Andalusia Between Gardens and History

On the Delaware River in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, Andalusia brings together formal gardens, native woodlands, and a historic house. The estate covers 50 acres. On a self-guided visit, you can explore the gardens and woodlands. Designed garden spaces and natural landscapes sit side by side. The Big House adds Greek Revival architecture and a layered history to the experience.

Gardens, Woodland Paths, and Arboretum

The gardens at Andalusia have existed for more than 200 years. The Green Walk is their entrance and lies east of the Big House. The Walled Garden is located on the former site of the greenhouses. In spring, thousands of daffodils line the Woodland Walk. The River Walk offers a different focus: it features a paperbark maple, a China fir, and an old shagbark hickory. These names bring the different features into focus—from spring blossoms to distinctive trees along the River Walk.

The garden grounds also include an arboretum with Level II accreditation from ArbNet; it is also listed in the Morton Register of Arboreta. The arboretum’s public database lists more than 800 trees. Those interested in trees and botanical collections will find a distinct theme here alongside the formal gardens. When planning a visit, you can think of the garden spaces, woodlands, and arboretum as distinct features without reducing them to a single impression.

The Big House and Its History

The Big House is considered one of the finest and most distinctive examples of Greek Revival architecture in the United States and is designated a National Historic Landmark. Its library contains more than 3,000 rare volumes, preserved in original bookshelves. The historic house has exhibition rooms where personal belongings and clothing are displayed alongside portraits and historical representations. The house also contains marble statues made in Europe, porcelain and lacquerware from China, and finely crafted American silver objects. Architecture, books, and decorative arts each offer a different historical perspective.

Another distinctive feature is the grotto: it was built in 1834 and 1836 as a Gothic “ruin.” The two dates place its construction in the 19th century; the term describes its design as a ruin. This structure also adds a specific architectural feature to Andalusia’s cultural appeal.

Visiting Hours and Seasonal Offerings

The 2026 visiting season is listed as running through November 13. Regular opening hours are Monday, Tuesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., except on certain holidays. Selected Saturdays are also scheduled; for the remainder of the season, the calendar lists October 24 and November 7. Weekly garden tours are also offered at 1 p.m. on Fridays through the end of the 2026 season. Check the dates before your trip, especially if you plan to visit on a Saturday or attend a tour.

Andalusia hosts an annual Garden Symposium. The program includes, among other things, book signings, lunch, afternoon tea, and a private garden visit. Since an annual event does not automatically establish a specific date for your trip, check the current calendar if the symposium is important to your plans.

If Andalusia is the reason for your trip, it’s best to search for a vacation rental based on your preferred visit dates. First, consider whether the garden spaces, trees and woodland paths, architecture, or a seasonal offering is your main interest. Then coordinate your stay with the listed opening days and the dates that work for you. This makes choosing accommodation part of a trip plan tailored to your group’s specific interests.

Discover more destinations: Quakertown, Yardley, Feasterville-Trevose, Warrington, Bensalem, Morrisville, Croydon, Warminster.

Return to the main travel overview: Bucks.