Portsmouth Historical Tour: Experience Authentic Colonial Culture
5.0
21 Ratings
Portsmouth

Immerse yourself in Portsmouth’s rich colonial history on a guided tour. Explore authentic architecture, learn fascinating stories, and discover the city’s cultural gems.

Duration: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Portsmouth Welcome Center - After gathering at the Welcome Center for introductions and some history related to the Coffee Shoppe, your guides will sing you a delightful little ditty about coming to America as you travel down Middle Street to your first stop.
What's Included
  • Endless enjoyment
  • Exciting activities
What's Not Included
  • Golf cart transportation can usually be arranged through a private service for an additional charge.
Additional Information

Our tour guides are more than just costume actors. As knowledgeable musicians and storytellers in the roles of historical figures from Portsmouth’s vibrant and storied history, they’ll regale you with tales and tunes, provide you with interesting etymologies and insights into colonial life, and give you a detailed overview of the architectural history…

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Location
Portsmouth Welcome Center
High Street
The Portsmouth Welcome Center is two blocks from the ferry landing at the foot of High Street, and a short walk from the Renaissance Hotel.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(21 Ratings)
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Angellightner
Jul 27, 2024
Songs and history - Great addition to our revolutionary war weekend. The guide was the in character and even had folks interact with us along the walk. The songs were great. We added the hill house which was interesting too.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Richard_g
Mar 12, 2024
Very fun in character walking tour. - The tour guide was on time, very informative, dressed the part, and sang songs of the times! Even though it was a raining day.
Review provided by Viator
110kaitlynl
Jul 6, 2023
Amazing Walking Tour - We did the Walking Tour as part of a conference, it was a hit! Everyone that made it loved it. Learned so much and enjoyed every minute.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lmm140
Jun 30, 2023
Fascinating freedom tour! - I took my fourth grade class in honor of Black History month. They loved it! So did the parents! The enterpretera are energetic, witty, knowledgeable, and patient.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
M6005trjamesm
Jun 30, 2023
Great Tour Full of Fun and Informative Stories - This was a fantastic experience. The guides were friendly, knowledgeable, and performed exceptionally! I thought I knew a lot about Portsmouth, VA, but they blew me away with the amount of knowledge they told us. We were happy to go on their tour, and we will definitely try one of their other tours soon. If anyone's curious, there is so much to learn about Portsmouth's 300+ years of history, that it rivals colonial Williamsburg, and History Alive is the one who you want to show you it first hand.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
T6811nbaudreyl
Jun 30, 2023
History Alive is a great way to see historic Portsmouth! - This was one of the best walking tours I have ever taken. The guides were entertaining and informative and even sing! I have been on several different tours that they lead and they are all great.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Julie
Mar 8, 2023
Lively walking tour in Portsmouth - We called to schedule a tour. The online info we had seen was incorrect and no tour was offered that day, however, Mary offered to show up on her own time because they hadn’t caught the mistake. We had a private tour and Mary did a wonderful job. She was knowledgeable, talented, personable, a great singer and very lively. It was a marvelous afternoon in Portsmouth.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lanaleecary
Feb 27, 2023
History comes alive! - We took a historic walking tour of Old Towne, Portsmouth. The focus was the Underground Railroad and the people/events that helped to free slaves, changing the lives of so many. Our costumed guides were excellent, passionate story tellers. As they lead us through the streets, they sang hymns, encouraging us to sing along. (And of course, we did!) Stops were made in front of historic residences and a park that once held a sabatogued Black church. One of the highlights was our tour of Emanuel AME church, built by the Black community, funded by free Black's and slaves. Within its beautiful walls, we were shown secret hiding places, told of a tunnel that lead to the Elizabeth River. High windows were used as lookouts. Massive and lengthy stained glass windows created an illusion that concealed an attic refuge. I highly recommend this tour; it was a heartfelt presentation of the human struggle. I look forward to another fun, informative tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
U6998vzlaurap
Feb 27, 2023
Outstanding! - Took the Living History Underground Railroad tour with a group of friends. This will not be our last tour with this amazing group. The tour was unbelievably informative and entertaining. Sally, William and the Captain were great! And the voices! Bring your family, your friends or just yourself. See a part of Portsmouth you may not be familiar with. It's worth the trip!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Darrowsmom
Feb 11, 2023
Black history comes to life in Portsmouth VA - I attended the 11am Black History tour in Portsmouth VA today. Only go if you want to feel you have stepped back in time and you are walking in the streets of Portsmouth in the days of the civil war. Mary Veale and the Colonials are locals that possess great knowledge of times as well as talented singers and story telling. The only problem I had with the tour was that it had to end.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
November 2024
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