Doylestown: A Castle Town Shaped by Visionaries

Can’t-Miss Experiences

1. Tour the Tileworks and Fonthill Castle

Start your Doylestown journey at two of the historic sites that define it, both created by Henry Chapman Mercer in the early 20th century.

At the height of the Industrial Age, the Moravian Pottery & Tileworks turned out handmade ceramic tiles coveted by architects and collectors. Today, you can visit the facility — now known simply as Tileworks — to watch tile production and purchase your own.

A short walk next door, the majestic Fonthill Castle serves as another monument to Mercer. He built this towering concrete structure, now a National Historic Landmark, and lived here for the last two decades of his life. Wandering through the 44 rooms can feel like a treasure hunt as you take in the built-in furniture, extensive collections of artifacts and countless Mercer tiles.

Fonthill Castle   — Photo by Visit Philadelphia

2. Feast your eyes at Mercer Museum and the Michener Art Museum

Continue your walk down the Mercer Mile (aka Main Street) to complete the trifecta at the Mercer Museum, another poured concrete building that houses its founder’s massive collection of pre-Industrial tools in seven stories of mind-blowing displays.

Next door, the Michener Art Museum, named for the Pulitzer Prize-winning author, maintains a permanent collection of Pennsylvania impressionist works while featuring traveling exhibitions and family-friendly programs.

Mercer Museum   — Photo by Kevin Crawford Imagery

3. Refuel with local fare

Doylestown takes food and drink seriously. For upscale dinners, try farm-to-table bistro Heirloom for seasonal menus, or Honey for intentional small plates and cocktails.

Grab classic Sunday brunch in the town epicenter at The Hattery Stove & Still, located in the Doylestown Inn.

Even if you don’t have special dietary needs, the gluten-free pizzeria Jules Thin Crust and its sister fried chicken shop Lovebird (also flourless) merit a visit for spot-on quick bites.

4. Browse iconic independent shops

Doylestown has always been a haven for small, independent stores, with a vibrant commercial district.

The long-running Siren Records attracts vinyl enthusiasts and music geeks from miles around.

A nonprofit supporting kids causes, Good Stuff Thrift spans several rooms with thoughtfully displayed clothes and collectibles.

The well-curated Doylestown Bookshop carries an excellent selection of books and gifts.

And at Bluestem Botanicals, locally grown herbs grace cocktail kits and wellness elixirs.

5. Bliss out in the open air

Just outside of the borough on Lake Galena, Peace Valley Nature Center spans wetlands and meadows, offering calming respite and outdoor recreation.

Hike the 15 miles of trails or try out a birding backpack. You can also picnic at one of the pavilions, rent a boat for fishing, or explore family and environmental education programs.

Where to Stay

You can’t go wrong with Doylestown’s charming, historic accommodations.

At either the 17-room The Doylestown Inn or the Hargrave House B&B, you can camp right in the center of the action, close to most points of interest.

Doylestown Inn   — Photo by Visit Philadelphia

Local Tips

Ready to experience the town firsthand? Here are some tips to get you started:

• No need for a car in Doylestown. You can take the SEPTA Regional Rail from Philly and walk to most destinations.
• If you do drive, parking in the borough is free in both metered spots and lots after 5 pm and on holidays.
• Those interested in a little spookiness should check out the VAMPA Vampire & Paranormal Museum, a popular folklore museum full of paranormal artifacts.
• Families with younger children won’t want to miss the Kids Castle, a truly majestic, free playground with multiple “kingdom” areas and inclusive features for children of all abilities.

  — Photo courtesy Visit Bucks County