Virginia's Castles

The food is superior. The shepherd's pie was excellent (and made from lamb, as it should be). The bangers and mash are also excellent. The pub serves up the requisite pints of beer and ale, but also serves a less well-known (in America) pub treat: Pimm's Cup, served in the traditional style with fruits and cucumbers.

Overall, it's worth stopping in Petersburg, VA, when driving through, if for no other reason than to eat at the Brick House Run.

Note: The pub is closed on Sundays and Mondays and is open for dinner only Tuesday through Saturday, so plan accordingly!

Agecroft is a glorious Tudor mansion, and the interiors are recreated with furniture and artwork of the Tudor and Stuart periods. Costumed guides lead tours of the home.

The small gift shop offers excellent choices, and the sprawling gardens, which include a kitchen garden, sunken garden, and a gazebo overlooking the James River are perfect for wandering.

Virginia House blends three distinct architectural styles, borrowing designs from Sulgrave Manor and materials and designs from Warwick Priory and Wormleighton Manor. The three styles blend to create a fanciful estate home.

The interior is filled with antiques, art, and furniture from a wide variety of periods. You'll see armor and weapons acquired by Mr. and Mrs. Weddell at a scrap sale at the Tower of London, original paintings, and original and reproduced English furniture.

The library contains a vast collection of historic volumes. (Mrs. Weddell cut up a damaged music volume from the medieval period to make lampshades, which are displayed throughout the house).

A combination ticket is available with Agecroft Hall (next door).

One note: Before visiting either Agecroft Hall or Virginia House, you should be sure to eat. There is no food service available nearby.