Travel Spotlight on New Castle, Delaware, and Its Top 8 Attractions

A truly historic town, New Castle is often described as being "frozen in time." Conveniently located 20 minutes from Wilmington, 45 from Philadelphia, an hour and a half from Washington D.C. and two hours from NYC, city dwellers can easily hit New Castle for refuge from the concrete, including day-trippers who want to escape from the city to an old, historic town for a day and see the preserved buildings echoing the colonial era. Visitors who want to know more about the historical side of New Castle can jump on a tour where the city’s legacy is explained further. Other attractions in the area include arts festivals and museums.

Go back in time at Read House & Gardens

Located in the center of Delaware’s Colonial Capital, this old house is a must-see for those exploring the historic side of New Castle. It’s a 22-room, 14,000 square-foot mansion, built in a distinctly Philadelphia architectural style, which when it was built in 1801 was the largest house in Delaware. It’s now a walk-through exhibit which changing programs for visitors who are keen to uncover the vast and diverse history of the state, from the Civil Rights movement to the various ethnic communities in the area. However, those who simply enjoy walking around in aged beauty will love strolling the rooms and gardens of this 200 year old house.

Independence was gained at the New Castle Court House Museum

Delaware’s first court and capital, this historic structure was once vital to New Castle, Kent and Sussex managing to declare independence, which resulted in the Delaware state that we know today. Families and other visitors interested in learning about Delaware’s colonial history as well as early government and law should not miss this free tour.

Immanuel Episcopal Church on the Green is a beautiful old parish

A local landmark and popular tourist attraction, Immanuel Episcopal Church on the Green, built in the early 18th century, is the oldest continuously operating Anglican/Episcopal parish in the country. Its exquisite frame of stuccoed stone, five bays and a clipped gable roof just underneath a tall clock tower is surrounded by a historic, well-kept graveyard which remains the final resting place for former Delaware governors and senators.

Jessop's Tavern is the "Best Restaurant in New Castle"

One could do a lot worse than dining in the restaurant that has been voted the "Best Restaurant in New Castle" by the folks at Best of Delaware – and it’s historic to boot. Starters include a smorgasbord of meats and cheese and a heaving pot of fresh mussels steamed in Belgian beer. For the mains there are all sorts of meats and fish and even a colonial section of the menu, which includes a "Hutspot" Dutch Pot Roast. Continuing their Franco-Dutch traditions, there are 18 Belgian beers on draft too.

Enjoy a historic night’s sleep at Terry House Bed & Breakfast

A historic bed and breakfast in New Castle, Terry House is popular with history buffs visiting the Delaware area. The building itself is an old federal townhouse that was built in 1860, and it still maintains much of its historic styling. Guest rooms feature modern amenities surrounded by interior decoration that echoes the past.

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