This place is a gem. It's beautiful, serene, somewhat whimsical. We went last week and the fall colors were stunning. It's a place I think I'll go back to with every season. And next time I wanna go early enough that I can do the house tour as well. read more

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Beautiful scenery for a good price, parking needs to be reserved before 3 so make sure you do that beforehand as there is no parking nearby! Very walkable if you're looking for a short day read more

The garden is very well done and a lot of attention to detail. There are a LOT of chairs set up in strategic places to sit and rest. They are actually part of the decoration to me. Parking is limited and reservations are required as far as I know but it worth the trip. read more

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Wonderful setting Staff is helpful An inspiration at every turn. Quality was amazing . read more

What a surprise! Recommended by our neighbor, we finally went and were blown away. Stunning, whimsical, romantic, playful, all the things. Late fall afternoons for an especially magical spell in the garden. Can't wait to go back in spring, when they reopen. read more

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We are so lucky to have Chanticleer close to us so we can visit frequently, but it is definitely worth a trip even if you have a drive a bit. The gardens are beautiful. It is just the right size for me -- I can walk for an hour or so and see the gardens without feeling overwhelmed. read more

What a lovely stroll I had with a lovely soul in these fine gardens. The patio garden and those wonderful enormous pottery pieces were so pretty. Such amazing plants that I've never seen before in my life. I got lucky last weekend and it wasn't very crowded. Lovely feature experience was that the walking path felt very comfortable and soothing on my legs. There's some sort of technology on their foot path! There was a very kind person selling tickets at the front of the property. And lovely ladies helping guide folks to parking spots. What a lovely place to get some steps, and to have a moment to hold hands with someone very very special. I had a wonderful time here. I love the lively Koi pond, and so many wonderful & delightful structures, pleasantly placed among the beautiful n' mighty trees and bushes and even "ruins" overlooking colorful wild flowers in the field. What a gem! What a beautiful place. Well worth the visit. Thanks for all your hard work maintaining this fine place. My heart felt so happy to be here. read more

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Truly one-of-kind! It helped that the weather was perfect! Lovely botanical garden with an odd tag line... I must say "a pleasure garden" sounds a bit suggestive. That aside, what a wonderful, imaginative garden with paths, stones, and lawns for walking about. Lots of native plants and flowers, beautifully presented. There's a seasonal section, hanging baskets, annuals, unique flowers, scrubs, trees, divided by sections which complemented each other, often intermingling, beautifully! Unique and creative chairs, bridges, fences, plant map containers, and water elements. One must have a parking reservation for a specific time- its free. Tickets were $12 per adult, on line or at the gate- well worth it! Perfect day, thank you! read more

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Martha Stewart was wrong no shade on Longwood Gardens, but the finest garden in America in my humble opinion is once again Chanticleer there is no space I have ever seen so meticulously maintained full of craftsmanship Stone masonry, ironwork woodwork, whimsy, and multiple themes so brilliantly expressed as you traverse the property even the bathrooms are perfectly positioned and it is never more beautiful than right now forget-me-nots hysteria everything in bloom there's even an asparagus garden because there's something new every year. Get here quick! read more

Beautiful peaceful gardens. About 1.1 walk. The hills were slight. Lots to see! Updated review 2025-04-30 Visited now, almost 8 years since the last visit. A few new observations: 1. The main path is fairly good for a wheelchair or walker or someone with a cane. There are some hills though. 2. For those who are able, I highly suggest meandering off the main path to the side paths. Many of these are covered with pine needles or other organic materials and well marked with organic boundaries (such as bamboo strips). 3. Take notice of the transitions between various materials used for the varying paths. It's interesting to see the wonderful blending of materials between paths. For example when transitioning from slate to another material in many cases there are extra slates placed in the new material to blend the transition). 4. Bring a lunch. Stop at one of the many places to sit and take in God's wonderful creation. 5. Consider stopping in the nearby town of Wayne for any of the many eateries and shopping. 6. Consider a stop at Peddlers Village which is somewhat close. 7. Consider asking for the complimentary "Passport" booklet that shows the many gardens in the area and having it stamped at this and any of the other many nearby gardens! americasgardencapital.org Review from 2017 My wife and I were in the area to see some gardens on 2017-05-07. We've been to several gardens in the area. There are some we have visited multiple times. This was our first visit here to Chanticleer. It was beautiful. Words can't describe it, but I'll try. First, the people greet you like you've been friends for a long time. They answered all our questions and offered an umbrella as it was raining on and off. We followed the path which is constructed in such a way as to allow for safe, comfortable passage even for wheelchairs. The slope is gradual with places to stop and sit along the way. The views are breathtaking! The is a view over the beautiful grass lawn and trees. There is a pond with koi. There is a wisteria garden arbor that we stood under. There is an area with "ruins" of stacked up stones with a water filled table and a fountain nearby. There is a wandering stream that you walk along and can see it meandering down the hill for quite some distance. The gardens are well kept. We will return again and suggest it highly to families and couples to enjoy! read more

Fantastic spot worth an afternoon any time of year! Please remember to get timed tickets online as they will check when you park. I got my passes for free through the local museum Passport program and definitely recommend. The gardens are not far apart but they wind around with such different characteristics you feel like you've gone miles. There are great areas for picnics and we saw people enjoying when we went. They have flower guide books but they all list the latin names so not much help for a casual walker. I wouldn't say it's a good place for kids, there's nothing specific for them to pay attention to, but just an afternoon through some spectacular gardens it is a gem. read more

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Chanticleer Garden is such a dream! Walk into a gated oasis, where butterflies are plentiful and picnic spaces invite you to sit. Make your way through meandering waters, then suddenly you stumble upon Koi Fish and Turtles dancing together in a pond. The gravel circle hugs you hello. Beyond the fields of green are more fountains, waters, and greenery. Clearing - Cleansing - Healing! read more

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A beautiful garden right in my backyard!!! I didn't even know this place existed until a little internet search for an alternative to Longwood. I highly recommend paying a visit to Chanticleer. Only $10 per person, for access to acres and acres of gorgeous flowers and gardens. You must make a free parking reservation to reserve you spot, which will dictate when you visit the garden. I will absolutely be back. read more

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This has remained a fun place to visit during the pandemic, the outdoor setting making it easy to spread out. We recently took an afternoon trip there to look around, and it was a nice, relaxed time even with baby in tow. It's quiet, so it was fine for him to take a nap while we walked around. He also enjoyed the time he was awake to see everything too, including the fish in the pond. Parking is a little tight, so it's nice that they started a sign-up to make sure there's room when people want to arrive. I don't remember them doing that before, but I think it works out nicely. Pro tip - many libraries in the area have memberships that you can borrow for a few days at a time (ours let us have this one for a week because they're not open every day). read more

Wow! It's May, the gardens are in bloom and a true work of art. Every bed, pot, arrangement had depth, color, shape and size. Some of the pots filled with water had fresh cut flowers arranged artistically across the top, statues had blooms placed around them, and of course it was well manicured. Even without the parts that I would label "extra", the grounds were spectacular. Beautiful winding paths flanked by flowers and streams with elegant bridges crossing over. I wonder if it's as amazing every season - I'll be back to find out! read more

Just the most wonderful way to spend a nice Saturday or Sunday afternoon. This place is fantastic, it's just perfectly laid out, carefully landscaped, and has enough little nooks you can take a seat in and enjoy the serenity! Things to absolutely must see here in the order of my favorites are the following; the ruins, the little pond with a woman statue in it, that I call the lady in the lake. The lotus flowers in the pond, and the massive Koi fish in the pond. You can easily get lost here, and that's alright. There's plenty of trails to follow through the woods and there are guides along the way that are more then helpful. I honestly can't say enough good things about this little gem of a place. Definitely put it on your list to do! read more

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Why had I never heard of this place before??? It is simply beautiful. Admission was $10, kids under 12 are free. We had a wonderful time strolling and discovering trails. Things were beautifully maintained. In addition to the gardens we saw lots of butterflies, dragon flies and a hummingbird. The koi are gorgeous and friendly. There are lots of chairs and benches scattered about in small groups for relaxation and conversation. There are also picnic tables if you want to bring lunch. Please note, there is no snack bar, restaurant or gift shop, just beautiful gardens. read more

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Absolutely beautiful gardens. It was a very nice walk with my parents because there were places for them to sit and rest along the way and it is not a huge place. read more

Chanticleer Foundation - Mom and Dad - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Wayne, Pennsylvania

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A really lovely place to spend an time walking and literally stopping to smell the flowers! There is a paved path around, but to access some other parts of the garden expect walking through grass, steps, or slightly uneven terrain. If you come with a child, a stroller is manageable, but would recommend a carrier if seeing more of the gardens is your interest. There is some elevation involved. The pond is fun to check out, with huge koi fish. This estate turned gardens is really well kept, but to maintain that there are rules, like picnicking only in certain areas, carrying your trash out. There is a reservation system to book parking, but it's free and very easy to use. Even though the parking lot will look packed, it doesn't feel crowded on the grounds. There are bathrooms, Adirondack chairs sprinkled through out to sit on. It's not as big as Longwood, so you could breeze through in an hour, but recommend just taking your time to soak in the surroundings. read more

One of the best gardens I've ever been to, and it was so mind-bogglingly good that when I left I didn't think it was possible for any other garden to top this...until one did, but that's for another time and that shows just how impressive this garden is. - When you enter through the gates, there's a parking lot immediately to the right, which is not massive, which is why there are two kinds lots if you follow the the road. - The "entrance" is a small gazebo manned by a staff, and this is where you buy tickets, grab a map, and ask any questions. The map might look confusing or overwhelming at first, but it ultimately helped us navigate this huge land while making sure not to miss anything! - There are only two restrooms on the property, so it might be a good idea to use one at the beginning in the Teacup Garden. - We took a right off the gazebo and stopped at Teacup Garden and Tennis Court Garden, but otherwise made a big wide counterclockwise loop from Tennis Country Garden. - Highlights: vegetable garden, log bridge, and the entire length of the paths along Bell's Run Creek with little falls, secret paths, streams, steps, and a snake! - As it was getting later in the afternoon, we started seeing families and other groups arriving with supplies for a picnic. Apparently, guests are allowed to picnic anywhere in the garden on Fridays! read more

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Chanticleer is a lovely garden and April is my favorite month to visit. Thank you to the gracious staff and make sure you reserve a parking spot ticket online ahead of your trip. I love going to the nearby Whole Foods when I visit the garden. read more

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What a great, hidden gem! We had a wonderful time exploring these beautiful, peaceful gardens. Highly recommend going on the days they offer house tours. Our guide Susan was very informative and amusing. I'd give her 6 stars if I could. Besides providing information about the house and family, she also gave us an overview and insight into how the different gardens are managed. Looking forward to going back in springtime to see even more flowers in bloom. read more

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Gorgeous and inspiring. We went on a family outing with ages ranging from late teens to 90's -- everyone loved it.

Love this gem of a garden. I was visiting a friend in Philly and we dropped by this place for a picnic and walk. Great walking paths if you have a stroller or need assistance. Also lots of green spaces to sit and hangout. So many areas to see and such a great variety of plants!! read more

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Love this place! Well maintained & designed gardens. It's beautiful from spring to fall. Love the walking paths throughout the property. read more

Quant and well kept estate garden. The property is perfect for those who enjoy the outdoors, gardens and walks.

Note: Chanticleer is open to the public only with a reservation! Ensure that you make your parking reservations ahead of time! Admissions for adults is $10.00 and it is 100% worth it! You are first greeted by a guide at the parking lot who will direct you to the parking destinations. Then you'll make your way to the check in booth, a beautiful gazebo that contains brochures and a map of the area. Asian woods - most of the plants in this garden are native to Korea, Japan, and China, the design style is of an American woodland garden. Bells Run - contains the waterwheel that was installed in the 1940s to pump water from the stream to the swimming pool behind the main house. It seems that this wheel no longer serves that purpose, but is a great item in this area. Bell's Woodland - contains plants of the eastern North American forest - it contains a long pathway that runs parallel to Bell's Run Creek. Bulb Meadow - the hilly area that features three separate bulb displays throughout the year. Spanish bluebells and fragile daffodils grace the hillside in April and begin to fade into the background as the grass begins to lengthen. The two additional bulb displays, spanning from August through October, are autumn colchicum and Lycoris, or naked ladies. Chanticleer House Garden - Must see! This area contains a semi-circle of pink, April-flowering cherries underplanted with hydrangeas and native phlox, is an old fashioned composition for an imposing house. The red gravel circle on the side of the house is kept deliberately unplanted, which contains sand that looks similar to a sand garden that enables a balance to the complexity of the architecture. On the side of the house contains a sun porch fronted by a beautiful border of plants that includes stately bear's breeches, the purple gas plant, and a number of lavenders, including 'Grosso', probably the best cultivated variety for this area. There is also a sign on the sun porch indicating that this area was was originally open to the elements and for many years was the favorite room of Mrs. Rosengarten, Sr.. The house is also open to guided tours only. The yard contains apple espaliers and small fountains which grace the walls while two beds of ever-changing silver, pink, and gray plants frame a large lawn. Cut flower garden - flowers line the flower garden and contains a traditional feel of a cottage garden with annuals. Elevated walkway - a steep lookout from the Chanticleer House to the Serpentine. Gravel Garden - provides a lookout down to the pond garden and the serpentine. Minder Woods - This woodland path runs between the Ruin and the great lawn below the Chanticleer House. A stone walkway carves through the shade, allowing discovery of interesting plants and furniture. Pond garden - this large pond area contains lily pads, koi fish, and a significant garden. Ruins - beautiful dismantled house that is used a a large display of art for plant life. Vegetable garden - you cant miss this! Actual vegetables and flowers are planted in this area annually for picking. read more

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Stunning, serene place to bring a picnic or a kid to run around or a book for just you. Idyllic! read more

Chanticleer Foundation - koi pond - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Wayne, Pennsylvania

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Cool botanical garden, fun to explore -- I think I'm spoiled by places like Atlanta Botanical Garden (tons of orchids) and Lotus Land (90% of the world's population of cacti) read more

Chanticleer Foundation - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Wayne, Pennsylvania

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Incredible garden and house featuring wood and stone carvings, fascinating small handcrafted bridges and lawn furniture. Gorgeous trees, mysterious wooded paths, streams and water features, long expansive vistas. And the flowers! Unreal. So many surprising features. A must see for any garden lover. read more

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Chanticleer is one of the prettiest gardens you'll ever visit. Beautifully situated on Philadelphia's Main Line, it is open from April through October. Each season brings out different flowers .... especially the wild ones. And there are so many varied niches from woodlands to small gardens to sweeping lawns to ruins. The many seats along the paths are all different and works of art in themselves. And don't miss the tree bridge. Chanticleer is truly a treat for all the senses!. Note - The main house is only open for tours on Saturday at 11 am. read more

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This is a FABULOUS garden off the main line in Philly and one of the most enjoyable experiences I have had while visiting Philly. It's much smaller than Longwood Gardens but that's why I like Chanticleer. It's not so overwhelming to want to see lots and everything like in Longwood and much more manageable to really explore and immerse yourself in the garden. There is plenty of shade to hide from the sun but if you're there like i was on a hot day (July 3, 2019) you may want to bring water or go early. I was at the garden at 10am and by 1130 it was already scorching. I also wish I had photos to add to my review but I deleted them all from phone. The Chanticleer photos are on my photography site, if you know where to look. read more

Wow wow wow wow! I can't believe this place hasn't become some instagram hotspot and I'm glad for it. It truly is a secret garden in PA. I could have spent all day exploring the various gardens. Each area is so well maintained and intriguing. A perfect mix of modern and traditional gardening and styles. I went on a slightly rainy, cooler than usual Saturday morning and it was so quiet and serene. All for ten bucks? A dream. If I lived nearby I would definitely buy a yearly pass. read more

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To explain by comparison... Longwood is all garden and not much for the house portion (humble compared to Winterthur, Glencairn or Nemours). But Winterthur, Glencairn and Nemours are all house and not much for gardens, when compared to Longwood. Chanticleer, while much smaller overall, is pretty strong in both the house and garden departments, which makes it a very promising choice. (The Chanticleer house is a fraction of the size of Winterthur, and Chanticleer's gardens are a fraction of the size of Longwood, to gauge magnitude, but if you are short on time, or want bang for your buck, Chanticleer will deliver.) Similar to Longwood, there are a variety of gardens, each bearing a different theme. However, unlike Longwood, Chanticleer includes a lot of sculpture and art in their aesthetic, which is nice to see as something different. The DuPont homes are all influenced by European classic gardening, which utilize some Romantic statuary, Greek- or Roman-inspired ornamental "temples" and such, containers here and there in geometric symmetry, and maybe a sundial. Masonry is practical: for paths, seating, steps or walls, and it doesn't try to interact much with the gardens. The DuPont homes are museums dedicated to representing how those properties were during their heyday, so it is fitting and appreciated that they are kept preserved that way. But it is also appreciated that Chanticleer offers something different. The Chanticleer gardens are all very maintained, and the paths are easily walkable, and accessible to the disabled. At the same time, Chanticleer's gardens are much more organic and natural looking. Much of the style is English, with the unwieldy grasses and wildflowers, all composed through the ordered chaos, for which this style is known. Of course there are Asian elements, and other looks going on, but somehow it all comes together under the ideology of allowing plants to do their plant thing, and that seems to be the MO here. It has a pacifying effect to see respect for nature this way. While perhaps similar in style, the look of the 27 acres of gardens today at Chanticleer is not what it was in Adolph Rosengarten's time. However, I feel the foundation has probably improved on the former look of the property, and has honored it well, which is serendipitous since it offers a look and style set apart from other local greats. I try to visit gardens wherever I travel. Chanticleer comes closest to Kew Gardens outside of London in terms of the feel of the designs, and the use of the stylish sculptural and seating elements. Another reviewer mentioned the picnics in the summer, which our neighbors used to go to a lot. We live about 2.5 miles away, so it is very handy. And yes, on the live music, they have had it. This is a really nice touch that similar places would not permit. Winterthur allows summer evening strolls in the garden, but you cannot picnic. And unless you go to the designated picnic area outside of the estate, you can forget about it with Longwood; they also took away the drinking fountains and charge for water now! So the laid back feeling at Chanticleer is a breath of fresh air, and much appreciated. * * * TIP * * * This Chanticleer is pronounced "shanty-clear," not like the French "shawn-tuh-clear" type pronunciation, related to the children's story, or the Chaucer Canterbury Tale from which it originates. read more

Chanticleer Foundation - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Wayne, Pennsylvania

Beautiful gardens, gorgeous ponds but not at all conducive to folks with physical disabilities. Chairs were in the middle of grassy areas and were very low and hard to get out of. $12 to walk. read more

Chanticleer Foundation - Pond garden. - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Wayne, Pennsylvania

Chanticleer is a beautiful, hidden gem! We had not heard of this garden and were looking for a new place to explore. My husband and I were thoroughly impressed by it's beauty and charmed by the little paths to explore. The staff are helpful and kind. I cannot say enough about this wonderful garden other than it is a must see and we plan to visit again! read more

This is such a fun and interesting roadside stop - beautiful gardens that are thoughtfully curated and a perfect place for a walk or a picnic with friends. read more

Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. There are many different parts of Chanticleer to explore- it's hard to get bored, even if you've been many times. Bring your camera and good walking shoes and plan on spending a few hours here. The only downside is that it costs $10 for each non-member to get in. Ouch. read more

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This is a beautiful, creative, well-designed garden. This was our first visit in a number of years. We would have appreciated more signage and a clearer map as we had difficulty finding our way around. I am elderly, have a bad back, and cannot walk far. It would have been great to have more benches and seating on the main paths and trail. I was resting on a rock and was told rather curtly though pleasantly to move by a young staff member, which I did. My daughter informed me that my granddaughter was excitedly watching staff feed the fish and turtles. She asked a question and the staff member ignored her. I'm sure the children would have loved to hear about what the fish ate and some facts about them. However, my granddaughter had a good time and enjoyed the elevated walkway, the little house, the koi, and most of all the stepping stones on the stream. read more

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Wow, what a hidden gem ! I've never heard of this place all these years I've lived in Philly but it is gorgeous! From the outside, this place looks so basic and simple, but once inside on the grounds, you will be blown away by the beauty! Don't forget to bring your picnic basket! read more