Great guided tour with a lot of history provided. The property and castle is under restoration. I love American history. read more

Bacon's Castle - Bacon Castle - Museums Near Me - Surry, Virginia

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Wow, wow, WOW! What a fascinating place! So much history! My friend and I went for a ghost tour on a Saturday night. The woman who ran our tour is named Sarah and she is a direct descendant of one of the original families that lived there. Also assisting with the tour was a man named Kenny from a paranormal research group in Richmond. Kenny considers himself a sceptic. His organization (I can't remember the name), works to document data, analyze the data, and try to come up with a scientific reason for the "paranormal" incidents. Both Sarah and Kenny have LOADS of knowledge! They shared a lot of history and stories with our small group. They also provided K2 meters that detect energy fluctuations. The stories were absolutely fascinating, first-hand, and some very recent (including with Kenny the sceptic). While we were finishing our tour, we heard a loud thunk on the wooden floor of the landing where we were, as if it had been struck with a boot or solid-heeled shoe. Then the floor was vibrating in a progressing manner as if someone was walking across the floor. One of the light-up cat toy balls on the floor was lighting up like crazy and several of the K2 meters were lighting up. So how about that?! A tour WITH paranormal activity! What a fun experience! I cannot wait to go back! read more

Bacon's Castle is epic! This majestic brick castle is "sizzling!" I feel so fortunate to live in a state with so much history. If you reside close to this site in Surry, VA, lucky you! If not, traveling down Route 460 would make an amazing day trip! I've enjoyed touring this castle (which is more like a huge estate rather than an actual castle) but it's definitely a fabulous architectural structure. It is renowned as the oldest brick building in North America. And although this home is dubbed "Bacon's Castle" if you think Bacon ever lived here, that's utter "hogwash." History reveals that Nathaniel Bacon never actually stayed here, but rather was at one time occupied by his rebel followers. The first time we visited, we stopped by the Virginia Diner in Wakefield and got fried chicken boxed lunches! The castle was only another 20 minutes or so away. We drove down a scenic country road and pulled into the imposing estate! We almost had the place to ourselves because it was in April, during the coronavirus. We parked and had a picnic on one of the tables outside under a grove of crepe myrtle trees. The grounds were gorgeous. The inside was closed but we spent a couple hours exploring the exterior of the castle, the out buildings, the pretty gardens, and the glorious nature around us. Wildlife and plant life abounded all over the property. We had the opportunity to take some memorable photos of our trip! A couple months later, I came back with a friend and the tours of the inside were open! You can either take an interior tour, and/or an outside phone tour. We entered through the gift shop which had many cool souvenirs, historic books, teas and jams, colonial toys, ornaments and other interesting things. It was a scorcher that July day, in the 90's, so we didn't stay in the garden long because we were "fried", but we enjoyed walking through the first floor of the house and marveling at the fireplaces, construction and nooks. The ladies running the tours were nice and informative. They charge $10 for the outside self tour or $20 for the indoor guided tour. I would definitely recommend visiting this estate if you're an American history buff! Learning more about Nathaniel Bacon, Bacon's Rebellion and William Berkeley is fascinating! read more

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I miss castle wandering in Europe, this just reminded me that we have beautiful castles in our own country. Enjoyed our day wandering the outside of Bacon's castle, this was a quick rest stop for us. We didn't have time for the tour. The castle and grounds were beautiful and clean. The bathrooms were clean, I browsed the gift shop for some goodies. Since being back in the US I have really enjoyed learning my history thru out each state. Hopefully oneday I will get back the Jamestown area for more. I heard the guides are wonderful. read more

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Wealthy merchant and planter Arthur Allen built a Jacobean style home in 1665. The architecture and story of an early rebellion by frontier fighters highlighted my two visits to Surry County to tour the castle. Known as the oldest surviving brick home in North America it is only one of three surviving Jacobean "Great Houses" West of the Atlantic. Saying Allen's home is rare is an understatement. The volunteers that have conducted my tours have been knowledgeable about the home and family. Bacon's Castle has nothing to do with a meat, or even a resident that ever resided at the 17th Century estate. The name is derived from Nathaniel Bacon whose followers led a revolt and fortified the house and vast property in 1676. Bacon's group held the home for a reported three months as a fort before the band of fighters were squashed by the Royal Governor, Sir William Berkeley. Although possible Bacon was at the home during this period there is no evidence he ever resided there. The uprising at the property was known as Bacon's Rebellion and its present day name was first applied in the Virginia Gazette in the Capital City of Williamsburg 1769. The 19th Century history of the house brought a two story Greek Revival wing, a change in the entry way from the center block and Diamond Pane casement windows replaced for double hung. The changes were left intact in its present day. Visitors can view the scars left from the original pedimented surround of the entry. Preservation Virginia Antiquities was able to acquire the unique holding and surrounding property in 1974. It took nine years to rehabilitate and complete research of the residence and families who lived in it. Guided tours began in 1983 and continue to run March - December. A cellphone tour is also available when the property is closed. A museum store is on site in the newer wing of the home. Last I toured the formal gardens they were rough. Significant work has been done by the Garden Club of Virginia to restore their 17th Century beauty. During that last visit my son and I assisted with a dig that would have been outside the 18th Century kitchen. A few pottery items were recovered that day. Bacon's Castle offers something for everyone in the family. The architecture of the home, family story of Arthur Allen and the siege on the house by Bacon's rebels make this a must tour. I recommend warmer climate days in order to take in the outbuilding slave quarters. The gardens would be best viewed in Spring and Summer. read more

Bacon's Castle - Original entrance - Museums Near Me - Surry, Virginia

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Help support Preservation Virginia a nonprofit organization that is restoring historical sites so we may enjoy them. It was an amazing place and Jordan our tour guide was great and knowledgeable go and enjoy read more

Went there a while back. Don't go out of your way for this if you are coming from across the country or outside the US but if you are in Hampton Roads, it's a cool place to visit. It's just a plantation and pretty typical, but the site of "Bacon's Rebellion" and very historically significant. The docent was knowledgeable and I could sit in one of the rooms while she spoke. There's no AC there, so make sure take a hand fan and/or go when cooler weather. read more

Great tour and very informative. My wife and I had a great time learning about the property

Megan gave us an entertaining tour. She recounted fascinating history and answered a lot of questions. It was incredible to stand in this very old structure. Virginia Preservation has been working on the restoration for over 50 years. The artifacts they've unearthed is providing a lot of clues about local history. read more

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This house is beautiful!! I've always been so interested in the history behind these homes. We were newer to Virginia, so this was one of our first real tours. It's a drive no matter where you are coming from, but the drive is beautiful. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and fun and extremely engaging. Definitely made the tour. It was so interesting to see some of these artifacts laid out in front of you to see. We would do this tour again in a heartbeat. read more

We enjoyed a leisurely day, driving from Williamsburg, taking the free Jamestown-Scotland ferry and visiting Bacon's Castle. Our tour guide, Ryan, provided an informative and entertaining presentation on the history of the property and the backstory of how it got its name. Being able to see the construction details of the house and outbuildings was an additional bonus. Seeing this home in its original setting gave me additional insight into how 'isolated' some of the original settlers were, and how easy it might be to misunderstand or misinterpret things that happened in relatively close proximity. This was definitely an educational experience for me, and I recommend it without hesitation. read more

Bacon's Castle - Bacon's Castle - Museums Near Me - Surry, Virginia

What a nice, slightly off the beaten path, stop. Tours last 45 minutes, and are limited to your group for safety. The docents are knowledgeable and interesting, and the grounds are pleasant for a bit of a wander. The house is a quick ferry ride from Williamsburg, and close to other sites in Surry. You can walk in, but it's probably better to reserve your tour online, as they occasionally get tour groups. read more

This is a hidden architectural and historical gem. First off, along with being the oldest known brick building in Virginia, it's also the only surviving example of Jacobean architecture in North America. The interior is just as interesting, with examples of both 17th and 18th century interior architecture and design, and on the tour you learn about the modifications that were made in the 18th century to make the house seem contemporary. (Nowadays we just tear down and put up a McMansion when we don't like sleepy bungalows.) The tour I received was amazing and well worth the admission. It was less of a narrated tour, and more like having someone unfold the story of the house for me. While you aren't going to see anything lavish or ostentatious that you would at Colonial Williamsburg, this also isn't a reproduction. It's a real historical site and with the excellent tour you can let your imagination run wild thinking about how people lived and worked here. There is a small, well-appointed gift shop, with souvenirs that are just from Bacon's Castle, to your more generic items like CDs and "colonial" chocolate. One thing that made me shake my head was that all the admissions, sales, etc. were still being written down on paper logs. Such a waste of time waiting. Same thing with gathering my name, address, etc... an iPad and a Square reader would get all that info much more quickly! I was able to be here when they were doing a Bonfire Night/Guy Fawkes' celebration, and it was a blast. Not only was there an effigy burning and bonfire, but lots of time to walk around the grounds and see the restored garden and one of the slave dwellings. So while this place is somewhat remote - if you can come see it, do, it will be worth the trip! read more

Wonderful visit! A must see along with Smiths Fort! Ryan was the best tour guide. Lived in Hampton Roads all my life and Beverly seen beautiful Surry. Definitely worth the stop! read more

This was a gorgeous estate. I learned some great things about days past. They are NOT state funded so any financial help is greatly appreciated. read more

Really interesting tour led by Ryan. He did a fantastic job. We ended up buying a membership for a year. We are really excited to see the other sites. read more

What an amazing adventure for a Sunday! We were immersed in history, love stories, massacres, and a breathtaking adventure through time as our tour guide Ryan captured our attention and imagination in a vivid stroll through over 300 years of history. The architecture was amazing and the remaining structures can transport anyone with an imagination back in time. It was the best 3 hours I've spent in a long time. Highly recommend anyone to stop here as they explore Virginia. read more

Don't be fooled by the name, there is no bacon here. I was quite upset at this revelation. However, this is a great site of local historical significance. Aside from the history, it's also an interesting lesson in architecture. read more

This was a side visit from Busch Gardens. Throughly enjoyed visiting here. It is a beautiful estate and the countryside is lovely. Well worth the admission. read more

We set out this morning with one ambition to take the ferry from Jamestown to Surry County. After we got to Surry County, we were unsure if wanted to visit Bacon's Castle. We ended spending several hours there and loved every minute. Out tour guide, Ryan, was outstanding supplying many interesting facts of this oldest brick dwelling in the North America. He answered every question this old elementary school teacher threw at him. We explored the home's out buildings, and found the phone narrations of each station very useful. read more

Very nice day visit Very interesting and staff are exceptionally nice and friendly. After visiting Smithfield this is another good stop Good for field trip Prices are reasonable read more

Had a thorough and professional tour by Ryan. He told interesting and stimulating historically accurate stories. Loved his passion and enthusiastic personality. If all historians presented history in this manner our children would be more informed about our country. Thank you for such an enjoyable and knowledgeable afternoon. Lynn from New Jersey read more

Wonderful Sunday Afternoon visit to Bacon's Castle. We had a knowledgeable and funny tour guide that filled us in on the history and period time named Ryan ...Definetley worth seeing especially if you are a history buff. worth every penny ! read more

the sites mission is to preserve the castle as a museum and show people how life was back then and also learn more about the american history.my visit was really great, i learned a lot!! 1. Where is the site? Trail Surry, VA 2. Is there a fee? yes, 12$ for adults 3. Who is the site for? tourists and people who like american history 4. What makes up the site (is it a single monument? A park? A historic building?) its a castle 5. When did you go? 1 month ago 6. Why did you give it the rating you did? because i really liked what they had inside the castle, i learned a lot about the revolution and the rebels read more

I am not aware of many buildings In This country that are this old. We got the recommendation to go to this place from the Historic St. Luke's Church (amazingly also from the 1600's). I thoroughly enjoyed this tour. The tour guide (Alex) was very animated, friendly, and knowledgeable; and she had great stories to tell us. Parts of the house are from different eras due to additions and renovations. But a good chunk of the house remains original (circa 1600's). Particularly fascinating is that they still have original furniture from the house and of that era; there are children's drawings and writings on a wall from the 1800's, and also window etchings (a drawing and names). And they have I think the oldest standing slave quarters(which you can look through the window). Also the rebels from Bacon's Rebellion took shelter in this home, I think without permission from the homeowner. I have never heard of Bacons Rebellion before this day. I have since read the history of the Rebellion from the National Park Service website. There is so much drama in this story that I think it could be a successful movie. I bought their laminated educational posters to use for table placemats for my children. Then they can learn while they eat. Use every opportunity you can to raise smart kids! read more

Bacon's Castle is a historical building found in Surry, VA. I visited this building when I was home for my holiday break in November. My family loves historical sites, like this, that has sort of a spooky vibe to it. There was no fee for the tour around the building and the nearby grounds. The tours take roughly 45 minutes and the tour guides provide substantive information on the history of the building and its land. Bacon's Castle was originally built for Arthur Allen and his family but earned its name after Nathaniel Bacon and his men used the home as shelter during the Bacon's Rebellion. By this being said, this historical building would be an interesting trip for those who live around Surry who want to earn more about their history or people traveling who are just interested in small-town history. The mission of this historical site is to upkeep and shave the history of the oldest building in North America​. The house was built in the early 1600s so it to still be standing is an accomplishment for those who have put the effort into keeping the building standing. I give this site 5 stars because it kept me intrigued the entire time I was there. Being from the area I have always been very interested in the local history. read more