Kingsmill Resort is the Historic Triangle’s big riverside resort, and it is the best base for families who want a resort experience between days at Busch Gardens and the historic sites. It spreads across a large, wooded estate on the banks of the James River, a few miles southeast of Colonial Williamsburg and about a seven-minute drive from Busch Gardens, and it combines a hotel with a community of condos and cottages. The resort is best known for its golf, and it also has a marina, a private beach with a beach bar and sun loungers, kayaking, fishing, bike rentals and 15 outdoor tennis courts. For families, the pool complex is the highlight, with a lazy river, a waterslide and a children’s pool in the warmer months, and an indoor pool for the rest of the year. There is a spa offering massages and other treatments, a gym with fitness classes and several restaurants on site. Accommodation ranges from guest rooms to one-, two- and three-bedroom condos, riverside cottages and the four-bedroom Estate at Kingsmill, so it works well for groups and longer stays. Parking and Wi-Fi are free, and Expedia guests rate it highly for its location.
Location and getting around: the resort is at 1010 Kingsmill Road, off US Route 60 on the James River. You will need a car: Busch Gardens is about 2.5 miles away, roughly a seven-minute drive, Colonial Williamsburg is about 10 to 15 minutes, and Historic Jamestowne is about 11 miles, or around 18 minutes. Yorktown is a 20-minute drive along the highway or the Colonial Parkway.
Rooms: guest rooms of around 375 square feet sleep two to four, and one-bedroom condos of about 820 square feet add a living area and a sofa bed for up to five. Larger cottages sleep eight to ten, which suits family reunions.
Who it suits: families, golfers and groups who want space, a pool complex and outdoor activities, and travelers focused on Busch Gardens and Christmas Town.
Good to know: check-in is from 16:00 and check-out is at 11:00. Self parking is free. The outdoor pools and lazy river are seasonal, so in November and December plan on the indoor pool. Some guests note that older condos feel dated, so ask for a recently updated unit. Pets are allowed for a daily fee.
Why stay here
- ✓Golf courses
- ✓Marina and private beach
- ✓Indoor pool
- ✓Seasonal lazy river and waterslide
- ✓Spa
- ✓Fitness center and classes
- ✓Free self parking
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
Good questions
How far is Kingsmill Resort from Busch Gardens?+
Busch Gardens is about 2.5 miles away, roughly a seven-minute drive. Colonial Williamsburg is about 10 to 15 minutes by car.
Is the lazy river at Kingsmill open in winter?+
No, the outdoor pools and lazy river are seasonal. The indoor pool stays open through the cooler months.
Does Kingsmill Resort have condos with more space?+
Yes, besides guest rooms there are one- to three-bedroom condos, riverside cottages and a four-bedroom estate. They suit families and groups who want room to spread out.
