Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum

This was a really fun and interesting place to visit. I loved learning all the history in the house, but I was disappointed you couldn't go upstairs to see the servants' quarters or see any pictures. There wasn't any historical information available about the basement either. Views of the water were beautiful! It was fun to imagine what it would be like to be rich and life there. I was very excited to see all the ground and gardens. It was very cool to see the Sequoia and different themed areas. I wish there was more information available on the summer house. You couldn't go in and there wasn't any information about what was inside or what its function was. The ideas garden was the best. The pollinators garden was mostly grass, underwhelming. The rock garden was interesting but overgrown, hard to see the rocks. The water garden was nice.

It's a beautiful place to visit and see. The volunteers do a great job telling the history of the mansion. The grounds are also beautiful. Only 3 stars because the admission price of $22 per person seems high.

An interesting look into the history of a turn of the 20th century wealthy family, but not of the same wealth as the homes in Newport. Blithewold feels like a regular house, devoid of opulence. The grounds can be nice depending on time of year, but they are not extensive or awe inspiring. It feels more like a back yard (a big back yard). The sequoias are interesting to see, though not large by Sequoia size standards.

(Note: I write these reviews in part for my own nationwide business clients, for travel and activity inspiration. Follow me for more! I’m a financial planner - CFP®️practitioner - with a focus on retirement wealth strategies, primarily serving business women and LGBTQ individuals. #VirtualPlanningCraftedWithCare®️) I’ve been here a few times and if I was local, I’d be here often. There’s a beautiful home to tour but I think the best part is the garden and outdoor estate. It includes Japanese style garden, a bamboo grove and their own sequoia. There’s also a shop on site that includes a little art gallery and rest rooms. Don’t miss it. It’s worth spending some time. This place is affordable but not free. Appropriate for all ages. I imagine it’s LGBTQ friendly given it’s in Bristol.

Beautiful and lots of seating throughout the property. We visited (May 8th) specifically check out the daffodils. To our dismay, there wasn't much in bloom. There's a couple of small areas with assorted flowers displayed, some sculptures, and different tree species. And you can tour the mansion.

Blithewold was the absolute PERFECT wedding venue and we are so grateful to Melissa, Erica, and the entire team at Blithewold for ensuring our day was incredible! Melissa and Erica were on top of every detail and extremely responsive to every question we had leading up to our wedding day. They were attentive to everything and made sure all our wedding day vendors were coordinated and knew exactly where to go and how to set up. The landscaping and gardens are absolutely stunning and we enjoyed the most magnificent sunset overlooking the ocean. And even though it rained on our wedding day, we had a magnificent wedding inside the mansion that perfectly accommodated our 107 guests. Would highly recommend Blithewold for your wedding and it's a beautiful place that my husband and I are looking forward to visiting.

Beautiful garden and grounds. So much to look at including the historic residence. Enjoyed coming here on multiple occasions. Lovely on a cool day by the sea.

The visitor center and gardens open at 10 the house and its tea room open at 11. This information wasn't very clear in online sources or even online ticketing. Gates open around 9:50. The visitor center had helpful staff who ran an orientation video and helped us plan a walk through the gardens. As an early April visitor the daffodils were the main feature. The house offers a warm welcome and provides a view of this family's life. Many garments from the time we're on view. The tea room space is lovely. It's a full tea. Reservations are recommended for the two tea times

8/2/25: While visiting Rhode Island, we decided to take a side trip to Blithewold in the town of Bristol. Since it had been ages since last visiting, I only had a faint recollection of the estate having incredibly beautiful gardens. Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum was established by Augustus and Bessie Van Wickle in the 1890s as their summer estate. Mr. Van Wickle made his fortune in the coal mining industry. The estate overlooks beautiful Narragansett Bay. Due to our schedule, our main focus was to just visit the special bamboo bird exhibit and gardens. We went to the admission desk. Luckily, since my friend was a Met member, we got in free. We casually mentioned, we were here to see the special bird exhibit. The staff was very friendly, but didn't make any mention of the bird exhibit. As we walked through the gardens, we saw so many beautiful flowers and lush trees. In one section, there's a large growth of stunning bamboo. As mentioned earlier, the estate had a special exhibit of six bamboo birds ranging from 15 to 30 feet in height. August 11th is the exhibit's last day. All the birds were absolutely striking in appearance. It's incredible, how these birds can be designed from bamboo. Taking one star off for the following: It was quite tiring walking the extensive grounds, due to the heat. In fact, it was difficult to make it close enough to see the sixth bird (Owl). Wish the visitor's section would've offered some type of mini tram to take you through the gardens. Even at an extra cost, it would've been worth it, due to the length of the gardens. However, Blithewold is definite must see when visiting Rhode Island.

Blithewold Mansion is more than just a beautiful estate--it's a full experience of elegance, nature, and peaceful reflection. . The gardens are simply breathtaking--each with its own personality. The Rose Garden was full of color and fragrance, and the Bamboo Grove felt like stepping into another continent. The waterfront lawn was the perfect spot to take a deep breath and soak in the beauty of Narragansett Bay. Perfect for: Solo wanderers, romantic strolls, garden lovers, and anyone looking for peace with a side of inspiration. Pro Tip: Bring your camera or phone--this place is a photographer's dream. And wear comfy shoes, because you'll want to explore every path.

Amazing gardens and grounds! Lovely mansion to tour and learn about the history of the local. Gift shop is terrific! Events are great and numerous throughout the year!

Beautiful gardens and mansion! This is a hidden gem on a nice day. The property is gorgeous and very well maintained with gorgeous views. Highly recommend!

We went here last night for a wedding and the mansion and grounds were absolutely stunning! They have a garden and arboretum as well. The scenery was great and all of the staff were very nice and helpful. This is a great option to visit if you are in Bristol.

I visited Blithewold Mansion with a few friends today during December. It was beautifully decorated for Christmas which made it a perfect time to visit. Every room has such a lovely collection of historic items and family heirlooms. There is easy parking and a very nice gift shop. I didn't realize there are so many other activities at Blithewold such as afternoon tea several times per year (sold out for their Winter tea seatings), night time sparkle walks to look at the lights, summer concerts and more. I would highly recommend checking out their website to see what's going on before you go!

Just. Wow. The mansion- amazing. The grounds were breathtaking. We spent two hours meandering and still didn't see it all. Fantastic views everywhere you turn. We've been here before for an evening concert event but didn't get to tour the grounds. I can't wait to go back , bring a picnic and a blanket and really immerse myself in the gardens. And gardens... they have it all. Bamboo forest, stone garden, water garden, forest garden, cutting garden- truly a little piece of heaven.

Visited a few Wednesday nights for their concert at sunset series what a great venue picnic on the lawn bring your own food BYOB great music and spectacular views

This review is about Afternoon Tea at the mansion (on New Year's Day 2025). In sum, it was a disappointment. There was no choice of tea. We were just given some sort of black tea blend that was mediocre. The warm scones served table side were good. The tiered tray that followed was very sad. Everyone knows that afternoon tea sandwiches are supposed to be magnificent and expertly crafted. These were neither. It was the worst of two worlds - homespun and minuscule. We saved up our appetites for this event and came away hungry. The sweets were kid-level. Sorry but grocery store-style mini cupcakes have no business making an appearance at an afternoon tea. I would never come back and I would have paid double to have had a better experience. On the upside, the room in which the tea was served was fabulous. Come for the mansion, not the tea.

Blithewold Mansion and Gardens in Bristol RI was a beautiful spot to visit. We started with a delicious lunch on the outside terrace overlooking Narragansett Bay. We were a tour group, so the lunch was arranged ahead...they don't have a restaurant there. We had a buffet of sandwiches and salads and brownies for dessert. Everything was fresh and very good. The mansion was a summer home and was beautiful to walk through, the view outside was priceless.

Very first time visiting here, impressed by the variety of flowers in the garden. The mansion was interesting, too. wish they would offer a discount for residents , so we could visit more often.

Pleasantly surprised by this hidden gem in Bristol! Originally belonging to Augustus and Bessie Van Wickle, Blithewold is a beautiful estate on Narragansett Bay. Obviously there are quite a few famous estates in Rhode Island, and if you're just interested in the home and the decor, the Breakers is definitely larger, more opulent, and better preserved than Blithewold. Compared to the Breakers, Blithewold is a little more rough around the edges (although it is still beautifully staged and looked gorgeous all decorated for Christmas). However, for me the real highlight was walking around the beautiful and spacious grounds. The bamboo grove and giant sequoia were both unexpected delights. I wish that the greenhouse had been open, but it was still cool to peek in from outside. The Japanese-inspired water garden was really pretty too. If you can, I would definitely recommend doing the full loop around to the boathouse and dock. Admission is $18 for adults and $14 for students / military. It took me about an hour to see everything but I was walking pretty fast--it may take longer if you have mobility constraints. I may come back just to walk around on a clear day when I can actually see the view of the bay!

Tea at Blithewold! I took Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced Boo-kay) for a Valentines Tea at Blithewold after catching a piece on RI PBS TV and the trip was well worth it, quite frankly. Plenty of parking, clean facility, and a gracious and friendly staff. This event had a harpist, playing a selection of traditional pieces and modern classics. A very nice potta' tea, love, that your auntie and grandmama would just love. Smooth blend with rich flavor. A typical High Tea menu. Beautiful campus. Lovely scenery. Great event for people watching. An enjoyable way to spend the day. Highly recommended. 11FEB2023

Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum is the perfect outdoor activity for all ages. For a basic admission you have access to the entire garden as well as the self guided tours of the mansion. The property is in immaculate condition and the staff were incredibly inviting and knowledgeable. Parking can be a bit cramped so I recommend carpooling when able.

My daughter and I visited for Mother's Day tea. Before tea, we enjoyed strolling around the property, discovering the various gardens. Tea was lovely - the special house blend of tea was tasty, and we enjoyed the various treats. The warm scones were the highlight, but everything was delicious. After tea, we toured the mansion. It's much smaller than any of the Newport 'cottages', but was quite pleasant and less overwhelming. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area!

We had the best time visiting Blithewold last weekend! We picked the rainiest day possible but that didn't dampen our spirits! We arrived right when they opened and it was pouring, so there was no one else around. Eileen sold us tickets and then gave us the VIP treatment! She told us all about the family, the house, gardens, history, and her favorite things about working there. It was so helpful as we started our tour! We took Eileen's recommended route through the gardens and strolled around for an hour or so before we felt chilly and headed towards the house. The mansion is beautiful and has a homey feel, unlike the cold gilded mansions in Newport. As a fashion buff, I loved the gorgeous dresses on display! We will definitely be back to see the gardens in bloom this summer and attend a weeknight concert!

This place was uhhhhh mazing! The outdoor garden and arboretum were both so peaceful & very well maintained. The architecture and history inside was also stunning! Definitely worth a visit. You can stay all day if you want and just chill out in the garden.

We were initially disappointed because the day we decided to visit the mansion and gardens, the mansion was closed. This isn't shown in the information we received so we didn't have any tours. They asked us to pay if we wanted to see the gardens. The gardens were wonderful to walk through and look at. I would have given them a 3.5 if that were possible.

Wow! Well worth the time and money. The mansion is not as elaborate as those you will find in Newport, but the treasure here is outside. The gardens are spectacular! Redwoods, Sequoia, exotic trees, a bamboo grove. Everything you wouldn't expect to see on the East coast. I felt transported to the south. Definitely worth a visit for the flower lovers.

Our family were caretakers at Linden Place for many years, so are well versed on the 'background' related to running an efficient & accommodating venue, all while being attentive to maintaining the museum. We recognize how that isn't an easy feat. We decided to hold my sister's Bridal Tea at Blithewold, with Allan at the helm, working closely together with Genie, Anthony, & an impressive staff, that all were very organized, accommodating, and attentive to our needs. My sister was elated to be in this venue with fifty of her closest lady friends & family, held in the beautiful setting of the dining room with its dark carved wooden walls, blue & white accents, finely fastooned windows, with linened tables of 4, that held tiered china filled with a delicious assortment of housemade dainty sandwiches, scones, petit fours, & other delicious bites... and of course, the special Blithewold Tea Blend served by Blithewold staff. Genie & Anthony also saw to it that our lace doilies were placed under each china plate & teacup, and honeys, jams, chocolates, a victorian handkerchief, and a printed welcome / trivia game placed at each setting. Accommodations were made with Blithewold for an assortment of fruits to enhance the champagne and white & blush wines we brought in, all served out of the Breakfast Room adjoining the Dining Room. The south Breakfast Room housed a large table where guests could place their unwrapped gift, allowing for guests to easily view the gifts showered on my sister. I'm a retired florist, so of course, I sought to have flowers accenting everywhere. Blithewold allowed me to deliver the day before, storing them in a back room, then helping us set up the flowers the day of, which was very helpful. It was our plan to have our guests play croquet on the expansive sprawling back lawn, overlooking the bay. Allan & team had offered to setup the croquet games for us, but that plan was thrwarted by pouring rain the day of the Tea. Unfortunately guests couldn't enjoy the outside porches and beautiful grounds, due to the weather, but the Blithewold staff offered tours of the impressive 'summer retreat house', which was very appreciated by the guests. Organizing and executing an event can be daunting, but when you work with dedicated people such as Alan, Genie, Anthony, & many other attentive, service-oriented Blithewold staff members, your burdens are lightened, your fears disspelled, your mission for an enjoyable event supported... it makes for a successful event all around. We HIGHLY RECOMMEND considering Blithewold.

Stunning venue. Unfortunately my experience as a 62 year old minister working there was less than fortunate. When I arrived for a garden wedding with equipment, I tried to unload closer to the ceremony site, but was turned away by security. Finally with some help, we got everything to the site and the ceremony went off without a hitch. Afterwards I made 3 trips to get everything from the site to a bench near where I could drive my car and pick it up. I then sat to recover from the effort and have some nice conversation with the guests. As I was leaving, I mentioned to the day of coordinator that I was disappointed not to have received any help leaving... especially since a golf cart passed me more than once carrying older guests. I had asked for help but I had not specifically asked for a ride. Well what happened next was unprecedented. The very busy (and I assume efficient) person who had been driving the cart took the time to find me as I was loading my car... not to apologize, no. She was there to tell me that I was a liar... that I had not asked for a ride (true, I only asked for help). I questioned why she seemed to have and attitude and was told she was responding to MY attitude. I would swear on every holy book available that I was trying my best to respond to her tirade with soothing comments meant to diffuse the situation. But she would have none of that. I asked if we could discuss this calmly... apparently not. It's not that she was wild or anything. Just emphatically doing her best to dismiss me and seemingly "put me in my place." She even said that if I'd had a problem with her I should not go complaining to other staff members. But isn't speaking to staff members in an attempt I resolve issues exactly what you ARE supposed to do when you've had an unfortunate experience? I have no idea of the hierarchy of the staff there. I am left with a bad taste in my mouth for events at Blithewold. And that's sad. The young woman who felt the need to yell at me and call me a liar...? Her name was Olivia.

Beautiful spot with so many gorgeous blooms! I first discovered this place during their Daffodil festival last spring. Absolutely gorgeous spread of daffodils in a hidden garden next to the mansion. They also had a beautiful assortment of tulips a bit later in the spring. We visited yesterday primary just to walk some place nice that was not our neighborhood. We did not expect to see too much in the way of flowers in mid September but wow we were just blown away by the gorgeousness! There were a lot of zinnias, some smaller sunflower looking flowers (sorry I am not an expert) and a beautiful garden growing marigolds, pumpkins and massive heirloom tomatoes. There were also some exotic flowers such as water lilies and lotuses! The lotuses were incredible. We also toured the mansion for the first time- it had been closed when we visited previously due to COVID concerns. While I am much happier looking at flowers than old furniture and stuff there were some interesting pieces including vases and old beer steins. Brides may enjoy the exhibit of bridal gowns through the years. While we were there we noticed folks enjoying tea and scones on the patio overlooking the water. Unfortunately, they were sold out. The staff recommended advance reservations through their website. We'll try it another time. Cute gift shop with lots of goodies for folks who love flowers and gardening and during the summer they had lovely oyster plates that I purchased and my bf found some nice vases there. They have reciprocal membership with a lot of other botanical gardens and since we are members of Heritage Gardens on the Cape we can enter free here as well. In the summer their are concerts and yoga on the grounds. Definitely check it out and a great alternative to the Newport mansions. After visiting check out downtown Bristol for great pubs and places to eat including Aidans and Bristol Oyster Bar.

A beautiful experience in the gardens and mansion!! The gardens boast of a diverse and gorgeous range of plants, including bamboo, Redwood trees, and gorgeous blooming daffodils. The mansion's preservation is something to be proud of, with all original furniture from the Gilded Age that the family lived in. Even the stunning painted wallpaper is preserved in a thoughtful and thorough manner, which allows visitors to imagine exactly how the family lived and enjoyed the estate. Also a gorgeous location for events of all sorts. The staff was incredibly generous, particularly Anthony, who in the midst of his busy kitchen work allowed us to try a few delicious scones. Would highly recommend a day trip here!!

I've been here many times and the grounds and mansion are beautiful. I've been on mansion tours and picnicked on the grounds. I've been to concerts here many times in the past. Today I went here for the concert, which was sold out. Now this was partially my fault for not booking ahead, but it appears they sell out based on parking lot size, not lawn size. We could have rightfully parked on a side street and still had plenty of room to sit on the huge lawn. They need to rethink their ticket sales so people don't drive an hour to get turned away.

This mansion and it's grounds are so beautiful. I came here on a warm Sunday day and walked the grounds a few years ago. I remember being stressed about the limited parking, as we had arrived around 1pm. There was a 10 fee to enter the mansion and it's gardens. We didnt spend much time in the mansion but it was beautifully decorated. There were hundreds of daffodils throughout the property. Trees lining the walking paths were labeled, a beautiful field where events could be held over looked the ocean. My friend and I packed a lunch and had a picnIc in the rose garden amidst our walking through the gardens. We spent several hours Here and I could have stayed several more. I would love to come here for their summer concert series that they have throughout the summer!!

This review is for the Afternoon Teas they do in the Spring when the daffodils are just blooming. I'd been wanting to do tea at the mansion when I moved to Bristol three years ago. But every time, I tried to get in, they were booked! So this year, I was smart and booked as soon as I saw the sign go up outside the front gate. I invited my mother-in-law to come with me. The cost is a bit high, around $35 per person, but it comes with admission to the mansion and the gardens. The tea is absolutely lovely! You dine in the formal dining room, and it feels like I'm in Downton Abbey. They serve you a sweet scone, and a savory one, tea sandwiches, an egg quiche, and some sweets to top it off. The food is good but the scones could be better. I'm very picky about scones because most of the time I prefer the ones I make. Afterwards, we toured the mansion, which honestly is just OK, compared to the ones in Newport. But, the gardens are amazing! We went in the beginning of May when the daffodils were in full bloom. OMG, it was just so beautiful to see the sea of yellow! We also saw gorgeous roses and other flowers that I don't normally see. Overall, it was a lovely day!

I went here yesterday and it was great. And it's March so I can only imagine how extra beautiful it is when everything is blooming. I'd like to go back.

What a beautiful mansion nestled along the bay in Bristol Rhode Island! We stayed in Newport and came across this place online while searching for other historical places in the area. Best part - you are ALLOWED to take pictures inside the house! Grounds are beautiful, and it is also a great place to dine for a picnic, take a nap, and enjoy the scenery. AAA members receive an admission discount.

Cute little mansion just past the Mt. Hope bridge in Bristol. I just recently visited the mansion so not everything was in bloom just yet but it was a decent day to take a stroll around the gardens before the 1pm reservation for afternoon tea. The mansion itself isn't as ridiculous as The Breakers or Rosecliff but more modest since I guess the family that lived here lived in the home year-round. Once the stroll and tour around the house was wrapping up, we were seated for the afternoon tea. The tea was really good and the finger foods served were pretty decent; especially the freshly-baked scones...YUM! Sadly, the spring tea is only a few weeks long but hoping to go there for afternoon tea again since I enjoyed it so much!

Lovely place! We went on a gray, foggy, drizzly day in December, which is not really the ideal time to go -- but the house is gorgeous, staff are nice and they had great Christmas decorations. Since the gardens and view of the ocean are a big part of the appeal here, I would highly recommend going in the spring or summer on a clear day. We will certainly be back.

Well... writing this as someone who was OBSESSED with pictures I had seen online, as well as my now-husband and sister in law (who is a photographer) saying that this is one of the most beautiful places they have been for events. So, since my husband and I had to pare down our wedding a couple weeks ago to only 10 people, we were excited to plan our big reception for next summer and was very excited about doing it at Blithewold. So I emailed. And emailed. And emailed a different email address. And submitted a contact request. And called and left messages. All while also contacting a couple other venues, both which got back to me immediately. Over a week later, I finally got a response from Blithewold, only to tell me that no weekend days were available in June 2021, when in my original email I already said we were looking at Mondays or possibly Sundays. When I emailed back and said that we wanted a weekday then, she said that many were available and which date was I looking at? So I emailed back and told her and asked when we could come for a tour. This was over two weeks ago and I still have yet to receive an answer. So, we booked with Glen Manor (which is also amazingly gorgeous, but I was very sad Blithewold couldn't get it together for us to even go look at it.)

What a treasure! This beautiful estate is the icing on the cake that is Bristol, RI. Most of the staff are passionate volunteers who love to share the history of the family that built this beautiful mansion, tell the stories of the celebrities who have stayed on the property or give detailed tours of the expansive gardens full of unique and rare species of plants. The museum schedule is chock full year round, my favorite times to visit are during the holiday season and mid-spring when the gardens are popping! A membership is affordable and allows you to visit as often as you like, or just visit for the day!

Pretty grounds to walk and very enjoyable on a fall afternoon. Not crowded. I arrived in the late afternoon so i did not check out the mansion as they were setting up for a wedding but i certainly enjoyed the property and landscaping.

This mansion is smaller than some of the ones in Newport and not as ornate, but it's beautiful and has a lot of the original items from the house. The tour is self guided, but there were a couple of staff members who were happy to tell us about the house. The grounds are stunning and huge! The best of all the mansions we visited! There are many different sections of gardens and a private beach way in the back that you can reach by a path. We did get a lot of mosquito bites, so make sure to bring sun screen and bug spray if you plan to explore the grounds. They also have tea and scones available on Thursdays, which we didn't try, but it seemed lovely. If you're in the area, you'd be missing out not to stop here!

I've been to the grounds which are stunning. The concerts are a wonderful way to spend time with friends. I booked the tea service for the earliest slot. 15 minutes before the end we were asked to leave so they could set up for the next setting. For $30 we got a pot of tea and 2 scones.... Seems like a crazy amount of money for very little.

Friends and I had a 3pm appointment for Tea. I wasn't sure what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised. The mansion and grounds were tastefully decorated for Christmas. The servers were on the task, but they were sincere and down to earth. It was not uncomfortable or "stuffy". Remember any experience can be enhanced or diminished with the company. Bring fun, yet controlled people with you and you will enjoy your time here. The volunteers were available but kept their distance so that visitors may enjoy the visit on their own if they pleased. They were available if you wanted to ask questions. If you don't mind reading, or having someone with you that will read aloud, whether you ask them to or not, there are cards and captions for every room so that you know what you are looking at and the history behind the decorations for each room. There are restrooms available to the public, but be warned, if you can't do stairs easily, you may want to do your "business" before you visit. The gift shop is quaint. This time of year, they had Christmas items on sale and they have the prerequisite Blithewold souvenirs as well; magnets that are like the tile and post cards of different pictures of the mansion. The grounds are beautiful even in the winter, and you can walk about if you can stand the COLD air. Sunset was amazing from behind the mansion as well. This time of year is a great time to go, because of Tea and because the summer crowds are not milling about. I look forward to revisiting in the summer when the gardens are in full bloom. Thank you to all the staff/volunteers for making it a pleasant visit.

Having been born and raised in RI I can't believe I have never been to Blithewold. I was there today as part of a photography group for Daffodil Days. The flowers were gorgeous and the tour of the mansion was packed with interesting information and a staff that was really excited about sharing this history. for the $11 admission (without AAA card it's $12 for adults) you can walk around the gardens all day, without being there to take pictures though I might have been in and out in under an hour.

Absolutely beautiful gardens, grounds, and Home . If you are in the area , pack a picnic and find a shady old tree . Loved our time wandering the flowers and watching sailboats on the ocean .

Visited Blithewold for a wedding. Driving up to the property it felt like we were driving back in time. A security guard welcomed us and directed us to parking. We walked along a cute little path through the garden to meet the rest of the guests around the side of the mansion. Breathtaking views of sail boats passing in the background and beautifully arranged seating made for a gorgeous ceremony. Cocktail hour took place on the stone balcony in the back, with the reception tent another few steps away. While we didn't get to do a tour through the house as much, we did enjoy the weather and grounds tremendously!

Beautiful Blithewold is a wonderful treasure in Bristol Rhode Island that is a well kept magical mansion which hosts many special family , community events and performances .

This review is for Blithewold as a wedding venue - a role it plays quite well. Upon pulling onto the premises, i was directed to the appropriate parking location by a man w/ a sercet-service-ish looking earpiece. Before the ceremony started i had a chance to walk around the grounds a bit - impressive, if you're looking for that type of thing. The ceremony was conducted w/ the water as a backdrop, in a small little courtyard to the right of the building. The bridesmaids and bride started from the building and proceeded down several stairs, around a row of hedges, and down the aisle. A scenic route to be sure, but one that tested their coordination and was probably a bit longer than it needed to be. The cocktail hour immediately followed on the grounds in the back - it really felt like i was at an old-fashioned garden party. The reception after that was in a large tent - substantial and well constructed - really the perfect mix of the outdoors and a bit of shelter. I'm not taking into account the food (excellent) nor the DJ (terrible) since i'm thinking they aren't technically part of the package. But be wary if they recommend a DJ. I never thought a good DJ could have that much of an impact on an event. That was until captain anti-charisma broke out phrases such as "wait - no one leave the dance floor" - it was mostly downhill from there (musically).

We visited Blithewold on National Public Gardens Day with a free coupon we got online. In all the time I lived in Rhode Island and particularly in Bristol I'd never visited Blithewold. Dad, Mom and I came around 11:00 am. We knew that Dad would not be able to do too much since physically he has a hard time getting around and refuses to use a wheelchair or other assistance. The gift shop and visitors building greets you at the parking lot. Both the parking lot and gift shop/visitor center are small. After paying for your ticket you get a sticker with the date on it which allows you to leave and come back in the same day. Convenient if you want to visit the renowned Lobster Pot Restaurant further down on Hope Street but come back after resting your legs and lunching. you also get a map that helps you find out where you want to go and also numbers on a map and identifies 50 different trees on the property. You are free to tour the grounds. You are free to look inside the museum which is the Van Winckle's second mansion. A short history is provided on the map while a longer history and the family's genealogy can be viewed within the mansion. The mansion is a beautiful building where you are allowed to roam freely within except for the servants quarters on one side of the building. Administration offices are located there hence are closed to the public. Many docents provide you with interesting facts when asked but don't follow you suspiciously around. Very nice since I like to do things at my own pace and my Father has problems getting around. As my Father regaled the patient docents with his distorted tales of MLK Jr. my Mother and I wandered the lower floor. Dad snagged a free local Bristol tourist guide in the Butlers' Pantry while I took a survey because it claimed if I filled it out I'd get 10% off my gift shop purchase. I was informed that although I could photograph anything in the gardens and on the lawns I could not take pictures inside the mansion. Pity, it was a beautiful place with many of the original pieces of furniture, dishware and decorations still in place. Dad followed Mom and I up to the upper level. Here he pooped out and began to get a distressed look on his face. A chair that possibly the docent upstairs used was at a corner of the upper hall. I asked of Dad could sit in it and she offered it to him, kindly. He plopped down and stayed there until we finished looking at the small rooms that were typical of the period they were designed in. Dad followed us downstairs where I asked if it was okay for my Father to sit at one of the tables in the covered porch while Mom and I toured the gardens. The girl setting up tables on the open porch said it wasn't a problem so Dad sat down with his tourist magazine and read. Mom and I power walked and took fast pictures of the North Garden, the Water Garden, the Rock Garden, the Narragansett Bay, the upper and lower Display Gardens and the Greenhouse before we became nervous. Dad has a small attention span and can't be trusted to stay in one place especially if he doesn't recognize it. So we returned to the covered porch and found him there unfazed but a bit grumpy. We returned to the cottage that housed the gift shop because I was charmed by the old fashioned music box. Next to the box was a plaque about the music box and the music and how it'd had been recently recorded They sold CDs of the music in the gift shop. With the completed survey I asked for the discount as i bought the CD. The woman at the register didn't know about it but trusted me when I told her about the sign that claimed it beside the stack of survey papers to be filled in. It was a lovely afternoon. And although almost all of the daffodils were gone, the tulips were blooming and there were many varieties. This is definitely a Rhode Island gem. We plan on coming back here in Christmas because although it isn't open year round the mansion has a few special events off season; one being the display of the Christmas tree with tea being held in the mansion.

The gardens and walks were exceptionally lovely. The staff was wonderful and answered all our questions about the plants. The ducklings had just hatched and put in a great show. The house was beautiful. I look forward to returning and having tea.

Ohh Blithewold. I want to love Blithwold. It is almost an alternative to the Newport Mansions, but falls short in a few way. I think the house is great. it is situated on a hill that has amazing views of the ocean. The grounds are absolutely spectacular. There is a rose garden, rock garden, bamboo grove. Blithewold is also has a giant sequoia. I first visited Blithewold in the summer and really enjoyed myself. The grounds are great to walk around. The house is small, but the rooms are interesting. My favorite is the sleeping porch and the pantry. Since I have developed such an affinity for Blithewold I thought it would be a great place to visit around the holidays. I was told the house was fully decorated and was similar to the Newport Mansions. So... I made the trip down to see the holiday decorations. The house was decorated, but the decorations were under par. The massive Christmas tree was umm artificial and a poor quality one. The rest of the house was decorated also in fake garland. The rooms were decorated with creepy dolls and mannequins. It took about 15 mins to go through the entire house... we also skipped the live music. I was saddened by the display at Christmas at Blithewold. It has the potential to be great and almost on par with the mansions. I think the main problem is that the "staff" is older and may not have the same design sensibilities as everyone else. I didn't feel bad about the money since Blithwold could use some restoration/preservation. I think I was more saddened by the fact that I missed Christmas at the Mansions. Ohh well. I'd recommend Blithewold, but just not during the holidays.

This is such a hidden gem, I cannot believe it took me so long to explore this beautiful mansion! I used to study at RWU and always heard of this place, but never bothered to check it out, because hey it is just a garden, right? I was SO wrong. I came here for my birthday and it was such a quaint trip filled with history and beautiful flowers. When you enter the mansion is has so many beautiful pieces of art, decor and trinkets. You get to enter each room at your leisure and read about the people that owned the home. Once you step out onto the balcony you are greeted with a giant lawn...more like an event space if you ask me! Green grass, beautiful views of the ocean, a gorgeous mansion....what else could you ask for? Open entry they do give you a map to explore the garden and it was amazing. It felt like we entered another world! The bamboo forest had to be my absolute favorite but I was also a sucker for the greenhouse. This is a must-visit if you're into mansions and gardens....which should be you!

The new providence big band is in their element here at Blithewold as they play in the garden of the mansion. Great music and watching the sunset as the sailboats go by

Really enjoyed our time at the Mansion and Gardens. Such a beautiful setting right on the water. A great place to slow down and take a look around. The house is just lovely. Although I love the Mansions of Newport, Blithewold comes across as a loving family home, warm and inviting. I wish we had more time to really explore the home but we were with friends and really excited to walk the property. What a lovely setting and I especially enjoyed all the gorgeous trees!! They have a very nice gift shop as well and the staff were super helpful. Definitely worth a visit if you are in the area.

First I will say, the grounds and mansion staff are amazing. Great work for keeping this place in amazing condition. However, my review is about having your wedding on the grounds. Specifically just having the ceremony. Let's start with the visit - Karen had zero idea we were coming to view the property that day. Completely could not understand who or why we were there. That got cleared up only half way through the visit. Fast forward to the day of the ceremony. You can only have 30mins prior to the ceremony to get ready. Ridiculous. Especially for someone with an autoimmune disease. So, I asked to come at 9am instead of 930am and explained why I should be able to get there earlier. She said yes. However, no one told me that the 30mins would cut into my time on the property. Karen rushed us through the whole process. I barley had time to get my act together. The ceremony already started BEFORE I got into formation. Then, she kept asking my bridesmaids if we were done yet. So, I made them go clean up the bridal room before we were ready to leave. Karen was either showing the room to a new bride or a new client and was highly sarcastic about we shouldn't even be in there at this point. If rules were addressed to me before day of, we would have completely followed suit; But they weren't. Karen was rude and gave no common curtesy that my husband and I were there for the most important moment in our lives. In our opinion, $1,500 was not worth the 2 hours and harassment we received. I'm giving the place a 3 star rating purely on the fact the rest of the staff and grounds were amazing.

This was a gorgeous place to spend a sunny summer afternoon. The mansion itself is nice, but the grounds were amazing. The price was inexpensive, especially because my boyfriend was able to get reduced price admission through his library. The only downside was there was one area that was heavily infested with mosquitos. We were attacked quickly and often so much so that we had to leave to buy bug spray. Other than that, it was a lovely experience. I loved the bamboo garden as well as the many areas with beautiful flowers and water fountains.