
Murder, Mayhem, and Scandal: 1-hour Historical Character Tour
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 85 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Murder, Mayhem, and Scandal: 1-hour Historical Character Tour worth booking?
Murder, Mayhem, and Scandal: 1-hour Historical Character Tour is a 1-hour experience in Williamsburg, United States, from $25 per person. It scores 77 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 85 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 77 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (85)
- Duration
- 1 hours
- From
- $25 per person
*FOR MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY-AGES 17 +* During this one-hour walking tour, hear the darker side of 18th-Century Williamsburg. Stories of murder, mayhem, and scandal--those things talked about in taverns, back alleys, and
What you get
About this experience
*FOR MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY-AGES 17 +* During this one-hour walking tour, hear the darker side of 18th-Century Williamsburg. Stories of murder, mayhem, and scandal--those things talked about in taverns, back alleys, and the courts--straight from the town's citizens. Each tour will be different, and the stories are a-plenty. Due to the sensitive nature of the subjects and the salty language of the time, this tour is recommended for mature audiences 17 and older. Please note that since every tour is different, the routes advertised may also differ. 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.
What's included
Included
- Souvenir button
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
This is the location of the Public Gaol (Jail). The story will revolve around the trial of Blackbeard's pirates, or other trials held in the Capitol Building.
15 minutes here
The discussion point will be about the Col. George Mercer Stamp Act Incident.
15 minutes here · Admission not included
The story will revolve around the sensational Col. John Chiswell case.
15 minutes here · Admission not included
The story will revolve around different scandals you may have heard at the tavern.
15 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Williamsburg
You can park in the tavern parking lot located at 500 E. Frances Street. Once parked, exit the parking lot and cross Frances Street onto Blair Street. Continue walking straight for about one block until you reach the circle on the west side of the Capitol Building, which will be on your right.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The tour will end on Duke of Gloucester Street in front of the Raliegh Tavern.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Shades of Our Past
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 85 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
85 verified traveler reviews for Murder, Mayhem, and Scandal: 1-hour Historical Character Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Thank you
Lovely people. Very knowledgeable and passionate about history. This is a small business that deserves to be supported! This is a one of its kind tour with info you don't receive on any other tour.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your kind words. I am so glad you enjoyed your time with us and our passion for the work we do. After all, as J. K. Rowling said, "There's always room for a story that can transport people to another place."
via Tripadvisor
Fun, engaging, and educational!
We enjoyed our evening with Mrs. Pelham! Fascinating history shared with us.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your review. I am so glad to hear you enjoyed your evening with our historian. And remember what Liz Smith says, “ Gossip is just news running ahead of itself in a red satin dress.”
via Tripadvisor
How does this have 5 stars??
We left halfway into the tour because it was just odd and uninteresting. The owner’s husband was our guide, and we should have known it wasn’t going to be good when she was following along. In our half hour, we heard nothing even remotely interesting, and certainly does not fit the title or description. We were fooled by the five star ratings. Don’t waste your time or money.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your feedback. I am sorry the tour did not meet your expectations. I understand that you were expecting scary or spooky stories; however, the tour description does not indicate that we will tell these types of stories. The tour listing describes our tour as "things talked about in taverns, back alleys, and the courts." It is our practice to always have a member of our staff follow the group for safety and to assist visitors to the city who may have questions, so that the tour is not interrupted, allowing the guide to stay focused on the tour. When the owner heard your concerns, she offered to take over the tour and tell the type of stories you wanted, even though she was not in costume or in character, but the offer was declined. We hope you enjoyed the rest of your visit to the city and that you had safe travels home.
via Tripadvisor
Heather is a great tour guide!
Our experience with our tour guide Heather was very informative and lots of fun! I would highly recommend taking this tour especially if you want to become aware of the"tea" back in the day😊 Heather does a great job of making you feel like you're walking the streets of Williamsburg in 1776!
Response from the operator: I am so glad you enjoyed your time with Heather and thank you for taking the time to write this review. We enjoy sharing the “tea” talk with our guests and I agree with you Heather does a great job. And remember as Marilyn Monroe say” When it comes to gossip, I have to readily admit men are as guilty as women.”
via Tripadvisor
Cute tour
This was a fun tour. The husband and wife duo are very nice and the story is interesting. You learn about the history and take a quick stroll up the main street
Response from the operator: Thank you for your kind review. I am pleased you had fun tour with interesting stories as you walked the historic area of Williamsburg. We enjoyed our time with you. And as Truman Capote says “ All literature is gossip.”
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 1 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 30
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 77
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Murder, Mayhem, and Scandal: 1-hour Historical Character Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Williamsburg.
How much does Murder, Mayhem, and Scandal: 1-hour Historical Character Tour cost?
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Prices start at $25 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Williamsburg usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Murder, Mayhem, and Scandal: 1-hour Historical Character Tour take?
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Plan for about 1 hour from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Williamsburg is not rushed.
Is Murder, Mayhem, and Scandal: 1-hour Historical Character Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 77 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 85 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Williamsburg, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Murder, Mayhem, and Scandal: 1-hour Historical Character Tour?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Murder, Mayhem, and Scandal: 1-hour Historical Character Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Murder, Mayhem, and Scandal: 1-hour Historical Character Tour?
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Around 30 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Williamsburg can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Williamsburg and add a light layer if any part of the 1-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Murder, Mayhem, and Scandal: 1-hour Historical Character Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Williamsburg within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Williamsburg?
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Williamsburg centres on Colonial Williamsburg passes, Jamestown and Yorktown history tours, lantern-lit ghost walks and theme park tickets a few minutes away. On Outty we rank every Williamsburg experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Full Day Historic Guided Tour to Jamestown and Yorktown with Lunch, Magic Happens at The Wagsters Magic Theatre, Williamsburg Ghosts, Witches and Pirates Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Williamsburg?
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April to June and September to October. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Williamsburg?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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