OPEN DAILY
Gift Shop & Ticket Sales:
9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Guided House Tours:
10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 12:00 noon, 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m.
Explore Berkeley’s gardens, grounds, exhibits, river shore, and museum at your own pace
Grounds close at 5:00 p.m.
Upcoming Events
Children's Nature Hunt
June - Aug 2026
Bring the family to Berkeley this summer to explore its rich history while children search for nature treasures along the river shore, gardens, and grounds. Children’s activity brochures and picnic areas are available.
Nature Hunt included with regular admission.
Adventure Awaits: The Berkeley Plantation Puzzle Hunt A Puzzle-Driven Journey Through History
June 20, 2026
Discover Berkeley Plantation in a new way through this engaging, clue-based scavenger hunt designed to challenge your mind and spark your imagination. Participants will work in teams to unravel riddles and follow a trail of thoughtfully crafted clues inspired by beloved adventure stories.
This self-guided experience encourages exploration of the plantation’s historic grounds, revealing fascinating details and hidden spaces along the way. Teamwork, problem-solving, and creative thinking are essential as you progress toward the final reveal. Well-suited for adult groups and families with older children (upper elementary and above), this hunt offers a rewarding blend of history, discovery, and fun, whether you’re a puzzle enthusiast or simply looking for a unique way to explore the past.
Game Type: Riddle and Find
Intended Audience: Upper Elementary to Adult
Difficulty level: Beginner and up
Hunt begins: 10:00 a.m. (Please plan to arrive 15 minutes before your hunt begins)
Cost: $20 per person. Reservations required.
Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony
July 4, 2026
Hosted by the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Annual commemoration honoring Benjamin Harrison V, one of seven Virginia signers of the Declaration of Independence and eighteenth-century owner of Berkeley Plantation.
Ceremony included with regular admission tickets.
The ceremony begins at 12:30. Gardens, grounds, exhibits, and house open 9:30-4:30
Hauntings at Berkeley
July 17, 2026
Stories of Berkeley’s paranormal activity make for a fun and entertaining historical tour for the entire family. The evening includes a guided tour of the 1726 mansion, followed by a self-guided stroll through Berkeley’s gardens and grounds.
Tour begins: 7:00 p.m. (Please plan to arrive 15 minutes before your tour begins)
Admission: $20 per adult/$9 per child (ages 6–16) Reservations required.
This tour is also available as a specialty tour for groups of twenty or more on select dates, subject to availability.
Secrets, Symbols, and Stories at Berkeley Plantation An Immersive Historical Scavenger Hunt
July 18, 2026
Step into the past and put your sleuthing skills to the test at one of America’s most storied landmarks, Berkeley Plantation. This interactive scavenger hunt goes far beyond the ordinary, inviting participants to solve clever puzzles, crack hidden codes, and decipher intriguing clues inspired by classic adventure favorites.
As you explore the plantation grounds, you’ll uncover lesser-known corners and historic highlights while racing to piece together the final mystery. Success will require teamwork, curiosity, creativity, and just a hint of boldness.
Perfect for adult teams and families with older children (high school and up), this experience is designed for seasoned puzzle-solvers. If you love history with a twist of excitement, this is an adventure you won’t want to miss.
Game Type: Riddles and Ciphers
Intended Audience: High School to Adult
Difficulty level: Intermediate
Hunt begins: 10:00 a.m. (Please plan to arrive 15 minutes before your hunt begins)
Cost: $20 per person. Reservations required.
The Making of America: Freedom for Some - Exploring the Lives and Contributions of Berkeley’s Enslaved Community
July 25, 2026
This all-inclusive guided tour explores more than four hundred years of Berkeley’s enslaved and enslaver history. Beginning at the Enslaved Quarters and continuing through the main floor of the 1726 manor house, the tour shares the stories of individuals who lived and labored at Berkeley—from enslavement to life as free men and women.
Following the guided tour, guests may explore the colonial kitchen, exhibits, museum, gardens, and grounds.
Tour Begins: 10:00 a.m. (Please plan to arrive 15 minutes before your tour begins)
Admission: $20 per person Reservations required.
This tour is also available as a specialty tour for groups of twenty or more on select dates, subject to availability.
Experience Life as a Civil War Soldier - Tour Harrison’s Landing at Berkeley Plantation
September 5, 2026
During the summer of 1862, Berkeley Plantation was occupied by General George McClellan’s Union troops. More than 100,000 soldiers camped in the surrounding fields, while the entire U.S. Navy transported food and supplies between Hampton Roads and Harrison’s Landing. Berkeley’s 1726 manor house served as a field hospital, caring for the sick and wounded following the Seven Days Battles.
While encamped at Harrison’s Landing, General Daniel Butterfield—assisted by his bugler, O.W. Norton—composed “Taps” to honor fallen soldiers. This special Civil War tour brings to life the stories of the men who lived, fought, and healed at Berkeley.
An encampment, with reenactors portraying the troops, demonstrations, and interpretive displays will be available throughout the day.
Tour Times: 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. (Please plan to arrive 15 minutes before your tour begins)
Admission: $20 per adult/$9 per child (ages 6-16)
Reservations recommended.
Gardens, exhibits, encampment, and house open: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Plantation Echoes – Where History Still Speaks. A ghost hunting experience at Historic Berkeley Plantation
September 19, 2026
Step beyond the traditional tours into the layered past of Berkeley Plantation, where history and unexplained experiences still linger after dark.
Your after-hours guided experience begins inside the historic 1726 Georgian mansion, where stories of the people, land, and defining moments that shaped Berkeley’s legacy may just come back to life.
As night falls, your experience continues with paranormal investigations across the plantation grounds, cemetery, and historic outbuildings. Explore the supernatural through the layered history of Berkeley Plantation and perhaps leave with a ghost story of your own.
Check-in: 5:30 p.m.– 6:00 p.m.
Tour and investigation: 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Ticket includes:
- Full guided Plantation Echoes experience
- After-hours access to designated mansion rooms, grounds, cemetery, and historic outbuildings
- Use of available paranormal research equipment during guided investigations
- Historical interpretation tied to reported paranormal experiences
- Small-group investigative sessions led by experienced guides
- Access to shared story and discussion sessions throughout the evening
- Light refreshments are available during scheduled breaks
Cost: $49.00 per person
Reservations required. Limited capacity experience.
Historic Autumn Pilgrimage House Tour -- Sponsored by Westover Church
Sept 26, 2026
A tour of historic sites, contemporary houses, and gardens in Charles City County. Proceeds to benefit Westover Church and area outreach programs.
For more information and to purchase tickets visit: https://westoverepiscopalchurch.org/
Berkeley Homeschool Days
October 1 through 7, 2026
During the first week of October, Berkeley offers special discounted admission for homeschool students and their families. Enjoy a guided house tour focused on eighteenth-century plantation life, explore the museum’s paintings and artifacts, stroll the five restored garden terraces leading to the James River and navigate Berkeley’s corn maze.
Picnic tables are available or bring a blanket to enjoy a riverside picnic.
Admission: $12 per adult | $6.50 per student (K–12)
Reservations are required for groups of 10 or more. Call (804) 829-6018.
Tickets are purchased upon arrival.
Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch
Oct 1 through Nov 30, 2026
Bring the family to Berkeley to enjoy the colorful autumn gardens, scenic river shore, and engaging exhibits. Pick a pumpkin and make your way through the corn maze. Maze admission is included with regular tour tickets; an additional fee applies to taking home a pumpkin.
Scavenger and nature hunts are available for our young guests.
Picnic tables are available or bring a blanket to enjoy a riverside picnic.
9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. daily
The Making of America: Freedom for Some - Exploring the Lives and Contributions of Berkeley’s Enslaved Community
October 10, 2026
This all-inclusive guided tour explores more than four hundred years of Berkeley’s enslaved and enslaver history. Beginning at the Enslaved Quarters and continuing through the main floor of the 1726 manor house, the tour shares the stories of individuals who lived and labored at Berkeley—from enslavement to life as free men and women.
Following the guided tour, guests may explore the colonial kitchen, exhibits, museum, gardens, and grounds.
Tour Begins: 10:00 a.m. (Please plan to arrive 15 minutes before your tour begins)
Admission: $20 per person. Reservations required.
This tour is also available as a specialty tour for groups of twenty or more on select dates, subject to availability.
Christmas Events
Welcome to Berkeley Plantation
Step back in time to a bygone era and experience a genteel eighteenth-century lifestyle. Nowhere can you find a more unspoiled and tranquil environment. Our history begins in 1619 when settlers observed the first official Thanksgiving in America. Berkeley’s 1726 Georgian mansion is the birthplace of Benjamin Harrison V, signer of the Declaration of Independence and three times governor of Virginia. The estate is also the birthplace of William Henry Harrison, ninth president of the United States, and ancestral home of his grandson, Benjamin Harrison, the twenty-third president. During the Civil War, Berkeley was occupied by General George McClellan’s Union troops. While at Berkeley, General Daniel Butterfield composed the familiar tune “Taps,” first played by his bugler, O.W. Norton.
Berkeley’s mansion is furnished with a rare collection of eighteenth-century antiques, Chinese porcelain, and English silver. Costumed guides tell stories of the first Thanksgiving, the Harrisons, Civil War, and the present owners of Berkeley. Native American, Colonial, and Civil War artifacts, along with historical paintings and exhibits, can be explored in the eighteenth- century basement museum. The original kitchen dependency and reconstructed slave quarters tell the story of the enslaved workers that lived and worked at Berkeley. Grounds tours are at your own pace and include five terraces leading to the banks of the James River with benches along the way to sit and enjoy the views.
During the autumn season, pick a pumpkin and explore Berkeley’s corn maze. On the first Sunday in November, Berkeley celebrates the historic 1619 landing. In December, the plantation is decorated with traditional holiday decorations of fresh greenery from Berkeley’s gardens. Tours, gift shop, museum, exhibits, special events, and children’s activities make visiting Berkeley an educational and fun experience for the entire family.
A Virginia and National Historic Landmark
Photography:
Gary Smith Images
Historical Firsts Await
America’s First Thanksgiving (1619)
The Creation and First Playing of “Taps” (1862)