Self-Guided Experiences
Bucks County’s rich history dates back to colonial times, and many sturdy buildings still remain. In just two and a half hours, you can see seven gray stone houses built in the 1700s and 1800s that appear on the National Register of Historic Places. Most of these stately homes have connections to the Revolutionary War—Liberty Hall in Quakertown even hid the Liberty Bell for a few months! Start in New Hope and follow these driving directions to Doylestown. As these are private residences, please admire them from afar.
While you could travel River Road in less than an hour, we recommend taking your time to savor some of the best views and historical experiences Bucks County has to offer. This beautiful roadway follows the Delaware River for 40 miles, offering stunning views of both the river and the countryside. Our suggested itinerary starts in Bristol and ends in Lumberville, with a stop in New Hope.
Along the way, enjoy delicious riverfront dining, boutique shopping, and even stop in for a show at the Bucks County Playhouse. Be sure to visit Washington Crossing Historic Park to see where the Continental Army crossed the Delaware. Savor the outdoors with a walk along the Delaware Canal Towpath, a picnic in Tinicum Park, a hike to Ringing Rocks Park, or a tube or canoe trip down the Delaware River.
Since one day isn’t enough to experience all that River Road has to offer, consider staying the night in one of several historic inns—River House at Odette's, 1740 House, Black Bass Hotel, or Bridgeton House on the Delaware—and make it a long weekend.
Bucks County was once home to more than 50 covered bridges and is considered one of the birthplaces of these unique wooden structures. Today, you can take a self-guided tour to see all 12 remaining bridges.
The eastern loop of the tour takes about two and a half hours, starting at Washington Crossing Historic Park and ending in Perkasie. The western loop starts at Perkasie and takes about an hour and a half to return to Washington Crossing. Do both loops on the same day or return for a second trip—this is a great opportunity to enjoy spring blooms or vibrant fall foliage!
Please be aware that most bridges do not have areas to pull off the roadway. However, the Schofield Ford Covered Bridge in Tyler State Park and the South Perkasie Bridge in Lenape Park are open to foot traffic only, giving you plenty of opportunities to see their workmanship up close and safely take photographs.
Before you start the tour, learn more about the history of each bridge. While on the road, consider stopping in one of the towns you pass for lunch or a cup of coffee—Homestead Coffee Roasters and Playhouse Deck Restaurant & Bar are all great local options.
Enjoy a leisurely drive through the countryside with the Upper Bucks Barn Tour or Central Bucks Barn Tour. Each itinerary will lead you past at least 15 historic barns featuring a variety of architectural styles and includes information about the distinctive features of each structure. Consider taking this tour in the fall so you can enjoy the colorful foliage in addition to all the beautiful farmland!
The Upper Bucks tour runs from Hellertown to Riegelsville, while the Central Bucks tour stretches from Washington Crossing to New Hope. Most barns on the tour are privately owned, so please be respectful and enjoy from afar.
