Group Tours

Docents welcome group tours and tell the story of the Van Wickle/McKee family, the orginial owners of this beautiful seaside garden estate. Visitors experience breathtaking views of Narragansett Bay and see the Mansion decorated with original furnishings just as it was when the family lived here. The guided tour continues through the grounds where magnificent trees and a variety of colorful gardens demonstrate Blithewold’s prominence in horticulture.

Group Tour Hours & Rates

Reservations may be made for group visits daily from mid-April thru mid-October from 9 am to 3 pm. Holiday tours may be booked in November and December. Reservations are subject to availability. Two hours will allow ample time for the tour and a visit to the Gift Shop.

Advance reservations and a minimum of 10 people are required to qualify for the group rate discount of $7 per person. Tours may be either guided or self-guided. Guided group tours are an additional $50 plus the $7 per person group rate. Groups of less than 10 may pay a minimum of $105 for the guided tour. For groups from 30 to 60 people, there is a charge of $100 for the guided tour. Additional fees apply to groups larger than 60 people. Complimentary admission is extended to one group leader or tour director and the motor coach driver. Discounts and memberships do not apply for group tours.

Payment

A non-refundable deposit of $35 is due 30 days prior to the tour date. The balance may be paid in advance or upon the group’s arrival. Cash, check, Visa or MasterCard are accepted. Please be prepared to make one payment on behalf of the group.

Parking

There is onsite parking for cars and motor coaches.

Gift Shop

The Gift Shop is located next to the parking lot, in the Visitor Center. It offers a variety of souvenirs, unique gifts, books and garden related items.

Popular Options

Complement your tour with gourmet box lunches, a buffet lunch or tea on the porch overlooking the gardens and scenic bay. Lunch can also be served in the Mansion on a limited basis. Menus and prices are available upon request.

Workshops and lectures are available for 15 to 40 people during limited times.

Accessibility

The first floor of the Mansion is accessible to the physically disabled. Gravel pathways lead to the Mansion, and through the gardens. Benches are located throughout the grounds. For additional information on accessibility call 401-253-2707 x 24.

Tips for an Enjoyable Visit

Comfortable walking shoes and weather appropriate attire are highly recommended for touring the gardens and grounds. Also note that the house is not air-conditioned but on warm days the breeze off the bay keeps the mansion quite comfortable.

The combinded house and garden tour averages about 1 hour and 30 minutes and can be adjusted to accommodate your schedule. You may want to allow additional time to enjoy the gardens and grounds after the  tour.

For additional information, or to make a reservation, please contact:

Kathy Humm
Tour Coordinator
(401) 253-2707 ext. 24
Fax: (401) 253-0412
email: khumm@blithewold.org

 

Blithewold