Haunted Williamsburg — Attraction in Williamsburg

TL;DR: Avoid it. You're promised "exclusive access to historic outdoor spaces" - you walk behind some buildings. You're promised "costumed storytellers who share their unnerving tales" - you get a tour guide in period costume relaying second or third-hand stories of security guards who saw a shadow, or another interpreter whose shoe wasn't next to the other shoe. You're promised ".. beyond the barriers to our most haunted sites" - you get a anecdote of a woman living in the house who knew it was haunted. You're promised ".. suitable for ages 8 and older" - you get something that's so mundane and uninteresting that it's unsuitable for anyone who doesn't want to waste an hour.

Apparently years ago the tour was a combination of your tour guide and other costumed interpreters telling the tales at the sites, but these days it's just your guide. And all the stories are about security guards who had "incidents" (and they'll tell you they are written down in the INCIDENT REPORTS) with shadows, shoes, or children laughing. We were incredibly bored the entire time, but stuck with it because we [over]paid, and wanted to see if it got better. It didn't. An hour we'll never get back, so I spent a few minutes writing this review to save you from a...

I would highly suggest this tour if you want to spend the evening, after hours, at Colonial Williamsburg. We had looked forward to this part of our trip for some time. It did not disappoint. Our storyteller was very lively and energetic with her telling of the old ghost stories. Her tone and manner made each story not just a simple story, but set the mood for a great evening of haunted tales. To make things even more spooky, that torch in the last images slowly began to burn lower and lower as she told the story of the great fire that destroyed the Governor's Palace in 1781.

It was being used as hospital after the Siege of Yorktown. All made it out but one man, and as her story came to an ending, talking of multiple people working there have seen a shadowy figure moving across the gardens behind the palace. Whenever someone draws attention to the shadow, it disappears in millions of pieces, just like ash. After the torch was just a lot of glowing embers, and our host finished her story, one single piece, brighter and larger than the rest, came loose and floated towards us in the audience. Even our storyteller for the night was surprised and stood observing in silence till it...

I am one that truly believes in ghosts so I was excited to do this little 1-hour tour by candlelight. It is best to get your tickets in advance either online or in-person at the Lumber House Ticket Office. Arrive 15 minutes early to check in. Check in is at the Market Square across from the courthouse.

If you didn't do any of the daily tours, here is your opportunity to go inside some of the properties. Our tour guides name was Shell and she was very knowledgeable and engaging in her storytelling. We didn't see any ghosts, but when we get to the courthouse, I had a strange and uneven feeling. My fingertips felt like someone was sticking needles in them. This was prior to our guide telling us the disturbing tale of a young woman that was buried alive and what grave robbers did to get the rings off of her fingers....

It is encouraged to take as may photos as you want, but video is prohibited. Since it is so dark out it is quite hard to get some good shots.

In closing, this tour is good for those that are skeptical or those that truly believes in ghosts. Some of the stories are a bit too macabre for young children, so for them I wouldn't recommend as they can be...