Blithewold Daffodil Days
Spring? You know it’s arrived when the Daffodils bloom! Visit Blithewold Manor , Bristol, RI in April to experience the season. There’s a beautiful display of almost 100,000 daffodils, and 80 varieties across this beautiful 33-acre seaside estate. One of the earliest Spring flowers, the daffodils will be in bloom for a full month or more.
Come for the flowers, but there’s lots to explore on the estate. Meander on paths that lead throughout the estate, through wooded areas, waterfront and of course the gardens! While not all in bloom in April, a few favorites are the Rose garden, Water garden, Bamboo Grove. Also check out the Pollinator Garden, and a re-designed Vegetable Garden. Their online photo galleries are fun to peruse: Views of the Blithewold property, Idea Garden (even the name is inspiring!)
The Manor is Bessie Van Wickle McKee’s original estate, and it honors her vision (landscape architect John DeWolf) of gardens, plantings, pathways, lawns, and stone structures, all largely still preserved.
There’s also a Shop with lots of nature and garden gifts.
No matter the month you visit Blithewold, it’s a relaxing peaceful escape in nature, and you’ll feel like you were part of a colorful watercolor painting.
Daffodils & More
Spring Afternoon Tea – in the month of April, teatime is served in the historic mansion. The menu incudes tea, light “tea” sandwiches, savories and sweets. Tuesday, April 1, to Friday, May 2, seatings are at 11 AM & 1 PM.
There’s blooms to see whenever you go. From Blithewold’s website, here’s a list of flower blooms by Month:
April – Dozens of varieties of Daffodils (fun facts)
Early May – Star Magnolia, Quince, Spirea, Flowering Cherry, Primroses, Corylopsis, Hyacinth, Balkan Anemone, Enkianthus, Honeysuckle, Sweet Shrub, Weigela, and Viburnum
Mid-May – Tulips, Magnolia, Crabapple, Cherries, Primrose, Lilac, Lily of the Valley, Trillium, Mayapple, Dove Tree, Witch Alder, Woodland Phlox, Sweet Woodruff, Spanish Bluebells, and Euphorbia
Late May – Jack in the Pulpit, Ornamental Onions, Columbines, Ferns, Lupines, Japanese Snowbell, Campanula, Nepeta, Forget-Me-Nots, Violas, Summer Snowflake, Sicilian Honey Garlic, and Deutzia
Concert Series: MUSIC at SUNSET
During the Summer, local artists perform on Wednesday evenings on the sprawling lawn from June through August. Tickets are currently open to Members only, but will open up to the public in another month.
Explore Bristol!
Walk around the Bristol waterfront, and downtown areas. Explore shops, grab lunch or dinner, or rent bikes for a relaxing ride on the East Bay Bike Path. Bristol Bikes is located on Thames street, and convenient to the start of the Bike Path.
Check out our Bristol, RI Blog post for more recs on places to eat and visiting Colt State Park.
Blithwold Gardens Special Events
- Check online calendar for workshops, tours, events
- Artist? Nature Drawing Class on Thursdays, 10:00 – 12:30 through May 8. All levels, size is limited.
- Bristol Art Museum’s Flights of Imagination, through May 11
