Secrets of Colonial Williamsburg Hidden History Walking Tour
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 112 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Secrets of Colonial Williamsburg Hidden History Walking Tour worth booking?
Secrets of Colonial Williamsburg Hidden History Walking Tour is a 2-hour experience in Williamsburg, United States, from $26 per person. It scores 83 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 112 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 83 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (112)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $26 per person
Come on our historical tour presented by Junket! Colonial Williamsburg is a living history museum. We'll examine Williamsburg in its early colonial guise. You'll experience what it was like to reside in the colonial capital during a time when ruthless businesspeople, ruthless politicians, enslaved Africans, and possibly a few pirates walked these streets. Investigate the homes, business, places of government, and houses of worship that were integral to society in Colonial Williamsburg. Rewind to a period when the cries of emancipation reverberated through the halls of power and the murmurs of American independence hung thick in the air.
What you get
About this experience
Come on our historical tour presented by Junket! Colonial Williamsburg is a living history museum. We'll examine Williamsburg in its early colonial guise. You'll experience what it was like to reside in the colonial capital during a time when ruthless businesspeople, ruthless politicians, enslaved Africans, and possibly a few pirates walked these streets. Investigate the homes, business, places of government, and houses of worship that were integral to society in Colonial Williamsburg. Rewind to a period when the cries of emancipation reverberated through the halls of power and the murmurs of American independence hung thick in the air.
What's included
Included
- Thoroughly researched and accurate history
- Professional and courteous guide
Not included
- Transportation
What you'll see and do
Formerly known as Boundary Street, this historic avenue served as the border between English colonists and Native Americans.
Pass by without stopping
Public Hospital Museum
"Idiots, lunatics, and those of insane mind" were to be housed in this institution, according to its founding documents. Although conditions were frequently not much better than those in jails, several doctors tried to make things better for their patients. After the Civil War, the situation worsened once again, and in the 1890s, the original structure burned down.
Pass by without stopping
Bruton Parish Episcopal Church
The church was established in 1682, and the current structure was built in 1715. At various times during their lifetimes, five presidents frequented this church. Martha Washington's first husband and two of their children are interred in the church's cemetery.
Pass by without stopping
George Wythe House
Professor of law, politician, judge, and signer of the Declaration of Independence: George Wythe was an accomplished man. John Marshall (Supreme Court Justice) and Thomas Jefferson were among his pupils. Examine the controversy surrounding his passing.
Pass by without stopping
The city's fire engine previously resided in this center of activity in Williamsburg. Residents were concerned about traffic after vehicles were introduced, but W.A.R. Goodwin, the head of the Williamsburg restoration effort, came up with a brilliant solution.
Pass by without stopping
When this courthouse was erected in 1770, it had distinctive design elements. The whipping post and stockyards just outside are evidence that justice was swiftly delivered in Williamsburg.
Pass by without stopping
This tavern, which was first constructed in 1717, was a popular among politicians and college students. Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, and others founded the Committees of Correspondence in this location, which served as the primary vehicle for political coordination and preparation among the colonies prior to the start of the Revolutionary War.
Pass by without stopping
Since many significant records had been destroyed in a fire at the Capitol, this building was built in 1748 as a location to store critical papers. At the moment, the Secretary's Office is the oldest archival structure in the Western Hemisphere.
Pass by without stopping
The construction of this old mansion was exceptional, and it featured a cutting-edge water drainage system to catch rainfall. The history of this house includes a fascinating chapter about a group of African slaves.
Pass by without stopping
Governor's Palace
The structure you'll see was a replica completed in 1934, but Thomas Jefferson, who previously lived there while serving as governor of Virginia after the Revolutionary War, had the original ideas for its construction.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Williamsburg
Meet your guide outside the Kimball Theater. Your guide will be wearing a white Junket T-shirt and carrying a flag!
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
End your tour with a stop at the historic Governor's Palace.
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
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 13 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Colonial Ghosts By Us Ghost Adventures
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- 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 110 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
9 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
110 verified traveler reviews for Secrets of Colonial Williamsburg Hidden History Walking Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Colonial Williamsburg: Patrick
Posted review on Google the same day we took the tour. Patrick did a fantastic job touring us through Colonial Williamsburg. He captured the spirit of the times and interjected several pertinent stories to make the experience come alive. Totally enjoyed the tour. Would definitely recommend it. Thank you kindly.
via Tripadvisor
Colonial Williamsburg at a glance
Our guide, Patrick, was very good. He was knowledgeable about the history, the buildings and historical people and had a good sense of humor. He took his time talking and answering questions and made everyone in the group feel included. I have a bad knee and walking can be difficult but the length of the tour and with the slow steady pace we walked it was very enjoyable. We would request him again if we had the opportunity to.
via Tripadvisor
AmazingTour
Patrick did am amazing job, story telling and history facts. The walking was beautiful and enjoyable.
via Viator
This is a must.
Great tour. Patrick really knew what he was talking about. Best way to get deep into the history of an amazing place. Highly recommended.
via Tripadvisor
Superb - Highly illuminating
No wonder this experience has a solid 5.0 rating. Our guide was Ryan, who was personable, witty, very knowledgeable and brought the daily life of pre-colonial, colonial and post-independence Williamsburg to life through the modern lens. His stories are well-woven, with hints of suspense, irony, character flaws of the storied persons, and notable victories, defeats, and victories wrung from defeats of many salient characters who shaped Williamsburg's rich history. That rapscallion Lord Dunsmore scored two for the opposition; a famous local early President had setbacks in life which make him a more sympathetic figure even with dubious proclivities we had not previously heard; how widows prospered - and endless more. RUSH to book this "experience," not a "tour."
Response from the operator: Hello Rodney, thank you for such a thoughtful review! We’re thrilled to hear Ryan brought Williamsburg’s history to life with his wit, storytelling, and unique perspective. It sounds like his mix of suspense, historical details, and fascinating stories about the people who shaped the area made this experience truly memorable. We’ll be sure to pass your kind words along to Ryan! 👻
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $26 to $36
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 39
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Colonial Ghosts By Us Ghost Adventures, who run 5 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 75.8.
See everything Colonial Ghosts By Us Ghost Adventures runsWhy this scores 83
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Secrets of Colonial Williamsburg Hidden History Walking Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Williamsburg.
How much does Secrets of Colonial Williamsburg Hidden History Walking Tour cost?
+
Prices start at $26 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 Secrets of Colonial Williamsburg Hidden History Walking Tour take?
+
Plan for about 2 hours 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 Secrets of Colonial Williamsburg Hidden History Walking Tour worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 83 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 112 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 Secrets of Colonial Williamsburg Hidden History Walking 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 Secrets of Colonial Williamsburg Hidden History Walking Tour suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Secrets of Colonial Williamsburg Hidden History Walking Tour?
+
Around 39 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?
+
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 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Secrets of Colonial Williamsburg Hidden History Walking Tour start and how do I get there?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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.
What is included in Secrets of Colonial Williamsburg Hidden History Walking Tour?
+
Included: Thoroughly researched and accurate history; and Professional and courteous guide. Not included: Transportation. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Secrets of Colonial Williamsburg Hidden History Walking Tour?
+
Meet your guide outside the Kimball Theater. Your guide will be wearing a white Junket T-shirt and carrying a flag! Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Secrets of Colonial Williamsburg Hidden History Walking Tour offered in?
+
It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Secrets of Colonial Williamsburg Hidden History Walking Tour?
+
Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Secrets of Colonial Williamsburg Hidden History Walking Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Secrets of Colonial Williamsburg Hidden History Walking Tour if the weather is bad?
+
This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Secrets of Colonial Williamsburg Hidden History Walking Tour?
+
Across 112 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Secrets of Colonial Williamsburg Hidden History Walking Tour.
Pick your date
