Old Westbury Gardens

Address:Old Westbury, New York

With the classic beauty of a stately mansion and manicured gardens, Old Westbury Gardens is an ideal day-trip away from the bustle of New York City. The Westbury House is a 160-acre, Charles II style mansion with 18th-century furnishings and fine art, surrounded by one of the finest English gardens in the United States. It is a popular place for tourists, especially groups and youth field trips, and features family activities and events throughout the year.

English designer George A. Crawley designed and completed the mansion, the formal gardens, landscaped grounds, woodlands, ponds and lakes in 1906. It was originally the home of John S. Phipps and his family, who over fifty years of residing in the estate accumulated a vast collection of English antiques and decorative arts which add to the old-fashioned ambiance of the property.

Guests may take advantage of planned activities throughout the year, or simply enjoy browsing the estate. Tourists can see the grounds on a guided tour available every 30 minutes, or guide themselves using visitor brochures that are available in English, French, German and Spanish. It is worthwhile to check the events calendar in advance, because the mansion plays host to a multitude of special events, including children's and family programs, museum exhibits, concerts, lectures, book signings, horticultural demonstrations and workshops, botanical arts and gardening classes, and master gardener- and educator-led talks and tours.

Summer is a wonderful time to visit Old Westbury Gardens, as the event calendar is always packed. Events this past summer included "Poetry in the Garden," and interactive tours such as the "Butterflies in the Garden" walk. Summer programming for kids included a bug safari, afternoon tea, and Kidsfest, a day of fun with music, a petting zoo, scavenger hunts, and games.

Old Westbury Gardens also features a gift shop and restaurant, Café in the Woods. The house and gardens are open every day except Tuesdays, from April until October, during daytime hours. Children under six are admitted for free, and senior and child discounts are offered. Most activities are offered at an additional cost from the entrance fee, although some are free. People with disabilities are welcome to tour the Westbury House, but will not find the gardens easily accessible. Pets and strollers are not permitted, and strict rules are enforced in order to keep the premises clean and intact.

The estate is located at 71 Old Westbury Road, in Old Westbury, New York, between the Long Island Expressway (I-495) and Jericho Turnpike (New York Route 25). It is approximately 20 miles from New York City, making the attraction a nearby escape from hectic city life to a garden oasis.