Pennsbury Manor
Pennsbury Manor
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
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Tetor22
Southampton, PA310 contributions
Mar 2020
Step back into the late 1600's at the Manor House of William Penn, along the Delaware River.
Tour begins at the modern Visitor Center. Inside, there is a theater showing a short film about the beginning of Pennsylvania and William Penn. A small museum and gift shop are also in the Visitor Center. On display are artifacts found through excavation, which are proof of the Lenape Indians and the Penn Family presence.
There are about 10 out buildings surrounding the main Manor House, which depict life on the plantation. A blacksmith, cook house, boat house, brewery and stable house live animals and presenters dressed in Colonial costumes. On site, there are a number of special outdoor gardens; such as the Kitchen Garden and Bee-Keeping Garden.
Walk onto Penn's front lawn to see the rushing Delaware River and the Manor's beautiful landscaping, designed by Penn himself.
All of the volunteers and presenters were well-informed, eager to share stories and handsomely dressed in their period garb.
We completely enjoyed our experience and visit to Pennsbury Manor. About three hours are needed to take it all in. Parking is ample and free of charge. On most days, there is a modest charge for admission; and some days are free for everyone. Special events are scheduled throughout the year - such as Historic Trades, Animals at Pennsbury, Tall Tales and Brewing in Colonial times.
Tour begins at the modern Visitor Center. Inside, there is a theater showing a short film about the beginning of Pennsylvania and William Penn. A small museum and gift shop are also in the Visitor Center. On display are artifacts found through excavation, which are proof of the Lenape Indians and the Penn Family presence.
There are about 10 out buildings surrounding the main Manor House, which depict life on the plantation. A blacksmith, cook house, boat house, brewery and stable house live animals and presenters dressed in Colonial costumes. On site, there are a number of special outdoor gardens; such as the Kitchen Garden and Bee-Keeping Garden.
Walk onto Penn's front lawn to see the rushing Delaware River and the Manor's beautiful landscaping, designed by Penn himself.
All of the volunteers and presenters were well-informed, eager to share stories and handsomely dressed in their period garb.
We completely enjoyed our experience and visit to Pennsbury Manor. About three hours are needed to take it all in. Parking is ample and free of charge. On most days, there is a modest charge for admission; and some days are free for everyone. Special events are scheduled throughout the year - such as Historic Trades, Animals at Pennsbury, Tall Tales and Brewing in Colonial times.
Written March 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
podrozniczka60
New Jersey17,020 contributions
Sep 2021
Getting there required a peculiar. almost adventure like, drive through the "dumpsters", landfills and industrial sites. ..Finally we got there!
Free parking, good initial information and perfectly good timing for a guided tour. Including us there were only four participants total so it resembled a private tour. Started with informational movie . The Manor is a replica the colonial estate of William Penn, founder and proprietor of the Colony of Pennsylvania, who lived there from 1699 to 1701. it recreates the spirit and atmosphere of the times.
We visited the grounds in a golf-cart and were able to see the Manor and the kitchen in detail. The docent Zach was excellent - he was knowledgeable and entertaining and made this trip a five.
We also walked the beautiful grounds on Delaware river and visited the museum portion of the visitor center.
The Pennsbury Manor appears to have many interesting events throughout the year especially valuable for famlies
Free parking, good initial information and perfectly good timing for a guided tour. Including us there were only four participants total so it resembled a private tour. Started with informational movie . The Manor is a replica the colonial estate of William Penn, founder and proprietor of the Colony of Pennsylvania, who lived there from 1699 to 1701. it recreates the spirit and atmosphere of the times.
We visited the grounds in a golf-cart and were able to see the Manor and the kitchen in detail. The docent Zach was excellent - he was knowledgeable and entertaining and made this trip a five.
We also walked the beautiful grounds on Delaware river and visited the museum portion of the visitor center.
The Pennsbury Manor appears to have many interesting events throughout the year especially valuable for famlies
Written September 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
anderson213
Hannibal, MO830 contributions
Jul 2022
There's a lot in this center. There's a good Penn exhibit and video that introduces Penn and expands a person'e previous knowledge about him and Quakers. Then, there is the guided tour which adds some details about Penn's life and the time period. It's a good add-on trip when visiting Philadelphia.
Written August 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Frank Masters
Lansdale, PA893 contributions
Aug 2021
I have heard of this mansion, but didn't know where it was. My wife was here as a child, so we made a day out of it to visit. Its not your typical Revolutionary War site, but depicts the the history of William Penn, Founder of Pennsylvania. Its history and its another time in American history, going back to the mid to late 1600"s.
The furniture has been removed while air conditioning is being planned and eventually installed in the mansion
Young children would be bored here, except for the animals area.
The furniture has been removed while air conditioning is being planned and eventually installed in the mansion
Young children would be bored here, except for the animals area.
Written August 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TonyDM
Ardmore, PA159 contributions
Jun 2012 • Friends
Pennsbury Manor must be one of those “you can’t get there from here” places. While there are signs along River Road that direct you to the manor, they are sporadic, sometimes defaced and usually not at a major turn where it needs to be. Bearing to the left, a slight turn to the right, following our Google map, we were so close yet so lost. Pennsbury Manor is on something of a peninsula, but a peninsula studded with ugly semi-industrial plants that seem to contradict the pristine riverbank setting and the historical mindset where I was dwelling. The drive to the manor required some counter intuitive turns that the poor signage does not facilitate. Actually, it was only when I stopped at a car repair shop that I discovered the correct route from an agreeable mechanic. After a good bit of circling and correcting we arrived at the entrance. Even when you finally arrive, the main sign at the front drive is somewhat tilted in a most undignified angle. The approach is also marred by something of a trailer park graveyard. Considering the importance of the site, I would hope that someday someone might contribute to improvements.
As with many historic sites, your first encounter is at the visitor’s center: a modern construction of offices, reception center, video room and requisite gift shop. Most striking, however, was the friendly and even embracing warmth of the staff. Since one of our company has difficulty walking, they brought around a golf cart to escort us to the manor. Now, I first have to say that I was hit by a major disappointment. It seems that the manor is not the original building. The original fell into ruin somewhat early in its existence. The building we tour today was a reconstruction of the 1920’s. Although, the guide assures us that Penn’s written description of the mansion was so detailed that it allowed for a near perfect copy. And speaking of the guide, his name is Tom, rarely have I encountered a so enthusiastic and well informed volunteer tour guide. Clearly he was a man impassioned by the history of William Penn and the manor house. The house itself is quite remarkable. The setting on the banks of the Delaware takes you into a dream world of tall green trees and flowing waters. The interior of the house on a somewhat modest footprint is open and spacious. The high ceilings, broad floor planks and open squares of parallel rooms recalls Penn’s rational approach to community space as seen in his geometric town plan for Philadelphia. Perhaps the more interesting building is the kitchen complex. Here again the space is arranged in a very rational fashion. What befuddles the modern mind, however, is the utmost complexity of the requirements of daily life at the end of the 17th century. Everything in the home from clothing to food was the end result of days and hours of intense manual preparation. The less than admirable aspect of this life was that no small part of the production and maintenance was only possible because of indentured servants and slaves. Yes, William Penn, the devoted Quaker and enlightened mind of the colonies, who created the charter of religious freedom and established an elected legislature, was master to indentured servants and to slaves. But that was a different world whose values and understanding are beyond our capacity to judge.
When we came to the end of the house tour, our guide brought back the golf cart. With continued enthusiasm Tom drove us about on a tour of the grounds. The manor is home to two oxen, several peacocks and a horse rescued from the slaughterhouse. Tom, it turns out, also help out with the animals. The gardens of Pennsbury seem a bit neglected. It would be wonderful to see them in full greenery.
Even though it is a reconstruction Pennsbury Manor takes its visitor into a new world America that we rarely consider. This is America in the time of Charles the Second, an America where the native population still lived along the banks of the Delaware. Pennsbury Manor is Pennsylvania and Philadelphia at the time of their creation almost one hundred years before a Ben Franklin or George Washington walked its streets. It is truly difficult to grasp the reality of this homestead. Pennsbury Manor in 1685 was a regal home and functioning plantation in a remote and unknown colony populated by a daring few who risked all they had for religious and personal convictions.
Make the drive to Pennsbury Manor. Combine it with a trip to New Hope. Admission for adults is $7, for seniors and for AAA members, $6. The tour has some fun, hands-on elements for children.
As with many historic sites, your first encounter is at the visitor’s center: a modern construction of offices, reception center, video room and requisite gift shop. Most striking, however, was the friendly and even embracing warmth of the staff. Since one of our company has difficulty walking, they brought around a golf cart to escort us to the manor. Now, I first have to say that I was hit by a major disappointment. It seems that the manor is not the original building. The original fell into ruin somewhat early in its existence. The building we tour today was a reconstruction of the 1920’s. Although, the guide assures us that Penn’s written description of the mansion was so detailed that it allowed for a near perfect copy. And speaking of the guide, his name is Tom, rarely have I encountered a so enthusiastic and well informed volunteer tour guide. Clearly he was a man impassioned by the history of William Penn and the manor house. The house itself is quite remarkable. The setting on the banks of the Delaware takes you into a dream world of tall green trees and flowing waters. The interior of the house on a somewhat modest footprint is open and spacious. The high ceilings, broad floor planks and open squares of parallel rooms recalls Penn’s rational approach to community space as seen in his geometric town plan for Philadelphia. Perhaps the more interesting building is the kitchen complex. Here again the space is arranged in a very rational fashion. What befuddles the modern mind, however, is the utmost complexity of the requirements of daily life at the end of the 17th century. Everything in the home from clothing to food was the end result of days and hours of intense manual preparation. The less than admirable aspect of this life was that no small part of the production and maintenance was only possible because of indentured servants and slaves. Yes, William Penn, the devoted Quaker and enlightened mind of the colonies, who created the charter of religious freedom and established an elected legislature, was master to indentured servants and to slaves. But that was a different world whose values and understanding are beyond our capacity to judge.
When we came to the end of the house tour, our guide brought back the golf cart. With continued enthusiasm Tom drove us about on a tour of the grounds. The manor is home to two oxen, several peacocks and a horse rescued from the slaughterhouse. Tom, it turns out, also help out with the animals. The gardens of Pennsbury seem a bit neglected. It would be wonderful to see them in full greenery.
Even though it is a reconstruction Pennsbury Manor takes its visitor into a new world America that we rarely consider. This is America in the time of Charles the Second, an America where the native population still lived along the banks of the Delaware. Pennsbury Manor is Pennsylvania and Philadelphia at the time of their creation almost one hundred years before a Ben Franklin or George Washington walked its streets. It is truly difficult to grasp the reality of this homestead. Pennsbury Manor in 1685 was a regal home and functioning plantation in a remote and unknown colony populated by a daring few who risked all they had for religious and personal convictions.
Make the drive to Pennsbury Manor. Combine it with a trip to New Hope. Admission for adults is $7, for seniors and for AAA members, $6. The tour has some fun, hands-on elements for children.
Written June 3, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jennifer W
Valdosta, GA78 contributions
Oct 2016 • Friends
We went to tour this house. I was shocked it was more than just the house. There was a mini farm with an ox, horse, geese and sheep which are rescue animals. The outbuildings were great. There was a museum inside that was VERY detailed and extremely well done. You can tell the state poured a fortune into it. Nice statue of William Penn. Very informative tour. I highly recommend.
Written October 19, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ken T
Yardley, PA36 contributions
Dec 2016 • Couples
Pennsbury Manor is an historic recreation of William Penn's home, working farm and Delaware River estate. Faithfully restored as close to the original property as possible it includes outbuildings, artisan exhibits, functional kitchens, workshops, gardens, animals, barns, stable and Colonial actors in period clothing, including William Penn himself! The property is set on 43 acres fronted by the Delaware River and is on the National Historic Register.
The modern Welcome Center includes exhibits, site information meeting space, restrooms, volunteer service / management offices and a gift shop. The "Seed Of A Nation" award winning exhibit depicts early Colonial Life on the Manor as well as displays of artifacts uncovered during excavations and restoration efforts.
Picnic space is available adjacent to a large parking area. The grounds are available for private events in addition to guided and group tours along with school programs. During the year, several scheduled public events include Dine Around The Manor, Holly Nights, Fall Harvest / Halloween, Sheep Shearing, Colonial Garden / Open Hearth Cooking, Living History Theater, Brewing and Colonial Summer camps for children to have a hands-on experience about Colonial life on Pennsbury Manor. Public and private guided tours of the Manor House are available during most of the year during regular hours as well as by special arrangement.
As a non-profit organization, modest admission fees, volunteer support, and Pennsbury Society membership / membership events are largely responsible for supporting the upkeep, maintenance, animal care, daily operation and overhead expenses of Pennsbury Manor.
My Grandchildren (and their parents) enjoy visiting several times during the year for school and public events. The Fall Harvest / Halloween events are really popular with the kids as they have an opportunity for hands on activities and games. As Pennsbury Society members and sponsors, my wife and I attend membership and special events including Brews and Bites, Dine Around the Manor and the annual Society membership Auction and subscription meeting.
Pennsbury Manor is a fun and educational experience for all ages. It's an historic site, unique to Pennsylvania and Bucks County and a great complement to other regional historic sites in Philadelphia and Southeast PA.
The modern Welcome Center includes exhibits, site information meeting space, restrooms, volunteer service / management offices and a gift shop. The "Seed Of A Nation" award winning exhibit depicts early Colonial Life on the Manor as well as displays of artifacts uncovered during excavations and restoration efforts.
Picnic space is available adjacent to a large parking area. The grounds are available for private events in addition to guided and group tours along with school programs. During the year, several scheduled public events include Dine Around The Manor, Holly Nights, Fall Harvest / Halloween, Sheep Shearing, Colonial Garden / Open Hearth Cooking, Living History Theater, Brewing and Colonial Summer camps for children to have a hands-on experience about Colonial life on Pennsbury Manor. Public and private guided tours of the Manor House are available during most of the year during regular hours as well as by special arrangement.
As a non-profit organization, modest admission fees, volunteer support, and Pennsbury Society membership / membership events are largely responsible for supporting the upkeep, maintenance, animal care, daily operation and overhead expenses of Pennsbury Manor.
My Grandchildren (and their parents) enjoy visiting several times during the year for school and public events. The Fall Harvest / Halloween events are really popular with the kids as they have an opportunity for hands on activities and games. As Pennsbury Society members and sponsors, my wife and I attend membership and special events including Brews and Bites, Dine Around the Manor and the annual Society membership Auction and subscription meeting.
Pennsbury Manor is a fun and educational experience for all ages. It's an historic site, unique to Pennsylvania and Bucks County and a great complement to other regional historic sites in Philadelphia and Southeast PA.
Written January 18, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Evan I
Brooklyn, NY504 contributions
Aug 2014 • Couples
We both have been wanting to visit Wm. Penn's original manor house (reconstruction to be accurate) for some time and we had the chance to last weekend. Pennsbury is a wonderful place to visit and the Visitor's Center allows to soak up the history relating to William Penn and the original mansion/life experiences which occurred there. Its important to first acquaint yourself with the history in the visitors center before moving on to the guided tour. Please allow about an hour in the visitors center perusing the exhibits and a little extra for the orientation video. Pennsbury Manor consists of approx. 8 structures which can be toured although structures like the Boat House can be seen relatively quickly. The Croizer House was under renovation when we were there so it was inaccessible. Manor House guided tours are approx 60 minutes or slightly more. Be sure to spend some time exploring the grounds of this lovely estate and plan to picnic if possible. Depending on the week, different events are scheduled so check out the Pennsbury Manor website calendar when planning your visit. We will definitely be returning for Holly Night Candlelight Tours on December4/5, 2014.
Adults are $9 per ($7 for AAA & Senior Citizens)
Kids 3-11 are $5.00
Tours for March 1 – October 31
Sunday : 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, and 3:30 pm
Tuesday – Saturday: 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 3:30 pm
Tours for November 1 – December 31
Sunday: 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm
Tuesday – Saturday: 11:30 am and 1:30 pm
Adults are $9 per ($7 for AAA & Senior Citizens)
Kids 3-11 are $5.00
Tours for March 1 – October 31
Sunday : 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, and 3:30 pm
Tuesday – Saturday: 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 3:30 pm
Tours for November 1 – December 31
Sunday: 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm
Tuesday – Saturday: 11:30 am and 1:30 pm
Written August 25, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NL144
Philadelphia, PA114 contributions
Sep 2012
Though I didn't realize that the home was a reconstruction, it is well presented and explained. Location is as great now as when Penn built there. Museum is excellent and teaches/reminds us of very important bits of Pennsylvania/American history.
Written September 13, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travaillour
New Jersey946 contributions
May 2012 • Friends
Recreated 17th century estate of the first govenor of Pennsylvania William Penn. Costumed docent, animals, expansve grounds. Great for home schoolers, school trips, family picknics. Something you may want to do over. Film, museum and gift shop. Although Penn was a Quaker he owned slaves. He had two wives and 14 children. He never lived there for more than two years per wife. Lessons for many research projects.
Written June 1, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
So it was 90° today in the Delaware Valley. :-(
If the tour of the house is
1-1/2 hours, is the manor air-conditioned?
Written May 3, 2018
There is no air conditioning in the manor house. However, the tour does not spend the entire 1-1/2 hours in the house
Written June 30, 2019
I was wondering if there is handicapped parking at Pennsbury Manor
Written November 23, 2016
There is handicapped parking and the area is generally flat for easy access, although there are steps to the second floor of the mansion.
Written November 23, 2016
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