A Day of Discovery in Bucks County: Visit Fonthill Castle and New Hope

Considering a visit to Fonthill Castle and New Hope in Pennsylvania for the day?

We were looking for somewhere to go for a day trip and discovered Fonthill Castle. Having lived in the tri-state area for most of our lives, we had never heard of Fonthill Castle. Over the years we had been to New Hope but never realized that this unique castle was nearby.

Fonthill Castle and New Hope are in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. It is a perfect day trip destination for anyone near Philadelphia or the surrounding areas. With a unique blend of history, art, and small-town charm, there’s something for everyone. In just one day, you can explore the historic Fonthill Castle, admire the craftsmanship at the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works, and unwind in the lovely town of New Hope.

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A Day of Discovery in Bucks County: Visit Fonthill Castle and New Hope

This is how we recommend spending the day filled with discovery, art, and delicious food!

Welcome sign to Fonthill Castle with opening hours and a brief history of the museum.

1. Morning: Exploring Fonthill Castle

Start your day in Doylestown at Fonthill Castle, a true hidden gem. Completed in 1912 by lawyer, archaeologist, tilemaker, and collector, Henry Chapman Mercer, Fonthill is no ordinary castle. Its architecture is a cast-in-place (poured reinforced) concrete building, including the roof, walls, floors and even some of the furnishings.

Henry Mercer designed and oversaw the construction of his home. He was not an architect but had a vision of what he wanted based on his travels through Europe.

Exterior front view of the Fonthill Castle made from reinforced concrete.

The castle’s 44 rooms with 18 fireplaces are filled with handcrafted tiles, mostly by Mercer, each telling a unique story. As you wander throughout the home, you’ll find yourself surrounded by Mercer’s lifelong love for history, art, and his favorite pet, Rollo. The tile work is everywhere and, to be honest, can be a bit overwhelming!

Detail tile work about the month of October. — *Story about October in tile*

Rollo the dog's name tiled on the steps with his paw prints in the concrete. — *Beloved Rollo with paw prints in concrete*

The ceramic tiles are embedded in concrete throughout the house. You will see rooms displaying artifacts from Mercer’s trips and his library has over 6,000 books. After Henry Mercer died in 1930, his housekeeper and her husband, Laura and Frank Swain lived in the house until Laura’s death in 1975. Fonthill Castle is operated as a museum by the Bucks County Historical Society and is affiliated with the Smithsonian.

Tiled library with 6,000 books and a large fireplace covered in tiles. — *Library*

Tiled ceiling lined with ancient pottery. — *Ancient Pottery from Henry Mercer’s Collection*

Guided Tours of Fonthill Castle

The only way to see the interior of the castle is to take a one-hour guided tour. It is best to schedule the tour online, in advance. The castle is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10am to 5pm, with the last tour starting at 3:45pm. The property is closed for Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

Upon arrival, parking is located off Swamp Road and is free. You need to go to the Visitor Center to check-in. Originally, the visitor center was a barn built in the 1800’s. But as you can see in the photo, it is now covered in concrete. The center has a small gift shop and restrooms. You will meet your guide there.

The Visitors Center at Fonthill Castle is covered in concrete.

The Guided Tours take you through Mercer’s fascinating world, room by room, revealing detailed tile work that you won’t see anywhere else. The storytelling tiles add an extra layer to the experience – every wall and ceiling seems to share a piece of history.

Dining room with cut out poster of Henry Mercer next to tiled fireplace. — *Dining Room with Henry Mercer in front of fireplace*

We found our Guide to be very knowledgeable and she tried to pack in as much information as possible during the hour. Periodically, the property offers 90-minute Behind the Scenes tours which explore secret rooms, towers, and hidden passageways.

Practical Note: If you have mobility issues, Fonthill Castle has limited accessibility due to steep stairs, narrow passageways and uneven flooring.

2. Late Morning: Discover the Tile Works

A short walk from Fonthill Castle takes you to the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works. This is a must-see if you are an art and history lover. Henry Mercer founded Tile Works to preserve traditional tile-making techniques. The building is similar in design to Fonthill Castle, made from poured-reinforced concrete.

View of front entrance to the Tile Works made from reinforced concrete just like the Fonthill Castle.

Just to let you know, the Tile Works is owned by the County of Bucks and is not associated with Fonthill Castle. It is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10am to 5pm, for self-guided tours. Guided tours are available on Tuesdays, starting at 10am. During this tour, you will make your own 3″x3″ Moravian tile using the traditional Mercer methods.

The self-guided tour starts with a video about the history of Tile Works. Afterwards, you will explore two floors, seeing the tools, kilns, and techniques used in tile production. Watch an artisan press tiles by hand, just as in Mercer’s time.

Moravian Tile Works pathway on self guided tour.

Moravian Tile Works signage for guided tours.

The tiles range from decorative to practical, each rich in design and character. Be sure to visit the gift shop for a tile keepsake to remember your trip.

Tiles available for sale in the gift shop.

Special tile order desk in the gift shop.

Both the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works and Fonthill Castle are part of the National Historic Landmark District, honoring Mercer’s dedication to craftsmanship and preservation.

If you have more time in your schedule, visit the Mercer M useum which is a mile from Fonthill Castle. It was designed by Henry Mercer and houses over 17,000 pre-industrial tools. You can take a self-guided tour, and advanced online tickets are recommended.

3. Afternoon: Strolling Main Street in New Hope

After exploring Doylestown’s historic treasures, take a 25-minute drive to New Hope. This artsy town, along the Delaware River, is filled with charm, character, and a bit of everything for visitors.

View of the Aquetong Creek Dam and Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope.

Parking can be a bit challenging, and you may find street parking which is pay-by-plate via a kiosk or the app. The heart of New Hope is Main Street. Here, you can wander through a mix of art galleries, boutique shops, thrift shops, and unique cafes.

Main Street in New Hope with boutiques, cafes and American flags proudly waving.

Main Street is also lined with historic buildings like the Parry Mansion Museum, as well as the Visitor Center. Please note that the Visitor Center is only open on Saturday and Sunday, from 12pm to 5pm.

Exterior front view of the Parry Mansion Museum on Main Street in New Hope. — *Parry Mansion Museum*

Visitors Center on Main Street in New Hope. — *Visitor Center*

Take your time, browse, and enjoy the lively yet laid-back atmosphere in New Hope. You might even spot a few antique shops where hidden treasures are waiting to be found.

4. Late Afternoon: Tapas and Wine at Nektar

There are plenty of restaurants in New Hope. We checked out several places and decided to try the Nektar Wine Bar. Known for its wine and whiskey flights and a menu packed with tasty tapas, it’s a perfect place to relax along the canal after a day of sightseeing. Order a few small plates to share and experience the variety of flavors they offer.

Beet and goat cheese salad at Nektar in New Hope. — *Beet and Goat Cheese Salad*

Blackened Chilean Sea Bass tacos at Nektar in New Hope. — *Blackened Chilean Sea Bass Tacos*

Nektar’s wine list is also impressive, with selections that pair well with the tapas. Whether you’re into reds, whites, or something bubbly, you’ll find a glass or flight to complement your meal.

And do not forget dessert! The ice cream cookie sandwiches and the dark chocolate pudding were decadent.

Ice cream sandwich cookies and dark chocolate pudding with candle on top as a reward for visiting Fonthill Castle and New Hope during the day.

Consider it your reward for a full day of discovery while visiting Fonthill Castle and New Hope! It’s a great spot to unwind, chat, and reflect on the day’s adventures.

Where is Fonthill Castle and New Hope Located

Fonthill Castle and New Hope are in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, just a short drive from Philadelphia. Located in the scenic Delaware Valley, both spots offer easy access to history, art, and charming small-town vibes. Check out the map below for exact locations and directions!

Final Thoughts: A Day of Discovery in Bucks County: Visit Fonthill Castle and New Hope

A day in Bucks County offers history, artistry, and small-town charm. Explore the captivating rooms of Fonthill Castle. Discover handcrafted tiles at the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works. Finally, stroll through the welcoming streets of New Hope. It’s a day to remember.

Each stop offers a fresh perspective and something unique to experience. Next time you’re planning a day trip, consider all that Bucks County has to offer. We had an adventurous day and loved seeing the beautiful tile work!

If you are looking for another adventure in the Pennsylvania area, consider visiting the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum – another fun and unique experience!

Please contact me if you have any questions about visiting Bucks County. Also, refer to our Travel Planning services if you would like assistance in planning a trip.