Exploring the Historic Campus of William & Mary: A Comprehensive Tour Guide

William & Mary, chartered in 1693 by King William III and Queen Mary II of England, stands as the second-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Nestled in Williamsburg, Virginia, this historic treasure, often referred to as a "Public Ivy," offers a unique blend of academic excellence and rich heritage. With its iconic landmarks, vibrant campus life, and proximity to Colonial Williamsburg, a visit to William & Mary is an enriching experience for prospective students, alumni, and history enthusiasts alike. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the campus, highlighting key attractions, tips for planning your visit, and insights into the college's unique character.

Planning Your Visit

Located in Williamsburg, Virginia, William & Mary welcomes visitors throughout the year. Whether you're admitted, still working on your application, or just starting your college search, we invite you to learn more about all that W&M has to offer. The best time to visit depends on your preferences. Colonial Williamsburg's summers can be a bit warm and sometimes humid, while winters are a bit colder, with rain or even snow. July tends to have the most rainy days.

If you can't wait to visit William and Mary in person, a virtual tour is a great way to familiarize yourself with the campus. Take a digital stroll through campus and experience William & Mary’s most iconic and beloved locations. Our virtual 360° panoramic tour offers a great way to experience everything the university has to offer. Your digital stroll through campus will include W&M’s most iconic and beloved locations. You’ll also learn more about our top-ranked academics, hands-on student research, dynamic student life, robust campus community and so much more. Once your tour has launched, you can click the arrows to walk around or jump to different stops and tours using the menu. What interests you most?

Every Wednesday at 6 pm EST, there is a virtual event for students, by student panels! This event showcases several current students who are ready and eager to share their experiences.

Accommodation and Dining

When you visit the William and Mary Campus, you'll want to stay nearby. For convenient accommodation, consider the Fife and Drum Inn, located just a two-block walk west from the College Admissions Office. Another tip is finding good accommodation with a fast breakfast option to start your day off on the right foot. Enjoy delights such as Sharon's freshly baked muffin tops, created from an old family recipe. You will always find banana and blueberry, but sometimes she bakes up a few with different surprise ingredients.

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In and around Williamsburg, you’ll find bustling dining and shopping centers filled with boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops and more. Across from William and Mary College is the Green Leafe Cafe, known by the locals for being an excellent bar. The Cafe boasts over 150 different types of beer by the bottle and over 30 on tap. In Colonial Williamsburg, you'll find a variety of down-home good eats and culinary delights. You'll find something for everyone at Merchants Square, an 18th-century style retail village with over 40 shops and restaurants. You might even be able to catch some live music on the outdoor stage.

Exploring the Campus

William & Mary’s campus is rich with iconic landmarks that blend centuries of history with everyday student life. The campus is divided into Ancient Campus, Old Campus, and New Campus. Highlights include the Sir Christopher Wren Building, the oldest academic building in continuous use in the United States, as well as the President’s House, academic halls, statues, and landscaped gardens. Take a self-guided tour to become acquainted with more points of interest on campus. Explore campus and learn more about W&M through our self-guided tour. Choose from an interactive mobile tour with links and videos or a printable PDF.

The Wren Building

Originally William & Mary consisted of three buildings: the Main, or Sir Christopher Wren, Building (shown in an aerial view); the Brafferton; and the President's House. These structures, which form a triangle in the Wren Yard, have been restored to their original 18th-century appearance through the combined efforts of the university, John D. Step back in time during weekly organ recitals in the Wren Chapel, located inside the historic Wren building. Three talented musicians play the 1740 English chamber organ, which is on loan from Colonial Williamsburg, the sprawling living history museum neighboring William & Mary. Be immersed in the full, robust sound generated by five-and-a-half ranks of pipes perched on the chapel’s balcony.

Crim Dell Bridge

The most photographed and most romantic spot on campus, the Crim Dell Bridge is much more than a decorative bridge. Local lore has it that if two people cross the bridge while holding hands, they’ll be lifelong friends, and if they kiss, they’ll be lifelong lovers. The ornate red-and-white bridge, which crosses a lily pond and connects the old and new campuses, was erected in 1966. Another great place to take a family photo during your college tour is on the Crim Dell Bridge. It is tucked away and might be hard to find.

Sunken Garden

A great place to lounge on campus when you're visiting William and Mary College is at the Sunken Gardens. William & Mary’s campus is rich with iconic landmarks that blend centuries of history with everyday student life. From the storied steps of the Wren Building to the serene stretch of the Sunken Garden, each space holds memories, traditions and moments that connect the W&M community.

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Muscarelle Museum of Art

Although the Muscarelle Museum of Art opened on the William & Mary campus in 1983, the collection it houses dates to 1732. From paintings and drawings to sculpture and photography, the permanent collection includes nearly 8,000 objects. Spend an afternoon exploring European and American paintings by the likes of Rembrandt and Georgia O’Keeffe and much more. A major expansion of the museum in 2023-24 increased display space for the permanent collection and made more room for special exhibits. General admission is free, although there may be a charge for special exhibits and programs.

Botanic Garden Tour

William & Mary’s campus is home to over 300 species and varieties of woody plants, many of which were gathered and planted by Professor John T. (J.T.) Baldwin, Jr., who taught biology here from 1946 to 1974. This remarkable collection serves as a living archive, supporting research and teaching for both College members and visitors. The self-guided tour features more than 70 different kinds of woody plants-a curated selection from the full collection. The route follows the original walking tour created by Professor Baldwin and includes several of his original plantings. Starting and ending near the Wren Building on the Old Campus, the tour covers 13 marked locations, each highlighting multiple specimens. More than 300 species of trees plus scores of other plant species have been planted on campus over the years, including dozens of exotic species. Self-guided botanic tours follow a loop that starts at the Wren Building, circumnavigating the area around the Sunken Garden.

About Professor John T. Baldwin Jr.

John T. Baldwin Jr. was more than a professor-he was a passionate botanist and a pioneer in plant research who left a lasting mark on William & Mary’s campus. A biology alumnus of the College, Baldwin earned his Ph.D. in cytogenetics from the University of Virginia in 1937, specializing in the study of plant chromosomes. Baldwin’s dedication went beyond research papers. Throughout his career, he traveled extensively across four continents, collecting unusual seeds and plants to enrich the College grounds. His vision was to create a diverse, educational landscape that allowed students and faculty to engage directly with plant biology. After Professor Baldwin’s passing in 1974, stewardship of the collection was entrusted to his colleagues, ensuring his legacy would endure. Recognizing the importance of preserving this living archive, Biology Professor Martin Mathes spearheaded a comprehensive project in the late 1970s to systematically identify, inventory, and map the collection. With help from senior student Louise Mozingo and others, Mathes produced a detailed catalog documenting over 300 species and varieties of woody plants, along with maps marking their precise locations across campus. Preservation efforts extend beyond documentation. The College’s Gardens and Grounds division plays a vital role in maintaining the health and vitality of the specimens, tending to their care year-round as part of the broader campus landscape management. In recent years, Associate Professor of Biology Dr. Martha Case has taken on the role of College Conservator of Botanical Collections. She has expanded the original campus tour, updating it to reflect changes in the collection and incorporating modern tools such as geospatial mapping and digital photography. Community engagement is also a key part of preservation. Faculty-led walking tours and educational programs foster appreciation among students, staff, and visitors alike. The collection thrives thanks to the dedication of many. Professor Mathes guided tours and expanded the collection, while the late Jane Henley was a generous advocate and donor. The College’s Gardens and Grounds division maintains the plants and landscape, and Dr.

Experiencing Campus Life

There’s always something happening around campus. See our upcoming events. Explore life at W&M in 30 seconds - traditions, holidays and more. See campus life from a different student each week. Discover our students’ favorite spots on and around campus.

If vocal music is more to your liking, you’re in luck. Several college choruses perform at periodic concerts that are free and open to the public, presented in courtyards or in the concert hall on campus. Fall is football season - you’re invited to get swept up in game-day spirit and root for the green and gold at thrilling home games.

Lake Matoaka is a favorite location on the William & Mary Campus Greenspace Map.

Neighboring Attractions

Neighboring Colonial Williamsburg, William & Mary is a historic treasure hidden in plain sight. How many other places would you have the unique opportunity to step into a blacksmith or an apothecary role and bring history to life? Colonial Williamsburg is the largest outdoor living museum in the country and a must-visit.

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