Governor's Palace
Governor's Palace
4.5
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
About
The luxurious palace of the loyalist governor, complete with meticulously replicated late 18th century furnishings.
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- Williamsburg Transportation Center • 9 min walk
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,546 reviews
Excellent
1,834
Very good
578
Average
106
Poor
18
Terrible
10
Katie S
Pittsburgh, PA33 contributions
Oct 2020
My husband and I stopped here Halloween week in 2020. The weather was awful, cold, windy and rainy. Due to this and covid, we were the only visitors which was nice. There was no waiting and we could take all the time we wanted. There was a worker in each room so you could ask questions and they were all willing to share the information they had. The only downside was the restrictions due to covid. No one was allowed upstairs where all the bedrooms are, so the tour was literally a walk straight through three rooms and that's that. It would be nicer to come here in the spring with nicer weather, and with the garden in bloom. Still very interesting place to see especially if you are into history and architecture.
Written February 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sloomis31
Bristol, WI1,031 contributions
Aug 2021
The Governor's Palace is one of the high points on a trip to Williamsburg. The interpreters in costume dress outside were phenominal. Welcoming crowds, keeping young folks entertained, promoting the benefits of the Williamsburg app. The tour itself though was light on history and too heavy on lecture (for my taste). The guide pointed out little details in the main lobby and ballroom, but she also pointed out that the only reason for living like this "1 percent" was so the governonr could "keep up with the Jones' (Monticello and Mount Vernon)", which didn't seem to match the time period. After correctly anknowledging the enslaved people of the time we were rushed out the back door into the garden. Overall a nice experience, but it was one with a clear purpose and that was not to teach us about the revolution that was brewing in Williamsburg.
Written September 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
markp0298
West Simsbury, CT25 contributions
Nov 2019 • Couples
We saw the Governor’s Palace in November 2019. You can be lead by docents dressed in attire of the time. I did not know that showing off your swords and weapons was a showing of power and wealth. We were so impressed that we bought annual passes and will come back next year. Annual passes are the most economical way to go. We can recommend anyone to go through the Palace. It is a great experience.
Written January 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BILLB47
Charlotte, NC333 contributions
May 2021
Due to Covid access is limited to groups of 10 and wait lines can be in excess of 45 minutes. Wait until Covid is kaput to visit. Access was limited to the first floor. Some staff members don't know what they are doing at the entry gate and can be rude.
Written May 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Melanie Robinson
Myrtle Beach, SC57 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
My husband and I are on an East coast road trip from SC. We stopped in williamsburg as our first location. We loved colonial williamsburg. We love history and this was a perfect spot! The Governors place was beautiful, and with covid, they did what they could to please guests and still give them admittance into the building 10 at a time, with masks. I won't spoil the inside or outside for guest, but its a must see. Clean, pretty and you won't be disappointed in the backyard!
Written October 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MooreReviews
Baltimore, MD392 contributions
Aug 2020
The tour of the inside of the house took no more then 10-15 minutes. It was beautiful to walk through, the employees were friendly and full of information. The upstairs was closed due to the covid. The grounds of the house are are amazing and took more time to go through. The gardens, the theater area, the maze and the grounds are free to walk, no need for a ticket. Definitely should go see it even if you are only wandering around the grounds.
Written August 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michelle W
Lawrenceville, IL393 contributions
Jun 2020 • Friends
This is one of the many places you can see while touring historic Williamsburg. Due to the current pandemic you are only allowed on the main floor he could not go up to the 2nd floor where the bedrooms are. You may walk the grounds. The chat is actually crushed seashells.
Written July 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brad
Winchester, KY700 contributions
Apr 2021
This "palace" features all of the regal grandeur that the name implies. From an entryway decked out in period weapons, to an ornate ball room featuring antique furniture, every detail of the palace shows off the incredible wealth and power of the men who lived here.
During my visit the COVID restrictions were in place, which limited the palace tours to about 10 people at a time. This ultimately meant an average wait time of about 2 hours to get in. The staff were great about allowing "placeholders" in the line though, so my wife an I were able to trade off one of us holding the line, while the other explored. It was definitely worth the wait though.
During my visit the COVID restrictions were in place, which limited the palace tours to about 10 people at a time. This ultimately meant an average wait time of about 2 hours to get in. The staff were great about allowing "placeholders" in the line though, so my wife an I were able to trade off one of us holding the line, while the other explored. It was definitely worth the wait though.
Written April 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
marshalnk
Lincoln, NE271 contributions
Sep 2021
We visited the Governor's Palace and the docent saw that I was using a walker and walked me around the back of the building so I could enter the building on a lift that would accomodate the walker.
The leader was very good and pointed out many things that
were of interest. They were very good making sure that I was
able to see everything.
We did not go into the gardens since we saw some bees and
did not want to take any chance of allergic reaction
The leader was very good and pointed out many things that
were of interest. They were very good making sure that I was
able to see everything.
We did not go into the gardens since we saw some bees and
did not want to take any chance of allergic reaction
Written September 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GregoryNS
Rockville, MD20 contributions
Apr 2022
We toured the Palace on our own during the day. It's definitely worth a stop. What was really nice was that we bought tickets to CW Lights for the 8:30pm to 9:30pm timeslot. CW Lights was really nicely done. It was beautiful.
Written April 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Do we need a ticket to take a look at the garden/outside?
Written May 25, 2022
Do we have to do the tour of the palace to explore the gardens? We want to do both but thought it might be easier to return and explore the gardens later.
Written May 21, 2022
I did an error on my post on Governor's Palace. Contrary to what I wrote, It was NOT administered with 600+ slaves. I confounded with "Monticello Virginia", the residence of Thomas Jefferson that was administered with 600+ slaves! Sorry for the inconvenience.
Written July 8, 2018
perkp123
Louisville, Kentucky
Do you have to purchase each of the attractions separately or can the be bought in a bundle. (Williamsburg, Jamestown, Governors Palace) ?
Written May 29, 2017
The streets are free as are the eateries. To get into the other places like the governor's place, House of Burgess, etc. you'll need to buy a pass. One pass is good for all attractions in Williamsburg. There are also multi-day passes and combination passes with Busch Gardens and maybe even Jamestown. If you are military active or retired let them know, there is a significant discount.
Written May 29, 2017
perkp123
Louisville, Kentucky
To see Jamestown, Williamsburg and the Palace must each of these have to be purchased separately or can you get a ticket to see all three.
Written May 29, 2017
there is a triangle ticket you can get to see jamestown, williamsburg and yorktown. it's good for 7 days.
Written May 29, 2017
Governor's Palace is part of the Colonial Williamsburg attraction complex of historical buildings/museums and there is a fee or ticket required to enter and tour the Palace just like the other historical structures.Price for tickets vary based upon how many days you want access to the facilities of Colonial Williamsburg and prices can be found on their WEB site. When I visited I purchased a 2 day ticket and toured Governor's Palace and 2 Art Museums. However access to the streets of Colonial Williamsburg is free. You can stroll along and tour the exterior of these buildings, take pictures, dine in their restaurants and visit shops without a ticket. so there is no fee to tour the city. But you will not be able to take full advantage of all Colonial Williamsburg has to offer without a ticket.
Written December 28, 2016
Bennettville
Duluth, Minnesota
How do you make reservations to the Governors Palace?
Written October 7, 2016
We just walked on up when there were starting, all you need is your Williamsburg pass. They should have a lsit of times on the daily booklet
Written October 10, 2016
yes, and be sure to go late in the day as the crowds are less and you will be able to look around and take better pictures with fewer people blocking your views. Give yourself at least 45 minutes or MORE to really enjoy the tour of the site and don't forget to see the elements of the house and gardens that are not on the tour.
Written June 28, 2016
Hello - please tell me where you can buy the "spring bounce pass' you mention for $99 - Adult. I will be there Sun Apr 10-17 2016 and this may be still available...Thanks!
Written April 8, 2016
Glad your question is answered. Enjoy the colonial experience.
Written April 10, 2016
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