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An intriguing, bone-chilling way to enjoy a little history (accurate or not), these dynamic ghost tours have become a very popular part of the Williamsburg experience. And since several of them let kids 6 and under in free, they’re a fun evening entertainment that won’t break the bank.
(Speaking of which, if you're looking for ways to enjoy Williamsburg on the cheap, check out my "Secrets of a Cheap Colonial Williamsburg Vacation" guide.
Apparently, most of the stories on the ghost tours come from a book called "The Hauntings of Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown” by Jackie Eileen Behrend. It features tales like the Wagon of Death, which can be heard rolling down Nicholson Street bringing prisoners to the gallows, and ghostly celebrations that take place at the Historic Area’s Raleigh Tavern.
It also tells spooky tales from Yorktown--including sounds that supposedly come from “Cornwallis’ Cave,” a small cave down near the waterfront where British General Lord Cornwallis hid during the town's siege in 1781—and about a jilted lover that haunts the banks of the James River in Jamestown.
I’ve put together a comprehensive overview of the tours you can choose from, including prices, contact numbers, and details which may help you make the best selection for you.
So Many Ghost Tours to Choose From...
Legends, Ghosts, Mysteries & Myths
Led by Colonial Williamsburg costumed interpreters, this 1 hour walking tour shares some of the strange tales and legends associated with the Historic Area. They also offer Cry Witch, a 1-hour program that lets you experience a recreated witch trial from the colonial period. (Warning: “Cry Witch” is NOT appropriate for children.) Cost per tour: $12 for adults, $7 kids 12 and under. In season, they’re offered nightly. Call for tickets and schedules.
Legends, Ghosts, Mysteries & Myths phone number: 1-800-501-0156.
I’ve read different reviews of the “Legends” tour; some good, some bad. Since it’s a bit pricier than some of the independent tours, you might want to go with one of the following tours if you want the best “bang” for your buck.
Tavern Ghost Walks
Also led by Colonial Williamsburg costumed interpreters, the tavern walk claims “our employees know there are ghosts among us!” It focuses on stories and happenings experienced by real-life employees at the taverns (like Raleigh Tavern) that you can visit and dine at in the Historic Area. Attendees also receive a souvenir pin. Cost: $12 for adults, $7 kids 12 and under. In season, they’re offered nightly.
Tavern Ghost Walks phone number: 1-800-501-0156. Call for schedule and tickets.
I’ve only ever heard good reviews of this one!
The Original “Ghosts of Williamsburg” Candlelight Tours
The fact that it’s been voted Williamsburg’s #1 spooky tour 12 years in a row must mean something. Cost: $10 for adults, kids 6 and under are free. In season, they’re offered nightly. Call for schedule and tickets.
The Original “Ghosts of Williamsburg” Candlelight Tours phone number: 1-877-62-GHOST
Ghostly Lantern Tours
This 1-1/2 hour tour departs nightly in season from the Kimball Theater in Merchants Square at 8 pm. Cost: $9 for adults, kids 6 and under are free.
Ghostly Lantern Tours phone number: 1-757-570-8535.
Williamsburg Ghost Lantern Tours
Not to be confused with the similarly named tour above. This isn’t one of the major groups (I just found them by accident on the web) but they had some visitor comments that were positive. They also list “sightings” supposedly made on their tours. Pricing is a little different and a bit confusing (it’s done by the group) but it works out to about $12 per person. They prefer you email them at the site below, but you can call if you prefer.
Williamsburg Ghost Lantern Tours phone number: 757-897-9600
WilliamsburgTours@cox.net
Just so you know...none of the ghost tours (with the exception of the "Legends" tour) will actually get you into any of the Historic Area buildings. If you want to see inside them, you'll need Colonial Williamsburg tickets.
However, these are rather pricey (about $39 for adults). So a cheaper alternative to get a feel of Williamsburg is to spend the day walking around the Historic Area (here's what you can do without paying admission) and then take a ghostly tour in the evening.
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