Londontowne Travel Guide

Londontowne is a small, unincorporated community in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, situated along the South River near its confluence with the Chesapeake Bay. With a population of roughly 8,000, it functions primarily as a residential waterfront community, but it carries genuine historical weight as the site of one of colonial Maryland's most significant river crossings and early settlements.

The area's centerpiece is Historic London Town and Gardens, a publicly accessible heritage site that preserves the remains of the 17th- and 18th-century tobacco port of London Town. At its peak, London Town rivaled Annapolis in regional importance; today, the excavated townsite, a surviving William Brown House (a rare colonial-era public house), and eight acres of woodland gardens give visitors a tangible connection to that era.

Because Londontowne is small and largely residential, most visitors treat it as a focused half-day excursion, often pairing it with a visit to nearby Annapolis, which lies just across the South River to the northwest. The combination makes for a well-rounded introduction to Maryland's colonial and maritime heritage.

Visas and Entry

Londontowne is located in the United States. For visa and entry requirements, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for the most current rules applicable to your nationality.

What to Expect

• Londontowne has no town center, hotels, or significant retail district of its own. Plan accommodation in Annapolis or the broader Anne Arundel County area.
• The primary visitor draw — Historic London Town and Gardens — has its own operating hours and admission fees; verify current details directly with the site before your visit.
• The community is car-dependent. Public transit options are limited, so a personal vehicle or rideshare is recommended.

Seasonal Notes

• Spring (April–May) brings blooming native plants to the woodland gardens, making it an especially rewarding time to visit the heritage site.
• Summer can be humid; lightweight, breathable clothing is advisable.
• The South River freezes rarely, and mild autumn days (September–October) offer comfortable temperatures for waterfront walks.

Londontowne is located approximately 25 miles (40 km) southeast of Washington, D.C. and about 5 miles (8 km) south of downtown Annapolis via MD Route 2 (Solomons Island Road).

By Car: This is the most practical option. From Annapolis, take MD-2 south toward Edgewater, then follow signs toward Londontown Road. From Washington, D.C., take US-50 east toward Annapolis, then head south on MD-2.

By Air: The nearest major airport is Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), roughly 25 miles northwest. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is an alternative at similar distance. Car rental at either airport is straightforward.

By Public Transit: Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) bus routes serve the broader Annapolis and Anne Arundel area, but service directly to Londontowne is limited. Verify current routes and schedules on the MTA website or via local transit information before travel.

Within Londontowne itself, a personal vehicle is essentially required. The community is spread across a residential waterfront geography with no walkable town center connecting attractions.

Rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) are available in this part of Anne Arundel County and can be a practical option if you are based in Annapolis and want to visit Historic London Town and Gardens without driving.

Cycling is possible on quieter residential roads for confident cyclists, but dedicated bike infrastructure is minimal. If you plan to combine Londontowne with Annapolis sightseeing, note that Annapolis itself has a more walkable historic core once you park.

Historic London Town and Gardens

This is the primary reason most visitors come to Londontowne. The site encompasses the archaeological remains of an early colonial tobacco port, the restored William Brown House (circa 1760), and eight acres of curated woodland gardens along the South River. Interpretive programming, archaeology demonstrations, and guided tours are offered periodically. Admission fees and operating hours apply — verify current information directly with Historic London Town and Gardens before your visit.

South River Waterfront

The South River is part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed and offers opportunities for recreational boating, kayaking, and fishing. Several marinas operate in and around the Edgewater and Londontowne area. If you bring or rent a kayak or canoe, paddling along the South River's wooded shoreline provides a quiet, scenic experience.

Birdwatching and Nature

The woodland gardens at Historic London Town support a variety of native plant species and attract migratory and resident bird species. The broader South River corridor is also popular with birders, particularly during spring and fall migration periods.

Day-Trip Combination with Annapolis

Given Londontowne's size, most visitors combine it with Annapolis — the Maryland state capital and home to the U.S. Naval Academy, a lively historic downtown, and a wealth of Chesapeake seafood restaurants. The two destinations are a short drive apart and complement each other well.

Londontowne itself has very limited dedicated dining options given its residential character. Visitors should plan meals in the Edgewater area immediately to the north or, more substantially, in Annapolis.

The broader South River and Chesapeake Bay region is known for blue crab, oysters, rockfish (striped bass), and other Chesapeake seafood. Annapolis in particular has numerous waterfront restaurants serving regional cuisine. If you are self-catering or picnicking, Historic London Town and Gardens provides a pleasant riverside setting.

Verify locally or check recent reviews for any dining establishments that may have opened in the immediate Londontowne/Edgewater vicinity, as small community dining options can change.

Emergency Services

Dial 911 for police, fire, or medical emergencies anywhere in the United States.

Connectivity

Cell coverage from major U.S. carriers is generally reliable in this area. Wi-Fi is not widely available in public spaces given the residential nature of the community; plan accordingly.

Accessibility

Historic London Town and Gardens has worked to improve site accessibility, but the woodland garden terrain can be uneven. Contact the site directly to ask about current accessibility accommodations before your visit.

Money

ATMs are available in Edgewater and Annapolis. Most businesses in the broader area accept major credit and debit cards. Keep some cash on hand for smaller vendors or parking.

Useful Contacts

• Historic London Town and Gardens: verify current contact information and hours on their official website.
• Anne Arundel County visitor information: check the official Anne Arundel County or Visit Annapolis tourism resources for regional guidance.

Londontowne is a quiet, predominantly residential community with a generally low crime profile. Standard travel precautions apply: secure valuables in your vehicle out of sight, be aware of your surroundings, and stay on marked paths when exploring the woodland gardens.

The South River carries boat traffic; if kayaking or paddling, wear a personal flotation device and be alert to vessel wakes. Weather on the Chesapeake Bay watershed can change quickly, particularly in summer when afternoon thunderstorms are common — check forecasts before water activities.