Historic Williamsburg comes alive after dark, turning up the intrigue as you uncover centuries of fascinating history. Embark on an epic ghost tour, where historians, published authors, and experienced paranormal investigators share gripping true tales from the revolutionary era along with chilling stories of present-day encounters.
This guide will help you compare tours and find the haunted history experience that’s just your style, whether you're looking for family-friendly candlelight walks, haunted pub crawls, or even spooky storytelling on the water.
Haunted Williamsburg Tour
Get exclusive access on the Haunted Williamsburg🔺 tour, the only ghost tour that takes you inside the historic buildings of Colonial Williamsburg. During this candlelit experience, costumed storytellers tell historically accurate and unnerving tales dating back to the 1700s and reveal modern-day encounters that will give you goosebumps.
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Who Will Love It: History buffs, scary movie lovers, and families with children ages 8 and up.
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What to Expect: Begin at the Market House for this one-hour walking tour that gives you an inside look at some of Colonial Williamsburg’s most haunted buildings. Please note that some interior spaces are not ADA-accessible.
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What Visitors Are Saying: “It was really fun to go into actual historic buildings, and it’s also fun that this tour supports the preservation of the site. The lanterns were also a nice spooky touch. My husband alleges he heard footsteps in the Wythe House, but I’m too afraid to believe him.” — Sarah
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Additional Offerings: Cry Witch, an interactive mock witch trial based on real events.
Ghosts, Witches & Pirates Tour
Experience one of Williamsburg’s top-rated ghost tours with 🔺Spooks and Legends. Visit some of the most haunted sites, including the infamous Peyton Randolph House, as costumed guides bring the tales of ghosts, witches, and captured pirates to life.
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Who Will Love It: Families, history lovers, aspiring ghost hunters, and anyone seeking out a few unexpected surprises.
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What to Expect: Tours begin at the Capitol, last approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, and operate rain or shine. You can even rent an electromagnetic field (EMF) detector for an interactive paranormal experience.
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What Visitors Are Saying: “Our grandson (10) is still talking about it but had no trouble sleeping.” — Ella S.
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Additional Tour Offerings: Civil War Ghost Tour.
Extreme Ghosts of Williamsburg Tour
Level up your ghost hunting skills on the Extreme Ghosts of Williamsburg Tour with the Original Ghost Tour. Led by a seasoned paranormal investigator, this tour teaches you how to use equipment, including a PSB7 Spirit Box and dowsing rods as you search for signs of the supernatural. You’ll learn tips and techniques for gathering your own paranormal evidence.
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Who Will Love It: Serious ghost hunters and people eager for a hands-on investigation.
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What to Expect: Small, intimate group tours last about two hours and start at the Capitol on Duke of Gloucester Street. Discover ghost hunting techniques while using professional investigation equipment.
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What Visitors Are Saying: “Fantastic tour as always. We have done the ghost tour several times and every time I catch something on camera.” — Kara H.
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Additional Tour Offerings: The Original Ghost of Williamsburg Candlelight Walking Tour and the Lingering Spirits of the Williamsburg Winery Tour.
Jamestown Haunted River Cruise
Trade the cobblestone streets for the waters of the James River at night aboard the Jamestown Haunted River Cruise with 🔺Jamestown Discovery Boat Tours. Glide across the river as you listen to the hair-raising stories inspired by Virginia’s early colonial history, from the mystery of lost colonies to strange disappearances.
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Who Will Love It: History enthusiasts, horror movie lovers, and anyone curious about the darker side of America’s oldest permanent English settlement.
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What to Expect: Hop on this spacious, comfortable cruise that lasts about one hour. Also wheelchair-accessible, the pontoon boat ride features historical storytelling paired with scenic views of the James River.
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What Visitors Are Saying: “This tour was amazing, completely unlike any other tour in the area. The captain was so welcoming and knowledgeable about any questions being asked. If you are enjoying a date night or just want to do something different this is a treat and a hidden gem.” — Audrey I.
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Additional Tour Offerings: Jamestown Murder Cruise.
Yorktown Ghost Walks Candlelight Tour
Journey into Yorktown’s haunted past on a lantern-lit tour led by the authors of “Ghosts of Yorktown.” During the Candlelight Tour with Yorktown Ghost Walks, learn about the local history and the buildings and people who inhabited them — and watch for the legends who may still linger there today.
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Who Will Love It: History lovers and ghost tour enthusiasts.
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What to Expect: This 90-minute candlelight walking tour is given every day of the week except on Sundays and features historical storytelling and Yorktown ghost lore.
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What Visitors Are Saying: “We went as a family to do the late ghost walk and the time just flew by! Probably one of the best ghost walks I've been on. I highly recommend it. I love ghost tours because you get stories you don't see in a museum or a book.” — Aubrey U.
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Additional Tour Offerings: Ghost Hunter Experience.
Haunted Pub Crawl
Plan a memorable night out with Colonial Ghosts’ top-rated Haunted Pub Crawl. This 21+ tour takes you to some of the area’s best places to eat and drink with stops at haunted locations like the Public Hospital and the Wren Building. Along the way, guides share the eerie tales and fascinating history behind each stop.
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Who Will Love It: Friend groups and couples looking for a unique date night.
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What to Expect: Tours start at the Thomas Jefferson Statue in Merchants Square. The tour lasts approximately two hours and pets are also welcome to join.
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What Visitors Are Saying: “Every stop along the tour felt immersive and thoughtfully explained, with fascinating details about Colonial Williamsburg’s past that went far beyond surface-level ghost stories.” — Tom Q.
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Additional Tour Offerings: Dead of Night Ghost Hunt and Williamsburg Ghost Tour.
Ghost Tour Tips
Keep these tips in mind before booking your tour:
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Ghost tours in the Williamsburg area operate year-round, but it's a good idea to book in advance, especially for weekend tours in October during peak spooky season. Before reserving your spot, consider the type of experience you're looking for as some tours are designed with families in mind and others are exclusively for those 21 and older.
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Since most tours include walking outdoors, wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. Bringing a reusable water bottle is also recommended.
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If you're traveling with a four-legged friend, some tour operators welcome pets. Be sure to review each tour's details online for more information and other important policies before you book.
More Ways to Explore
If you’re looking for more than ghosts and ghouls, check out other guided tours offered throughout the Historic Triangle. Whether you're visiting for the first time or revisiting the area, you’ll find intriguing discoveries of all kinds.