Shirley Plantation is the third of the great James River houses within reach of Williamsburg, and it has a claim the others cannot match. It was founded in 1613 and is described as Virginia’s oldest plantation. The 11th and 12th generations of the Hill Carter family still live in the manor house and steward the property, which gives it a continuity unusual among historic sites. The first floor of the manor house is visited on a guided tour of about 40 to 45 minutes, and the grounds are explored on a self-guided walk that takes about 45 minutes. There are eight 18th-century buildings on the property, an audio tour, a nature walk and an exhibit in the Kitchen Building about the lives of the enslaved people who worked here. The site is about 45 minutes by car from Williamsburg and about 35 minutes from downtown Richmond. Open from March through December, Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., it is closed for the winter season, so confirm dates before you drive. Admission is required for the grounds, and photography is allowed outside but not inside the Great House.
How the visit works
Admission is required for the grounds, and the first floor of the house requires a guide, so join the next scheduled tour on arrival. The site’s hours are March through December, Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the exit gate closing at 5 p.m. It is closed on Sundays and on certain holidays and special events, and it is closed for the winter season, so a winter visit is not possible. Check the current rates and dates on the plantation’s site before you set out.
What to expect
The house tour introduces the Carter family and the generations of people who lived and worked here, and the grounds let you walk among the surviving 18th-century outbuildings. The Kitchen Building exhibit about enslaved people is an essential part of the visit, balancing the story of the family with the story of the workforce.
There is a nature walk and an audio tour for those who want more depth. There is no restaurant on site, but the gift shop sells snacks, drinks and picnic items, and picnicking is allowed on the grounds, though alcohol is not.
Making the most of it
Combine Shirley with Berkeley Plantation and Sherwood Forest along Route 5, which makes a long, rewarding day on the scenic James River road. Upper Shirley Vineyards next door is a natural lunch stop, and nearby restaurants include Dockside, Cul’s Courthouse Grille and Indian Fields Tavern. Allow at least ninety minutes on site. Bring a hat and water in summer, and wear comfortable shoes for the grounds. Arrive in the morning so you can join the first house tours.
What to expect
The experience
A guided tour of the first floor of the manor house and a self-guided walk among eight 18th-century buildings.
Best time
A weekday morning between March and December, avoiding Sundays.
How long
About ninety minutes to two hours on site.
Tips
Check dates and rates, join the first house tour, bring a picnic or eat at Upper Shirley Vineyards next door and note no photos inside the house.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History lovers and couples who enjoy a quieter, more personal historic house.
- Families
- Children enjoy the grounds and the family game, but the house tour is talk-based.
- Couples
- A scenic drive along Route 5 with a house and vineyard stop.
- Pair with
- Berkeley Plantation and Sherwood Forest on the same day.
- Time needed
- About two hours, plus the drive.
Good questions
When is Shirley Plantation open?+
The site lists March through December, Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Sundays, certain holidays and special events, and closed for the winter season.
How long are the tours?+
The guided tour of the first floor of the house takes about 40 to 45 minutes, and the self-guided grounds walk takes about 45 minutes.
Is Shirley Plantation the oldest in Virginia?+
It was founded in 1613 and is described as Virginia’s oldest plantation, still home to the Hill Carter family.
Can I take photos?+
Photos are allowed on the grounds and outside the Great House, but not inside it.
Is there somewhere to eat?+
There is no restaurant on site, but the gift shop sells snacks and picnic items, and Upper Shirley Vineyards is next door.
