Location: New Castle
Top Things to do in New Castle
10 Things to Do in New Castle That You Shouldn't Miss
New Castle, Delaware, "the first capital of the first state," was founded in 1651. Having been home to Native Americans, the Dutch, and the British, New Castle truly is a "uniquely American place." The Amstel House is a Georgian mansion dating back to 1730. The Dutch House has survived from an even earlier period, featuring furnishings from the 17th century. With ancient graveyards, town greens, old churches and traditional English gardens, New Castle brings history alive.
Restaurants in New Castle
1. Hagley Museum and Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 634 reviews
Hagley is the former industrial site of the original black powder works of the DuPont Company founded in Delaware in 1802 and powdered by the natural resources that surrounded it. Today it is 235 acres of wooded rolling hills along the rushing Brandywine River dotted with hundreds of stone ruins of the black powder industry, dozens of restored buildings associated with the business, and the first du Pont family home built in America. Here, for more than 200 years, the DuPont Company and family experimented, innovated, and pursued the American Dream. Hagley has been accredited by the American Alliance of Museums since 1972. The site is a National Historic Landmark, National Recreation Trail, and a Historic Engineering Landmark.
Reviewed By ephyfe - Wilmington, Delaware
Hagley is a bargain for the $14 entrance fee. This is start of the DuPont company from about 1800 to about 1921 when they got out of the dynamite business. The admission includes a small museum at the visitor center on the physical geography and...MoreThank you for writing such a great review of your trip to Hagley! It sounds like you had a great visit, and we would be happy to welcome you back. The property is beautiful year-round so please come see us again in warm weather!
2. Battery Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 158 reviews
Reviewed By gostartraveler - Forked River, New Jersey
Nice pier to view the water and Delaware Memorial Bridge. They have a playground (but this day was rainy, so couldn't give opinion on that.) Nice historical structure (former railroad ticket booth) with explainer, would be nice if it were open. Parking on street, seemed adequate for a Saturday morning.
3. Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 850 reviews
Once a Du Pont family country retreat, this estate's spectacular gardens surround a 175-room mansion housing the world's finest collection of American decorative arts from 1640-1860.
Reviewed By SXMChick - Kirkwood, Delaware
We spent the afternoon touring Winterthur and it was a very relaxing tour. Our guide, Velda Matthias, was lovely and gave us much information on the DuPont family. This was an opportunity to see how Christmas decorations have changed over the last century.
The visitors' center has an information desk, book store, and restrooms. While you can easily walk to the actual museum, it was too cold and we took the van, which is about a 3-minute drive. We were taken to the museum to wait for our tour, and there is comfortable seating, restrooms, and lockers for convenience.
One of the specialty exhibits on loan was from the tv show The Crown. The exhibit has Queen Elizabeth's coronation gown and crown, along with the news reel of the actual event.
Our tour group consisted of 10 people, who were very polite, so everyone had an opportunity to see every exhibit.
It was too cold to get to the gift shop or even try to tour the grounds, but it still proved to be an enjoyable afternoon.
4. Nemours Mansion & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 532 reviews
Nemours Estate will close on January 8th for the winter and will reopen in May 2018.
Reviewed By nckun8 - Staten Island, New York
Very nice visitor center where you can watch a short movie about Alfred DuPont. Afterwards take a shuttle to mansion. Mansion is beautiful. Very well informed guides are in most of the rooms. Be sure to also visit carriage house which is a five minute walk or shuttle will take you. I look forward to returning in warm weather to explore the beautiful gardens.
5. New Castle Court House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 76 reviews
Delaware approved the Declaration of Independence in this building, which was constructed in 1732.
Reviewed By JohnBCowgill - Washington DC, District of Columbia
I had been to New Castle a few times but in the evening. On this trip, the court house was open, and I took the took. There is so much that happened here that made great contributions to America. A must see.
6. Grand Opera House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 190 reviews
Reviewed By travelsalot416 - Wilmington, Delaware
I enjoy the productions at the Grand as well as The Playhouse of Rodney Square. Our recent events include Straight No Chaser and Rudolph the Musical. They offer something for everyone and every age. A trip to the Grand/Playhouse should be on everyone “to do” list.
7. New Castle Farmer's Market
Overall Ratings
4 based on 85 reviews
Reviewed By Deb B - Eudora, Kansas
The New Castle Farmer's Market offers a little of everything. From fresh fish, to fresh meats and cheeses, to fresh produce and baked goods. A great place to walk around on a rainy day as most of the market is indoors. We picked up a few souvenirs of chocolate toffee to take home. Also a great place to get breakfast, lunch or dinner to eat there or take home.
8. Christiana Mall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 340 reviews
Reviewed By Deborah W - Coatesville, Pennsylvania
Live this mall, stopped at Cabelas first then into mall. They have the majority of the stores we like and if not its a short drive from there. Food court is also good and its surrounded by other food choices also.
9. Delaware Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 182 reviews
A collection of American art from 1840 to the present.
Reviewed By CATTSAR - Provincetown, Massachusetts
This proved to be an exceptional cultural experience. The exhibits of art work and sculptures are world class. The museum is divided into several sections and numerous rooms. Each division exhibits different styles, mediums and or periods. The floor plan is easy to follow and the descriptions of the art are easy to understand as well. This is a great gem in the Wilmington area and a wonderful inside activity in inclement weather. There is also a cafe' to to grab a bite to eat right on site.
10. Read House and Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By tandhgoraj - Swedesboro, New Jersey
Although a short visit (about 1 1/2 hours), this was a very informative tour. The location where this house is situated adds to its unique history. The tour guides are excellent, they clearly love what they do! They have many interesting historic artifacts that are unique. The gardens are very nice and add to the brute of the property. The guide takes you through the eyes of the three families that owned this house.
Check out the fascinating "modern" conveniences in the kitchen that any of us would love to have!
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