Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum - Bristol, Rhode Island

Mary M.

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

Robert Q.

We really enjoyed our visit, the house tour was excellent, the architecture is interesting and the light and views in every room is perfect. They have so much original furniture and family items; artwork, books and letters, that you really get a sense of the time period. We walked the grounds and enjoyed the variety of trees, but it was a little early for a lot of the gardens.

Everett R.

The perfect venue! Blithewold Manor hosted our wedding reception this past weekend (3/15/25), and it was extraordinary! The mansion and grounds provided perfect settings for photos of the bride and groom, wedding party, and our families. The food was delicious, served right on time, and by a cheerful and accommodating staff. Everyone who attended raved about what a classy and elegant reception we had. It couldn't have been better! Our thanks to, Genie and Allan and all who made the event so delightful and memorable!

Karl G.

Of the Gilded Age properties, this is the most lovely to spend some time outdoors! The garden and arboretum are well-worth a slow stroll throughout the season. For this year the special exhibition of Avian Avatars is both locally appropriate, amazing and with historic reference. The historic trees are glorious and you can get complimentary admission with the AHS Reciprocal Admission program 🤓

Mary A.

We got walk-in tickets. This was a nice place to visit however we arrived at 315p and was told we could not tour the mansion. We were disappointed, but can you do. My suggestion, get there at least an hour prior and hopefully you can enter the mansion. We visited in mid-end of May. Best to probably visit in June when the flowers are in bloom.

Ransom H.

We were married at Blithewold Mansion and Gardens, and it was truly a dream come true. The mansion and its meticulously maintained grounds provided the perfect backdrop for our special day. The breathtaking views, from the lush gardens to the waterfront, added a magical quality to the entire experience.

As a wedding venue, Blithewold exceeded all our expectations. The wedding coordinators were incredible—kind, patient, and endlessly helpful. They guided us through the planning process with ease and ensured that every detail was executed flawlessly. Their professionalism and care allowed us to relax and enjoy every moment, knowing we were in the best hands.

Our guests couldn’t stop raving about the venue’s beauty and how seamlessly everything flowed. Blithewold Mansion and Gardens will forever hold a special place in our hearts, and we wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a stunning, stress-free wedding venue.

Colton S.

As a wedding photographer who's had the privilege of capturing moments at Blithewold Mansion, I can wholeheartedly say that this venue offers a magical backdrop for any wedding. The mansion itself exudes historical charm and natural elegance, making every photograph a piece of art. The flowering gardens and the bamboo groves provide unique and beautiful scenes that are a delight to photograph. The waterfront setting adds a serene vibe to the celebrations, and the sunset views over Narragansett Bay are simply breathtaking.

The catering staff at Blithewold is exceptional, ensuring that not only is the setting perfect but also that the service is top-notch. They contribute significantly to the smooth flow of the day, allowing couples and their guests to fully immerse themselves in the joy of the occasion. Every wedding I've shot here has been a testament to Blithewold's ability to host celebrations that are both grand and intimate, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the elegance of the mansion

Esther H.

Such a lovely spot in Bristol! It was super warm and wet out but I really enjoyed my time outside. I got there a little later than my ticket, but still early enough that I had to wait to tour the mansion. Which, by the way, is a quick exploration that took me about 20 minutes with no audio tour/guide. If you love history, the mansion will take more or your time but if you like a beautiful view, the garden and the surrounding woods is more ideal. I easily spent an hour just nature walking. Worth every penny!