Things to do in Richmond, Virginia

Attractions in Richmond, You Never Knew Existed

We’ve been finding ourselves searching for “Castles in X, Y, Z” and have been pleasantly surprised with the results. This venture started last year when we did a tour of DC’s most underrated estates and gardens. We then got a chance to explore Long Island’s glorious mansions and castles. Today, we’re introducing you to Richmond’s greatest off-the-beaten path attractions, from gardens, to lavish estates and even whimsical cemeteries.

Richmond is known for being a college town, with vibrant neighborhoods such as Carytown, Church Hill and the Fan. But aside from all things up and coming, there are lesser known historic gems scattered all around the city, it just takes a bit of research to dig them all up, and we’ve dug them all. Here are the coolest things to do in Richmond, Virginia, you never knew existed.

Agecroft Hall
We’re going to start this post with a bang. Ready? The Agecroft Hall and Gardens is a 16th century English manor house that was taken apart, shipped overseas, and brought to Richmond in 1926. Let’s break that down. This lavish property was purchased then shipped from the United Kingdom to Virginia to be re-assembled. That’s not even the coolest aspect of visiting Agecroft. Check out the unique architectural detail of this structure. Our minds were blown by its beauty. They still are.

The Virginia House
We’re not sure what is it with Virginia natives and shipping full structures from one end of the world to the other, but yet again here we are. The Virginia House was constructed in 1119 in Britain. Much of the original building was demolished but many stones remained and were used to reconstruct the home in Richmond in 1928. Although tours of the interior are now closed off to the public, a quick peek at the exterior is worth a stop. It’s just one house down from Agecroft Hall, so it’s a win-win.

Maymont Park: Mansion & Estate
Maymont isn’t just another mansion, but it’s a 100-acre Victorian estate jam-packed with a nature center, gardens, fountains, trails and an in-house wildlife habitat. The mansion itself is a wonderful reminder of the extravagance of the gilded age. Our favorite space is none other than the Swan Room. Other highlights are the Italian Garden and the Black Bears. Yes, you read that right, and you just have to visit to see for yourself.

Byrd Park Pump House
The pump house was historically just that, an industrial waterworks warehouse that drew water from the James River and Kanawha Canal then pumped it uphill to the reservoir, which at the time was the city’s main water supply. Today, the pump house makes for a lovely afternoon hike and provides plenty of opportunities for exploration. The city has a fantastic guide here for visitors.

Hollywood Cemetery
Not your typical afternoon activity, but Hollywood Cemetery has been a long-time local favorite. In a bizarre way, the cemetery is enchanting, and is actually referred to as an outdoor museum as well as a registered arboretum. There are tens of intricate mausoleums and tombs, two of which are resting places for former U.S. Presidents.

Old City Hall
One of Richmond city’s great landmarks is the Old City Hall, mostly because of its beautiful exterior – but the interior is just as ravishing. Built in 1894, City Hall is the definition of craftsmanship. You can see in the photos how the Victorian Gothic architecture is overwhelming, outside and inside. Here’s a bonus, visitors can also enjoy a wonderful view of the city from the observation deck.

The Egyptian Building
We just had to include this in here, because it is utterly the most random find we’ve ever stumbled upon. The Egyptian Building, in downtown Richmond, is a historic college building built in 1845. It’s not clear why this wave of Egyptian aesthetics made it to RVA, but we are not complaining. Today, the “temple” structure is part of Virginia Commonwealth University’s medical school. Here’s our encyclopedia of all things Egypt if you’re interested.

Virginia War Memorial
This memorial is one of the prettiest monuments in Virginia. Perched on top of a hill and overlooking the James River, the memorial commemorates Virginians who lost their lives in World War II and the Korean War. It’s a very aesthetically pleasing space and frankly doesn’t receive enough recognition.

Jefferson Hotel
Dubbed the Belle of the 90s, the Jefferson Hotel has been a long-standing historic landmark in the city. Sadly, most folks don’t think of stopping by, after all, it is a hotel. But walking into the Jefferson is much like stepping into a timeless painting. If you appreciate luxurious craftsmanship and decadence, this is for you.

Shirley Plantation
Just outside of Richmond city is Charles City, where the Shirley Plantation is located. Shirley is Virginia’s first plantation, a reminder of a dark past, but a must-visit. It was founded in 1613, and was occupied by Native Americans before the English arrived. It’s been documented that at least 25 indentured white men worked the plantation, and much later another 90 enslaved Africans. In the 1700s, the plantation was occupied by the Hill Carter family, the parents of Confederate General Robert E. Lee. Today, the descendants of the Hill family still reside in the main house.

There are a few more cool things to do in Richmond, Virginia that we haven’t gotten a chance to check out ourselves. If you have time, visit The Poe Museum, The Valentine, the Wilton House Museum or the Altria Theater and let us know what you think.