Things to Do in
Yorktown-Williamsburg VA

Few people get out on the water these days, and fewer still get to sail a modern sailboat. Here is the single-most unique activity in Williamsburg, where guests get to run the helm or just relax on the water. Unlike crowded tourist boats, every charter here is 100% private. Guests can steer the yacht, trim the sails, or simply relax while taking in wide‑open river views, local wildlife, and the steady coastal breeze that makes the York River the best sailing waterway in the region. Dolphin sightings are common in warm months. Perfect for: • Couples seeking a unique, romantic experience • Families wanting a safe, private adventure • History lovers exploring Williamsburg and Yorktown • Photographers and wildlife enthusiasts • Anyone looking for the best sailing near Williamsburg, VA Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to experience the York River under sail, this is the region’s top‑rated, most authentic sailing experience.

You will travel by Hot Air Balloon over the Historical City Of York and it's surrounding countryside. We offer Champagne Balloon Flights over the beautiful city of York from April – October each year. Our balloons are all multi coloured and look amazing both form the ground, from the air and in your pictures! Pilot Ollie says - "There’s nothing more peaceful and serene than watching the world go by as you fly over the countryside in a Hot Air Balloon. The most rewarding part of piloting balloons is being able to share the experience and excitement with others" Your ballooning experience will include: - 3 - 4 hour Experience - Detailed Passenger Safety Briefing - Opportunity To Help Set Up The Balloon - 45 minutes to 1 Hour Flight From York - Opportunity To Help Pack The Balloon Away - Champagne Toast - Flight Certificates - Optional In-Flight Photographs & Video (£20) - Minibus Ride Back To Launch Site

Let's go back in time together! Join your licensed guide on this fun, engaging walking tour of Colonial Williamsburg. See the major historic sights, learn how our democracy began, and walk in the footsteps of our Founding Fathers – and maybe bump into them! Discover the special places only a local knows, like delightful gardens, where they hide the sheep, and favorite spots for 18th-century cookies. Starting at The Williamsburg Inn, you'll view the Capitol, stroll by trades and shops, and see horse-drawn carriages on your way to the Governor’s Palace. Our walk ends close to Merchants Square where you can shop or grab a bite. Our guests are saying: “We rank Cyndi in the top 2% of professional guides we’ve experienced.” “She knows her history and shows a lot of enthusiasm for it.” “She was a pleasure to be with.” - She has had the honor of being ranked nationally in the Top 10% of guides in the country. - This tour can be customized to your interests to make the most of your time here.

Don't get lost in the crowds. Explore York at your own pace and in private with one of our expert, fully qualified, personable guides. Delve deep into the medieval maze and discover secret corners few other visitors get to see. This is an entirely personal service - once you have made your booking we will get in touch to arrange where to come and meet you (such as any city centre landmark or hotel). We will ensure you don't miss any of the highlights - including the world-famous Minster (exterior only) medieval city walls and Shambles - but if you have any particular areas of interest, please get in touch. It's your tour and we want you to experience York your way!

York is a strikingly beautiful city, but it also has a dark past. "Deathly by Daylight" is a new daytime tour from the award winning Deathly Dark Tours - known best for their nightly ghost walks! You’ll visit many of the city's famous landmarks such as York Minster and Shambles, as well as some tucked away secret spots that many miss. Along the way you’ll be guided through some pretty horrible history by Dalton or Dorian Deathly. Unsolved murders, public executions, mysterious Bile Beans and much more. You may never see York the same way again!

Delve into the eerie history of York with the Witch Walk, a 90-minute guided tour led by the enigmatic Ragnell Hagathorn. This engaging adventure weaves together haunting tales of witches, ghosts, and other supernatural elements, perfect for both thrill-seekers and families. As you stroll through the historic streets, expect a blend of folklore, humor, and theatrical storytelling that brings the dark past of York to life. Suitable for ages 8 and up, this family-friendly tour ensures a captivating experience for all. The walk operates rain or shine, so dress for the weather and prepare for a memorable evening. - Guided walking tour lasting approximately 90 minutes - Family-friendly and suitable for ages 8 and above - Experience ghost stories alongside folklore and theatrical elements - Begins at St. Helen’s Square, York at 7:30 PM

Journey into the heart of 18th-century America with our immersive Three-Hour Colonial Williamsburg History Walking Tour. Explore the buildings that capture the spirit of a young nation on the brink of independence. Enter the elegant halls of the Governor’s Palace, seat of British authority—and later, revolutionary resistance. Walk the creaking floors of the Capitol Building, where debates that shaped the birth of democracy echoed through its chambers. Along the way, you’ll visit blacksmiths, printers, apothecaries, and wigmakers—living history tradespeople who carry on colonial craftsmanship. Each stop unveils another layer of the complex, fascinating world of 1700s Virginia. Perfect for history lovers, families, or curious travelers, this tour offers a vivid, interactive experience. *MUST HAVE COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG TICKET VALID FOR THE DATE OF YOUR TOUR*

The Wagsters are proud to present their newest production, “MAGIC HAPPENS”. Sit back and relax for 90 action packed minutes of spectacular grand illusions, breathtaking sleight of hand, incredible mind reading, heartfelt stories, and daring escapes all combined with state-of-the-art lighting, sound, and video form a unique one of a kind experience that will leave you spellbound from the second the curtain opens to the final jaw dropping moment. This show was created to help you realize that magic is around us every day, but only happens when you have the courage to pursue your dreams!

Our Tours are the only way to see Yorkshire and its beauty in a single day with complete privacy, security and comfort onboard the magnificent Mercedes Benz V Class accompanied by your expert driver guide. Our guides always place your enjoyment of the day before everything else. No other tour in the glorious North of England focuses so much on the overall quality of each and every guest's experience. We believe that your vacation is the most valuable part of your year. We respect every minute of your vacation time, our philosophy is to make every moment of your time in the uK worthwhile. Sheep sightings guaranteed!

Join us on an insightful walking tour of York, highlighting untold histories and diverse stories. On the Uncomfortable York™ tour, you will go beyond the conventional stories of the city, hearing about the impact of women, people of colour, and LGBTQIA+ individuals from York's past. This tour invites attendees to see beyond the stonework and uncover the lesser known narratives of York, while learning about the long and rich history of the medieval city. Walking through the beautiful city centre, you will discuss its early settlement, medieval expansion and vibrant industrial heritage. This tour was written and researched by academic historians from the University of Oxford and is delivered by trained guides from York. PLEASE NOTE: We cannot always accommodate last-minute bookings for private or group tours. Please contact us directly if you want to book a tour within the next 24 hours.

For group sizes of up to 4, 8 or 15 passengers, this Private Day Trip from York, just for your party, provides the opportunity to explore the stunning scenery of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, visiting Bolton Castle, Askrigg, Kettlewell, Pateley Bridge and the traditional Dales Market Town of Hawes, where you will have the opportunity to visit the award winning Wensleydale Creamery, the home of Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese!

Exclusive, private tour (only your family/friends) of the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown (ARMY), some of the Yorktown Battlefields (Surrender Field), the federal museum (National Park Service with General Washington's original tents from the American Revolutionary War), Victory monument, and alleged cave where Cornwallis retreated. This is the only private tour with a private guide at all stops. This is NOT a group bus or group shuttle tour. This tour includes an in depth learning experience about the siege of Yorktown that lasted several weeks and explores the surrendering of arms on October 19, 1781 including Surrender Field. The afternoon tour at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown includes the canon firing at 3:00pm (weather dependent from March 1st-November 30th). We spend about 4 to 4.5 hours touring and about an hour driving which makes this a 5 to 5.5 hour tour. Note: the state museum has scooter rentals for $15.

Explore Roman York, at your own pace with your own personal tour guide! This is a new private bespoke tour run by York Walls Tours - with over 100 5 star reviews for our other tours on Trip Advisor! Your private guide will take you on a informative and entertaining trip around York, discovering its fascinating Roman past, where for over 300 years the most dangerous province in the entire Roman Empire was governed from. Learn about the emperors who visited (and died here!), discover lost sites missed by tourists and explore the extraordinary history of this most iconic of Roman Cities, from Dark age battles to lost legions, crazed emperors to gladiator cemetaries, the private Roman tour of York has it all!

Discover Yorkshire with Greg – Your Personal Guide to the Heart of the Moors. Step aboard a truly personal, private tour of North Yorkshire with Greg, your guide for the day. Follow the itinerary or change it to your own. For between 1-7 guests, Greg offers a relaxed, friendly experience that you won’t find with larger tour operators, Greg brings the region's history and culture to life with fascinating stories and insider knowledge. The highlight of the day is a scenic heritage steam train ride from the village of Goathland—best known as Hogsmeade Station from the Harry Potter films. (included). Your day will be filled with stunning landscapes, charming villages and, of course, the breathtaking Whitby where you will enjoy some free time. Whether you're snapping photos of the rolling moors, or simply chatting with Greg about local life, you'll find this tour is as much about the journey as it is about the destination – a relaxed and engaging experience for your private group.

Our Tours are the only way to see Yorkshire and its beauty in a single day with complete privacy, security and comfort onboard the magnificent Mercedes Benz V Class accompanied by Andrew the guide. Andrew always places your enjoyment of the day before everything else. No other Tour in the glorious north of England focuses so much on the overall quality of each and every guests experience. We believe that your vacation is the most valuable part of your year. We respect every minute of your vacation time, our philosophy is to make every moment of your time on vacation worthwhile. Before founding our company Andrew led a tour in another part of the UK that was ranked by TripAdvisor Travellers choice as the best tour in England and tenth best tour in the world. Lastly and most importantly every tour guarantees the sighting of at least a couple of very woolly Sheep!

You'll walk York’s historic streets, discover hidden gems, and visit characterful pubs with a local guide who believes the best way to explore a city is through good drinks, good stories, and good company. On this unique York pub tour, you'll see sights most people miss, hear stories about the city, and visit three to four pubs with a guide who prides himself on making sure guests experience a unique side of York and have a great time in the city.

York Gin Tastings are fun, fascinating, and one of the best things to do in York. Come along with friends and enjoy two full G&Ts (or other mixer!) while tasting a wide selection of your award-winning range. You'll learn lots and laugh lots with your famously friendly and knowledgeable York Gin Experts, who'll take you through the amazing legends, myths and history of gin. Includes: Two drinks, 6 tasters, optional snacks, 10% discount on everything at the event. Speakeasy setting within York City walls. Dog friendly.

Discover York's vibrant Viking history on this engaging 90-minute walking tour. Beginning outside Fairfax House on Castlegate, this tour combines history, comedy, and mythology for a unique family-friendly experience. Perfect for all ages, you'll delve into the fascinating tales of York's Viking past while enjoying a few laughs along the way. Join a knowledgeable guide who brings the stories to life and allows you to explore the city's rich heritage in an entertaining manner. - 90-minute walking tour focusing on York's Viking history - Starts outside Fairfax House on Castlegate - A mix of comedy and mythology makes it enjoyable for everyone - Family-friendly activity suitable for all ages

The real beauty of this tour is the efficient use it makes of your holiday/vacation time. On first inspection, it may appear quicker to take the train. While the train is a great option for some, by the time you have caught a taxi, hauled your luggage to the correct platform at the station, and done the same again at the other end, you have spent nearly a full day travelling, missing out on historic sites such as Hadrian’s Wall, Bamburgh Castle, the wild Scottish border country or the other wonderful sites and landscapes we travel through along the way.

Step into the world of the Brontës on this very small-group day tour from York. Greg, your friendly and enthusiastic guide, will take you through the beautiful Yorkshire countryside to Brontë country. The first stop is at the location of Thorpe Green Hall where Anne was a Governess, then after a short comfort break we continue to Saltaire and the historic Salt Mills. Greg then takes us to attend the Brontë birthplace (entrance included) where Greg offers a personal and engaging tour at the family home where the famous siblings grew up. We then travel to Haworth, here enjoy two free hours to wander the cobbled streets, browse charming shops, enjoy a coffee, and visit the Brontë Parsonage Museum. The day concludes with a trip up Penistone Hill with sweeping views toward Top Withens. Entrance fees to the Brontë birthplace and Parsonage Museum are included, making for an engaging & memorable day. Gregs style is both informal but highly informative into the lives of these famous Sisters.

Explore York's vibrant culinary scene on a guided food tour that takes you through the historic streets and hidden gems of this iconic city. Sample six delicious foods, including cheese, noodles, and gelato, as you uncover the stories behind each bite. You'll even sample warm fudge from a 19th century whilst watching a demonstration of it being made. With an expert guide leading the way, enjoy a multi-course tasting experience that celebrates local flavours and independent eateries. Come hungry and ready to savour the rich history and diverse cuisines of York. You'll also visit key York landmarks and learn some fun facts (like how many jumbo jets can fit inside York Minister!). - Guided tour lasting approximately 4 hours with a maximum group size of 12 - Discover six unique food stops, featuring a variety of cuisines - All food included in the tour - Ideal for food lovers seeking to experience York's local culinary scene - Local history and fun facts

Enjoy a scenic drive through the North York Moors National Park, a landscape of rolling heather-clad hills, quiet woodland, farms, and winding streams. Keep an eye out for the abundant wildlife, from grouse and pheasants to grazing sheep. These dramatic moorlands have inspired poets and authors for centuries — today, you can see for yourself why the scenery is so captivating.

Join us for this half day walking tour of York, which gives you a great overview of this beautiful city in Yorkshire. This walled city has so much to offer, from Roman history, through the Vikings, to the Chocolate merchants and Harry Potter.  Maybe you’re passing through the area, but if not it’s just a 2 hour train ride from London, it’s easily reachable for a day trip.

Discover the imperial capital that shaped an empire. Long before it was York, this city was Eboracum—a crucial northern powerhouse of the Roman Empire where emperors ruled and stayed. On this immersive walking tour, you’ll leave the modern streets behind to trace the monumental footprint of the Roman legions. Led by an expert historical guide, we strip away the myths to look at the real history, engineering, and daily lives of the people who built ancient York. From high-status citizens to the soldiers guarding the frontier, discover how Rome stamped its authority on the British landscape. Perfect for history enthusiasts and curious travelers looking for an authentic, deep-dive exploration of York’s classical past.

A great, unique and memorable Tour of the city of YORK, the most spectacular Medieval city in YORKSHIRE AND the North of England. Founded by the Romans in 71 AD, York was occupied by Anglo-Saxons, Vikings, and invaded by the Normans! Its great Gothic Cathedral: the York Minster, the ruins of a Medieval Monastery, its Castle, its wall, and public gardens, Georgian and Victorian Architecture... something to discover and explore at every step during our walk. One of the most photogenic and picturesque cities in the UK. York still preserves a large group of buildings, churches and market for more than 600 years, taking us on a journey to the Middle Ages. Let's climb the defensive wall, and walk a portion of this magnificent structure, with the best views of the city. Discover York with me, you will learn everything about the city and its importance to England since it appeared on maps 2000 years ago.

Let your own private guide take you around the world famous city of York, which is at its most beautiful during the Christmas season. Your bespoke tour will include visiting some of the key sites of the city, in addition to a number of our hidden gems usually missed by tourists, with your well informed and friendly guides.

Explore the haunted streets of York in a thrilling self-guided quest. Equipped with just your smartphone, navigate through the city as you solve riddles and uncover ghostly tales. Engage with 13 spectral stories, each leading you to hidden gems while you enjoy the freedom to stop for a coffee whenever you like. Perfect for teams of 2 to 8, this adventure lasts around 90 minutes and can be enjoyed at your own pace, anytime within a year of purchase. Kids under 8 play free, making it a fantastic family outing.

We will discuss the different philosophies of architectural preservation between Europe and the United States during the late 19th and 20th Century and how it applies to the restoration of Colonial Williamsburg. The restoration materials of Colonial Williamsburg had to appear as if they were constructed in the 18th Century. For example, the roofs of many of the reconstructed buildings were man made fire retardant composites, and the masonry emulated the original bound of the public buildings. When the Main College was rededicated as the Wren building, credit was given to the the famous English Architect, Sir Christopher Wren. However, there is no proof that this is true. The base of this building is a Flemish design as opposed to the English bond. As the Wren building stands today, it is a redesign of the building that existed in 1733. It will be a comprehensive discussion of the vision of Rev. W.A.R. Goodwin and John D. Rockfeller, Jr. that resulted in Colonial Williamsburg.

Get ready to hit the dance floor on York's most exciting party boat! Whether you're planning a hen party, a special celebration, or a night out with friends, our Party Nights Afloat are the perfect addition to your York adventure, welcoming groups of all sizes, big or small! From the moment you step aboard, you'll be greeted with a sparkling glass of fizz, you'll have a reserved table for your group, but with a live onboard DJ spinning hit after hit, you won't be sitting down for long! Get ready to dance to all your favorite floor fillers and feel free to send in your requests. Indulge in our delicious two-course buffet to fuel your dancing, and when you need a break, the bar will be open for all your drink needs. The party lasts for 2.5 hours as we cruise through the scenic city. Disorderly groups or excessively intoxicated individuals will be refused access or removed from the boat, without option of a refund. This product is NOT suitable for all-male groups or 'stag' parties.

Take part in this true crime walking tour and uncover the grim realities of York’s criminal past. Along the way, you will learn about executions, arsonists, thieves, forgers, highwaymen, and murderers whose actions left a lasting mark on the city.