Top Experiences in Bruton Parish Episcopal Church

Our Christmas tour stands out from the rest! You will be taken back in time by your very own 18th century authentic costumed guide. You will hear stories of the holiday traditions throughout the centuries. We will take a stroll past the beautifully decorated homes just as they would have been in the 18th century. A wonderful way to see the town and hear the fascinating history behind the decorations! Come out and join us and make your holiday complete!

Come on to our untold secrets of Williamsburg history tour presented by Junket!

Experience Untold Secrets of Williamsburg to discover the true, dark, and unbelievable stories of the giants of American History who lived here. They helped found our country...but also walked the streets of Williamsburg as living, loving, fighting, and real human beings with personal stories, good and terrible, waiting to be uncovered.

While Colonial Williamsburg is a true museum of living history, many storytellers shy away from the details that made it real and avoid unpopular stories of the great, and terrible, men and women who lived, loved, laughed, killed, and died here. On this tour experience, instead of stepping carefully around those stories, expert tour guides will dive headfirst into unflinching accounts and gripping backstories of the famous and infamous figures who called Williamsburg home.

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.

Join us as we discover the History of Christmas in the colony while exploring the handcrafted decorations that adorn the historic buildings.

On our 1-hour leisurely stroll thru the city, you will have the opportunity to photograph some of the most iconic decorations that are uniquely Colonial Williamsburg. Handcrafted one-of-a-kind decorations made by employees and residents of the city are beautifully and proudly displayed on each building and we will discover the most beautiful and unique of this year's display.

We will discover the religious, humorous, and heartfelt traditions that span the centuries. While learning how the decorations are made, how they became a tradition, and even helpful tips and tricks on how the create your own decorations at home.

Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg is truly an experience that you and your family will cherish for years to come.

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

Beginning at 10pm, this 90-minute Ghost Tour will visit some incredible historic sites such as an Indian burial site, insane asylum, and a cemetery. You will hear stories of witches, murder, betrayal, and war from your professional guide and see where most guests experience strange phenomena and report hauntings.

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, you can check your email before downloading the Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. The preceding steps require good internet/wifi access.

This is not an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

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

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.

The only ghost tour in the world based on the first ever photo-study of ghosts! Real ghost photos, featured in the books Haunted Historic Colonial Williamsburg Virginia with Breakthrough Ghost Photography, Parts 1 & 2, are shown at each stop on a large computer notebook (Samsung Galaxy). Guides will point out the exact location around or in the house or building where the photo was taken and encourage travelers to take their own photos. Tour guides will give relevant historical information pertaining to the haunting as well as personal stories encountered by the book's author and others, including interpreters and security guards from Colonial Williamsburg. Travelers will be given choices about where they would like to stop based on their interests--no tour is ever the same! The West Tour starts at the Cheese Shop in Merchants Square and continues to various buildings in Colonial Williamsburg to the last stop--Williamsburg's most haunted: the Peyton Randolph House.

Come on to our Haunted Pub Crawl Tour presented by US Ghost Adventures!

Join this unique pub crawl tour of historic Williamsburg, Virginia. You'll visit 3-4 of the most popular hotspots to enjoy a drink, including the Precarious Beer Project and Amber Ox Public House, among others. Most of these also happen to be haunted, so be prepared to hear some spooky stories as well. You'll also visit and hear the terrifying tales of some of the area's most historic locations between bar stops, such as the Bruton Parish Church and the George Wythe House.

Exclusive private tour (only your group) with a carefully planned out trail that includes the Williamsburg Inn, the Duke of Gloucester Street, the Capitol Building, the Governor's Palace, Palace Green, Merchant's Square, around William and Mary's Sir Christopher Wren building (the "College"). Points of interest include:

1) The Williamsburg Inn

2) Take in the entirety of the Duke of Gloucester Street and some of the historic businesses

3) Walk around the Capitol Building

4) Enjoy the Palace Green and the Governor's Palace

5) Learn about Bruton Parish Church and Rev. Dr. W.A.R. Goodwin who began the preservation of Colonial Williamsburg

6) Take in Merchant's Square

7) Visit WM's Sir Christopher Wren building (the "College") and learn about the oldest university building in the United States and it's significant role throughout history

Note: we can customize tour to suit your preferences.

During this one-hour walking tour, discover how a sleepy southern town was restored to its former colonial splendor through the dream of Dr. W.A.R. Goodwin and the backing of Mr. John D. Rockefeller, Jr.

We will take you through the restoration of Colonial Williamsburg from its conception through to the continuing restoration efforts. We encourage questions and conversation so all guests can better understand why this place was, and is, so important not only to Dr. Goodwin and Mr. Rockefeller but also to future generations.

*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.

This exclusive, private tour (only your group) highlights Colonial Williamsburg's Christmas traditions and picturesque holiday decorations of our historical area. This tour provides insight about the materials, crafts people, construction and design of the wreaths and garlands adorning the exterior of most 18th Century buildings, exhibits and private homes and different judging categories. We meet at The Williamsburg Inn to admire the spectacular decorations and begin our journey to the Duke of Gloucester. We'll discuss how holidays were celebrated in 18th Century Williamsburg, on Virginia's plantations and during the Revolutionary War. Gingerbread cookies are offered to guests.

Note: Grand Illuminations are the first, second and third Saturdays of December (7pm fireworks from the Governor’s Palace and Capitol). The Yule Log lightings are the first, second and third Fridays of December. Decorations are judged Monday after the first Grand Illumination and a second time two weeks later.