Exclusive Private Colonial Williamsburg Walking Tour by a Local

5.0 (49 reviews) 2 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

49 reviews

5.0

We'll stop for a photo in front of the magnificent Governor's Palace. — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

We will meet and begin our tour at the elegant Williamsburg inn. — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Let's go back in time together!

Colonial Williamsburg’s historic area covers 10 blocks, making a private walking tour with a licensed local guide a fun, practical way to see its main sights.

Walk from the Williamsburg Inn along Duke of Gloucester St, viewing the Capitol, trades and shops, horse-drawn carriages, and the Governor’s Palace while learning about Virginia’s colonial history and the move toward independence.

Discover the spots only a local knows, like formal gardens, hidden sheep, and a bakery with 18th-century cookies.

The route concludes at Bruton Parish Church near Merchants Square, where you can continue exploring, shop, or grab a bite.

The tour can be customized to your interests and covers up to 1.5 miles.

Guests are saying:

“We rank Cyndi in the top 2% of professional guides we’ve experienced.” “She knows her history and shows a lot of enthusiasm for it.” “She was a pleasure to be with.”

Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Top Product New Product Short term availability Weather Dependent - Moderate

At a glance

Duration: 2 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: Friendly Williamsburg Tours

Ages: Children (6–11 years) · Adults (12–84 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Private Tour of Colonial Williamsburg
Included: Official Map of Colonial Williamsburg

Not included

Not included: Gratuities
Not included: Bottled water
Not included: Does not include Admission Ticket to Colonial Williamsburg

Itinerary

Stop 1

30 min

Your licensed guide will meet you at the elegant Williamsburg Inn, 136 E. Francis Street, and escort you back in time to the 18th-century.

As we walk up Duke of Gloucester Street we will enter a different, slower-paced town. We will learn why the Colonists decided to break off from Great Britain.

We will experience the sights, sounds, and scents of the 1700s, when Virginia was the largest and wealthiest colony in British America.
Colonial Williamsburg Capitol Building

15 min Admission not included

We will immerse ourselves in the 18th century as we walk up Duke of Gloucester Street, "the most historic street in America."

We will stop to view the Capitol Building, where our Founding Fathers debated British taxation and finally proposed independence.

Along the way we will pass by busy trades, merchant shops, and taverns.

And maybe even visit the dark jail cells and shackles of the Public Gaol (Jail) where Blackbeard's pirates were imprisoned.
Tarpley, Thompson, And Company

20 min Admission not included

Walking down Duke of Gloucester Street, we will talk about Virginia's role in declaring our independence and chat about Colonial life here in the capital city.

We will see costumed interpreters and observe the busy shops, working trades, and taverns for hungry travelers where our Fouding Fathers debated independence.

We will stop by the Courthouse where we'll share the punishments doled out to convicted criminals and perhaps take a photo with your feet in the "stocks."
Stop 4

20 min

On our way to the magnificent Governor's Palace, we'll pass by horse-drawn carriages, perhaps encounter a patriot, and walk up Palace Green to see the mansion that showcased the wealth and power of the British empire.
Bruton Parish Episcopal Church

15 min

We will conclude our tour at the historic Bruton Parish Church, near Merchants Square.

This gives you the option to continue touring the historic area or to visit Merchants Square with its 40 shops and restaurants.

Shops include Lululemon, Talbot's, and Scotland House, and award-winning restaurants, from fine dining to casual spots.

You may want to continue touring or grab a bite, or go souvenir shopping. Your guide will let you know their favorite spots!

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

We will meet in the Lobby at The Williamsburg Inn, 136 Francis St. (off Colonial St.), Williamsburg, VA 23185. Your guide will be wearing a tour guide badge.

End point

We will end our tour at the historic Bruton Paris Church near Merchants Square. This gives you the option to continue touring the historic area or to visit Merchants Square, with its 40 shops and restaurants, to go souvenir shopping or grab a bite to eat.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
This is a Walking Tour, walking 10 blocks and up to 1.5 miles.
Colonial Williamsburg has a lot more walking than visitors may realize.
Be prepared to walk over large cobblestones, uneven brick sidewalks, and high steps, in the historic area.
Not recommended for those with walkers or rollators.
Be prepared to walk over large cobblestones, uneven brick sidewalks, and high steps in the historic area.
Not recommended for those with walkers or Rollators.