Touring Blithewold

Is your group (parties of 8 or more) more likely to “take it all in” on their own without the structure of a guided tour? We’ve got that! Interpretive panels are strategically placed throughout the Estate which allows for a less formal, more meandering way to explore the manor, gardens and grounds.

Once you’ve spent an hour or so enjoying the property your group may like some light refreshments or lunch. Plenty of lovely spots to sit and enjoy; our covered porches overlooking The Bosquet or the Narragansett Bay or our picnic area adjacent to the Rose Garden. The Kitchen at Blithewold is prepared work with you to prepare something special for your group.

Self-Guided 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 8 people are required for the group rate discount of $16 per person.
• Guided group tours are an additional $75 (per 20 people) plus the $20 per person group rate.
• 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.

For more information, or to register, please contact:

Connie Ganley, Group Tour Manager
email: [email protected]
phone: (401) 253-2707 ext. 18

Liz Ripley, Group Tour Assistant
email: [email protected]
phone: (401) 253-2707

Today, change and discovery is ever-present at Blithewold. The archival collection is unusually rich, which means our staff and volunteers are constantly discovering “new” items. And outdoors on the Grounds the gardens change daily. We provide our guides with regular updates from our curatorial and gardens staff, keeping them fully up-to-date on what’s new indoors and out. Booking a guide ensures your group has the most complete and current tour option at Blithewold.

What to Expect During Your Guided Tour

Blithewold tour guides lead your group (parties of 8 or more) on a 90-minute tour of Blithewold’s Manor and Grounds. They tell the story of the Van Wickle/McKee family, the original owners of this beautiful seaside garden estate. Out on the grounds your guide will take you to each of the ten gardens, the Bamboo Grove, the Summerhouse and our Lord and Burnham greenhouse complex. Your tour will end with a Q & A and cold drinks served on the North West Porch.

Self-Guided 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 8 people are required for the group rate discount of $16 per person.
• Guided group tours are an additional $75 (per 20 people) plus the $20 per person group rate.
• 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.

For more information, or to register, please contact:

Connie Ganley, Group Tour Manager
email: [email protected]
phone: (401) 253-2707 ext. 18

The Kitchen at Blithewold

Afternoon Tea

Afternoon Tea has always been a great way to begin or end a special day at Blithewold. Sit back and relax while delighting in a cup of tea, freshly baked scones with sweet cream, and a 3-tiered tray filled with sweets and savory treats.

Individual or Buffet Lunches

Individual lunches include a small container of pasta salad, freshly baked cookie, potato chips, and iced tea or filtered water. Select 3 of the following sandwiches:

• Chicken Bacon Avocado Sandwich
• Caprese Sandwich with Fresh Mozzarella, Tomatoes, Basil
• Chicken Salad Sandwich
• Roast Beef Sandwich with Horseradish
• Tuna Salad Sandwich
• Turkey and Cranberry Sandwich
• Eggplant Parmigiana
• Penna Pasta
• Spinach, Hummus and Bell Pepper Wraps
• New England Lobster Roll ( AVAILABLE AT ADDITIONAL COST)

Continental Breakfast

Imagine sitting on Blithewold’s porch overlooking Narragansett Bay, while sipping a hot cup of coffee and enjoying a fresh-baked muffin, fruit salad and yogurt.

Creative Learning

Sketching Tour of Blithewold

Capture the beauty of Blithewold on this sketching tour after a quick review of drawing techniques such as shading, contour drawing, and use of negative space. Create several quick sketches or one detailed sketch on the grounds of this lovely estate. Bring a camera. Some drawing experience is required.

• No weekends
• 45 minutes – 1 hour

Schedule at least 3 weeks prior to your group’s expected visit date.

Prerequisite: Some drawing experience

Group Size: 10 – 12 people

Price may vary.

Wellness

Yoga

Blithewold is privileged to partner with local yoga studios to offer a rare opportunity to participate in an inspiring outdoor yoga practice. We have selected the perfect spot under a canopy of trees, amidst the gardens overlooking Narragansett Bay. Each of our partner studios offer a variety of yoga practices. We’ll work with you to select the session that’s perfectly suited for your group.

Group Size: 8+

Price may vary.