Chadds Ford was originally named Birmingham, after the prominent English town. However, its name was changed in 1996 to avoid confusion with the Birmingham in nearby Chester County. Its current name, Chadds Ford, pays tribute to one of the town's first residents, British immigrant Frances Chadsey.
Despite being a small town with little more than 3,600 residents, Chadds Ford has given birth to some of the most important people in U.S. history. Prominent artists N.C. Wyeth, his son Andrew Wyeth, and his grandson Jamie Wyeth all called Chadds Ford home. American senator Weldon Brinton Heyburn was born in the town, too. Chadds Ford also earned its place in the history books as the site of the Battle of Brandywine.
Chadds Ford's historic homes and sites are a key attraction for tourists today. However, Chadds Ford's history is only part of its appeal. Discover what makes this small town special on your next Pennsylvania getaway.
What is the best time to visit Chadds Ford, PA?
The best time to see Chadds Ford depends on your reasons for visiting. Most of the time, the township is pretty sleepy. If you want to recharge your batteries, you'll appreciate this and can let favorable weather and great accommodation deals determine your travel plans.
March to May is perfect. The city has thawed out from its icy winter weather, which typically hovers around the mid-20s. March is still brisk, with temperatures sitting in the mid-30s to low 50s. By May days in Chadds Ford are much warmer, with a typical range in the mid-50s and low 70s.
Summers aren't as hot and humid as in many parts of the country. However, those warm days bring many tourists to Pennsylvania. You won't just compete with people visiting Chadds Ford, but also tourists visiting Philadelphia who couldn't secure their preferred accommodation. The demand raises accommodation prices in the Chadds Ford area throughout summer.
If you love community events, let Chadds Ford's social calendar dictate your travel plans. Arts lovers brave the chill for Paint Out Chadds Ford in early February. It's a little warmer for March's Chadds Ford Art Sale and Show. The Brandywine River Museum hosts the Annual Wildflower, Native Plant, and Seed Sale every May. Barns-Brinton House and John Chad's House open their doors to the public on summer weekends. But the Annual Chadds Ford Days Festival is the highlight of the social calendar. Held in early September, the two-day event celebrates the town's past while looking forward to its future.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Chadds Ford, PA:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs displaying average price patterns by star rating class in Chadds Ford, PA. Analyze these illustrations to evaluate the least expensive time to make a reservation in Chadds Ford throughout the year.
Which luxury hotels are in Chadds Ford, PA?
4 Star Average Prices: $180.00
Travel outside the town's limits to enjoy a little more luxury. These are some of the best hotels near Chadds Ford.
Doubletree by Hilton Downtown Wilmington – Legal District, around 8.6 miles from Chadds Ford, is ideally located for business and leisure travelers, a book from the Federal and Delaware State Superior Courthouses and five blocks from the local Amtrak station. The hotel's complimentary shuttle can also take you local businesses, attractions, and eateries. Back at the hotel, you'll feel pampered whether you're relaxing in your room or savoring meals at the Metro Café and Lounge. Don't worry about overindulging. You can work off the calories in the fitness center or by swimming laps in the heated indoor saltwater pool.
Valley Forge Casino Resort doesn't just cater for high rollers. Any visitors to the Chadds Ford area can enjoy its superior accommodation and facilities. Its Casino Tower accommodation has recently renovated rooms and suites with modern appliances and plenty of space. Work up a sweat in the pool or fitness center, then soothe your muscles with a massage in the on-site spa. Guests also enjoy easy access to the casino's gaming floors, events center, and restaurants.
What options are in Chadds Ford, PA for the most affordable hotels?
3 Star Average Prices: $135.79
Several well-known budget-friendly accommodation providers have branches in the Chadds Ford area. Opt for these household names for simple accommodation at low prices.
The whole family can enjoy affordable accommodation at Days Inn by Wyndham Wilmington/Newark, a pet-friendly hotel around 3.5 miles from Chadds Ford. Its rooms aren't flashy, but their colorful comforters and carpets give them a cheerful feel. Summer travelers will likely find they spend more time in the pool area swimming laps or sunning themselves anyway! There's also a small fitness area for workouts once the weather cools. The Days Inn gives guests more with Wi-Fi access, continental breakfasts, and copies of USA Today all included in the room rate.
You'll find Knights Inn Glen Mills around 5 miles out of Chadds Ford. It doesn't have a pool or fitness center, but when you need little more than a room it's an excellent option. Stay here and you'll have plenty left over for exploring the local area. Wood-look floors and vibrant comforters give the rooms a modern feel. They contain everything you need to feel at home, including flat-screen TVs and ergonomic workstations. The king-bed rooms even have cooktop stoves for preparing meals.
2 Star Average Prices: $126.20
Which hotels in Chadds Ford, PA offer the best discounts?
Why pay full price when you could enjoy a hefty discount? Special rates for selected guests make rooms at the following Chadds Ford hotels more affordable.
Hampton Inn & Suites Chadds Ford extends special rates to AAA auto club members, AARP and CARP members, government and military personnel, travel agents, and members of large traveling groups. The discounted rate includes all the same perks guests paying full price enjoy, like free Wi-Fi and hit breakfasts each morning. The Hampton Inn has 124 guest rooms and suites, including some accessible rooms. An indoor swimming pool and whirlpool, a fitness center, a business center, and meeting rooms round out the hotel's facilities.
Inn at Mendenhall, an Ascend Hotel Collection Member, offer discounts to AAA and CAA auto club members, seniors and AARP members, government and military personnel, and large groups needing 10 or more rooms. Those rooms are elegant and welcoming. Wooden furniture gives them an old-world feel, while fridges, microwaves, coffee makers, and flat-screen TVs help modern travelers feel at home. Enjoy waffles, pancakes, pastries, and more from the complimentary breakfast buffet each morning. While there are several great local restaurants around, the on-site eatery is perfect for relaxed nights in. The fitness center helps you stick to your workout regimen.
Which hotels in Chadds Ford, PA are budget-friendly?
Chadds Ford's boutique accommodation providers help your dollar go further. Great facilities and several complimentary services help you see value at these independent hotels.
Fairville Inn's beautiful facilities and first-class service ensure you see value. Its luxurious rooms and suites are spread over the main house, carriage house, and springhouse, so guests never feel they're living on top of one another. Each is uniquely decorated, with features like fireplaces, private entrances and decks, and plush furnishings helping guests feel right at home. The food, included in your room rate, is a cut above most hotel fare. With an ever-changing breakfast menu of sweet and savory dishes and inn-baked bread, pastries, cheese and crackers, and tea in the afternoons, you'll feel spoiled.
Brandywine River Hotel caters to guests with a range of budgets. Enjoy the standard deluxe room or splurge on a Jacuzzi room or an executive or premium suite. All guest accommodations have a vintage charm, with dark wooden furniture and elegant features like fireplaces and four-poster beds in some rooms. Satisfied guests rave about the delicious buffet breakfast and fast Wi-Fi. Both are included in your room rate. Self-parking is also free, along with access to the high-tech fitness center.
What are the historic attractions in Chadds Ford, PA?
There's history at every turn when you visit Chadds Ford. If you're fascinated with the past, make sure you visit during summer, when Barns-Brinton House and John Chad's House welcome visitors every weekend. This season is the only time you can step inside and admire the antique furniture and art inside these historic homes.
British forces defeated the American army at the Brandywine Battlefield Historic Site in 1777. Today the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission maintains the 52-acre National Heritage attraction. The site features the farmhouses originally owned by Quakers and seized first by American soldiers and later by British officers. All are fully restored and open to the public year-round. The Benjamin Ring House, believed to be George Washington's pre-war headquarters, and the Gideon Gilpin Farmhouse, the Marquis de Lafayette's operational base, are some of the most prominent. Guided tours and historic reenactments add to the fun.
Don't forget to stroll around the Chadds Ford Historic District. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1971, it's where you'll find Chadds Ford Inn, the Merchant Mill, and several homes built in the mid-1800s.
With historic attractions and a laid-back lifestyle, Chadds Ford makes the perfect vacation spot for anyone tired of the fast pace of city living. Accommodation is limited though, so book ahead to secure the best rates.
FAQs about hotels in Chadds Ford
How much does a cheap hotel in Chadds Ford cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Chadds Ford can be as cheap as $126.20 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Chadds Ford cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Chadds Ford has been $135.79 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a high-end hotel in Chadds Ford cost?
In the last year, the average 4 star hotel in Chadds Ford has been $180.00 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
What did travelers think of the city of Chadds Ford?
Below are reviews of the city of Chadds Ford, PA from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Quaint Place"
Score
4.0 / 5
Quaint with a rural historic feel.
Richard P., from 05-Nov-2024
"Brandywine Museum & N.C. Wyeth & Andrew Wyeth Studios."
Score
5.0 / 5
We came expressly to see the Brandywine Museum and the N.C. Wyeth & Andrew Wyeth studios.
Reinaldo P., from 26-Sep-2024
"Near Longwood Gardens & Historic Sites"
Score
5.0 / 5
Near Longwood Gardens and historic sites.
Diana D., from 05-Jun-2024
"Proximity to Winterthur"
Score
4.0 / 5
Visited Winterthur.
Jack M., from 27-Oct-2023
"Beautiful Area!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Chadds Ford is a beautiful area. We went to Longwood Gardens and the Brandywine River Art Museum just minutes away.
Janet W., from 09-Oct-2023
"Longwood Gardens"
Score
5.0 / 5
Longwood Gardens and the outdoor theater.
Colette S., from 30-Jul-2023
"Longwood Gardens"
Score
4.0 / 5
Our trip was to see Longwood Gardens during the holidays. Awesome!
Dawn K., from 09-Dec-2022
"Longwood Gardens, Brandywine River Museum, Kennett Square Shops"
Score
4.0 / 5
The history! Longwood Gardens, Brandywine River Museum, Kennett Square Shops.
Linda B., from 08-Nov-2022
"Longwood Gardens, Brandywine River Museum & Kennett Square Shops."
Score
5.0 / 5
History, Longwood Gardens, Brandywine River Museum, Kennett Square Shops.
Linda B., from 12-Jun-2022
"Great"
Score
5.0 / 5
The wedding was beautiful, and the staff was nice.
Cute town near the hotel
Rylee M., from 18-Nov-2019
"we felt like royalty!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Traffic was terrible but the location was beautiful. The Gables at Chadds Ford hosts the most spectacular wedding,
Olivia F., from 30-Sep-2019
"A Beautiful Place"
Score
5.0 / 5
Longwood Garden was the reason we came to Chadds Ford, and it is not to be missed. The entire surrounding area is lovely.
Kristin M., from 23-Jun-2015
The average traveler rating of the city of Chadds Ford, PA shown above is
4.6 out of 5 based on 12 reviews