Bruton Parish Episcopal Church Tours and Tickets

Step into the heart of Colonial Williamsburg on this self-guided walking tour that goes beyond the costumes and reenactments. This tour invites you to explore not just what happened, but how it's remembered. Along the way, you'll uncover stories of power, protest, labor, and legacy. Each stop reveals how colonial life was lived, contested, and reimagined. As you walk, you'll hear about the celebrated and the overlooked: from revolutionaries and craftsmen to the enslaved and the displaced. Rather than simply retelling history, this tour asks deeper questions about memory, identity, and what it means to inherit the past. Designed to be thoughtful and accessible, this tour is perfect for curious travelers, history buffs, and anyone who wants to see Williamsburg in a new light. Please note this tour is independently produced and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and does not include admission to any ticketed exhibits.

Meet the ghosts who occupy one of the oldest cities in the United States on this after-dark ghost tour of Colonial Williamsburg. Hear tales of the city's haunted history as you walk past Williamsburg's spookiest sites, all of which have been researched by professional historians and vetted by renowned psychics and investigators.

Don’t just visit Colonial Williamsburg’s most important historic landmarks—bring the complexities and drama of the colonial period to life with this immersive, insider history tour. Meet your guide at a convenient start point in Williamsburg, and set off on foot to really soak up the scenery. As you spot landmarks like the Governor’s Palace, Market Square, and more, your historian guide will share stories about the city’s former residents and political tensions.

Explore Yorktown and Colonial Williamsburg, where America’s future was decided. This historical voyage transports you to an era that shaped our nation. See meticulously preserved colonial architecture, revolutionary battlefields, and much more as you explore these iconic destinations. Fascinating audio stories and historical reenactors bring the past to life with this easy-to-use tour bundle. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

Travel back in time more than 300 years—and learn all about Williamsburg’s wealth of history—on this flexible, self-led smartphone tour. Upon booking, download the app; after arriving at Colonial Williamsburg (tickets own expense) set off at your own pace. Thanks to the app’s offline capabilities and GPS maps, you can navigate with ease as you discover the park’s top landmarks and hear the stories behind the sights.

Walk the final steps of the condemned on this adults-only ghost tour led by the Executioner of Colonial Williamsburg. Through chilling tales of crime, punishment, and restless spirits, this immersive experience explores the haunted legacy of justice in the colonial capital. From gallows to graveyards, uncover the dark truths behind public executions, vengeful ghosts, and the souls left behind. Gripping, grim, and unforgettable—this tour is not for the faint of heart.

Enjoy a night of drinking and ghost stories as you explore Williamsburg with the help of a tour guide to show you around. Stop at a range of local establishments for drinks and pass by historical sights on the way while you listen to the macabre tales told by your engaging tour leader. Make sure you come thirsty for some drinks and hungry for some thoroughly researched spooky stories.

If you’re interested in learning about Williamsburg’s Colonial history then this private tour saves hours doing your own independent research. Pick between half- or full-day durations and join a private guide on a walk around the city, with insightful commentary throughout. The route is customizable to help ensure it's tailored to your preferences, and stops include major landmarks such as the Capitol Building, the Williamsburg Inn, and the Governor’s Palace.

Colonial Williamsburg offers the chance to step back in time to the 18th century—and this private walking tour will give you an even richer understanding of this early American destination. Pick from multiple tour times, meet your guide outside the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center, and set off. Explore the city’s key historical landmarks, learn about what colonial–era life was like, and hear behind-the-scenes stories about Williamsburg’s history.

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.

Have you ever wondered how our modern Christmas traditions began? Join us for a 1-hour walking tour through the streets of Colonial Williamsburg, where your guide will reveal the colonial Christmas celebrations that shaped our current traditions. You'll also learn how the decorating style of Colonial Williamsburg influenced decorations across the nation. Shades of Our Past is not affiliated with Colonial Williamsburg; therefore, this tour does not include entry to any buildings owned by Colonial Williamsburg. The tour takes place through the streets of Colonial Williamsburg and is subject to weather conditions. Please be prepared for various weather scenarios. Additionally, the advertised tour route may change based on activities in the Historic Area. Please note that tours may be unavailable on certain days due to staff participating in other events. For more details about these programs, please visit our website.

Dare to experience the #1 ultimate ghost hunt tour in Williamsburg, where real history meets real hauntings every night, year-round! Led by expert guides—this USMC Disabled Combat-Veteran-Owned, experience takes you deep into the eerie past of one of America’s most haunted cities. Feel the chilling presence of spirits as you visit Bruton Parish Church, the Governor’s Palace, Peyton Randolph House and Burial Grounds, and Market Square & Magazine. From witch trials to scandalous murders, hear the twisted tales that still haunt Williamsburg today. Equipped with ghost-hunting gear, track paranormal activity as you wander through the historic district. Every shadow and whisper could be an unseen visitor making their presence known! While we don’t enter buildings, this ensures you visit as many haunted locations as possible. This unforgettable ghost hunt is packed with mystery, history, and spine-tingling encounters. Ready to uncover Williamsburg’s darkest secrets? Join us—if you dare!

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.

Celebrate the holiday season with a spine-tingling twist! On this lantern-lit ghost tour through Colonial Williamsburg, you’ll discover the chilling legends and eerie tales hidden beneath the festive glow of garlands, candles, and wreaths. Hear stories of yuletide spirits, winter hauntings, and mysterious happenings that prove not all is merry and bright in Virginia’s most historic city. Blending Williamsburg’s rich history with holiday lore, this unique experience is perfect for those who love a little fright with their festivities. Bundle up, bring your curiosity, and prepare for a Christmas ghost tour unlike any other! Tour duration: 1 hour 30 minutes Family-friendly; kids under 6 are free Real stories from costumed characters Meets at the Capitol, rain or shine

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 decorations and begin our journey to the Duke of Gloucester. We'll discuss how holidays were celebrated in 17th and 18th Centuries here in Virginia including plantations, our Capital cities and during the Revolutionary War (e.g., Continental Army). Holiday biscuits by African descendants or traditional gingerbread cookies are offered. If before 7PM, we offer hot beverages. Note: Grand Illuminations are the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Saturdays of December (7pm fireworks). The Yule Log lightings are the first, second and third Fridays of December.

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. Routes may also be changed to accommodate activities in Colonial Williamsburg. 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.

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 discuss 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 Williamsburg was, and is, so important not only to Dr. Goodwin and Mr. Rockefeller but also to future generations. 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.