Mark buildings with clearly visible signage as to what is in it, or if it is private property. Perhaps put signs on corners with info as to what is on that block and in that direction? Things are too spread out to just be wandering around fr trying to figure out where you're at. read more

My wife and I loved it here and we were in awe of all the beautiful historical buildings. We just wish it wasn't so rainy while we were there to be able to walk around more. read more

Colonial Williamsburg insulted me and had me in tears due to their insensitive staff. I was really excited to go in a girls weekend trip with my family here but I was not impressed and was insulted by an employee for my speech impediment. We went to colonial Williamsburg for a girls weekend family trip (ages 5-47). Everything was great at first-- clean facility and festive decorations for the fall. As we were going through the stores it seemed to be the same thing over and over again. It was during COVID-19 so we all had our masks on. I had a special doctors note that was approved in the state of Virginia saying that because of my issues with my speech impediment I was able to wear a clear plastic mask. The shop owner of the seamstress shop confronted me about. I patiently explained to him that I had a medical issue and had special accommodations with my mask. He told me I had to wear a medical mask. My mom was with me in the store and tried ti explain to him again that I had an issue. I refused to listen. I even showed him my doctor note but he told me the state of Virginia didn't accept doctors notes for accommodations (we looked it up and Virginia does accept notes). His coworker tried to intervene and calm him down but he started to yell in the store and even kicked me out for my medical issue. I was crying outside of the store due to his insensitivity. My family also left the store. It has taken me a long time to decide whether to write this review or not. But the truth needs to be heard. DO NOT GO TO THE SEAMSTRESS SHOP!! THE MAN IN THERE IS VERY INSENSITIVE!!!!! read more

I haven't been here in 30 years. Property is expansive. You can park downtown and walk all over for free but there are certain houses you won't be able to see inside. We paid the $50 per ticket and only got to go into a few buildings because most everything on this beautiful day was CLOSED. We were disappointed. read more

It's the beginning of American modern history. It's the heart of American culture. It's like the China's forbidden city, where the modern 'king' lives. It's my second visit after more than a decade. There's a peaceful powerful atmosphere in the air. read more

This is a magnificent experience. You really feel like you have stepped back in time and are seeing a colonial village. It is a large area, so plan on at least a day to see everything. The "town" is populated with many people in period dress who act and speak the way people did back then. Many of the buildings have people working in them, demonstrating how people did things back then: printing, making candles, gunsmiths, making silver objects, etc. etc. Many of these handmade objects are available for sale. There was also an outdoor theater production. We saw Martha & George Washington talking about their lives. Truly an amazing experience. read more

So this is our second visit to Williamsburg the first time was at the end of covid we had such a great visit we thought to come back and check out what we missed since they were not fully operational during that time. We started at the visitor center, which we missed the first time we popped in late they had a revolutionary band playing we thought how cool and proceeded to desk we figured we could get information and get a jump start for the next day. We walked up to the booth and talked to young women who never got out of he chair and asked for information of the next day since there was a chance of rain, and we wanted to know if everything was still going on. She was not engaging handed us a map said they close today at 5 and we can walk into business shop for free and all other exhibits you will need to buy the pass and then asked another person if they would be fully operational during the possible threat of rain that woman was said why wouldn't be, and we explained our last visit and how we walked into the buildings and exhibits without paying and she said there's always a charge we allot of attitude saying it's never free basically calling us a liar. We both felt a little put off and went in to see what we missed anyway. After walking thru path, it was misty along the way and put us on in town we we went thru, to see what we missed talked to a young gentleman at the governors palace he gave us great information we told him we would be back tomorrow he said can buy tickets today and come back tomorrow we said that would have been nice to know at the visitor center. So we started walking around to see what we missed we walked to the next open house I told my husband we walked in and we started talking to this man and he was put off and said I have other duties to perform, turned and walked away. so we walked up the street into a couple of stores walked Into dress shop because that was new and my husband asked a young lady why she was not dressed up and she said it's on order to which my response was we are in a clothing store surrounded in clothing and this other woman who was dressed up said that the clothes here are really expensive. I thought that was a weird comment since they make items to keep up the historic area. On they way out I said to my husband those are cool looking keys, I opened the door and her response was don't touch the key they not for play and my husband said no one touched the key and she giggled and I was walking down the steps I said what is her propblem that is 4 rude people we have come across today we went into the bakery, got a muffin went to pay for it and aksed the gentleman how he was doing and he was incredibly grumpy as we walked out and back to the car we decided not to return to Williamsburg the following day the history the homes are great we had such a great experience the first time but the second time was horrible. After 5 rude people who should think about getting another job. You are in a living history museum, and people want to engage in the experience and interact with the time you are creating. Management should step up and take care of this problem. People pay a lot of money for this experience and they should feel like it with it. I don't think we will be coming back between the rude people and the cost. If you work at a place like this, you need to check your attitude. read more

We visited here for one day and half thinking it will be enough but obviously not! There were so many things to see/activities to experience and all houses close at 5 so we probably saw 70% of what we wanted to see and we will definitely go back to see the rest of the town. I think you can easily spend 2-3 days if you want to see/experience everything. I came here not knowing what to expect yet I had amazing time here. All guides we spoke to were very very knowledgeable and they make sure you enjoy your experience there. If you like history/seeing houses/learning different cultures, I strongly recommend to come here!! One regret we had was the day tour we wanted to participate was sold out when we went to ticket booth in the morning so if there is anything you absolutely want to see, I recommend to buy ticket in advance especially if you are going on busy weekend like us(memorial weekend). read more

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I should of read the Yelp reviews before deciding to blow close to $200 on this excursion. I was hoping for the best that my boys would have a highly immersive educational experience but was disappointed. Many of the historical sites and shops were closed. There were very few (almost none) acting historians that visitors could interact with. The place had an eerie empty feel to it and the people who were in colonial dress looked depressed and most were senior citizens that looked like they were playing dress-up for Halloween. Some were even cranky. I couldn't tell if the shops looked sad and old because there were no one there or if it was intentionally bare bones and gray looking. They also don't check to see if you actually paid for your ticket so you could just walk in and mingle with the tour group ahead of you and no one will care. There was only one restaurant open on a Tuesday though the wait wasn't bad. Very disappointing. read more

Awesome vacation you make it your own. No pushy guides, you make your own tour on your own time and the reenactors are great and take time to accommodate you and your group read more

Sad this was not Williamsburg I remember 20 years ago. I expected some change - but come on. The amount of people has increased, the number of houses open is slim to none. Most are private residences. Then they don't allow people in them due to covid now. Yet, they have all the gift shops open full of people !! ‍ It has become so commercialized. The actors are sparse . They used to have the drums and the feel was really cool. Now it's a ghost town - but there's a Lululemon in the merchant square (unique shops) We ended up going to Yorktown and wandered around went fishing much better. Regretting coming here altogether - o well. Just sad it won't be here in another 20 years if this continues. read more

Rounded up from about 3.75 stars. Let me just start by saying that whenever I can take pictures of pretty buildings, I'm content with my experience. Easy to please, heh? Well Colonial Williamsburg was just that for me. Some may wince at my review for it is a historical area; however, most of the buildings and grounds were re-created in the 1920s and thus are only an attempt at representing those times of Colonial Virginia. We arrived at the visitors center where they offer free parking, and one can also purchase tickets, get on a shuttle, and get information/ maps from lovely volunteers. My friend and I decided not to buy tickets as $40 per person sounded too steep just for a chance to get in some buildings and hear tour guides' stories, especially since nowadays you're probably likely to find out just as much - if not more - historical information online. You can still use their shuttle even if you don't get a ticket (I believe it's $2; not sure if one-way or roundtrip). Luckily it was a beautiful day when we visited so we got a map and started walking. They did a beautiful job at re-creating the buildings, all of which were quite charming. All the employees were wearing 18th century clothing and there were several carriages showing people around. I was somewhat upset as the carriage horses looked pretty darn tired. Shame on those people! Also when walking by some of the buildings that needed a paid ticket, we were able to see inside and overhear some of the guides - frankly, we didn't feel like we missed out. There are several taverns one can grab a bite from on the grounds, as well as shops and restaurants right outside Colonial Williamsurg but within walking distance. I would say Colonial Williamsburg made for a pretty good day trip, but I don't feel the immediate need to go back. Worth checking out though! read more

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I didn't pay for the inside tours however, I enjoyed looking at the outside of the buildings. I loved the shops and restaurants that were there as well. We lucked upon the farmers market which was great as well. Overall it was great but not what I expected. Remember it's a lot of walking if you don't buy a ticket because you can't take the shuttle and the decorations are made from what they had during that time period. No lights, wires, bulbs, etc. read more

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We loved our time at Colonial Williamsburg! It's a bit unclear what the ticket includes - or rather what may be included if you don't buy a ticket - but we were happy to have the pass as it gets you in to explore the open buildings. Most importantly, you make take part in hearing the people share their perspectives, learn about their craft - such as shoemaker or silversmith, and join in on the various sessions taking place each day like a Fife and Drum performance or someone playing Martha Washington in character. These are the enjoyable things that you don't benefit from without a ticket. I suggest a multi-day ticket so you can visit across several half days if this fits your schedule as it is nice to spread out. Particularly enjoyed touring the Capitol, various gardens and hearing the acts such as Fife and Drum or music of the time. Highly recommend a visit! read more

Colonial Williamsburg is a gorgeous small strip of old houses and shops in Williamsburg Virginia that showcases early settlement living. The town has a lot to offer and if you like early American history it really is something special. To start this is a town a few blocks long and a couple blocks wide. It's a few blocks of colonial houses, shops, and restaurants all within walking distance of eachother. Some of the buildings are real with original objects and the original structures. Most buildings had to be rebuilt since a fire burned most of them down in the 1800s but they are still a couple hundred years old. There is a lot to see and everything is pretty historically accurate. For activities, there is a lot to do in the town. First off this is a recreation town so there are actors walking around and acting like they are from a few hundred years ago. You can freely walk the grounds but to do any activity you need to pay for a day pass. They run around 25 dollars but it gets you into everything. With the day pass you can enter any of the open buildings to look around and talk to the actors inside. With the pass you can also go on any tours that they offer and have access to hidden areas that aren't open to the public. We enjoyed meeting and talking with the actors and the two tours we went on offered a lot of information. Overall this was a great experience. You have to put in the effort to make it worth while but we enjoyed all that we saw. The only bummer is that some days some buildings are open and the next they are not. If you are ever in the area I highly suggest you stop in for a few hours of your day. read more

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Step back in time and learn some history. Wow. This place is full of history. We scoped it out the first afternoon by taking a horse and buggy ride, then came back the next day for the tours and shopping. Our favorite time is early morning, when you pretty much have it to yourselves. So quaint and beautiful. We loved roaming around the cemetary. There are places to stay but they're old and haunted. But if you're into that kind of thing this would be your place. Taverns serve authentic food (not my favorite) but interesting. Shops are full of interesting merchandise but be prepared to pay top dollar. Everyone throughout the town is dressed in period costume and they do not break out of character. We've been twice and nothing every changes! read more

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You'll need more than one day to take in everything. It's not that there is so much to visit as there is so much to absorb and take in especially if you interact with and ask questions of the period actors. Tip - start early in the morning when they open. My one big issue is they make it really hard to find the Visitor Center. Traveling down Richmond Road there will be signs how to get to the Visitors Center and Merchants Square which is past William and Mary College. Once you get into that area the signs seem to disappear of not be clear where to turn next. Even at the entrance to the Visitors Center, there is no warning on the road that it is coming up and so it's easy to blow right past it if you're looking in the wrong direction. I suggest they post some more signs. It took me over 20 minutes driving around to attempt to locate it. I didn't use the GPS at first but once I did it worked like a charm. Make no mistake the short term parking lots around Merchants' Square are not where visitors park even though there are buildings that say "Visitor Center" and tickets on them. As you enter the Visitors Center (parking is in front of the building), and the complex and parking to the right is overflow parking and the group center). There are enough counters in there to tell me that place gets mobbed in the summertime! When we arrived there were only two positions open as it was shoulder season still. Ticket prices are hefty. Fortunately, there are winter rates for $25 each adult.. but afterward be prepared to pay a decent bill for a family of four. The ticket prices are marginally more than a single day, and you should spend at least 1.5+ days there (in the summer when crowds are heavy probably at least 2-3). If you take in the movies before you start at the Visitor Center deduct about one hour from the time you get to see everything. Free shuttle buses stop out the side and return near the front every 15 minutes with several stops throughout Colonial Williamsburg ("town"). I don't know if they are ADA wheelchair accessible but I did see the first two sections opposite one another on these buses with wheelchair safety belts. These first few front sections are reserved for handicapped and seniors. You may also walk to town - it's about one mile with no hills. Depart at the rear of Visitor Center to go straight over the bridge. There are inlays along the bridge - on the right side it benchmarks what you will be experiencing as you go back in time, and them coming back on the other side it shows what progress you will be experiencing through time. You will see a huge windmill as you exit off the bridge to indicate you are going in the correct direction. The trails and walkways are either blacktop or lined with crushed oyster shells. The first major structure you will reach is the Governor's Mansion. Both this location and Capitol have timed guided tours. But requires "tickets". When I mention tickets it means you had to have purchased admission as there are locals and others who can walk around in town without paying a cent, but not allowed in areas requiring tickets. The town is an open area, which means you can enter it from any sidewalk and jog or walk around in town.. including make purchases at some shops and eat there. As you come off the trail towards the Governors' Mansion you may hear some sheep. There are two locations around the outskirts of the main street of town where you will see live sheep. Some of the buildings are recreated from Rockefeller days. Some may not be ADA accessible as they emulate colonial buildings - three or four steps to get in, and narrow doorways. Although it may be a good place to experience outdoor attractions and events as well as take in the restoration of the town I can't say it is worth paying for tickets for wheelchair-bound guests. Just go in without tickets as most indoor venues will not be accessible to wheelchairs. The costumed actors who are involved in the trades are usually apprentices so they have very detailed knowledge of what they are creating or building. Feel free to ask questions are they are more than happy to provide history, insight and the process from a point of first person perspective as though they were responding from that time period. There is other staff there as well who are not apprentices who help direct you. Some actors are fairly verbose and love speaking. One I remember didn't even come up for air and just kept talking which made us almost doze off during their extended monologues. I find interacting and receiving information in sound bite more enlightening than listening to someone drone on without pause and not asking if anyone had any questions. Some really good interactions you will find are at the Wig Maker, and Weaver. The apprentices there seem to welcome questions and interaction. It is not to say others are not, but these are the ones I found to be the most forthcoming and engaging in dialog. Enjoy the show! Carson read more

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Update: We visited Colonial Williamsburg for the second time. The first time we spent one day and realized that it wasn't enough; so, on this visit, we spent two days. On our first visit, we focused on the trades and the various historic sites and buildings. However, we did a couple of 'Nation Builder' events - a walk through History with Young Thomas Jefferson and a visit with Martha Washington. We were very intrigued with the Nation Builders program. Each represents a person in American colonial history associated with Williamsburg. The actors who play these historical figures have an outstanding command of colonial history and the role that their historic figure played in history. They have made careers out of doing this. We did two "Walk through History with a Nation Builder": General George Washington and President Thomas Jefferson. We also attended three "Visit a Nation Builder": James Madison, James Lafayette & the Marquis de Lafayette, and Patrick Henry. Our walks and visits were like stepping back into history. We learned more history than we ever imagined we could. I highly recommend that you visit Colonial Williamsburg if you have the opportunity. Plan on spending several days so that you can take in all the wonderful history - the trades, the historic buildings, and Nation Builders. You will not be disappointed! read more

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Went there during off season. Loved it. So much history and the colonial people were so friendly and informative. Worth the trip.

My Family absolutely loved visiting Colonia Williamsburg!! We took our 5 year old girl and 12 year old boy and there was plenty for both to enjoy. I recommend studying the map in advance and having a game plan for what all you would like to see while visiting. We enjoyed the stopping by the wig maker shop, coffee house, blacksmith, and the silver work shop. We also enjoyed listening to George Washington speak and touring the govern's palace. The town is full of history and you can learn as much as you like! read more

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Truly amazing place. They have done an amazing job restoring the place and the effort is ongoing. There are a tone of living exhibits and loads of people to help explain what is happening. Loads of great places to eat, and plenty of shopping too. Don't miss the local band, they are world class. read more

Tourist trap! Yikes, so much was closed, almost no food from taverns, workers refused service to me with my service animal...just not a great day or a great attraction. Had I known better, I would simply have parked near William & Mary and just walked around Colonial Williamsburg without going in the very few open places. Hard pass. read more

I had visited Williamsburg in elementary school and had fond memories of learning about cannons and being greeted warmly by the reenactors (I had brought my colonial American Girl doll Felicity with me, and they were all very thrilled to see her). 20 years later, I was wondering if the experience would live up to my memories and I'm pleased to say it definitely did that and more. Colonial Williamsburg is an unusual concept as a living museum/interactive time travel experience. While the staffers aren't in total character (they are happy to answer your questions about what it's like to work at Williamsburg and I highly recommend talking to them about this unique and involved employment) they do dress 100% authentically to the time period and have a crazy wealth of knowledge both on their "role" in the town, in addition to the all other aspects of America at the time. When you go into a larger building, like the governor's palace or the courthouse you are on a short tour/program but the majority of the spaces are houses or businesses where you can spend between 5-60 minutes learning and asking questions as other guests file in and out. There is an impressive "choose your own adventure" element where you get out as much as you put in. This leads me to my only negative point, on the first day of our visit I felt a little lost just walking in and picking a place to start. I would definitely recommend the visitors center (which I never found! too much else to see!) so you get more context to start your trip. Buildings are also only open certain days so plan accordingly (if a flag is posted and a staffer is sitting in front, it's open, but unlike other experiences no one is actively waving or inviting you into any house or landmark - you're really on your own track). By the third and final day of the visit I felt really at ease with the concept and how to navigate around the small but packed blocks of the town. I was also struck by how Williamsburg has updated their narrative to make sure to recognize and acknowledge the racism, classism and sexism that the town and country were built on. Each person I spoke to recognized this and worked into into their tours, prompts and replies. In addition to the enslaved experience at Williamsburg they also recognize how the town interacted with Native American's, an element that is often missed at historic sites. I would highly recommend Williamsburg and wish that this experience could be found for other periods of the nation's history. If anyone from the foundation is reading, I would love to be able to visit a 1920's town like the one which was torn down to build this experience! That's also a story I need to learn more about. read more

If you love history, this is a great place to come. The interpreters are some of the best I have ever met and they are so full of knowledge. My only disappointment is that I come during the off-season most of the time, so getting into some of my favorite buildings is hit and miss. Unfortunately, one of my favorite shops is closed now. Make sure you spend a few days here if you can because there is so much to see and do! read more

Colonial Williamsburg has a special place in my heart and I love it dearly. I've been there countless times as a child. And as an adult, I kept the tradition of going at least once a year. Take full advantage of everything you can while visiting Colonial Williamsburg! read more

Despite the oppressive heat and humidity in August 2016, my wife, two sons (10 yrs., 8 yrs.), and I enjoyed our multi-day visit to CW. We decided to visit CW because my 10 year old had learned about Virginia history in the past school year. For boys (less than 8 yrs), I think it would be difficult to enjoy a visit here because of the focus on history and walking distances. If you and your kids hate history (regardless of age), I would try a visit to Busch Gardens instead. What I found most impressive about CW is the historical expertise of the guides and interpreters. But to really enjoy the place, you must try at least one special group tour that requires advance registration and a small fee (about $5 to $15 per person). Without the special group tours, our CW experience would have been much less interesting. In my opinion, a 1-day visit is not enough time to savor the rich history of CW. But a 3-day multi-day pass gives you more flexibility (especially with kids in tow). Due to the oppressive weather conditions, we focused on morning activities (9:30am start for tours), before taking a cool respite in the Signature Bookstore and Cafe (Merchant Square - about 1 block west from the Bruton Parish Church), and either shopping or visiting one more sight (Capitol) before returning by shuttle bus to the Visitor Center and hotel for a mid-afternoon break. Highlights of our CW trip were: (1) The Official Ghost Walk Tour (which kept even my 8 year old's attention with tales of paranormal activity at the public gaol and the very creepy Peyton-Randolph House, (2) Family Reunited Tour at the Governor's Palace (with a fun demonstration of 18th century social customs, including greetings, social dances, and life of the Dunmore family), and (3) The Apprentice (which gave the kids a fun hands-on experience of colonial life for a young person in 3 vocations - wigmaking, cabinetmaking, and brickyard). My 10 year old also loved the display of muskets and weapons in the Magazine (armory). But a lot of our enjoyment came from asking questions and listening to the interpreters. Although a family visit to CW seems expensive at first, it's much more affordable than a trip to Disney World or nearby Busch Gardens. And you learn something about colonial American history. We plan to come back for a Busch Gardens visit next year, but I'm glad we focused our 3-days on CW itself. The Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Victory Center (aka the American Revolutionary Museum) both make for easy half-day visits if you are history buffs and wish to expand the CW experience. read more

Colonial Williamsburg - Pillory by the Courthouse - Tours Near Me - Williamsburg, Virginia

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Extremely disappointed with our experience here. Was expecting some great re-enactments, the opportunity to experience what life was like in Williamsburg for the people in the 1700's. We got a handful of "actors" who were definitely just rehearsing lines, and the most of the places that were open were selling something. Only one place to eat, saw a total of two British Soldiers, and the fife and drum you heard was two people sitting in a field. It was brutally hot, and water was hard to find. Probably were only able to enter 4 buildings that were open. The rest were closed. And we did buy tickets for the day. Really felt like it wasn't worth it to buy the tickets. Which is sad. Really was hoping for more. read more

When I left NJ for my vacation in Colonial Williamsburg, I expected restrictions, but this is ridiculous. I downloaded the app, so that I could see what was available each day. Imagine my chagrin when I found that the app was wrong half the time, and none of the buildings were ACTUALLY open. You must stand outside in the heat and listen to an informational talk for most attractions, and if you do get inside, artifacts are covered in plastic sheeting from Home Depot. After 3 days of being promised that ONE tavern was open, the ONE tavern finally did (Chownings), and we were able to eat in a tavern. After being seated at the distanced tables, we were told that we needed to wear our masks until we actually ate. That wasn't true of ANY other restaurant in town. But in Colonial Williamsburg, adding food to the table magically makes the Covid go away! Regarding Chownings, which I have really enjoyed in the past: it sucked. The food was bland. I got the Brunswick stew and the Smoke N Spiced BBQ chicken BLT. No flavor to either, and the BLT was not smoky, spicy, or BBQ. What a drop in quality! The first day we were here, the whole town was closed due to rain. The ghost tour was cancelled TWICE, due to possible rain that never showed up. I thought Virginia only shut down due to snow. Now I know that any inclement weather will shut this place down. Colonial Williamsburg, if you're not REALLY going to open, DON'T OPEN! read more

This was really an amazing visit for our family. So many things to learn and see, incredibly knowledgeable staff, and lots to do. We really enjoyed the art museum and seeing the baby sheep. We would have liked more kid-oriented content but overall, a must-see experience for all Americans. read more

We were very disappointed with Colonial Williamsburg. The website said the opened at 9:00. Most things were not open until 10. They do not do the day in history anymore. Most but not all shops were open but not all demonstrating. Most shop workers did not offer information . said they would answer questions if you had them. A few of the workers were very rude. Such a great opportunity but it did not pan out. We looked through in 3 hours. read more

WHAT A FUN TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! When we arrived at the visitor center and were trying to use the bus, it appeared you had to buy a ticket to some of the colonial buildings to use the bus, which was pretty pricey and we weren't looking to spend so much money. With that being said, I Google-mapped a parking garage and found Prince George Parking Garage that is SUPER close to Colonial Williamburg, like a block away (https://www.williamsburgva.gov/index.aspx?page=413). It's also only $1/hr, HOW AWESOME. Once we had our parking settled, my husband and I just explored around and I took lots of photos. I love how nice all the actors are and much you feel you are pulled back into the past. After a certain point, roads are blocked off for just pedestrians and horse-drawn carriages to just use. A great place for littles kids to learn some history and explore around. We are definitely going to make it back! Maybe to purchase a ticket for a look inside the buildings. Not all buildings require a ticket to enter, but the cool ones do. Also for the little shows they have during the day. read more

Colonial Williamsburg - Tours Near Me - Williamsburg, Virginia

We love this place. We come here at least once a year, but try to do more when we can. My belief is that every American ought to visit. Although it amazes me how few kids appreciate the awesome gift we have in this city. I can't begin to go into a long list of recommendations, but here are a few. Be sure to try and do at least one of the evening programs. Some are seasonal, but there always in something and so far they have all been good. Of the taverns, Chownings is our favorite and we eat there 1-2 each visit. Yes, it can be expensive, but you're supporting the museum. Our favorite shop (John Greenhow) is shut down due to mold from the hurricanes this past fall, but I look forward to it's reopening. Everything about Colonial Williamsburg is exceptional. The Fife and Drum Corps is always a treat and the interpreters are top notch. Yes, some are better at staying in the 18th century than others, but most stay there and make me want to as well. read more

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I would have enjoyed the history and experience a lot more if anything was open. Visited on a Saturday and was quite disappointed. Paid a lot to get in $$$ just to have some buildings to look at and lots of closed doors. The few character staff were merely people dressed for the colonial era but not in character and just seem like they were hanging out.... No real energy or want to make it any kind of interactive experience. The governors palace was the closest thing to an authentic attraction... very very disappointed... this place was probably nice once but not anymore. read more

Where your comfortable shoes!!! Stretch it out, plan on getting your exercise in for the day (aka a lot of walking). I'm a big history fan so I a BIG fan of Colonial Williamsburg. Plan on spending some time, this isn't one of those historic places where you walk around for 45 minutes and feel like you "got the tour". You need to spend some time here, you really need to walk around and take it all in. Plan on spending the day (at least). Take your time, listen to what all of the people/craftsmen and craftswomen to say and how they do the things they do, it really is fascinating to see how it was done and how far we've come. It's not cheap, let me state that but it is worth the price of admission as they say. I've never stayed on site so I can't speak to the accommodations but if they pay attention to details anything close to like what they do on the grounds, they have to be good. read more

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If you're only going for one day then buy your tickets in front the kiosk DO NOT wait on the long line. Customer service will then give u a lanyard and a map. I feel bad for the day visitors that waited in horribly the long line. We spent a day visiting the village. So many cool shows and buildings. They pushed the freshly baked Gingerbread cookies. Um.. Not so good. The Oatmeal Raisin was much better. The bakery had a few prepackaged sandwiches which was great. The staff/actors were amazing and very friendly. I wish that there was more signage. Example. We almost passed the candle maker in the yard. Luckily we followed the crowd. We almost missed the maze but luckily hubby read the map The buses were frequent and clean/safe. The bad part is the area is not fenced off. The locals seem to like walking thru with their dogs or on their bikes. We will def be back. We had a blast. read more

Colonial Williamsburg - The kid enjoying his costume. The Patriot - Tours Near Me - Williamsburg, Virginia

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This is a different revue so here is the deal. This place has the potential to be a great destination. The buildings are in great shape the land is well maintained. 2 stars because they are understaffed and the experience is nothing like the commercials and advertising.... very disappointing! read more

My daughter asked for a selfie with an employee. I love it! This is a neat place to go but maybe not for small children. It was far more interesting to my teenager than to my boys (10 & 5) they were bored. I was a little bored myself... I'm still giving it 4 stars because it's a cool place and lots of history. read more

Colonial Williamsburg - Tours Near Me - Williamsburg, Virginia

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I was very disappointed to pay $70 and tradespeople at Raliegh Tavern we ere not there. Either lower prices or open up exhibits. When buying my ticket I asked specifically about tradespeople in Raligh Tavern. Never was I told they were Closed. Auction was fun read more

I love this place. We have probably been 10 times in the last 18 years. Maybe more. The first time I visited was 41 years ago and the last was today. My husband and I LOVE early American history. We did not grow up on the east coast and Williamsburg still seems very special. Being able to walk down the streets that Jefferson, Washington, Madison, Patrick Henry as well as many of our own more humble ancestors walked is worth the trip and we enjoy it. Our children have been coming since they were too small to walk and they love it, too. We've had a number of differing experiences. We've been with our out of town visiting relatives, just our family and twice with our kids for school trips. Each trip has been different, and one thing that makes a huge difference is the weather! The most challenging trip ever was with our out of town visiting relatives. It was the worst heat of summer, close to 100 degrees and they wanted to take in everything which was exhausting and all of our kids were young and cranky. My best trip was in April because of the glorious gardens. Even though it was a school trip, which is never quite as fun as being free to do what you want. But the gardens were just like the calendars, postcards and the website. It was so beautiful. I hope I get to go back someday during that time of year. However, we were extremely fortunate to have just had two of the nicest July days ever in Williamsburg and it made being there so much more pleasant. It can be a hot and dusty place. Fortunately they have drinking fountains hidden in several places. When we visit with just our family, which is my husband, myself and two kids, we always stay in either the Lodge or the colonial homes (houses in the colonial area meant for guests). We do this because it makes the stay much better. We are right there and can walk to the historic area whenever we want. The last three visits have been in the colonial homes. These are very costly ($600 a night this time), but we make this a priority, like any vacation. The fun of being able to walk right off the street and into one of the houses is really worth the cost. The houses are not exactly luxurious. They are authentic. Just like if you stayed in one of the houses you toured in the town. But with bathrooms. They have authentic seating, which can be not so great for lounging, but for a day or two it's ok. Extremely important to know--they don't have Wi-Fi. I used my phone to make a hotspot and it worked just fine, though. We usually go to the water park during the day then enjoy the peace and quiet of the town in the morning and evening when there are almost no other tourists there. Which is nice, but also strange. But this brings up the only issue I have with CW. Why do they keep such short hours? It makes no sense to me. Many times we arrive in the late afternoon to check in (4pm check in) only to find things just closing down. A wasted day. Then if we go anywhere during the heat of the day (water park) we miss everything and again come back to find things closed. Even the shops in merchant square keep strange hours for a tourist town. It's light for more than three hours after five most of the summer. What kind of weird tourist town has a square full of shops which close down by 5,6 or 7? We were lucky to attend a concert at Bruton Parish Church the first night (not part of CW) and enjoyed it very much. Sometimes there are evening activities you can pay extra to attend. However, and I do hesitate to say this, we have stopped buying the entrance tickets. It's not as if we are not supporting the CW Foundation with our costly hotel lodging and by eating in the very pricey (for what you get) restaurants onsite. But we just don't find any need for the tickets. We don't find that they are worth the cost as we have been there so many times. If we could buy reduced price tickets we might consider it. But....we were not even asked if we wanted any kind of ticket at all when we checked in this visit. And there was no option to add them on the reservations page. We would have had to ask to buy them, I guess. Another reviewer suggested that they create a little book with pictures and descriptions of the houses. I've included 2 pics of a book my parents bought in 1977 that I've loved ever since. This trip I took it with us and read the more interesting descriptions to my family as we walked in the morning and evening. It was the most they have ever learned while there. Including when we've had tickets. I worry about CW sometimes. They just don't seem to know how to make the most out of what they have. I've talked to people who have connections to the place and there seem to have been several tries to change things, but I don't see the evidence. We will continue to visit. It is like a living postcard. And it's a real place that has real meaning. Which I value. read more

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Visited this past July, great experience, the only complaint that I have is the ghos walk omongst us tour was dissaponting. Being that we are walking in the grounds where a war occurred, the ghost stories should be about war casualties. Also, wr had diiner at Shields tavern, overpriced food, although the food was great. Experience was not what was expected. Some of the characters should be more upkept, the gentlemen that walked around impersating a general needed a bath as he had real bad BO, it made my eating experience a dissapointment specially for someone like me that has an extremely sensitive nose. read more

Colonial Williamsburg - Having dinner at Shields taver in WILLIAMSBURG, VA - Tours Near Me - Williamsburg, Virginia

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