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Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum

101 Ferry Road, Bristol, RI 02809
401-253-2707
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Ranked #2 of 10 attractions in Bristol
Type: Gardens, Historic Sites
Description: A beautifully landscaped historic mansion overlooking Narragansett Bay.
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52 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    38
    11
    2
    1
    0
Date Rating
Randolph,Ma.
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 16, 2013 NEW

Lovers of garden beauty,history, and the peaceful ocean views,would love a trip to Blithewold Mansion.First tour the mansion,furnished with many original pieces of furniture,learn about the family that lived there,then stroll the beautiful gardens. It is all so beautiful and serene. The city of Bristol,RI is lovely too. When leave Blithewold,you may drive to the shopping area,alot of little boutiques... More

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Dartmouth, Massachusetts
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 7, 2013

The mansion was interesting but the gardens were beautiful. Thousands of daffodils in a woodland garden. Lots of big fancy tulips. A selection of huge old trees and a big lawn to the bay make a great setting . Quite a lot of walking to see all the gardens. Save a little with AAA discount.

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Stratford, Connecticut, United States
Senior Contributor
33 reviews 33 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 22, 2013

We had such a great time wandering around during Daffodil Days. The Mansion is cool, but the grounds make it a destination. Lots of gardens to check out, located right on the Bay. Greenhouse was very interesting for a small place, and the bamboo area was pretty cool as well. Docents are all-knowing, or they find out what you want... More

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Providence, Rhode Island, United States
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 18, 2013

In order to enjoy the walk, wear comfortable shoes. The breeze from the water can be cool, so bring a light jacket.

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See 8 more reviews by Gail M for Bristol
Amherst, MA
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
28 helpful votes 28 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 16, 2013

Located a mere 20 minutes from Newport, Blithewold is often overlooked due to its close proximity to the Newport mansions. Magnicent in its own right, its muted opulance does not strive to compare with the ostentatious mansions of Newport. Parking is free and convenient to the entrance to Blithewold. You purchase your tickets in the diminutive gift shop and make... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Boston, Massachusetts
Top Contributor
70 reviews 70 reviews
26 attraction reviews
Reviews in 29 cities Reviews in 29 cities
24 helpful votes 24 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 16, 2013

What a treasure! Blithewold Mansion dates from the early 20th century. It's refreshingly spare and bright in keeping with the fashion of the time. Bessie Van Wickle McKee, the doyenne of Blithewold made beautiful gardens to enhance and extend the living spaces. Her daughter Marjorie Lyon made it her full time home later in her life and at her death... More

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Rhode Island
Top Contributor
50 reviews 50 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 26 cities Reviews in 26 cities
56 helpful votes 56 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 14, 2013

We went to the Blithewold Mansion to view the gardens. It was rather slow entering as the staff seemed to be having difficulties with the cash register. Once we got in, all went smoothly. There are beautiful displays of gardens of daffodils throughout. There were some tulips in bloom. There were fantastic giant sequoia trees and a number of gardens.... More

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Plymouth, Massachusetts
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 3, 2013

Blithewold has many things to do all year round but this was our first Opera and it was very very nice. We first had refreshments of soft drinks or wine and many yummy deserts to choose from before the concert which felt like a private show because there were approximately 60 people or so. I think everyone should see what... More

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See 2 more reviews by Pamela-Pepper for Bristol
mattpoisett
Top Contributor
107 reviews 107 reviews
46 attraction reviews
Reviews in 61 cities Reviews in 61 cities
33 helpful votes 33 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed December 9, 2012

We visited Blithewold Mansion. The mansion was decorated in a most outstanding manner. The cost is reasonable. we had a picnic on the grounds. The people are interesting and know a lot about the history of the mansion. A great place to visit.

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Pottstown, PA
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed November 10, 2012

Being from Pennsylvania, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that this beautiful estate was built and owned by a PA coal mining family. This is a beautiful waterfront estate which contains a very interesting and varied arboretum and gardens. As you stroll across the grounds, one can't help but envision how a party or wedding would unfold at the estate.... More

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See 6 more reviews by kp1612 for Bristol

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