New CastleOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt
Where American history comes alive
What to do in New Castle? Dive into the heart of American history in this charming colonial town in Delaware. Founded in 1651 by the Dutch, New Castle is a true open-air museum, with its cobblestone streets, beautifully preserved historic houses, and iconic sites like the New Castle Court House Museum and the Amstel House. Our outdoor escape games invite you to discover this unique heritage in a fun and interactive way. Transform your stroll into a real-life scavenger hunt, where every street corner, every old facade, can hide a clue. It's an urban treasure hunt perfect for an unusual activity with family or friends. Discover below the trail we offer through the hidden treasures of New Castle.
Landmarks of New castle
Monuments and sites covered by our escape games across the city.
Unusual things to do in New Castle
For an unusual activity in New Castle, our outdoor escape games immerse you in an adventure where history blends with mystery. Far from traditional guided tours, you'll explore the cobblestone streets and secret gardens of the historic district, revealing anecdotes and little-known facts about the city. Imagine deciphering a code carved into an old stone of the Court House or following a clue leading to the Amstel House. It's an original outing that transforms the city into a huge playground, allowing you to see New Castle from a new perspective, searching for clues that only the most curious will notice.
Things to do in New Castle with kids
What to do with the family in New Castle? Our outdoor escape games are a fun and educational activity, perfect for all ages (from 8 years old). Children will love searching for clues scattered throughout the historic setting, while teenagers will be passionate about solving the puzzles. Parents, meanwhile, will appreciate discovering New Castle's heritage in an interactive way. The trail is GPS-guided, ensuring a safe outing for teens and a fun activity for kids, with no risk of getting lost. It's a great way to spend quality time together, enjoying the fresh air and the unique atmosphere of this historic town.
New Castle for couples
For a couples outing or a romantic getaway in New Castle, our outdoor trails offer a unique experience. Stroll hand in hand through the cobblestone streets, admire the colonial architecture, and share moments of complicity by solving puzzles together. The unexpected romantic activity that will make you discover the hidden charms of the city, from the banks of the Delaware River to secret gardens. It's an original way to create memories, transforming a simple walk into a shared adventure, far from the hustle and bustle of classic tourist sites. New Castle for couples is the guarantee of an intimate and memorable discovery.
What to do in New Castle when it rains
What to do in New Castle when it rains? Although our escape games are primarily outdoors, New Castle's charm works even on gloomy days. The historic streets, lined with old buildings featuring porches and awnings, offer temporary shelters where you can pause and consult your clues. The unique atmosphere of the city in the rain can even add a mysterious touch to your scavenger hunt. Don't hesitate to bring an umbrella and enjoy this wet-weather activity, letting yourself be surprised by the architectural details that the dampness brings out.
Where is New Castle, and where do the routes start?
Starting points of our routes and the places they pass through.
Route starting points
Places in New Castle
- The Green
- Battery Park (Site of Fort Casimir)
- Old Court House (Exterior)
- The Strand (Riverfront Walk)
- Immanuel Episcopal Church on the Green (Graveyard)
- The Dutch House Museum (Exterior)
- Amstel House Museum (Exterior)
- New Castle Public Library (Exterior)
The history of New Castle
From Dutch Fort to Colonial Capital
New Castle's story begins in 1651 when Peter Stuyvesant, the Dutch Director-General, established Fort Casimir on the site of a former indigenous village known as "Tomakonck," meaning "Place of the Beaver." This move was to assert Dutch claims against the nearby Swedish colony. The fort changed hands several times in the following years, becoming Fort Trinity under Swedish control in 1654 before the Dutch recaptured it and renamed it Nieuw-Amstel in 1655. The English seized the entire New Netherland colony in 1664 during the Second Anglo-Dutch War, renaming the settlement "New Castle" and making it the capital of their Delaware Colony.
Penn's Influence and Revolutionary Changes
In 1682, William Penn landed in New Castle, taking possession of the "Lower Counties on the Delaware," which would eventually become the state of Delaware. Although part of Penn's larger Pennsylvania colony, New Castle and the Lower Counties were granted their own separate legislature in 1704, solidifying New Castle's role as the colonial capital of Delaware. The town functioned as a center for government, attracting judges and lawyers who built many of the houses still visible today. New Castle served as Delaware's first state capital in 1776, after the colony declared independence from Great Britain. However, due to the threat of British forces during the Revolutionary War, the government relocated to Dover in May 1777.
What to see in New Castle
- The Green — This central public square, laid out by Dutch authorities, is the center of the historic district. It is surrounded by many of New Castle's significant buildings.
- New Castle Court House Museum — This building from 1732 was the seat of Delaware's colonial and state government until 1777. Visitors can explore the courtroom and learn about early American justice.
- The Dutch House Museum — Dating to approximately 1690, this is one of New Castle's oldest houses, furnished with Dutch colonial antiques. It offers a view into 17th-century life.
- Amstel House Museum — Built around 1738, this Georgian-style brick mansion was the home of Governor Nicholas Van Dyke during the Revolutionary War. It features period artifacts.
- Battery Park — This park along the Delaware River offers views of the water. It marks the site of the former Fort Casimir.
- Immanuel Episcopal Church on the Green — Founded in 1689, this is one of the oldest continuously operating Anglican/Episcopal parishes in the country. Its stuccoed stone frame and clock tower are surrounded by a graveyard.
When to visit New Castle
The best times to visit New Castle for comfortable weather are from May through June and from mid-August to mid-October. During these months, temperatures are warm, humidity is moderate, and sunshine is ample, suitable for exploring the historic streets and waterfront. Spring brings blooming gardens and events like "A Day in Old New Castle" on the third Saturday in May. Early fall offers pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Summers can be warm and humid, with July being the muggiest month. Winters, from December to early March, are cold and can be snowy, with January being the coldest month, making extended outdoor activities less comfortable.
Getting around New Castle
New Castle is about 10 minutes south of downtown Wilmington, with access from I-95 and I-295. Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is approximately 45 minutes away. For public transport, New Castle is served by DART bus routes, with Route Number 15 stopping in the historic area at Sixth and Delaware Streets. The town is walkable, with its historic district featuring stone streets and brick sidewalks. Free on-street parking is available. Public parking lots are at Second and Chestnut Streets, on West Third Street, and at the corner of West Third and South Streets. For the New Castle Public Library, parking is behind the building, accessible from West 5th Street. On event days, look for satellite parking with shuttle services.
Things you probably do not know about New Castle
Verified details most visitors walk straight past.
- Old Court House
- What lies beneath the floor of the Old Court House? During renovations in the 1950s, a small glass opening was installed in the floor of the New Castle Court House, revealing part of the foundation of the very first courthouse built on this site in 1689.
- Battery Park (Site of Fort Casimir)
- Why was Fort Casimir built in the first place? The Dutch built Fort Casimir in 1651 primarily to annoy the Swedes, who had just established Fort Christina upriver at what is now Wilmington, showcasing the intense European rivalry for control of the region.
- The Strand (Riverfront Walk)
- What natural disaster reshaped The Strand in the 19th century? The Great Fire of 1824, which began in stables behind the Jefferson House, devastated Water Street (now The Strand), destroying many inns and warehouses, including the home of George Read, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
- New Castle-Frenchtown Railroad Ticket Office
- What unusual material was used for the tracks of Delaware's first railroad? The New Castle and Frenchtown Railroad, Delaware's first, used stone sleepers for its tracks, which can still be seen in a small surviving section near the ticket office.
- The Green
- Who still benefits from a land trust established by William Penn? William Penn established a trust of 1000 acres of "common" land for all New Castle residents to use. Today, the Trustees of the New Castle Common still exist, using income from investments to provide benefits like college scholarships to residents.
- The Arsenal
- Beyond storing military arms, what other surprising roles did The Arsenal play? After its use as a military arsenal faded in the 1820s, the building served as a makeshift hospital, offices, storage, and even a high school from the mid-1800s until 1930. Today, it houses the Visitor's Center.
Questions about visiting New Castle
How much time should I allocate to visit New Castle?
To see the historic sites, museums, and riverfront, a full day is recommended. Many visitors prefer a leisurely pace, exploring the stone streets and the atmosphere, perhaps including a meal at a local tavern.
What are the best ways to get around New Castle?
New Castle's historic district is pedestrian-friendly, with many attractions within walking distance. The town offers free on-street parking and several public lots for those arriving by car. Biking is also an option, with trails like the Jack Markell Trail connecting to Wilmington.
Are there any specific neighborhoods or areas I should focus on?
The primary area of interest is the Historic District, centered around The Green and extending towards the Delaware River along The Strand. This area contains most of the colonial-era buildings, museums, and streets.
What is the typical budget for a day trip to New Castle?
A day trip to New Castle can be affordable. Many historic sites, like the New Castle Court House Museum, offer free admission. Your main costs would be for meals, souvenirs, and any specific museum tours that charge an entrance fee. Parking is generally free.
Is New Castle a good destination for families with children?
Yes, New Castle offers a history experience that can be engaging for families. The open spaces of The Green and Battery Park provide room for children to play, and the historic houses and stories can present history in an accessible way.
What are the driving distances from major nearby cities?
New Castle is conveniently located for day trips. It is about 20 minutes from Wilmington, 45 minutes from Philadelphia, an hour and a half from Washington D.C., and approximately two hours from New York City.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an outdoor escape game in New Castle cost?
Our outdoor escape games in New Castle start at €12 per team (1 phone). For more players on the same trail, it's €19 for 2 phones and €25 for 3. The price is fixed per team, regardless of the number of participants (up to 6 people per phone is recommended for an optimal experience).
Are the New Castle escape games suitable for children?
Yes, our trail in New Castle is perfectly suited for families and children from 8 years old. The puzzles are designed to be solved in a group: the youngest will enjoy searching for visual clues, while teenagers and adults will decipher codes and solve historical mysteries. The secure GPS guidance system ensures smooth and stress-free progress, allowing everyone to enjoy the adventure.
How long does an outdoor escape game in New Castle last?
Expect between 1h30 and 2h30 to complete our outdoor escape game in New Castle, depending on your pace and the time you take to admire the sights. Our games are self-guided, meaning you can start whenever you want and take breaks at your convenience. This is ideal for fitting into your schedule and fully enjoying your visit.
Do I need to book in advance?
Online booking is not mandatory but is highly recommended, especially during weekends and peak seasons. You will receive an activation code instantly by email, usable whenever you wish, with no expiration date. This allows you to plan your activity with complete flexibility and avoid any waiting.
What else to see in New Castle beyond escape games?
Beyond our scavenger hunts, New Castle is full of historical sites to explore. Don't miss the New Castle Court House Museum, the Amstel House, and the Old Dutch House, which offer a fascinating glimpse into colonial life. Stroll through Battery Park along the Delaware River for beautiful views, and get lost in the charming cobblestone streets of the historic district. Our trail naturally incorporates these iconic locations, offering you a comprehensive and immersive discovery.
When is the best time to visit New Castle?
Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) are the ideal seasons to visit New Castle. Temperatures are mild, nature is beautiful (spring blooms or autumn colors), and crowds are smaller than in summer. Summer is still pleasant, especially early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat. Even in winter, the town offers a special charm, and our games can be enjoyed with appropriate clothing.
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