like the James A. Michener Art Museum offer a deep dive into regional art, while the County Theater presents indie films in a classic movie house setting.
And let’s not overlook the annual festivals and community events that add to Doylestown’s charm. From the Polish-American Family Festival to the Doylestown Arts Festival, there’s a lot of opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and festivities. Your first attempt doesn’t need to be your last, so I really hope that you take the chance to explore these experiences as well.
If you’re the type who loves the great outdoors, you’re going to find out about numerous parks and trails dotting the area. Peace Valley Park and Lake Galena welcome hikers, bikers, and bird watchers with their picturesque landscapes.