Looking for the perfect spot for your holiday photos? Here are 7 in Bucks to capture yours

Michele Haddon, Bucks County Courier Times
Updated ·6 min read

Are you getting ready to order your holiday cards, but struggling to find the perfect photo to go with it?

Well, there’s no need to stress because Bucks County is full of charming, unique and even iconic places to create a beautiful backdrop for you and your loved ones.

When it comes to ideal spots, the possibilities are endless, so our list focuses solely on outdoor locations, including farms, gardens, country roads, covered bridges, shopping villages, train stations, historic homes and castles.

A few things to keep in mind before you head out:

  • Many locations have specific photography rules, so be sure to check their website or call ahead to ask about their policies.

  • There usually isn’t a fee for casual photography (without a professional photographer).

  • For formal shoots involving a professional photographer, you or the photographer should inquire about location fees and whether a permit or appointment is required.

  • For popular destinations, try doing your shoot during less crowded times, such as a weekday or in the early morning.

Ready to go? Here are seven picture-perfect places you’ll want to consider for your holiday photos, plus 12 bonus ideas:

Peddler’s Village, Lahaska

Peddler's Village, in Lahaska, is a popular destination during the holiday season with its illuminated shops and restaurants.
Peddler's Village, in Lahaska, is a popular destination during the holiday season with its illuminated shops and restaurants.

Winding brick paths and charming colonial-style store fronts are just the beginning of what makes this storybook village picture perfect. A great backdrop any time of year, Peddler’s Village becomes especially festive for the holiday season after its Grand Illumination, which takes place this year on Nov. 17. Try these specific spots:

  • In the Main Green, in front of the koi pond with the gazebo in the background

  • On the Upper Green, in front or inside our holiday light tunnel

  • In the Main Green in front of the holiday tree

  • Inside or in front of the gazebo (when it’s not being used for a private event)

  • And new this year, they’ve added an old-fashioned sleigh specifically for holiday photos

More: Peddler's Village ready for holiday. Here's how to make the season bright in Lahaska

Christine Hensel Triantos, director of marketing and communications, recommends going during the week, when it’s less crowded than on weekends. And it’s best to avoid doing family photo shoots during their festivals, weddings or special events.

There are no fees for families taking personal photos without a professional photographer involved.

Go: Routes 202 and 263, Lahaska; 215-794-4053; peddlersvillage.com

Paxson Hill Farm, New Hope

Paxson Hill Farm, in New Hope, has several gardens throughout the 30-acre property.
Paxson Hill Farm, in New Hope, has several gardens throughout the 30-acre property.

This 30-acre farm includes several artfully landscaped gardens, peaceful ponds and streams, unique bridges and pathways, among other surprises for visitors who love to wander.

Casual photography for personal use is permitted without a fee. However, admission to stroll the walking gardens is $10 per person.

Go: 3265 Comfort Road, New Hope; 215-297-1010; paxsonhillfarm.com

New Hope Railroad, New Hope

The New Hope Railroad dates back to 1891, when the tracks were laid by the North-East Pennsylvania Railroad.
The New Hope Railroad dates back to 1891, when the tracks were laid by the North-East Pennsylvania Railroad.

Constructed in the 1890s, this train station has an original charm that has stood the test of time. The best time to take photos is during the weekends when the trains are in operation. The station building, brick platform, historic diesel locomotives and steam locomotive create a festive backdrop for holiday photos.

Pedestrians do not need to pay a fee or need a permit to take photos at the station. But for safety reasons, do not walk on the tracks and stay behind the yellow line on the platform.

Private charter photoshoots are available for a price and will need to be booked in advance.

Go: 31 W. Bridge St., New Hope; 215-862-2332; newhoperailroad.com

Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle, Doylestown

Mercer Museum, in Doylestown Borough, is a six-story reinforced concrete castle designed by Henry Mercer. Today the museum complex features local and national traveling exhibits, as well as a core collection of over 17,000 pre-Industrial tools.
Mercer Museum, in Doylestown Borough, is a six-story reinforced concrete castle designed by Henry Mercer. Today the museum complex features local and national traveling exhibits, as well as a core collection of over 17,000 pre-Industrial tools.

As landmarks of Henry Mercer’s legacy, these two historical sites offer eye-catching backgrounds that are unique to Bucks County. Besides the castles themselves, both places display a number of unique characteristics.

At Fonthill, features include its tree-lined front driveway, a springhouse, concrete pond, tiled bridges and steps, wooded trails and the Little House in the Woods.

Fonthill Castle, in Doylestown Township, was the home of Henry Mercer, who lived from 1856-1930. Today, it operates as a museum showcasing a full range of programs related to Mercer and his collections.
Fonthill Castle, in Doylestown Township, was the home of Henry Mercer, who lived from 1856-1930. Today, it operates as a museum showcasing a full range of programs related to Mercer and his collections.

The grounds at Mercer Museum include colonial era-inspired buildings, stone shed and pre-industrial farming equipment.

Go: Mercer Museum, 84 S. Pine St., Doylestown; Fonthill Castle, 525 E. Court. St., Doylestown; mercermuseum.org

Schofield Ford Covered Bridge, Newtown

The Schofield Ford Covered Bridge is within the 1,688 acres which became Tyler State Park in 1974. Closed to traffic, it is still used as part of a bridle path.
The Schofield Ford Covered Bridge is within the 1,688 acres which became Tyler State Park in 1974. Closed to traffic, it is still used as part of a bridle path.

Built in 1873 and located within Tyler State Park, Schofield Ford is the last remaining covered bridge in Lower Bucks.

And while there are 12 covered bridges throughout the county, Schofield Ford is one of the two bridges that are closed to vehicular traffic, making it ideal for holiday photos. The South Perkasie Covered Bridge is the second one, but it is temporarily closed due to damage caused by remnants of Hurricane Ida.

It is about a five-minute walk by trail from the nearest parking lot. Be sure to follow park regulations and posted hours.

Go: Tyler State Park, 101 Swamp Road, Newtown

Give back this holiday season: Help Give A Christmas to Bucks County neighbors in need

Quakertown Historic Train Station, Quakertown

The Quakertown Train Station was originally built in 1902 by the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad Company.
The Quakertown Train Station was originally built in 1902 by the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad Company.

Since passenger trains no longer stop at the Quakertown Historic Train Station, the platform offers a quiet, yet scenic place to capture photos against the backdrop of the early 19th century building, passing freight trains and the town clock.

For safety reasons, be sure to stay off the tracks and mind the nearby train crossing.

Outdoor photography is permitted anytime, accept when rented out for private events. Indoor photography is allowed by appointment only.

Go: 15 Front St., Quakertown; 215-536-9155; quakertowntrainstation.org

Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Museum and Library, Bristol

Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Museum and Library, in Bristol Borough, offers panoramic views of the Delaware River from its terraced gardens.
Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Museum and Library, in Bristol Borough, offers panoramic views of the Delaware River from its terraced gardens.

The grounds outside Grundy offer spectacular views of the Delaware River from Margaret’s Garden, South Lawn, Riverfront Park and Terraced Wall Gardens.

Casual photography is permitted within the library and museum’s public interior and exterior spaces during hours of operation. Certain areas may be closed at times due to private events.

For more views of the river, head further down Radcliffe to Bristol’s Waterfront Park, which offers great photo spots along its promenade and on the pier.

Go: 680 Radcliffe St., Bristol; 215-788-5460; grundyfoundation.com

More: Hit the holiday craft shows and markets in Bucks County, Montco this season

13 more unique spots in Bucks County for your holiday photos

The historic Tinicum Barn is located inside the 126-acre Tinicum Park, in Tinicum.
The historic Tinicum Barn is located inside the 126-acre Tinicum Park, in Tinicum.

The Erwin-Stover House

Where: 921 River Road, Upper Black Eddy

More info: buckscounty.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Erwin-Stover-House-101

Tinicum Park Barn

Where: 963 River Road, Erwinna

More info: buckscounty.gov/facilities/facility/details/tinicumpark-7

Solebury Orchards

Where: 3325 Creamery Road, New Hope

More info: soleburyorchards.com

Lumberville-Raven Rock Bridge

Where: Can be accessed from River Road in Solebury or Bulls Island in Stockton

More info: drjtbc.org/bridges/lumberville-raven-rock-pedestrian

Twin Bridges at Lenape Park

Where: 504 Constitution Ave., Perkasie

More info: perkasieborough.org/departments/parks-recreation/parks-trails

Van Sant Historic Airfield

Where: 516 Cafferty Road, Erwinna

More info: vansantairport.com

Washington Crossing Historic Park

Where: 1112 River Road, Washington Crossing

More info: washingtoncrossingpark.org

Ringing Rocks Park

Where: Ringing Rocks Road, Upper Black Eddy

More info: buckscounty.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Ringing-Rocks-Park-5

Pearl S. Buck House

Where: 520 Dublin Road, Perkasie

More info: pearlsbuck.org

Delaware Canal State Park Tow Path

Where: Can be accessed from several points. See map.

More info: dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/DelawareCanalStatePark

James A. Michener Art Museum

Where: 138 S. Pine St., Doylestown

More info: michenerartmuseum.org

Cuttalossa Road

Where: Cuttalossa Road, Solebury

More info: soleburyhistory.org/solebury-history/national-historic-districts-and-landmarks/cuttalossa

Playwicki Farm

Where: 2350 Bridgetown Pike, Feasterville-Trevose

More info: playwickifarm.org

More: Will renovations of the Carversville Inn mark the rebirth of a small Bucks County village?

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Some of the best places in Bucks County for your holiday family photos