Stratford Hall: Where History and Recreation Collide

Stratford Hall Plantation in Westmoreland, VA, was home to the Lee family through four generations, including Civil War General Robert E. Lee, as well as Richard Henry Lee and Francis Lightfoot Lee, the only two brothers to sign the Declaration of Independence.

Established in the 1730s, visitors to Stratford Hall are enraptured with stories of the Lee family, the ladies of the plantation and the enslaved laborers. Outside the plantation building, the vast trails, stunning gardens and Potomac River make an extraordinary venue for recreation and family fun.

Stratford Hall Visit

Recently, our family had a chance to visit Stratford Hall and we were stunned that we had not explored Stratford Hall sooner. In this travelogue below I’ll share what to expect as a patron and how to make the most of your visit to this National Historic Landmark.

Stratford Hall. Photo credit: Lindsay Garrison

Stratford Hall Plantation (483 Great House Rd. Stratford, VA, 22558) is about an hour and a half from Richmond, making it the ideal day trip length. When we arrived, we first stopped at the Visitor’s Center.

The customer service representative was incredibly thorough as she explained each of the four, self-guided audio tour options.

After choosing, all four of us got set up with our respective earbuds and scanners and we began the tour. Even if everyone in your party does not choose the same tour, you can stay together, as each tour is marked on the scanners throughout the plantation.

Stratford Hall dining room. Photo credit: Lindsay Garrison

The tour is filled with details and tidbits, even my U.S. History teacher husband had not heard before. Based on the stories we heard, it is easy to see the incredible efforts of the Stratford Hall preservationists.

We especially loved learning that green symbolized wealth; explaining why you will see various shades of green throughout the plantation.

Stratford Hall Plantation interior. Photo credit: Lindsay Garrison

We so appreciated that lives of not only the Lee men were told; but also of generations of women who had lived in the plantation. Further, lives of the enslaved laborers were shared.

After hearing about their contributions to the plantation, we were able to see how the Lee family could live their lavish lifestyle.

Enslaved laborers quarters at Stratford Hall. Photo credit: Lindsay Garrison

One of the great things about this tour is that you can go at your own pace. If the kids are restless, or you need to use the restroom, you can stop and pick back up at any time. It took our family just short of 1 hour, including a few wiggle breaks.

Following our tour we made the most of the 2,000 acres at Stratford Hall by playing in the gardens, picnicking and resting under the trees’ shade. We also loved the animals outside the plantation – an alpaca, chickens and cows!

Hunting for shark teeth at the beach at Stratford Hall. Photo credit: Lindsay Garrison

After enjoying the grounds, we headed back to where we started at the Visitor’s Center, and drove a very short distance to the beach on Stratford Hall’s property.

Along the way, we stopped to check out the Cliffs; the beautiful view was incredible!

Stratford Hall Beach

The beach was definitely a highlight for the kids, as they loved hunting for shark teeth. The beach is peaceful and secluded; we could have stayed here for several hours! Note: there is no swimming or wading on this beach.

Tips before visiting Stratford Hall:

Buy tickets online in advance
Bring a strainer to the beach to help comb for shark teeth
Pack rubber boots to wear as you walk along shoreline
A nearby, free attraction is George Washington Birthplace National Park

As you begin planning day trips and family vacations for summer, don’t miss Stratford Hall where you can learn and play in one place!

— By Lindsay Garrison

Richmond on the Cheap contributor Lindsay Garrison is a Richmond, Virginia based mom to two young children. A graduate from Chesterfield Schools and Randolph-Macon College, Lindsay is proud to call Richmond home. In the years prior to planning activities and outings with her own children, she was a French teacher. During her tenure she earned accolades for her creative teaching style and ability to connect with her students. Lindsay now applies the skills she learned when she was planning student trips to France, to her own family adventures. She can’t wait to take her own children to France one day! Follow the Garrison’s family adventures on Instagram: @rva.familyfun

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