About this experience
Meet your certified guide in front of illy Caffè and walk to the College of William & Mary, founded in 1693 and the second-oldest college in America. Discover its remarkable role in America's story: Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe and John Tyler studied here, while George Washington received his surveyor's commission from the College. Benjamin Franklin, the Marquis de Lafayette and King Charles III are among its honorary degree recipients.
When open, tour the historic Sir Christopher Wren Building, including the Colonial classroom, Chapel, Great Hall and other historic spaces. Saturday morning tours may include the complimentary 10:00 a.m. Wren Chapel organ recital.
Explore the Brafferton, an exceptionally rare surviving colonial Indian school; Hearth Memorial to the Enslaved, Sunken Garden, Tyler Garden and Echo Wall and, as time permits, Crim Dell Bridge.
This is an active university campus; access may vary due to classes, events or services. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
At a glance
- Duration: 1 hr
- Private experience
Plan your experience
Set aside 1 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What is included
- Map of the College of William & Mary for further exploration (e.g., Lake Matoka).
Not included
- No food or drink is permitted inside the Wren building. The tour does not offer bottled water.
- Gratuities - if your guide does an exceptional job, tips are appreciated.
Itinerary and highlights
Our certified tour guide will greet you in front of illy's and share some background information as you walk over to the College of William & Mary (Est. 1693). You'll tour the oldest academic building in the United States - the Sir Christopher Wren building and learn about the second oldest college in America and home to four United States Presidents. If the Wren building is open, there is usually an opportunity for a free organ recital on Saturdays at 10am in the Chapel. At other times, we can tour a Colonial classroom, the Chapel, the Blue Room, the Hall of Leadership, the Great Room and the classrooms that are still used today for religious studies. We'll also visit Brafferton, a former school for Virginia Indians, the Hearth: Memorial to the Enslaved, and tour the Sunken Garden, visiting the James Monroe statute, the James Blair statute, Tyler Family Garden (aka "Echo Wall"), and the Thomas Jefferson statute.
Meeting and pickup information
- We will meet in front of the illy coffee shop in Merchant's Square. It's close to 2 (two) nearby parking lots with 2 hour free parking - lot between Henry St and Nassau St or large lot off of Francis Street (between S. Boundary St and Henry St).
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Best Williamsburg Tours
Meeting points and locations
Accessibility and practical details
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
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What accessibility information is provided?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
What is the cancellation policy?
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