New Castle

Whether New Castle fits your travel plans depends largely on the themes that define the place: historic architecture, gardens along the Delaware River, and an annual day of celebration. New Castle’s Historic District is one of the best-preserved settlements in the United States. More than 600 historic buildings span four centuries of architectural history. This makes the city a destination for travelers who enjoy exploring different eras and their architectural styles.

Historic District and Architectural History

The New Castle AudioWalk offers a self-guided tour of the Historic District. This format lets you choose your own pace as you explore the historic area. The city’s architectural history can also be traced through individual buildings: the New Castle Court House Museum was built in 1732 and previously served as Delaware’s first courthouse and first state capitol. The surviving courthouse is one of the oldest in the United States and is listed as a National Historic Landmark.

The Amstel House also connects local history with specific people and events. George Washington visited the house in April 1784 for the wedding of Ann, Van Dyke’s daughter, and Kensey Johns. Today, the Amstel House is furnished with numerous personal belongings of the Van Dyke and Johns families. The Dutch House, meanwhile, dates from the late 17th century and is considered one of the oldest houses in Delaware. Its design reflects Dutch and English traditions; the interior structural system and parts of the horizontal wood siding on the gable have also been preserved.

Gardens and Riverfront

The Amstel House has a garden whose Colonial Revival design is reflected in several surviving features: boxwood parterres, tall garden walls, a garden house, brick paths, and individually designed gates. The garden adds its own focus to the house’s architectural history.

The Read House overlooks the Delaware River and is preserved as a National Historic Landmark. Its gardens are open daily year-round from sunrise to sunset, with free admission. Check accessibility and notices about restoration work before your visit. Battery Park is also located along the Delaware River. It has a walking path, picnic tables, a playground, and tennis and basketball courts. The park thus combines walking routes and places to relax with facilities for a range of outdoor activities.

Events and Getting Around

Separation Day is still celebrated in New Castle every June, with parades, fireworks, and other activities. If you want to plan your travel dates around it, check the specific event dates before making your plans. This lets you take the annual celebration into account when choosing when to travel, without assuming a particular festival date.

Historic New Castle is served by DART bus route 15. The stop for the historic area is at the intersection of Sixth Street and Delaware Street. Check the current route and stop before traveling. Also important when planning your visit: the Old Library Museum is permanently closed. This information will help you avoid including the museum in your itinerary as an open attraction.

Discover more destinations: Hockessin, Claymont, Christiana, Delaware City, Brookside, Wilmington, Brandywine, Newark.

For the broader travel overview: New Castle County.