Bensalem: Andalusia’s Gardens, History and River Landscape

House History and Garden Culture

The Big House is designated a National Historic Landmark and houses a unique art collection. A one-hour guided tour introduces the interiors and the history of the family who lived at Andalusia from the 1790s through the 1970s. The family included Nicholas Biddle, president of the Second Bank of the United States. A visit to the house thus connects a long family history with a specific chapter in American history.

The gardens also tell the story of different eras. James “Jimmy” Biddle (1929–2005) planted the original Green Walk in the 1960s and the White Garden in the 1990s. The grounds also include a former icehouse and Father’s Conifer Walk, named after Jimmy Biddle. Visitors interested in garden design will find not only the gardens themselves but also names and traces of their development.

The annual Garden Symposium includes book signings, lunch, afternoon tea and a private visit to the gardens. Since the event calendar may change, check the program for the relevant year before your trip.

Parks and Activities in Bensalem Township

Bensalem Township also offers different ways to spend your time. The 100-acre Bensalem Central Park surrounds the Municipal Building. The park has walking paths, bocce and shuffleboard courts, a children’s playground and restrooms. Imagination Land Playground on Hulmeville Road was designed specifically for children with special needs and is also open to others. Firefighters Field is named in honor of firefighters and public service employees who died in the line of duty; it has fitness walking paths.

Sports add further options: Bensalem Township Country Club is a public 18-hole golf course where golfers can choose from four sets of tees. A township facility at the intersection of Richlieu Road and Galloway Road also has a skate park.

Seasonal Events

Bensalem Township’s annual Family Fall Festival, “Celebrate Community Pride,” takes place on the first Saturday in October. The program includes free family entertainment, food trucks, a beer garden, an evening concert and fireworks. Weekly tribute-act concerts are held at the Penn Community Bank Amphitheater from late May through August. Dates and programs may change; check the latest information before your trip.

Parx East, covering 280,000 square feet, is located next to the casino. It is home to Parx Racing, with thoroughbred racing from Saturday through Tuesday. Check the latest dates for this racing calendar as well. These time-specific offerings differ from parks and gardens, which can be incorporated into travel plans regardless of a particular event date.

Another Perspective in Lower Bucks County

In Lower Bucks County, Neshaminy State Park is located along the Delaware River. The 339-acre site includes picnic areas, a swimming pool and a separate splash pad for children. The marina gives boats access to the river. Availability of seasonal facilities may change. In this way, river and water activities elsewhere in the region complement Andalusia’s garden and cultural attractions.

When choosing a holiday rental in Bensalem, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your trip: Andalusia’s gardens and house history, recreational opportunities in Bensalem Township, or nature and water activities in Lower Bucks County each offer a different experience. Base your search on the places you plan to visit, and check dates for time-specific programs as well as the opening hours of the Museum and Learning Center of the Historical Society of Bensalem Township. It is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., and at other times by appointment; check the hours before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Croydon, Warminster, Andalusia, Quakertown, Yardley, Bristol, Langhorne, Warrington

For the regional travel overview: Bucks.