Governor’s Palace Attractions & Things to do

This exclusive private tour explores the birth place of America's History. Points of interest include:

1) On Duke of Gloucester Street we visit shops and trades that teach about early America's banking system, the commission of the Tin Smith to support our militia, the power of the press and Virginia's leadership to send invitations out to other colonies to meet for the 1st Continental Congress.

2) Walk around the Capitol Building and understand why America's Constitution carved out three government branched.

3) Enjoy the Palace Green and the Governor's Palace where townspeople and our gentry celebrated important events.

4) Learn about Bruton Parish Church

5) Shop in Merchant's Square

6) Visit the Sir Christopher Wren building (the College) and learn why the oldest academic building in America plays a significant role in our history

Note: Colonial Williamsburg (CW) hours are 9am-5pm. Bruton Parish closes at 4pm.

Note 2: We will customize your tour to suit your preferences.
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes.

Our tour is filled with historic information in the city where it happened!

We present the events of the 1770s in a clear time-line and discuss actions and attitudes the founders that shaped the revolution and the founding of our nation. The average visitor would have to spend multiple days (visiting just the right buildings) to learn the information we present in just 1 hour without waiting in long lines and missing information because of closed attractions.

Questions are encouraged throughout the tour to ensure you are getting the information and experience you desire.
Duration: 1 hour.

Come on to our history of black Americans tour presented by Junket!

We often learn the history and stories of heroes of the American Revolution and the early history of America. What isn't often covered in history classes and history books is the story of African Americans who were enslaved during this time. On this unique tour, we'll discover the stories of African Americans who lived and worked in Colonial Williamsburg. From the slaves buried in the graveyard of the Historic First Baptist Church, to the woman who left property to her freed black servants, you'll uncover the untold stories of the oppressed, and their path to freedom.
Duration: 2 hours.

Our very unique, immersive adventures are the only ones of their kind. We, unlike other companies, provide your very own remote, interactive, live host to assist and encourage you along through your phone. We are an Austin, TX-based global custom event design company offering scavenger hunts and other events in 300+ cities in North America and beyond. Our specially hand-crafted adventures are equal parts tour, creative challenge, detective hunt, and social experiment!

Guests get to discover in an alternate reality our favorite hidden gems off the beaten trail and creatively interpret fun art, history, and culture clues - for points! They get to enjoy fame and glory while appearing on our website’s international leaderboard, no matter what their score. They get to essentially race other teams in other cities, even if they don’t have competitors who have signed up in their city that day. Get ready to discover unusual oddities, laugh out loud, and make the experience your own!
Duration: 2 hours.

Come on our historical tour presented by Junket!

Colonial Williamsburg is a living history museum. We'll examine Williamsburg in its early colonial guise. You'll experience what it was like to reside in the colonial capital during a time when ruthless businesspeople, ruthless politicians, enslaved Africans, and possibly a few pirates walked these streets. Investigate the homes, business, places of government, and houses of worship that were integral to society in Colonial Williamsburg. Rewind to a period when the cries of emancipation reverberated through the halls of power and the murmurs of American independence hung thick in the air.
Duration: 2 hours.

Don’t just learn about American history… live it! At Colonial Williamsburg, America’s Colonial past comes to life through beautifully restored architecture and authentic reenactors. Stroll down these historic streets while this tour tells you everything you need to know about Williamsburg, early America, colonial life, and more.

Williamsburg has a long and complex history that predates the creation of the United States by almost 150 years! Dig into the town’s origins, the dramatic struggles which unfolded here during the revolution, and the people who put Williamsburg on the map.

After booking, check your email to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. From there, follow the audio instructions and the route.

New, extra validity — now yours for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips!

This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.
Duration: 2 to 3 hours.

Step back into the 18th century with “Colonial Williamsburg Wander: A Journey Through Time”. This immersive tour begins at the Williamsburg Inn, a classic example of colonial elegance. Stroll through Merchants Square and the Resort Historic District, bustling with shops and historical ambiance. Visit Bruton Parish Episcopal Church, a living symbol of America’s religious heritage. Wander down W Duke of Gloucester St., lined with well-preserved colonial structures. Admire the homes along Palace Green St., leading up to the Governor’s Palace, a stunning recreation of a colonial government residence. Conclude your historical exploration at the Capitol Building, the heart of colonial political life. This tour offers a glimpse into colonial American life, perfect for history buffs and those seeking to experience Williamsburg’s unique charm.


Duration: 2 hours.

We will discuss the different philosophies of architectural preservation between Europe and the United States during the late 19th and 20th Century and how it applies to the restoration of Colonial Williamsburg. The restoration materials of Colonial Williamsburg had to appear as if they were constructed in the 18th Century. For example, the roofs of many of the reconstructed buildings were man made fire retardant composites, and the masonry emulated the original bound of the public buildings.

When the Main College was rededicated as the Wren building, credit was given to the the famous English Architect, Sir Christopher Wren. However, there is no proof that this is true. The base of this building is a Flemish design as opposed to the English bond. As the Wren building stands today, it is a redesign of the building that existed in 1733.

It will be a comprehensive discussion of the vision of Rev. W.A.R. Goodwin and John D. Rockfeller, Jr. that resulted in Colonial Williamsburg.

Duration: 4 hours.

This unique ghost hunt provides an opportunity to learn how to use scientific instruments to detect ghosts, a skill often showcased on popular TV shows like Ghost Hunters.

Participants can experience firsthand the proper use of these instruments in some of the most haunted locations in America, allowing them to measure paranormal activity themselves!
Duration: 2 hours.

Be transported back to Williamsburg in 1943 in this 1-hour character tour. Learn how the citizens of the town are dealing with rationing, blackout drills, and all the new servicemen in town during the Holiday season.

Please note that each tour is unique, so the advertised routes may vary. You will be guided through town by either a USO Hostess or an Air Raid Warden. However, for evening tours, the guide will solely be an Air Raid Warden.

Shades of Our Past is not affiliated with Colonial Williamsburg; therefore, this tour does not include entrance or admission into Colonial Williamsburg-owned buildings. Since the tour is through the streets of Colonial Williamsburg it is weather contingent. Please be prepared for all weather conditions.

Please be aware that due to staff participation in other events, tours may be unavailable on certain days. For details about these programs, please visit our website.
Duration: 1 hour.

Independence from Mother England was not a foregone conclusion as we've been taught. Many questioned what American Independence would mean. For the colony of Virginia, it was a very difficult decision. During this one-hour walking tour discover how and why the men of the House of Burgesses finally decided to declare independence for Virginia and how their decision influenced the Continental Congress in Philadelphia.

Please note: Due to staff participation in other events, tours may be unavailable on some days. Please see our website for information.

*Shades of Our Past is not affiliated with Colonial Williamsburg, therefore this tour does not include entrance or admission into Colonial Williamsburg-owned buildings. Since the tour is through the streets of Colonial Williamsburg it is weather contingent. Please be prepared for all weather conditions.
Duration: 1 hour.

Come on our chilling ghost tour presented by US Ghost Adventures!

Join us on a thrilling Christmas-themed ghost tour to Williamsburg's most haunted locations to encounter the ghosts this spooky holiday season brings! Visit many historic, haunted places you've never encountered to hear authentic tales about the colonial town's Christmas origins, ghosts, and displays. Think you've heard it all? Think again!

This holiday season, embark on the Colonial Ghosts of Christmas Past ghost tour to hear stories about the beginnings of the Christmas spooky season and uncover stories and details about the most infamous ghosts of Williamsburg and Virginia that you won't hear about on other ghost tours.

It's a fantastic way to explore the community and learn the secrets of Christmas in the colonial village. Find out the background of how the first Christmas tree in Virginia was put up and why you'll see oranges, apples, and other interesting decorations around town!
Duration: 1 hour.

Join us as we explore the fascinating stories of women from all walks of life—each of whom played her part in the community’s development. From the beloved midwife whose knowledge and care were instrumental to the town’s health, to the famous schoolmistress who taught future leaders, these women were pillars of the community. Discover the Governor’s Lady, who maintained the standards of society, and the Councillor’s wife, who helped shape political circles from behind the scenes. Learn about the enslaved cook who worked closely with the Founders, displaying incredible skill and resilience, and even hear the tales of actresses who broke societal norms to entertain and inspire.

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Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes.