Williamsburg's picturesque coastal woodlands, storied rivers, and epic history have inspired Hollywood for decades, serving as the backdrop for dozens of movies and TV shows. Follow along as we map notable films and TV series to the exact places and experiences you can step into today, from revolutionary-era landmarks to photogenic parks and thrilling attractions.
Movies Where Williamsburg Plays a Part
Young Washington (2026)
Wander through the stately 🔺 Governor’s Palace, where future president George Washington faced major turning points in his career. Then follow the brick pathways of the nearby Capitol grounds, the backdrop for intense colonial politics both on camera and in real life. To learn more about these historic events, check out our companion piece on George Washington’s legacy in Williamsburg.
The New World (2005)
Lace up your boots and take the Black Point Trail at Historic Jamestowne to the riverfront, where Colin Farrell filmed swordplay scenes for Terrence Malick's captivating Jamestown drama. Malick used the James River and marshland to recreate Virginia's serene beauty in 1607. Just down the road at the living-history museum 🔺 Jamestown Settlement, board replica tall ships and explore the recreated fort. Afterward, roll down the windows on the Colonial Parkway and pass King's Creek, both featured in the film's sweeping landscape shots.
Next, tour Berkeley Plantation, the site of many of the film’s crucial scenes. Walk inside the 1726 brick mansion where the ninth U.S. president, William Henry Harrison, was born, and stand beside the stone monument marking America’s earliest Thanksgiving celebration.
Williamsburg: The Story of a Patriot (1957)
Experience the longest-running motion picture in U.S. history at the Patriot Theatres inside the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center. This Paramount production, starring Jack Lord, plays in a rare, stunning 70mm widescreen format in twin theaters built specifically for its original VistaVision scale.
After the curtains close, head to the Historic Area to experience the film's settings firsthand. Wander inside the Raleigh Tavern's grand Apollo Room and walk the same floors that hosted elegant 18th-century dances, banquets, and revolutionary political meetings.
The Howards of Virginia (1940)
See the grandeur of this Academy Award-nominated Revolutionary War drama, starring Hollywood legend Cary Grant and filmed on location throughout the historic area. Retrace Grant's footsteps across the Capitol grounds to uncover the backdrop of the movie's intense political debates. Afterward, stand on the wide expanse of the Palace Green, where the cinematic militia musters unfolded.
From there, tour the Governor’s Palace to view the classical colonial architecture that represents the aristocracy Grant's character clashes with on screen. Finish your walk outside the nearby Raleigh Tavern to visualize the vibrant bustle of 18th-century community life.
TV Shows Set in Williamsburg
The American Revolution (2025), Ken Burns
World-renowned documentary filmmaker Ken Burns turned his lens on Colonial Williamsburg and Yorktown Battlefield, letting real trade shops and battle lines carry the story. Watch expert blacksmiths, printers, and other artisans at work in the Historic Trades shops. Also in Colonial Williamsburg, tour the Courthouse to see how colonial-era justice was carried out. Then walk the battlefield trails at Yorktown, where the American Revolution's climactic final battle played out.
Insane Coaster Wars (2012)
Trade the quiet of the historic triangle for pure adrenaline at 🔺 Busch Gardens® Williamsburg. Feel your heart race as you strap into Apollo’s Chariot and Alpengeist and experience the exact twists, deep drops, and 60-mile-an-hour wind whips that captivated the Travel Channel’s crews.
When you’re ready to catch your breath, wander the park's beautifully detailed European-themed villages, from France's cobblestone paths to Italy's charming plazas. End your day with an exhilarating live show or tasty bites and craft drinks at seasonal food festivals.
Mister Rogers' Neighborhood (1993)
Beloved TV personality Fred Rogers spent a week here learning 18th-century trades, introducing generations of kids and their parents to Colonial Williamsburg's craft traditions. Take a peek inside the Governor's Palace Kitchen, where historical interpreters cook meals over an open hearth. Then stop by the shop of the 🔺 Milliner and Mantua-Maker to watch these skilled artisans make period clothing and accessories.
George Washington (1984)
Stroll down the mile-long stretch of Duke of Gloucester Street and arrive directly into the scenes of this iconic CBS miniseries. As you explore the bustling shops and historic taverns lining this brick thoroughfare, trace the exact route used extensively on screen to bring the first president's early life to television.
Next, admire the grand gates of the Governor’s Palace, which perfectly framed the show's lavish period aesthetics. Then tour the opulent, meticulously restored George Wythe House that served as the backdrop for Washington's story.
Lassie (1966)—"Lassie at Williamsburg"
Bring your family to challenge the twists and turns of the massive holly maze tucked behind the Governor’s Palace. Run between the massive hedges to find the exact, hidden paths where the famous collie ducked out of sight during her televised adventure.
After conquering the maze, head across the grounds to The Magazine to examine its historic collection of period arms and gunpowder storage. Finish your walk at the nearby Windmill, where you can stand beneath the massive wooden sails and watch them grind grain.
Explore More
Explore more of Williamsburg in real life, from 4D theaters at celebrated museums to record-breaking roller coasters at a famous theme park. See all things to do in the Historic Triangle.