Free New Castle County Travel Guide & Mobile App

Explore New Castle County with free travel guides. Discover regional history, expert tips, proposed trips, and audio guides on web or mobile app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
New Castle County
New Castle County photo 2
New Castle County photo 3
All photos

New Castle County pairs Wilmington's riverfront culture with colonial New Castle, Brandywine estates, wooded parks and northern Delaware food traditions.

New Castle County occupies Delaware's northern corner, bounded by Pennsylvania to the north and west, New Jersey across the Delaware River, and the state's lower counties to the south. It is Delaware's most urbanised and populous county, yet its landscape changes quickly from Wilmington's riverfront and historic neighbourhoods to rolling Brandywine Valley countryside, wooded parks, working farmland and the tidal marshes around the Christina and Delaware rivers.
Read more about New Castle County
Wilmington is the county's principal city and its cultural and commercial centre. The Christina River waterfront has been reshaped with walking paths, restaurants, museums and venues, while nearby districts contain substantial collections of nineteenth- and early twentieth-century architecture. To the north, the Brandywine Valley preserves the setting of country estates associated with the du Pont family, including Winterthur, Hagley and Nemours. Their houses, gardens, collections and industrial remains reveal how wealth, landscape design and manufacturing shaped northern Delaware.
The small city of New Castle, south of Wilmington on the Delaware River, provides a different atmosphere. Its compact historic district preserves colonial and early American streets, brick houses, churches and civic buildings, reflecting its former importance as a port and political centre. Newark, near the Maryland and Pennsylvania borders, is a university town with a younger population, independent businesses and access to White Clay Creek and other outdoor landscapes. Between these centres, state parks and suburban communities offer opportunities for walking, cycling, birdwatching and boating.
New Castle County's history is unusually layered. Indigenous Lenape communities preceded seventeenth-century Swedish, Dutch and English settlement; later, Wilmington's port, railways, mills and factories connected the county to national markets. The Brandywine's waterpower supported the early DuPont gunpowder works, while the county's transportation links helped make it a centre of chemical manufacturing and commerce. African American history, Quaker activism and abolitionist networks are also important parts of the local story.
Visitors can combine museums and historic houses with greenways, riverfront walks and food-focused stops in Wilmington, Newark and the surrounding towns. Dining ranges from casual American cooking and Mid-Atlantic staples to international food shaped by the county's diverse communities. A car is useful for connecting the estates, parks and historic settlements, although Wilmington and Newark are also linked by rail and bus services. The county works best as a varied northern Delaware itinerary rather than as a single city break.

When is the best time to visit New Castle County?

Best: May–June, September · 22–26°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January475
February665
March1085
April1685
May (best)2295
June (best)2695
July28105
August28105
September (best)2485
October1975
November1275
December785

Getting to and around New Castle County

How to get there

Wilmington Station, on the Northeast Corridor, provides Amtrak service and connects with regional rail towards Philadelphia and points south; SEPTA trains also link Wilmington and Newark with the Philadelphia area. Philadelphia International Airport is outside New Castle County in neighbouring Pennsylvania and is the principal nearby international gateway. Wilmington Airport, also known as New Castle Airport, lies within the county but has a more limited and changeable commercial schedule. Interstate 95 is the main north–south road, with US routes and Delaware highways connecting Wilmington, Newark, New Castle and the Brandywine Valley.

Transportation

DART public buses serve Wilmington, Newark, New Castle and many surrounding communities, while rail is most useful along the Wilmington–Newark and Philadelphia corridor. A car is convenient for linking Winterthur, Hagley, Nemours, Bellevue State Park, historic New Castle and rural trailheads, which are dispersed and not always directly connected by public transport. Wilmington and Newark are walkable in their central areas, and cycling is practical on selected trails and quieter roads, but visitors should expect suburban traffic, level changes and limited pedestrian infrastructure in some outer districts.

Top city travel guides in New Castle County

The cities of New Castle County, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in New Castle County

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in New Castle County

New Castle County's attractions combine urban culture, historic houses, industrial heritage and accessible countryside. Wilmington's Riverfront brings together walking paths, restaurants, event spaces and institutions such as the Delaware Children's Museum, while the Delaware Art Museum presents important American art in a setting close to the Brandywine landscape. North of the city, Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library is known for its American decorative arts collection and extensive gardens; Hagley Museum and Library interprets the DuPont gunpowder works and the industrial history of the Brandywine; and Nemours Estate presents a formal French-inspired house and gardens. State parks such as Bellevue and White Clay Creek provide trails, woodland and open space for walking, cycling and nature observation. Historic New Castle offers a compact concentration of colonial and early American buildings, whereas Newark combines university-town life with access to creekside landscapes. The county's attractions are relatively close by American standards but spread across different settings, so a car is useful for combining estates, parks and historic settlements.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in New Castle County

The most recognisable landmarks of New Castle County reflect its river settlements, industrial past and Brandywine estates. In Wilmington, the Grand Opera House is a prominent Victorian cultural building, while the Christina Riverfront represents the city's continuing relationship with its port and waterways. Historic New Castle contains the Old New Castle Courthouse, Read House and Gardens, Amstel House, Immanuel Church and other colonial-era buildings arranged along an unusually well-preserved street plan. Near Wilmington, the Brandywine Valley estates provide a different form of landmark: Winterthur, Hagley and Nemours are substantial houses and designed landscapes associated with the du Pont family and the region's industrial wealth. Fort Christina Park marks the location of the Swedish settlement established in 1638, and Cooch's Bridge near Newark recalls the Revolutionary War battle fought there in 1777. Together these places show how Indigenous geography, European settlement, commerce, industry and cultural patronage shaped the county.

Show more landmarks

Explore New Castle County on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in New Castle County

Dining in New Castle County reflects Delaware's position in the Mid-Atlantic and its connections with Philadelphia, Maryland and the wider Northeast. Wilmington offers the broadest choice, including American cooking, seafood, Italian and other international cuisines, independent cafés and restaurants around the downtown and Riverfront areas. Newark's university population supports a varied casual dining scene, while suburban and rural communities have diners, taverns and family-run establishments. Regional specialities can include scrapple, a seasoned pork dish commonly associated with the Mid-Atlantic, as well as crab and other seafood, seasonal produce, local peaches and traditional American baked goods. Farmers' markets and farm stands are useful for finding locally grown fruit, vegetables and prepared foods, particularly in the warmer months. Menus change often, but visitors will generally find both contemporary dining and long-established casual food rather than a single cuisine that defines the county.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in New Castle County

Evening life is concentrated in Wilmington and Newark, with smaller scenes in nearby towns and suburban centres. Wilmington provides cocktail bars, brewpubs, restaurants, live music and performances at venues including The Grand, while the Riverfront has a range of places for an evening meal or drink. Newark's Main Street benefits from its student population and offers pubs, casual bars, cafés and late-evening food, although the atmosphere varies with the academic calendar. In rural parts of the county, evenings are more likely to centre on taverns, breweries, restaurants and occasional live music than on large nightclubs. Visitors should check current arrangements before travelling, particularly for performances and seasonal events, and should plan a safe return if staying outside the main urban areas.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in New Castle County

Evening life is concentrated in Wilmington and Newark, with smaller scenes in nearby towns and suburban centres. Wilmington provides cocktail bars, brewpubs, restaurants, live music and performances at venues including The Grand, while the Riverfront has a range of places for an evening meal or drink. Newark's Main Street benefits from its student population and offers pubs, casual bars, cafés and late-evening food, although the atmosphere varies with the academic calendar. In rural parts of the county, evenings are more likely to centre on taverns, breweries, restaurants and occasional live music than on large nightclubs. Visitors should check current arrangements before travelling, particularly for performances and seasonal events, and should plan a safe return if staying outside the main urban areas.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in New Castle County

Shopping is most varied in Wilmington and Newark, where visitors will find independent boutiques, bookshops, galleries, cafés and everyday retail alongside larger commercial areas. Trolley Square and nearby neighbourhoods are associated with local restaurants and independent businesses, while Newark's Main Street has shops serving the university community as well as visitors. Historic New Castle is better suited to browsing small galleries, antique-oriented shops and locally made goods than to extensive retail shopping. Farmers' markets and farm stands offer seasonal fruit, vegetables, baked goods and prepared foods, with availability changing through the year. Useful regional purchases include Delaware foods, artwork inspired by the Brandywine Valley, books on local history and small craft items rather than mass-produced souvenirs. For major retail centres and broad brand selection, visitors often travel beyond the county into neighbouring Pennsylvania or other parts of Delaware.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to New Castle County, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

New Castle County essentials

Currency and Payment
New Castle County uses the United States dollar (USD), like the rest of Delaware. Credit and debit cards, mobile wallets and contactless payments are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, museums and shops, although smaller markets, cafés, car parks or rural vendors may still appreciate cash. Delaware has no state sales tax, a feature that is particularly noticeable when comparing retail prices with neighbouring states, but prices and local charges should still be checked. Tipping is customary in American table-service restaurants, bars, taxis and similar services.
Safety
Use ordinary urban precautions in Wilmington and other busy areas: keep valuables out of sight, remain aware around transport hubs and use well-lit routes after dark. In parks and the Brandywine Valley, stay on marked trails, check weather conditions, carry water and watch for ticks, poison ivy and uneven ground. Riverbanks and tidal areas can have slippery surfaces and changing water levels. Drivers should allow for fast interstate traffic and congestion around Wilmington, while cyclists and pedestrians should use extra care on roads without dedicated facilities.
Emergency Situations
Dial 911 throughout New Castle County for police, fire and ambulance emergencies; the number is part of the United States national emergency system rather than a county-specific service. For a mental-health crisis, call or text 988 in the United States. In a serious outdoor incident, give rescuers the park name, trail or access point and any visible landmark. Mobile coverage can be weaker in wooded areas, so download directions in advance and observe posted advice near rivers, footbridges and other potentially hazardous locations.
Do's and Don'ts
Do queue patiently, follow posted instructions at historic houses and parks, and ask before photographing people or private interiors. Do keep dogs leashed where required, pack out rubbish and respect boundaries around preserved estates and archaeological sites. In restaurants, tipping service staff is normal, and portions may be larger than visitors expect. Do not assume that every trail or riverside area is open for swimming, fishing or launching boats. American driving customs apply: use marked crossings, obey speed limits and do not drink and drive.
Local Tips
Plan by area rather than trying to cover the entire county in one day: Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley work well together, while historic New Castle and the southern riverfront form another cluster. Newark is a useful base for the University of Delaware area and White Clay Creek. Museum and estate visits can involve substantial walking outdoors, even when the principal building is indoors. Delaware's small size makes neighbouring Pennsylvania and Maryland easy to reach, but attractions across the state line should be treated as separate destinations rather than part of New Castle County.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHey[Hey]
GoodbyeSee ya[See ya]
YesYup[Yup]
NoNah[Nah]
Please/You're welcomeNo problem[No problem]
Thank youThanks[Thanks]
Excuse me/SorrySorry 'bout that[Sorry 'bout that]
How are you?How ya doin'?[How ya doin'?]
Fine. And you?Good. You?[Good. You?]
Do you speak English?You speakin' English?[You speakin' English?]
I don't understandI ain't getting it[I ain't getting it]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu?[Can I see the menu?]
I don't eat meatI'm a vegetarian[I'm a vegetarian]
Cheers!Cheers![Cheers!]
I would like to pay, pleaseCan I get the check?[Can I get the check?]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![Help!]
Go away!Leave me alone![Leave me alone!]
Call the Police!Call the cops![Call the cops!]
Call a doctor!Get a doctor![Get a doctor!]
I'm lostI’m lost[I’m lost]
I'm illI ain't feelin' good[I ain't feelin' good]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...I'm lookin' to buy...[I'm lookin' to buy...]
I'm just lookingJust browsin'[Just browsin']
How much is it?What’s the price?[What’s the price?]
That's too expensiveThat's pricey[That's pricey]
Can you lower the price?Can you bring down the price?[Can you bring down the price?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?What time is it?[What time is it?]
It's one o'clockIt's one o'clock[It's one o'clock]
Half past (10)Half past ten[Half past ten]
MorningMornin'[Mornin']
AfternoonAfternoon[Afternoon]
EveningEvenin'[Evenin']
YesterdayYesterday[Yesterday]
TodayToday[Today]
TomorrowTomorrow[Tomorrow]
1One[One]
2Two[Two]
3Three[Three]
4Four[Four]
5Five[Five]
6Six[Six]
7Seven[Seven]
8Eight[Eight]
9Nine[Nine]
10Ten[Ten]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Where's the...?[Where's the...?]
What's the address?What's the address?[What's the address?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Can you point it out?[Can you point it out?]
When's the next (bus)?When's the next bus?[When's the next bus?]
A ticket (to ....)A ticket to...[A ticket to...]

History of New Castle County

Lenape Homelands and Indigenous Networks

Before European colonisation, the area now known as New Castle County was part of the homeland of Lenape communities, whose territories extended across the Delaware Valley. The Christina and Delaware rivers, forests and fertile lowlands supported fishing, hunting, farming and movement between settlements. Indigenous place names and archaeological evidence remain reminders of this earlier history, although much of the visible landscape was transformed by colonial settlement. Understanding the county's origins requires recognising that Swedish, Dutch and English claims were imposed on an already inhabited region.

Swedish and Dutch Settlement, 1638–1664

In 1638, Swedish colonists established New Sweden at Fort Christina, near present-day Wilmington, creating the first permanent European settlement in Delaware. The settlement formed part of a wider contest for control of the Delaware Valley. Dutch forces seized the colony in 1655, and English control followed in 1664. Fort Christina and the nearby Christina River therefore represent more than a local founding story: they mark the beginning of sustained European colonisation in the lower Delaware region and the competition among European powers for its trade and strategic waterways.

New Castle as a Colonial Port and Political Centre

Founded as a settlement under Dutch rule and later developed under English and Penn proprietorship, New Castle became an important port and administrative centre on the Delaware River. Its courthouse, churches, quays and merchant houses reflected its role in regional commerce and government. Delaware's separation from Pennsylvania was formalised during the American Revolution, and New Castle served as the state's first capital before the seat of government moved south to Dover in 1777. The surviving historic district preserves the scale and layout of this colonial and early American community.

The American Revolution and the Battle of Cooch's Bridge

New Castle County was drawn directly into the American Revolution. In September 1777, American and British forces fought at Cooch's Bridge near Newark, generally regarded as the only Revolutionary War battle fought in Delaware. The engagement took place during the British campaign against Philadelphia and demonstrated the military importance of roads through the state. The surrounding rural landscape later changed substantially, but the battle's memory survives through the historic site and interpretation connected with Cooch's Bridge and nearby Newark.

DuPont Powder Mills and Brandywine Industry

In 1802, Éleuthère Irénée du Pont established a gunpowder works on the Brandywine Creek north of Wilmington. The site used the creek's waterpower and the valley's relative isolation to manufacture powder for mining, construction and military purposes. The company grew into the DuPont industrial enterprise, while the mills helped shape the county's workforce, landscape and economic identity. Hagley preserves buildings, machinery, workers' communities and sections of the industrial valley, making the relationship between waterpower, technology and corporate development unusually tangible.

Railways, Manufacturing and Wilmington's Urban Growth

During the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, railways, shipbuilding, metalworking, textile production and other industries expanded Wilmington and connected New Castle County with Philadelphia, Baltimore and national markets. The city's port and rail links encouraged immigration, commercial growth and the development of dense neighbourhoods. Industrial fortunes also financed country estates and cultural institutions in the Brandywine Valley. Later deindustrialisation and suburban expansion altered the county's economy, while Wilmington's riverfront and former factory areas underwent continuing efforts at environmental and urban renewal.

African American Communities and Civil Rights

African American history is central to New Castle County's past and present. Wilmington developed significant Black communities, churches, businesses and educational institutions, while Quaker abolitionists such as Thomas Garrett supported freedom seekers travelling through Underground Railroad networks. The county also experienced school segregation, housing discrimination and the wider struggles of the civil rights era. The history of Howard High School and Wilmington's Black neighbourhoods illustrates the importance of education, community organisation and civic activism in challenging unequal systems.

New Castle County in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Neighbouring regions of New Castle County

The closest regions to New Castle County, if you have time for more than one.

Explore more

Delaware
More of the region

Explore more of Delaware

Discover Delaware: From historic sites and serene beaches to culinary delights and scenic parks, this small state offers big experiences for every traveler.

Explore Delaware
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to New Castle County, Delaware

Discover New Castle County with Evendo: a 100% free app offering comprehensive guides to attractions, restaurants, hotels, and activities without extra costs.

  • Detailed guides on attractions, landmarks, and restaurants
  • Easy hotel, tour, and experience booking
  • Comprehensive maps and contact details
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Explore New Castle County like never before with Evendo, the free app-based travel guide that brings local attractions, dining, and experiences to your fingertips.

  • Local tips and 'Near Me' feature for exploring nearby spots
  • Curated travel essentials and history of New Castle County
  • Free to use with no in-app purchases

Welcome to New Castle County, Delaware, where history, culture, and adventure come together to create a traveler's paradise. With the Evendo app, you can dive into the heart of this vibrant county and uncover its hidden gems, from the historic beauty of Old New Castle to the scenic landscapes of Brandywine Creek State Park. Whether you're planning to explore the cobblestone streets lined with colonial architecture or indulge in a culinary journey at renowned restaurants like Harry's Savoy Grill, Evendo is your perfect travel companion.

Our app provides detailed information on all the county's top attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, restaurants, and more. Discover the majestic beauty of the Hagley Museum and Library, or take a leisurely stroll through the enchanting Longwood Gardens. Whether you're a history buff eager to visit the Delaware Art Museum or a foodie looking to savor local delicacies at Big Fish Grill on the Riverfront, Evendo has you covered.

Planning your trip has never been easier. With Evendo, you can book hotels, tours, and experiences directly through the app. Enjoy seamless navigation with our 'Near Me' feature, ensuring you never miss out on nearby attractions or dining options. Curated local tips offer unique insights, allowing you to experience New Castle County like a true local.

Download Evendo today and start your adventure in New Castle County, Delaware. With no in-app purchases or additional costs, this 100% free app provides everything you need to make your trip unforgettable.

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.