+ Can I visit multiple houses in one day?

Yes! You can visit all the Charms in one day, or over a weekend. The houses are spread out through East and West Fairmount Park, so a car makes for the most convenient and fastest trip between them. Tour times may vary, but anticipate about 45 minutes to one hour to tour each home and learn about its history.

+ Is there public transportation between the houses?

Yes! SEPTA provides bus service to multiple areas around the park, including Route 32 (access to Strawberry Mansion, Woodford, Laurel Hill, and Lemon Hill) and Routes 38 and 40 (access to Cedar Grove). The houses are in the interior of the park, however, so be prepared for a five to ten minute walk to get there. Please check with SEPTA for specific service and schedule updates, as times may vary.

+ Can I walk or bike between the houses?

Yes, but some are easier to get to than others. Strawberry Mansion, Woodford, and Laurel Hill are all within five minutes' walk of one another, while the other houses are about a half hour's walk apart. If you're biking, please be careful on the roads and lock up your bike at the house!

+ Where can I park?

Each house has designated parking areas – and parking is free!

+ Are the houses handicap accessible?

Unfortunately, not always. As historic homes from the 18th and 19th centuries, the Charms houses present some challenges. Be aware that the houses all have steps, including some entries. There are areas that can be challenging to visitors with mobility issues, particularly the second floors of the homes.

Visitors are encouraged to call each site in advance to ask about specific needs and what accommodations are possible.

+ Are there restrooms in the houses?

Yes, each house has modern facilities, but please note that the restrooms at the houses are not handicap accessible and are not able to accommodate large groups of visitors.

We recommend that visitors who need an accessible restroom should go to Lloyd Hall, located on Boathouse Row.

+ Are there things for kids to do?

Yes! Our docents tailor their tours to the interests of any given group, and have experience educating visitors of all ages. Many houses have items for young visitors to touch or other ways to demonstrate life during the past to younger visitors. School groups can request tours to be geared towards a specific age level of subject.

+ Can I schedule a school tour to visit the houses?

Yes! We'd love to have your students visit one or more houses. The houses are close enough to arrange multiple site visits depending on your timing for the day. For more information, visit our school and group tours page here.

+ Can I schedule a group tour to visit the houses?

Yes! For larger groups, we appreciate having advanced notice and can even provide special themed tours about the things your group is interested in. For more information, visit our school and group tours page here.

+ Can I rent one of the houses for a private event?

Yes! Currently the only houses offering rentals are Laurel Hill and Strawberry Mansion. Visit their house pages to learn more.

+ Why are some of the houses closed at times?

Each home may have seasonal periods of reduced hours, or may be entirely closed for scheduled work, maintenance, long-range preservation projects, or critical repairs. We strive to keep these times brief and communicate project updates to the public. Visit this website or call a particular home for the latest news on any restoration projects.

In 2020-2022, Lemon Hill Mansion will be closed for renovations.

+ Where can I eat near the houses?

There are many dining options in the Fairmount Park area. Consider visiting parkside neighborhoods such as Fairmount, Brewerytown, and East Falls – and within the park, the Cosmic Cafe at Lloyd Hall is open 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Wednesday through Sunday.

+ What else can I do in Fairmount Park?

In the largest urban park in the United States, you can bike, roller blade, play at the Smith Memorial Playground, ride horses, watch a regatta, see the Shofuso Japanese House & Garden, picnic, visit the Please Touch Museum, stroll through the azaleas to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and more!

Visit the Fairmount Park Conservancy website here to find out more!