Introducing Williamsburg’s first, only, and original cemetery tour, which takes place at 1:30pm and 3:30pm. This exclusive guided walking tour will take you to four cemeteries in Williamsburg for a journey into Williamsburg’s hidden history on this unique 90 minute tour. Uncover Williamsburg’s secrets only on the original cemetery tour!
Cemeteries are significant locations personally, culturally, and historically. In addition to acting as a memorial for loved ones, cemeteries have the unique ability to bring the past, present, and future together into a single moment as we look over our history and contemplate the rest of our lives. They are a place of grounding. Culturally, they are locations of community or religious reverence whether it’s a great pyramid or hallowed ground. Historically they are in many cases the earliest written history of a given location.
On this tour, we are going to visit four different cemeteries in Virginia’s Colonial capital and as we go, and contemplate what each cemetery offers us personally, culturally and historically.
LOCATION: The Cemetery tour meets on Duke of Gloucester St in front of the Colonial Courthouse at 101 W Duke of Gloucester St, Williamsburg, VA 23185
WHEN: Cemetery tours are held at 1:30pm and 3:30pm. We ask that you arrive 15 minutes early. Tours are held rain or shine.
TICKETS: You must book online. If you’re having trouble booking online, you may call us at 757.598.1805. You can also buy tickets at Kilwins in cash for $17. Note-There is an additional $2 charge to buy in person.
PARKING: There are several parking lots and street parking available in the area around Kimball Theater. In the event that you cannot find parking, you may use the Prince George Parking Garage for $1/hr.
PRICE:$15 for adults and $10 for children under 12. Kids under 6 are free.
FAQ
Question: Will you do the tour if it is raining?
Answer: Yes. The tours are held rain or shine, so please come prepared.
Question: What is the cost of a cemetery tour, and how long is it?
Answer: Tours are $15.00 per person and are 90 minutes long.
Question: Are reservations required?
Answer: Yes. Advance reservations are required as we have limits to tour size. Reservations are accepted until the tour start time. It is recommended that you book at least three hours in advance to ensure your tour.
Question: Can you do private tours?
Answer: Yes. Please call or email us to discuss scheduling a private tour. We serve large groups and school groups.
Question: Is there an age restriction?
Answer: No.
Question: What is the maximum group size?
Answer: Groups are limited to 20 people per tour guide.
Question: Where are the cemeteries located?
Answer: The cemeteries are located throughout Williamsburg. We will visit three or four of them on the 90-minute tour.
While you may attend this tour for the creepy factor, you will depart with something you didn’t expect.
There are four different kinds of cemeteries we will be visiting. Town cemeteries, which reflect community history and culture; family homestead burial places for a single family or sometimes intermarried families; garden graveyards that double as a place for rest and recreation; and grouped burials which follow a distinct cultural tradition.
Each cemetery mirrors the different communities and history of Williamsburg. Here in Williamsburg, you’ll see the reflection of ties to family, ties to the church, pride in heritage and a community very familiar with loss.
The tour meets at the historic Colonial Courthouse, at 101 W Duke of Gloucester St, Williamsburg, VA 23185. Tours are held in the afternoons, at 1:30pm and 3:30pm, for $15 for adults and $10 for children under 12.
FAQ
Question: Can I visit the cemeteries on my own?
Answer: Yes, the cemeteries are open to the public during the daytime. But you won’t get all the great stories and history of the cemetery tour!
Question: is this a ghost tour?
Answer: No, this is not a ghost tour. Our focus is not hauntings or ghosts, but rather the interesting and hidden history of Williamsburg’s past and its cemeteries. Some happen to be connected to ghost stories.
Question: Where do I park?
Answer: The best places to park are in the Merchant’s Square area, listed here, or in the Prince George Parking Garage for $1/hr. Many of the public spaces are subject to a one or two-hour parking limit during the day. The garage is the best option for longer stays,
Question: Can we take photos or videos?
Answer: Photos are welcome, but video is strictly prohibited.
Question: Can you do tours at night?
Answer: No, we cannot offer evening cemetery tours.
Question: How much walking is involved?
Answer: There is just under one mile of walking involved from start to finish during the 90-minute tour.