A guide to Sherwood Forest, Virginia. Explore President John Tyler’s presidential plantation, its history, and what visitors can expect from a tour.
Overview: History, what to expect, and unique features of Sherwood Forest
Sherwood Forest Plantation is a historic house and former plantation located in Charles City County, Virginia, along the scenic James River. The main house, originally built around 1730, is historically significant as the home of the tenth U.S. President, John Tyler. Tyler purchased the property in 1842 and renamed it Sherwood Forest, a nod to his reputation as a political “outlaw” after his falling-out with the Whig party. He lived here from the end of his presidential term in 1845 until his death in 1862.
Visitors can expect to see the longest frame house in America, extended by President Tyler to over 300 feet, notably by adding a 68-foot ballroom designed for the popular Virginia Reel dance. The grounds feature 25 acres of terraced gardens and centuries-old trees. The house remains a private residence, continuously owned by the Tyler family descendants, adding a unique personal dimension to the tour. The plantation complex includes several original 17th-century outbuildings, such as a tobacco barn and smoke house, representing one of the most complete plantation yards in America.
While George Washington’s Mount Vernon and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello may be the US presidential homes in Virginia that pull in the crowds, Sherwood Forest offers something a little different.
Planning your visit to Sherwood Forest: opening times and access
Sherwood Forest operates primarily as a self-guided grounds tour, with house tours available by appointment.
- Grounds hours: The grounds are typically open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. between March and October, then 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m between November and February.
- House tours: Guided house tours require an appointment and are contingent on the availability of the private residence. Call or email at least one week in advance to schedule.
- Closures: The grounds observe closures on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
- Recommended time: Allow one hour for the self-guided grounds tour. The combined grounds and house tour takes two or more hours.
Sherwood Forest admission fees and tickets
A fee applies for both the self-guided grounds tour and the guided house tour.
| Ticket type | Price (checked September 2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Self-guided Grounds Tour (Adult) | $10.00 | Cash only is sometimes required; confirm payment methods upon arrival. |
| Guided House Tour (Adult) | $35.00 | Includes the grounds tour; requires booking in advance. |
| Child (15 and under) | Free (Grounds) / $25.00 (House Tour) | |
| Group Tour (10+ people) | Varies | Available for both grounds and house by advance appointment. |
Booking note: Due to the site’s status as a private residence, visitors must call or email in advance to arrange house tours and group visits.
Accessibility and safety
The site maintains facilities but visitors should note the outdoor, historical nature of the complex.
- Accessibility: The grounds are primarily grass, dirt paths, and lawn, which may present challenges for mobility. Access is generally flat but can be soft after rain. Call ahead for specific accessibility needs.
- Safety: Visitors must stay on designated paths and treat the grounds with respect, remembering it remains a private residence.
Things to do near Sherwood Forest Plantation
- Berkeley Plantation – Located along the same historic Route 5 corridor, Berkeley Plantation is one of the James River’s major historic estates. Its 1726 Georgian mansion, gardens and connections to William Henry Harrison and the Civil War make it a natural companion to Sherwood Forest.
- Westover Plantation – This historic James River plantation is close to Sherwood Forest and is known for its Georgian architecture, gardens and riverside setting. It is one of several historic estates that can be visited along this stretch of Route 5.
- Shirley Plantation – Dating to 1613, Shirley Plantation is another historic estate on the James River and has been occupied by the Hill-Carter family for generations. It makes a particularly relevant addition to a visit focused on Virginia’s early plantation history.
- Virginia Capital Trail – This 52-mile paved trail connects Richmond and Williamsburg and passes through the historic James River plantation area. Sections of the trail provide access to several plantations and historic sites around Charles City County.
- Edgewood Plantation – This historic property is another of the James River plantations accessible from the Virginia Capital Trail. Its location makes it a practical addition for visitors exploring the Route 5 corridor and surrounding historic estates.
Alternative attractions
- Bacon’s Castle – Located across the James River in Surry County, Bacon’s Castle is a 17th-century brick house and historic site with surviving outbuildings and a formal garden. It offers another opportunity to explore early Virginia architecture, plantation history and the lives of the people who lived and worked on these estates.
- Chippokes Plantation State Park – Across the James River from the Charles City plantation area, this state park preserves a historic plantation landscape and includes the Chippokes Plantation House. It combines historic buildings and gardens with a larger rural landscape.
- Historic Jamestowne – The archaeological site of the original Jamestown settlement provides a broader introduction to the early English colony in Virginia. It is a useful alternative for visitors interested in the early history surrounding the James River plantations.
- Jamestown Settlement – This living-history museum near Williamsburg interprets the establishment of Jamestown through reconstructed buildings, historical exhibits and demonstrations. It provides a more structured introduction to the colonial period than the historic plantations.
- Colonial Williamsburg – The restored historic district in Williamsburg recreates Virginia’s colonial capital through historic buildings, museums and demonstrations. It is a good alternative for visitors who want to explore the wider colonial history of the region.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) about Sherwood Forest
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is unique about the house’s architecture? | The house is the longest frame dwelling in America, stretching 301 feet, including the long, narrow ballroom added by President Tyler for dancing. |
| Why did John Tyler name it Sherwood Forest? | Tyler renamed it Sherwood Forest to signify that the Whig political party had “outlawed” him, referencing the legendary outlaw Robin Hood. |
| Can I visit the house without an appointment? | No, tours of the private main house are available only by advance appointment. The grounds are open daily for self-guided tours without appointment. |
| Did the plantation own slaves? | Yes, like many plantations in the mid-19th century Virginia, the Tylers owned dozens of enslaved African Americans who worked the land until Emancipation. |
| Is the house still occupied? | Yes, Sherwood Forest remains the only historic presidential house still occupied by direct descendants of the president who owned it. |
More Virginia travel
Other Virginia travel stories on Planet Whitley include:
- All you need to know before visiting Virginia Safari Park near Roanoke.
- What you should know before visiting the Science Museum of Virginia in Richmond.
- What to know before visiting the White House of the Confederacy in Richmond.
- Planning a visit to the Maymont Mansion in Richmond.
- Plan your visit to the Virginia Living Museum in Newport News.
