Governor's Palace Colonial Williamsburg
Stately pre-Revolution mansion, home to colonial governors and royalty, boasting stunning gardens and immersive historical experiences.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Governor's Palace Colonial Williamsburg
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Stately pre-Revolution mansion, home to colonial governors and royalty, boasting stunning gardens and immersive historical experiences.
"Walking through this palace is worth the entire ticket and more. It’s incredible!"
🎟️ Buy Tickets in Advance
Purchase tickets online or at the Lumber House Ticket Office to save time and ensure entry.
👟 Comfortable Shoes are Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking on the grounds and inside.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Grand Ballroom
Inside the Palace
Experience the grandeur of 18th-century balls with live musicians. A truly immersive historical moment.
Extensive Gardens
Palace Grounds
Wander through meticulously manicured gardens, including a famous hedge maze. Perfect for a leisurely stroll.
The Cellar
Underneath the Palace
Explore the historic cellar, a fascinating glimpse into the daily operations and storage of the era.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Accessibility & Navigation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Buy Tickets in Advance
Purchase tickets online or at the Lumber House Ticket Office to save time and ensure entry.
👟 Comfortable Shoes are Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking on the grounds and inside.
🎶 Enjoy the Live Music
Don't miss the musicians in the ballroom; it's a highlight for many visitors.
🌳 Explore the Gardens
The gardens and hedge maze are a must-see, offering beautiful photo opportunities.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Buy Tickets in Advance
Purchase tickets online or at the Lumber House Ticket Office to save time and ensure entry.
👟 Comfortable Shoes are Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking on the grounds and inside.
🎶 Enjoy the Live Music
Don't miss the musicians in the ballroom; it's a highlight for many visitors.
🌳 Explore the Gardens
The gardens and hedge maze are a must-see, offering beautiful photo opportunities.
🍳 Taste of History
Experience traditional meals cooked on-site, offering a culinary journey back in time.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Governor's Palace for its stunning beauty, historical significance, and immersive experience. The meticulously maintained gardens and the engaging interior tours, often featuring live music and knowledgeable guides, are frequently highlighted as major draws. While some note the gravel paths can be challenging for mobility, the overall consensus is that it's a must-visit attraction.
"This was the first historical landmark that I visited during my time in Williamsburg. The mansion and the gardens are absolutely beautiful and well-maintained. I really enjoyed the speech from "George Washington" and walking through the fun maze in the garden. The mansion has a lot of artifacts from that time period and very few items are original. The tour guides are friendly and very knowledgeable about history of this mansion and who previously lived here. They also have staff cooking traditional meals from that time period.
They have clean restrooms on the premises and places to sit down. For those in wheelchairs, it might get a bit challenging moving around on the grounds as their is a lot of gravel (and broken sea shells) on the ground.
Overall, I definitely recommend making this place a must visit. I do suggest buying your ticket in advance from the Lumber House Ticket Office or online in order to tour this mansion along with the other great landmarks as you can't buy tickets at the front door."
Lisa S
"Blown away! Walking through this palace is worth the entire ticket and more. It’s incredible and everyone is so knowledgeable and helpful, willing to answer all the questions we had. My favorite part was the musicians in the ballroom we stayed and listened for about four songs and could have stayed longer. What an absolute gem!"
Lara Mi
"Breathtakingly beautiful. I loved every bit of this house. Gorgeous woodworking details. Interesting history. I wish I could have stayed longer. Make sure you explore the gardens surrounding the house and the maze in the back. My kids and I also loved the cellar underneath the house. Amazing! And worth the ticket to get in for sure."
Jenny Borter
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Governor's Palace is located at the east end of Duke of Gloucester Street in Colonial Williamsburg. If you're driving, there are parking lots available. Many visitors arrive on foot as part of their exploration of the historic area.
Yes, there are parking areas within Colonial Williamsburg. It's recommended to park and then explore the historic area on foot.
Absolutely! The Governor's Palace is a central part of Colonial Williamsburg, and walking between attractions like the Capitol Building is common and encouraged.
Walking is the most popular way to experience Colonial Williamsburg. There are also shuttle services and horse-drawn carriages available for a more relaxed journey.
Williamsburg has public transportation options, but for direct access to the historic area, including the Governor's Palace, driving and parking or using ride-sharing services are common.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a ticket is required to tour the interior of the Governor's Palace and its associated buildings. Tickets can be purchased online or at the Lumber House Ticket Office.
Ticket prices vary depending on the type of pass you purchase for Colonial Williamsburg. It's best to check the official Colonial Williamsburg website for current pricing and package deals.
No, tickets cannot be purchased at the front door of the Governor's Palace. You must buy them in advance online or at the Lumber House Ticket Office.
A ticket typically grants access to the Governor's Palace interior, including guided tours, and often includes access to other historic buildings and sites within Colonial Williamsburg.
While you can admire the exterior and the gardens from the outside, a ticket is required for the full experience, including interior tours and special demonstrations.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find beautifully restored rooms furnished with period artifacts, offering a glimpse into the lives of colonial governors and royalty.
Yes, knowledgeable guides offer tours, sharing historical insights and stories about the palace and its inhabitants.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's recommended to check the official Colonial Williamsburg website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
Yes, children often enjoy exploring the cellar, the gardens, and the interactive historical demonstrations.
Photography policies can change, but generally, non-flash photography is permitted in most areas. Check for signage or ask a guide.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the palace itself focuses on historical interpretation, there are staff cooking traditional meals in the kitchen area. For a full meal, Merchants Square nearby offers various dining options.
You can find a range of dining experiences, from taverns serving colonial-inspired dishes to modern cafes and restaurants in Merchants Square.
There are beautiful grounds around the palace, and while specific picnic areas might not be designated, enjoying a packed lunch on the expansive lawns is often possible.
Dining options in Merchants Square are diverse and usually include vegetarian and vegan choices. Colonial-era dining might be more limited in this regard.
Prices can range from casual to fine dining. Exploring Merchants Square offers a variety of price points to suit different budgets.
📸 📸 Photography
The gardens, the facade of the palace, and the hedge maze are prime locations for stunning photographs.
Drone usage is typically restricted in historic areas to preserve the atmosphere and for safety reasons. Check with Colonial Williamsburg for specific regulations.
Visiting during weekdays and during off-peak hours (early morning or late afternoon) can significantly reduce crowds and improve photo opportunities.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for both architecture and garden shots. A wide-angle lens can capture the grandeur of the palace.
While exterior photography is generally unrestricted, flash photography inside the palace may be prohibited. Always look for signage or ask staff.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes as there's a lot of ground to cover. Consider purchasing a multi-day pass if you plan to explore other Colonial Williamsburg sites, as it offers better value. The staff are generally very welcoming and happy to answer children's questions.
🏛️ History Buffs
The meticulous reconstruction and the wealth of historical artifacts provide an authentic experience. Don't miss: The guided tours led by knowledgeable interpreters who can delve into the political and social nuances of the era. Pay attention to the architectural details and the period furnishings, which are crucial to understanding the historical context.
📸 Photographers
The golden hour light in the late afternoon can create magical shots. Tips: Visit during weekdays or early mornings to avoid crowds and get cleaner shots. Experiment with different angles in the gardens and consider a wide-angle lens to capture the palace's grandeur.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of the Governor's Palace
Throughout its history, the Palace was a center of political and social life. It hosted lavish balls, important colonial assemblies, and significant figures of the era. The restoration efforts were groundbreaking, utilizing original architectural plans and historical research to bring the building back to its former glory. Today, it stands as a testament to the architectural achievements and the political landscape of pre-Revolutionary America.
Visitors can explore the Palace's interior, which showcases period furnishings and artifacts, offering a tangible connection to the past. The guided tours provide in-depth narratives about the lives of those who resided and worked there, making history come alive. The kitchen and buttery areas also offer a fascinating look at the domestic operations of such a grand estate.
Exploring the Palace Gardens
A highlight for many visitors is the famous hedge maze, a delightful challenge that evokes the playful spirit of the era. It's a perfect spot for family fun and memorable photos. Wandering through the different garden rooms, such as the bowling green and the kitchen garden, offers a serene escape and a deeper appreciation for colonial landscaping.
During different seasons, the gardens offer a unique visual experience. From spring blooms to the rich colors of autumn, the Palace gardens provide a picturesque backdrop year-round. Visitors are encouraged to take their time exploring these meticulously maintained grounds, which are a vital part of the overall historical experience.
The Palace Kitchen and Cellar
The cellar beneath the palace served as a vital storage space for food, wine, and other provisions. It provides a cool, atmospheric glimpse into the logistical side of colonial living. Exploring this area often sparks conversations about food preservation, the types of goods stored, and the labor involved in maintaining the household.
These areas offer a more grounded perspective on colonial life, contrasting with the formal elegance of the upper floors. They are particularly engaging for children and anyone interested in the practical aspects of history.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit