Yorktown Battlefield and Colonial Williamsburg Audio Bundle Tour

Discover the Yorktown Battlefield and Colonial Williamsburg Highlights for Just $24.99

The Yorktown Battlefield and Colonial Williamsburg Audio Bundle Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of some of America’s most iconic historic sites in Williamsburg, Virginia. Priced at $24.99 per group (up to 4 people), this self-guided experience lasts approximately 5 to 6 hours and provides an engaging, flexible way to learn about the country’s revolutionary past. The tour is designed for those who prefer independence over guided bus rides, allowing you to explore at your own pace with offline maps and audio stories that bring history vividly to life.

Participants download an easy-to-use app after booking, then follow the route, pausing and resuming as they wish. This tour does not include entrance tickets, so visitors should check opening hours beforehand. It suits history enthusiasts, families, and groups seeking an affordable, self-paced historical adventure without the need for a guide or large group.

Key Points

• Self-guided audio tour ideal for independent exploration of Williamsburg and Yorktown
• Includes over 16 stops, from historic houses to battlefields and colonial landmarks
• Offline maps and stories allow use without cellular signal, perfect for remote areas
• Price of $24.99 per group offers excellent value for up to 4 people
• Flexible timing: start anytime between 6:00 AM and 9:00 PM; duration 5-6 hours
• Not an entrance ticket: check individual attraction hours before visiting

Starting Point: Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center

The tour kicks off at the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center, a central hub for exploring the nation’s largest living museum. From here, the route covers over 3 miles of historical sites, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. The initial experience sets the tone with stories about the colonial era and Williamsburg’s early development.

Visiting the Peyton Randolph House on Nicholson Street

Your first stop is outside the Peyton Randolph House at 100 W Nicholson St, an 18th-century building and one of Williamsburg’s oldest. The house belonged to a prominent revolutionary figure, William Randolph. The 10-minute visit offers a peek into colonial architecture and the life of a revolutionary leader. Admission is free, making this an accessible introduction to colonial history.

Exploring Bassett Hall, Rockefeller’s Colonial Retreat

Next, the tour takes you to Bassett Hall, a white frame farmhouse on 585 acres of lawns and gardens. Once the home of John D. Rockefeller Jr., this site offers insight into early 20th-century preservation efforts and colonial living. The 10-minute stop allows visitors to appreciate a quiet, scenic landscape and learn about Rockefeller’s contributions to Williamsburg.

The Significance of Moore House

The Moore House at 10 minutes’ walking distance is a key location where Cornwallis and Washington sent representatives to negotiate surrender terms. The British offered total surrender during the American Revolution here, making it a pivotal site. Visitors learn about the diplomatic efforts that led to the end of the conflict with free admission.

Yorktown Battlefields and French Contribution

Outside the Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center, the tour highlights the importance of the final Revolutionary War battle. The route includes visits to French Artillery Park and the Grand French Battery, where large French artillery pieces played a decisive role. Visitors see where the French military supported the American and French coalition, with each stop lasting about 5 minutes and offering free entry.

The Yorktown Civil War Cemetery and Victory Memorial

A noteworthy stop is the Yorktown National Cemetery, which is actually a Civil War burial ground rather than Revolutionary War sites. This contrast emphasizes the layered history of the area. The tour concludes at the Yorktown Victory Monument, erected shortly after Cornwallis’s surrender, serving as an inspiring symbol of victory and independence.

Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Landmarks

The tour then moves into the heart of Williamsburg, beginning with the Colonial Williamsburg Capitol Building. Built between 1701 and 1705, this was the colony’s first government seat. Nearby, the Raleigh Tavern hosted meetings of revolutionaries, including Thomas Jefferson. These locations demonstrate Williamsburg’s role in shaping revolutionary ideas.

Colonial Williamsburg Magazine and Courthouse

Visitors explore the historic Colonial Williamsburg Magazine, where British soldiers attempted to seize gunpowder, and the old courthouse, where the Declaration of Independence was first read aloud in Williamsburg. Both sites are 5-minute stops with free admission and deepen understanding of colonial resistance.

The Playhouse Theatre and Governor’s Palace

Next, the Playhouse Theatre offers a recreation of early American entertainment venues, showcasing how colonial residents enjoyed performances. Nearby, the Governor’s Palace displays colonial grandeur and the tensions between Williamsburg residents and their British royal governors. These 5-minute stops highlight colonial culture and governance.

The George Wythe House and Bruton Parish Church

The George Wythe House features the home of a signer of the Declaration of Independence known for his abolitionist views, offering a glimpse into revolutionary and moral debates. The Bruton Parish Episcopal Church is the oldest building in Williamsburg, with a history spanning over three centuries. These stops provide insights into colonial social and religious life.

Civil War Divisions at the Armistead House

The Armistead House reveals the deep divisions during the Civil War, as its owner was a northerner living in the south. It exemplifies the internal conflicts that affected Williamsburg long after independence was achieved.

William & Mary College and Wren Building

Finally, the tour visits the William & Mary College campus, home to the oldest college in the United States, established in 1693. The Wren Building is the college’s oldest structure, dating back to the early 18th century, and offers a final reflection on Williamsburg’s enduring educational legacy.

Practicalities: Using the Tour and Additional Considerations

This self-guided tour uses an Action Day Trips app that must be downloaded via WiFi or cellular data before exploring. The app provides offline maps and audio stories that activate automatically as you reach each stop. The tour is not an entrance ticket, so visitors should verify individual attraction hours.

The tour is designed for groups up to 4 per booking, with the cost of $24.99 including unlimited access without expiry. It’s suitable for most travelers with basic smartphone capabilities, and the app supports Apple CarPlay and will soon support Android Auto.

Limitations and Tips for Visitors

Since some sections of Colonial Parkway are under repair, check the official NPS website for updates on possible detours. To enhance the experience, bring headphones or earbuds for clear audio and consider connecting your device to your vehicle’s stereo system for a hands-free tour. The start point involves no meeting arrangements—simply launch the app and follow the audio cues.

Why Choose This Tour?

This self-guided audio experience provides an affordable and flexible way to explore Williamsburg and Yorktown’s historic sites at your own pace. The offline maps and stories ensure a smooth experience even in areas with limited signal. Given its comprehensive route and free attraction stops, it’s ideal for families, history buffs, and anyone wanting a deep dive into American history without the expense or schedules of guided tours.

Final Thoughts on the Yorktown Battlefield and Colonial Williamsburg Audio Tour

At a budget-friendly $24.99 per group, this tour offers an in-depth, self-directed journey through some of the most significant American historical sites. Its easy-to-use app and flexible timing make it suitable for varied schedules and travel styles. Visitors who enjoy engaging storytelling and interactive exploration will find this tour a valuable way to experience Williamsburg and Yorktown without the constraints of guided groups.

While it doesn’t include attraction entry tickets, it effectively highlights key sites and stories that make Williamsburg a must-visit destination. This tour caters ideally to those comfortable with smartphones, looking for independent discovery and affordable history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the app is easy to operate and the stops are engaging, making it suitable for families with children who can walk and listen.

Do I need to purchase additional tickets for attractions?
Yes, this tour does not include entrance tickets; visitors should buy tickets for individual sites if required.

Can I start the tour at any time?
Yes, you can begin anytime between 6:00 AM and 9:00 PM, and you are free to pause or restart the tour as needed.

Is the tour accessible if I don’t have a cell signal?
Absolutely, the app downloads offline maps and stories so you can explore without cellular coverage.

How long does the tour take?
The expected duration is about 5 to 6 hours, depending on your pace and how long you spend at each stop.

What should I bring for the tour?
We recommend headphones or earbuds for clear audio, and a fully charged smartphone. Consider connecting your device to your car stereo for a more immersive experience.

Are there any restrictions on group size?
Yes, the tour is priced per group of up to 4 people.

Is this a guided tour?
No, it’s self-guided, with narrative stories played automatically as you reach each stop.

What if I face technical issues during the tour?
Support is available if you encounter audio problems; contact details are provided within the app.

Can I revisit the tour later?
Yes, lifetime access means you can use the tour anytime on any trip or revisit specific stops at your convenience.