The Original Ghost of Williamsburg Candlelight Walking Tour

If you’re after a different kind of history lesson—one with shadows and stories that send a chill down your spine—then the Original Ghost of Williamsburg Candlelight Walking Tour could be just your thing. This tour, steeped in tradition as the oldest ghost tour company in the U.S., offers an atmospheric stroll through Williamsburg’s historic streets, illuminated only by candlelight. It’s a chance to hear spooky legends, ghost stories, and mysteries that have haunted this 400-year-old town.

What makes this tour stand out is its long-standing reputation and the fact that it’s been running for decades, giving it a solid feel of authenticity. We also love that it’s affordable at just $20, making it accessible for most travelers looking for a fun, spooky evening without breaking the bank. Plus, the expert guides bring the stories to life with knowledge and enthusiasm. That said, a potential downside is that it’s all walking, so if mobility is a concern, you’ll want to plan accordingly.

This experience is perfect for history buffs who appreciate a good ghost story, as well as anyone curious about Williamsburg’s darker past. It’s also well-suited for those who enjoy atmospheric nighttime walks, but keep in mind that it’s outside and rain or shine, so weather is something to consider.

Key Points

• Authentic and historic: As Virginia’s oldest ghost tour, it offers a genuine spooky experience rooted in local legend.
• Knowledgeable guides: Guides are well-versed in both history and ghost stories, making the narration engaging.
• Accessible and family-friendly: Wheelchair and stroller access, children under 6 are free, and friendly dogs are welcome.
• Affordable price: At $20 per person, it provides a solid value for a 1.5-hour guided experience.
• Rain or shine: The tour runs regardless of weather, so dress accordingly.
• All walking: About 1 mile of slow-paced walking, with limited seating options.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

When you arrive in front of Lululemon in Merchants Square (at 345 Duke of Gloucester Street), make sure to get there 15 minutes early to settle in. The tour lasts about 1.5 hours, so comfy shoes are a must since you’ll be walking through the historic streets at a slow pace. The guides use lanterns to light the way, creating a flickering, spooky ambiance that really enhances the experience.

This is an outdoor, candlelit walk through Williamsburg, so be prepared for weather. The tour proceeds rain or shine, and it can be delayed up to 30 minutes if bad weather hits. You might want to bring a light jacket, especially during cooler evenings, and bug spray from March to October.

The tour covers approximately a mile, meaning it’s a relaxed walk with very limited seating—mainly on grass—so plan your energy accordingly. Accessibility is good for wheelchairs and strollers, making it inclusive for varied travelers.

The Itinerary: What You’ll Hear and See

The tour is designed as a storytelling experience, where guides share haunted legends and ghost stories that have persisted in Williamsburg for centuries. While the exact stops aren’t explicitly detailed, the emphasis is on the dark streets and historic sites that have become the backdrop for these tales.

You’ll hear stories of ghostly encounters, legends, and mysteries that have lingered in the town’s atmosphere. The guides are praised for their knowledge and engaging narration, which helps bring these stories to life. A review mentions that the guides handle the spooky tales with expertise and are friendly yet quiet, fitting the eerie tone perfectly.

Since no additional tickets are needed for entry, the focus remains on the storytelling and atmosphere rather than specific haunted locations—although Williamsburg’s historic streets themselves are part of the charm.

The Experience: Atmosphere and Highlights

The candlelight lanterns set a spooky yet cozy mood. Walking through Williamsburg’s historic streets under the glow of lanterns creates an authentic, slightly haunting experience. The soundscape of quiet footsteps, occasional whispering guides, and the soft crackle of lanterns heightens the sense of stepping into the town’s shadowy past.

Participants have praised the knowledgeable guides for their ability to weave history and legend seamlessly. One reviewer highlighted that the guides “brought the stories alive with their enthusiasm and depth of knowledge,” making the experience both fun and educational.

It’s worth noting that because it’s an outdoor tour in the evening, some may find the experience more atmospheric than frightening—intended to intrigue rather than scare. The stories tend to be spooky legends and local lore rather than outright horror.

Value for Money

At $20 per person, this tour offers significant value, especially given its length and depth. You’re getting a guided experience, with insightful storytelling, in a historic setting that is both charming and eerie. Since no extra tickets are needed for entry, the price covers the entire 90-minute journey, making it a budget-friendly way to add a spooky twist to your Williamsburg trip.

Some reviews mention that the tour is “well worth the price,” especially considering the quality of guides and the immersive atmosphere. It’s not a large-scale commercial attraction, but rather a genuine local tradition that has been maintained for generations.

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Who Will Love This Tour

This experience is ideal for history lovers who enjoy ghost stories woven into the fabric of the town’s past. It’s also well-suited for travelers who appreciate atmospheric walks and storytelling in a historical setting. If you’re traveling with friends, a partner, or even solo, you’ll find the tour’s intimate and authentic vibe appealing.

Since children 6 and under are free and the tour is stroller and wheelchair accessible, families with young kids or those with mobility concerns can enjoy it too—though it’s not specifically marketed as a family tour. It’s best for those comfortable outdoors and with a penchant for ghostly tales, not horror.

Practical Details

• Location: In front of Lululemon, Merchants Square, 345 Duke of Gloucester Street.
• Duration: About 1.5 hours.
• Price: $20 per person, with discounts for military and public safety.
• Start time: Check availability for specific starting times.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair and stroller friendly.
• Weather: Rain or shine, so dress accordingly.
• Parking: Available in Merchants Square.
• Children: Free under 6.
• Pets: Friendly, quiet dogs are welcome.
• Booking: Reserve now, pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children 6 and under are free, and the tour is stroller and wheelchair accessible, so it can be a family-friendly activity. Just keep in mind it’s an outdoor walk in the evening, so plan accordingly.

How long does the tour last?
The tour takes about 1.5 hours, covering roughly a mile of walking at a slow, comfortable pace.

Do I need to buy extra tickets?
No, your ticket includes the entire guided lantern walk—no additional entry fees are necessary.

What should I wear?
Dress comfortably for walking and outdoors. During cooler months, bring layers; during warmer months, bug spray is recommended (March-October).

Is the tour accessible?
Yes, it’s wheelchair and stroller friendly, with limited seating options, mostly on grass.

What if it rains?
The tour runs rain or shine. In case of extreme weather, there might be delays, so check weather forecasts and dress appropriately.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Rescheduling depends on circumstances, but exceptions might be considered.

Where does the tour meet?
It meets in front of Lululemon in Merchants Square, at 345 Duke of Gloucester Street. Arrive 15 minutes early.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Yes, guides are praised for their expertise and engaging storytelling, which makes the experience memorable.

If you’re in Williamsburg and craving something spooky but not overly intense, the Original Ghost of Williamsburg Candlelight Walking Tour offers a charming, atmospheric way to explore the town’s haunted past. The combination of atmospheric lighting, knowledgeable guides, and intriguing stories makes it a worthwhile addition to any evening itinerary.

It’s best suited for those who appreciate history, enjoy ghost stories, and want a relaxed yet immersive outdoor experience. The affordability and accessibility also make it a practical choice for many travelers. Just be prepared for weather and a bit of walking, and you’ll likely find yourself captivated—or at least delightfully spooked—by Williamsburg’s ghostly tales.

Hope this helps you decide whether this ghost tour is right for you. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, the stories and ambiance are bound to make for a memorable night in historic Williamsburg.

You can check availability for your dates here: