Virginia was one of the first states to be settled by the pilgrims who came over to America in the 16th century, making Richmond one of the oldest cities in this country. This is a city that is proud of its history and of the role it has played in conflicts such as the American Civil War, and you will find reminders of this all around you, in statues, museums and memorials. There are many guided tours available that can explain the significance of persons and events, depending on the level of detail you want to go into. One of the best places to start exploring is the Virginia State Capitol building, which contains a museum as well as being an interesting architectural feature itself.
Once you’ve explored the area around the Capitol building and seen the many statues on display there, travel west towards Hollywood Cemetery. A cemetery may sound like an odd place to visit, but this one sits in the midst of some beautiful scenery, running down to the James River, and also includes memorials to important locals, such as former presidents.
Families will love a trip to Maymont Park. The house at the centre of this vast expanse of land is over a hundred years old, and has been lovingly restored to provide an insight into the lives led upstairs and downstairs. The grounds include a wildlife park featuring local species, and there is even a petting zoo so you can meet them up close.
To learn more about the world around us, visit the Science Centre of Virginia, one of the many museums Richmond has to offer. Here, kids can learn about humans, animals, space and beyond in live experiments, hands-on exhibits and creative challenges. Sit back and travel the world in the IMAX cinema. Or discover works of art from around the globe at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, where Fabergé eggs sit next to oriental carvings and European paintings.
It’s easy to get around Richmond by car, or there is an excellent bus service which travels to most major attractions.
