Overview
Chadds Ford is a township of 3,700 people (as of 2016) on the western outskirts of Philadelphia in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. The Chadds Ford community was named after John Chadds, who began operating a ferry there in 1737. Historically, one of the major events that draws tourists near is the Battle of the Brandywine fought by George Washington and his troops, which was a major defeat for troops in 1777.
4 sights · 5 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 6 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Chadds Ford
Brandywine Battlefield
The Battle of Brandywine, fought September 11, 1777, was one of the bloodiest in the region. The park includes George Washington's rebuilt headquarters and Marquis de Lafayette's headquarters.
Historic Chadds Ford Town Hall
#Road
Brandywine River Museum
Routes 1 & 100
Franklin Mint
US Route 1
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Oct. Summer highs reach about 87°F; winter lows dip to about 26°F. Wettest: Jun and Jul. (climate data from nearby Wilmington)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- ILG Wilmington Airport, Wilmington — 13 mi away. Directions
- PHL Philadelphia International Airport, Philadelphia — 19 mi away (major hub). Directions
Chadds Ford is on US-1, between Philadelphia and Baltimore, Maryland. It's also near the intersection of US-1 and US-202, which leads south to Wilmington, Delaware.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Brandywine Battlefield, Historic Chadds Ford Town Hall
- Lunch Chadds Ford Tavern
- Afternoon Brandywine River Museum, Franklin Mint
- Dinner The Gables
- Evening Chaddsfords Winery
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
Chadds Ford is on US-1, between Philadelphia and Baltimore, Maryland. It's also near the intersection of US-1 and US-202, which leads south to Wilmington, Delaware.
See
Do
- Local Events Chadds Ford Days - September (dates vary each year)and Landsdown Arts Festival - September
Buy
If you would like to look/buy historical items from Chadds Ford it is recommended that you visit:
- The Brandywine River Museum US Rt. 1, Chadds Ford - After looking at all of the local and famous art work mostly by the Wyeth family, you can visit the Gift Shop. "The Museum Shop offers art reproductions, posters, gift items, books and other publications related to the Brandywine River Museum's exhibitions and collections, as well as environmental publications published by the Brandywine Conservancy's Environmental Management Center. The Museum Shop at the Brandywine River Museum is open daily, except Christmas, from 9:30AM-4:30PM The website for the Museum Shop is always open. For more information, call the Museum Shop at +1 610-388-8326 or send an email to shop@brandywine.org. "
Nearby shopping centers:
- The Shopps at Brinton Lake Brinton Lake is located at Brinton Lake Rd. and Rt. 1. The stores include J.Crew, Talbots, Eddie Bauer, Anthropologie, Gymboree, Pottery Barn, Williams Sonoma, Chico's, Victoria's Secret, Lavella Salon; Spa, Galan Gifts.
Eat
Eat Chadds Ford Tavern
Enjoy a relaxing meal in a 190 year old Tavern in heart of Historical Brandywine Valley.
Eat The Gables
Route 1. Live jazz Fridays and Saturdays. Reservations recommended.
Eat Hank's Place
A local restaurant that has been around for more than 16 years and is located right in the middle of the Wyeth Country (famous artists who grew up and live in Chadds Ford). Hank's is known for their good homestyle cooking and friendly service. This place is truly one of the best places to stop and eat, talk, and enjoy the day.
Eat Meaghan's
There is a limited amount of seating, but service is fast and it is definitely worth the wait! Decorated in a turquoise color, friendly service, and where all the locals gather to eat and talk.
Eat PF Changs China Bistro
The style of food ranges from spicy, sweet,mild, saucy and the portions are considered "family sized" portions, meaning they are big enough to share with the table. Prices are reasonable, and take-out is available. Reservations may be needed during dinner hours.
- TGI Fridays Located at 200 Painter's Crossing - +1 484 840-9230 (shopping center)as well as another location about 15 minutes from Chadds Ford, 301 Rocky Run Pkwy +1 302-479-7170
Drink
- McKenzie Brew House Route 202
- Duffer's Pub in Concordville on Rt. 1 - +1 610 558-2122 Approximately 10 minutes from Chadds Ford.
- Ryan's Pub An Irish American Pub and Restaurant about 20 minutes away from Chadds Ford at the heart of downtown West Chester at 124 West Gay Street.
- Barnaby's of America Another bar in the heart of downtown West Chester @ 15 South High Street.
http://www.barnabyswestchester.com/
Sleep
Stay Wild Wisteria (formerly Pennsbury Inn)
Nearby
West Chester
City / town · 28 listings · 6 mi away
Glen Mills
City / town · 7 listings · 6 mi away
Kennett Square
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Hockessin
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Claymont
City / town · 10 listings · 8 mi away
Wilmington
City / town · 49 listings · 9 mi away
Exton
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Rose Valley
City / town · 3 listings · 11 mi away
My experience
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