winchester house vr tour

Virtual Travel

A Smithsonian magazine special report

Take a Free Virtual Tour of the Winchester Mystery House

The California landmark is closed, but you can explore its bizarre architectural features from afar

Brigit Katz

Correspondent

The Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California, is one of the nation’s most curious landmarks. Built by a millionaire widow over the course of 36 years, the sprawling mansion features more than 200 rooms , 10,000 windows, trap doors, spy holes and a host of other architectural oddities.

A popular tourist attraction, the house, along with many other cultural institutions in the United States, has closed to help curb the spread of coronavirus. But as Michele Debczak reports for Mental Floss , you can now explore the Winchester House from afar via a detailed video tour posted on the mansion’s website.

The narrated video tour spans more than 40 minutes, providing insight into the property and the mysterious woman who built it: Sarah Winchester , wealthy and reclusive heiress to the Winchester Repeating Arms Company, which manufactured an innovative rifle that became a fixture of Westward expansion.

Sarah Lockwood Pardee married into the Winchester family in 1862. Four years later, she gave birth to a daughter, Annie, who died about a month later. Her husband, William Wirt Winchester, died in 1881, leaving his widow with a vast fortune: 50 percent ownership in the Repeating Arms Company and a $20 million inheritance.

Winchester decided to leave her home in New Haven, Connecticut, and head to California, where two of her sisters lived. In San Jose, she purchased an eight-room farmhouse that she began to renovate in 1886. The construction project continued until Winchester’s death in 1922, producing an enormous, labyrinthine mansion filled with logic-defying features: staircases that end at the ceiling, indoor balconies, skylights built into floors, doors that open onto walls. The designs, wrote Pamela Haag for Zócalo Public Square in 2016, were Winchester’s; she sketched them onto napkins or pieces of brown paper, then handed them over to a team of carpenters. Sometimes, she would have features built and plastered over the next day.

Exactly why Winchester embarked on this dizzying cycle of building, undoing and rebuilding is impossible to say. Popular lore has it that she was a keen follower of the Spiritualist movement , which was rooted in the idea that dead souls can interact with the living, and consulted a medium who told her she had been cursed by victims of Winchester rifles . The medium reportedly instructed her to constantly build a house for these ghosts. If construction ever stopped, she would die.

But as Katie Dowd of SFGate points out, there is “scant proof” for this theory. Winchester could have been engaging in an eccentric brand of philanthropy, as she built her home during an economic depression, and the continuous construction project provided jobs for locals. When she died, in fact, the heiress left most of her money to charity.

“She had a social conscience and she did try to give back,” historian Janan Boehme told Robin Abcarian of the Los Angeles Times in 2017. “This house, in itself, was her biggest social work of all.”

The true nature of Winchester’s motivations is likely to remain a mystery. But as the video tour points out, the house she built was not only bizarre—it was innovative. Take, for example, the north conservatory. Winchester loved to garden, so the conservatory featured an indoor watering system and wooden floorboards that could be lifted up to water plants resting below.

Though visitors can watch the video tour for free, the Winchester Mystery House is asking visitors to consider purchasing a voucher for use at a later date.

“Like many other [Bay Area] businesses, closing our doors until April 7th will severely impact the employees who maintain the estate,” the website explains . “Come when you are ready, but please come!”

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Brigit Katz | | READ MORE

Brigit Katz is a freelance writer based in Toronto. Her work has appeared in a number of publications, including NYmag.com, Flavorwire and Tina Brown Media's Women in the World.

Take a 40-Minute Virtual Tour of the Winchester Mystery House

By michele debczak | mar 24, 2020.

Taking online yoga classes and watching soothing animal live-streams isn't the only way to cope with isolation. If taking a virtual tour of one of the most allegedly haunted places on Earth is more your style, now you can check out every baffling nook and cranny of the Winchester Mystery House on the landmark's website .

Along with many public businesses and institutions across the country, the Winchester Mystery House closed earlier in March in response to the novel coronavirus pandemic. A visit to the site in person normally costs up to $54 , but until it reopens, anyone can take a virtual tour of the estate for free.

The Winchester Mystery House is one of the most notorious pieces of property in California's Bay Area. Constructed between 1886 and 1922, legend says Sarah Winchester built the unusual abode to ward off the vengeful spirits of people killed by Winchester rifles. (The founder of the Winchester Repeating Arms Company was her father-in-law.) The home's bizarre layout, which includes stairs that stop at the ceiling and doors that open to nothing, may reflect her fear-driven compulsion to keep building.

Today the Winchester Mystery House is an iconic California landmark. It's a bucket-list destination for ghost hunters, and it's even been immortalized as an elaborate LEGO sculpture . To see the inside of the structure, and to learn more about its history, you can take the 40-minute virtual tour here . If you're looking for more ways to support the attraction while it's closed to visitors, consider buying a discounted ticket voucher now to use when the house reopens.

Take the Winchester Mystery House Virtual Tour

Few buildings in the U.S. conjure the mystique of the Winchester Mystery House. One part architectural puzzle and one part haunted house, the structure has stood for well over 100 years, but it was the house’s most famous resident and her penchant for unusual designs that literally put the location on the map.

Thousands flock to the historic home each year, and now, in answer to global quarantines and self-isolation, the estate holders have put a free virtual tour of the massive home online.

From the official website:

“All though [sic] we are currently closed to the public , we welcome our guests to experience the Winchester Mystery House from the comfort of your home. Please enjoy this free Video Access Tour of the Winchester Mystery House now until April 7th, 2020.”

A Brief HIstory

Photo via the Winchester Mystery House

Located in San Jose, California, the Winchester Mystery house was a simple eight room farmhouse when it was purchased by Sarah Lockwood Pardee Winchester in 1886.

The widow of William Winchester, inventor of the Winchester repeating rifle, was in mourning over the loss of her young daughter and her husband and saw the property as a new lease on life.

Apocryphally, the story is told that Sarah felt she was haunted by the spirits of those killed by the rifle created by her husband, and she was instructed by a psychic to build this massive home in an attempt to confuse those spirits in an effort to protect herself.

From 1886 to 1922, that eight room farmhouse grew and grew and grew.

According to the official website , the property is now 24,000 square feet with some 10,000 windows, 2000 doors, 160 rooms, 52 skylights, 47 stairways and fireplaces, 17 chimneys, 13 bathrooms, and six kitchens.

Its doors that open onto two-story drops, stairways that go nowhere in particular, and rooms and hallways built with perspectives meant to confound are a marvel, have sparked the imagination of authors and filmmakers alike, most recently with the film Winchester starring Academy Award-winner Helen Mirren .

The Paranormal

Visitors to the Winchester Mystery House have reported numerous paranormal occurrences over the years.

Some are simple as a tugging at their clothing. Others have reported hearing phantom footsteps and run-ins with the apparition of man called Clyde, a rough type seen pushing a wheelbarrow in the basement or working to repair fireplaces within the structure.

Because of its colorful history and reported activity, paranormal investigators and psychics have visited the location over the years including Sylvia Browne, James Van Praagh, and the crew from Ghost Adventures including Zak Bagans .

You can check out the virtual tour of the Winchester Mystery House by CLICKING HERE . Who knows? You just might find something spooky on the video!

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Guillermo del Toro directed the original films (2004/2008) and a third was planned to round out the trilogy. However, Del Toro didn’t return causing Perlman to leave the project . As a result Hellboy (2019) was turned into a reboot, and now The Crooked Man will follow suit.

The first trailer for ‘HELLBOY: THE CROOKED MAN’ has been released In theaters later this year. pic.twitter.com/73lW4LiFix — DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) July 1, 2024

The court of the social media comment section hasn’t been kind to the newest trailer, but that’s to be expected with a popular franchise like Hellboy .

Some Hollywood exec said, "Lets make a cheap budgeted horror movie with a popular IP". — Brody Foxx (@BrodyFoxx) July 1, 2024

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This looks good to me. Story matters more than everything else. — Tio Los (@SaltNPeppaPapi_) July 1, 2024

Anyone talking trash in the trailer clearly didn't pay attention to the fact that this movie is being made by Michael Mignona, the freaking CREATOR of Hellboy. This looks awesome. GDT did a great job, but this looks great. — The Embrace Returns (@ElysianFields_0) July 1, 2024

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Finally A Comprehensive 4K Release of ‘Friday the 13th’ (2009)

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And here’s the list of product features:

4K ULTRA HD BLU-RAY LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS

Two cuts of the film, the Theatrical Cut (97 mins) and the extended Killer Cut (105 mins) Double-sided foldout poster featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Gary Pullin Limited edition Greetings from Crystal Lake Postcard Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by Matt Konopka and Alexandra West Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Gary Pullin

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4K (2160p) Ultra HD Blu-ray presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible) of the Killer Cut Original 5.1 DTSHD Master Audio sound Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing Brand new audio commentary by film critics Alexandra Heller-Nicholas and Josh Nelson

A new  Friday the 13th  release with new special features means this is a must-buy for me. Will you be picking up a copy of the 4K release of  Friday the 13th  (2009)? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

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How to take a virtual tour of the winchester mystery house.

Like most other tourist destinations, the Winchester Mystery House is closed due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. However, they had an exciting story in the newsletter they sent out today. At least, it was exciting to me. A way to take a virtual tour of the house. Even better? Other than your time, it won’t cost a thing! It’s free!

The Winchester Mystery House closed earlier this month out of an abundance of caution due to coronavirus concerns. That meant cancelling its popular Friday the 13th Flashlight tour.

They originally stated they’d be closed until April 1. The newest information on the Closure Notice section of their site has bumped the date back a week to April 7.

With all this social distancing we’re being asked to do, and with so many museums, sporting events, movie theaters, concerts, etc cancelled or closed, it’s hard to find things to do to entertain ourselves. There’s only so much Netflix we can watch, right? (Which I never thought I’d hear myself say. I pretty much figure if binge-watching was a sport, I’d be a champ !)

And then there’s the issues of itchy feet. What’s those of us who are used to exploring to do now that we can’t? (Except ride it out as patiently as we can…)

Winchester Mystery House clearly feels our pain.

The Online Tour

That’s why they’ve made a virtual tour of the house available for us to enjoy for free during these uncertain times we find ourselves living in.

To check it out, all you have to do is go to their site. You’ll find the Online Tour under the Tours tab.

It’s a video tour that gives you the history of the house and the woman who built it, as well as a tour through its rooms and odd features, like the Staircase to the Ceiling or the door that opens to a wall.

It lasts a little over 40 minutes and is at least one way to get a glimpse inside until it can reopen.

Which is fun, right? It’s been years since I’ve been there. I’d like to go back someday, but until I can, I’m really glad they made this available.

Be Like Sara

Speaking of social distancing, they shared something else fun.

Yes. Be like Sarah. Maybe not as eccentric, but hope you’re keeping busy and finding ways to have some fun during these COVID-19 times. Because you don’t want to end up like Jack…

How are you coping with social distancing? Have you found any other cool online tours?

Courtney Mroch is a globe-trotting restless spirit who’s both possessed by wanderlust and the spirit of adventure, as well as obsessed with true crime, horror, the paranormal, and weird days. Perhaps it has something to do with her genes? She is related to occult royalty, after all. Marie Laveau, the famous Voodoo practitioner of New Orleans, is one of her ancestors. That could also explain her infatuation with skeletons.

Speaking of healing, to learn how she channeled her battle with cancer to conjure up this site, check out HJ’s Origin Story .

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The Winchester Mystery House Is Offering Free Virtual Tours and We're Shaking

From Country Living

Due to the coronavirus outbreak, majority of businesses and attractions have been forced to shut their doors. As a result, workout classes, museum tours , and even Disney rides have been made available online. If you've exhausted all of Netflix's spine-tingling content, then consider giving this virtual tour a watch. The Winchester Mystery House has released free a video tour of the property and it's bound to get your heart racing.

To give a little background: This eccentric Northern California estate was designed by a woman named Sarah Winchester. If the last name sounds familiar, it's because her father-in-law, Oliver Winchester, had founded the rifle company Winchester Repeating Arms . In 1886, he passed away, leaving Sarah a large fortune. With that money, she decided to start a new life and fled her home in New Haven, CT to travel to San Jose, CA. There, she purchased a small eight-room farmhouse and embarked on a 36 year renovation project. Winchester had believed her family was haunted and wanted to built a large home to hide in from the ghosts of those who had been killed by the rifles' her family produced. Renovations only ended on the property when Winchester passed away in 1922.

View this post on Instagram Got some time on your hands? We're publishing the official video tour of the Winchester Mystery House today. Share it with your friends, but #BeLikeSarah and practice social distancing 😄 Discounted good-any-day ticket vouchers are now available for purchase as well. Learn More | Link in bio. A post shared by Winchester Mystery House (@winchestermysteryhouse) on Mar 19, 2020 at 9:30am PDT

Over the years, Winchester's home had grown into a sprawling 24,000 square foot architecturally-rich Victorian mansion, best described as "Queen Anne meets Gothic Revival," according to the brochure. While the home was extravagant, it was swarming with odd features that were unexplainable. Think: doors leading nowhere and staircases leading up to the ceiling. In fact, the home has 2,000 doors, 1o,000 windows, 160 rooms, 13 bathrooms, nine kitchens, and yes, one seance room.

View this post on Instagram Stay safe, practice social distancing, and #BeLikeSarah A post shared by Winchester Mystery House (@winchestermysteryhouse) on Mar 18, 2020 at 10:55am PDT

The museum, which opened the year after Winchester's death, has since dedicated itself to sharing the story of Sarah Winchester and her brilliant, but baffling home. While the Winchester Mystery House is currently closed, you can still get a taste of just how remarkable the home really is with this video tour. If you’re looking to visit in person, the museum is currently selling $26 tickets that can be used anytime (tickets are normally $42 a piece). You can buy tickets here .

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Winchester mystery house is one of america’s strangest, most interesting homes.

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Winchester Mystery House. (Photo by: Education Images/Citizens of the Planet/Universal Images Group ... [+] via Getty Images)

Staircases to nowhere. Doors that open into nothing. Rooms with no exit. Sarah Winchester’s home in San Jose, California certainly doesn’t fit with any modern or historical architectural conventions. And 101 years to the day since it became a public attraction—June 30 is the official Winchester Mystery House Day in San Jose—the mysteries still remain about America’s most unusual and inexplicable home.

Today, the Winchester Mystery House is a museum filled with period furniture and stories of Sarah Winchester and her family—and some say it’s also filled with ghosts . The house, which the museum says has drawn 12 million visitors since 1923, frequently appears on lists of haunted locations . Both tour guides and guests claim to have had brushes with the paranormal there.

The curious, four-story home has 160 rooms across its 24,000 square feet, with 10,000 windows (some facing inside), 2,000 doors (some leading to walls) and six kitchens (to feed the home’s lone resident and her staff). But it didn’t start that way.

(Original Caption) This photo shows a blind stairway on inside of the Winchester Mystery House. Miss ... [+] Maxine Upham is shown in photo.

Grieving over the death of her husband William Winchester, son of the founder of the Winchester Repeating Arms Company, and having just inherited $20 million from William’s stake in the company, the widow moved from her New Haven home to the San Francisco Bay area. Once she landed in San Jose, Winchester commissioned a modest eight-bedroom farmhouse in 1884. Construction, though, never stopped. Over the next 38 years, until her death in 1922, she continually added to the house, eventually dismissing all architects and building according to her whim. When the 1902 earthquake caused significant damage to one wing of the house, she simply boarded it up and continued with construction in other areas.

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The stories around Winchester Mystery House are legendary. Some say Sarah Winchester was driven mad by grief for her lost family (in addition to the death of her infant daughter years before, she lost her husband, father-in-law and mother in about a year) and guilt over the deaths caused by her family’s rifles. Those stories suggest she built her odd home as an unusual—and unusually expensive—way to stay safe. If spirits were roaming the labyrinthine house, they would be confused by its seemingly endless corridors and perpetually connecting rooms, and they would never find her.

The ballroom at the Winchester Mystery House

The idea that Winchester was afraid of encounters with the supernatural became so pervasive that even the National Park Service, in its description of the house on the National Register of Historic Places, attributes the home’s construction to a spiritualist medium Winchester purportedly consulted.

“This medium informed Mrs. Winchester that the victims killed by the Winchester rifles her family manufactured were seeking revenge by taking the lives of her family,” according to the NPS . “The spiritualist also conveyed to Mrs. Winchester that the spirits had placed a curse on her, and that if she wished to live, she must appease them by moving out west and constantly, without ceasing, build a house for them night and day.”

A solarium with windows in the floor, that open to the room below, at the Winchester Mystery House.

But others dismiss the idea, saying rather that the reclusive Winchester treated the home’s expansion as a hobby, and that she continued growing its footprint as a way to keep laborers employed in difficult economic times. If a staircase ended up leading to a dead end, or if an exterior wall eventually became an interior wall and had a door that opened up to nothing but thin air, well, that’s just what happened. The woman had enough money to build whatever she pleased, and she did.

“She had a social conscience and she did try to give back,” Winchester Mystery House historian Janan Boehme told the Los Angeles Times in 2017, citing her donation of a tuberculosis hospital in New Haven after her husband died of the disease. “This house, in itself, was her biggest social work of all.”

A fourth-floor view of the home's unusual architecture.

Regardless of why the Winchester Mystery House exists in its present state, the home is a marvel to behold, with its towers reaching into the sky, its Queen Anne Revival adornments, and its manicured gardens. It’s worth an exploration, whether during the day on the tour that goes through 110 of the home’s 160 rooms , or by flashlight at night. During Halloween season, and on a few dates throughout the year, the museum offers flashlight tours wherein, according to the tour description, “Guests will guide themselves through the mansion that is famous for its dizzying floorplan and lack of formal blueprints… while in the dark and alone with just a flashlight.”

Who you’ll find there is another one of the home’s great mysteries.

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Russian white house tours.

• Things to do

I only need accommodations for part of my trip

Visit Russian White House

When you've spent a bit of time at this Moscow City Centre historic government building, why not make your way to Red Square, St. Basil's Cathedral, and Bolshoi Theatre? They're near Russian White House and also a favorite with many travelers.

Popular places to visit

• Arbat Street

You can learn about the history of Moscow with a visit to Arbat Street. Take in the acclaimed theater scene in this culturally rich area.

See great and small creatures at Russia’s largest zoo, which can entertain both children and adults for many hours.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

You can find out about the history of Moscow when you stop by Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Experience the fascinating museums and acclaimed theater scene in this culturally rich area.

Cinema Museum

Rich with history, Cinema Museum is a cultural attraction worth visiting in Moscow. Experience the fascinating museums and acclaimed theater scene in this culturally rich area.

Embassy of the United States of America

After visiting Embassy of the United States of America, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Moscow. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene and entertainment choices.

Presnya Historical Memorial Museum

You can browse the exhibits at Presnya Historical Memorial Museum, a museum with a story of its own, during your travels to Moscow. Experience the acclaimed theater scene and fascinating museums in this culturally rich area.

Best Lodging Options Near Russian White House

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• Vacations and getaways similar to Russian White House
• Hotels near popular Moscow Attractions
• Expedia's Latest Trends
• Moscow Kremlin
• Bolshoi Theatre
• St. Basil's Cathedral
• Moscow City
• Crocus Expo Center
• Moscow State University
• Armoury Chamber
• Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy
• State Historical Museum
• State Tretyakov Gallery
• Victory Park
• Lenin's Mausoleum
• Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts
• Hotels near Moscow Kremlin
• Hotels near Red Square
• Hotels near Bolshoi Theatre
• Hotels near St. Basil's Cathedral
• Hotels near Moscow City
• Hotels near Arbat Street
• Hotels near Crocus Expo Center
• Hotels near Moscow State University
• Hotels near Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy
• Hotels near State Historical Museum
• Hotels near Lenin's Mausoleum
• Hotels near Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Hotels near Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts
• Hotels near Crocus City Hall
• Hotels near Expocentre
• Hotels near Gorky Park
• Hotels near Luzhniki Stadium
• Hotels near Moscow Zoo
• Hotels near New Tretyakov Gallery - Museum of Modern Art

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Moscow Virtual Tour

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GUIDED MANSION TOUR

A Guided tour through 110 of the 160 rooms.  Guests will be able to see the infamous rooms of Sarah’s stately mansion, known around the world as the Winchester Mystery House®, and see the bizarre attributes that give the mysterious mansion its name.

With the purchase of the Mansion Tour, access to the gardens is complimentary and an individual ticket for that is not required.

Tour Duration: 65 Minutes

Price:  Starting at $39.99 adults, $32.99 seniors, $17.99 children 5-12.

mansion Tour FAQs

The daily Mansion Tour at the Winchester Mystery House guides you through 110 of the 160 rooms in the home. During this tour you will learn about the amazing woman at the heart of this home and see all the unique architectural designs and features it holds. Come delve into the mystery and find out why this home is so captivating!

All that talk of paranormal sometimes worries parents that the tour will be to scary for children. Not to worry – all ages are welcome and the tour is very family friendly! Children five and under are free and ages 6-12 will need a ticket. 

That’s just part of the mystery, right? Since 1923, many guests and employees have experienced strange phenomena while inside Sarah Winchester’s beautiful mansion. We have been listed on plenty of “world’s most haunted places” lists, but we encourage you to come and find out for yourself.

Please visit https://winchestermysteryhouse.com/discounts-promotions/ for our current discount and promotions.

The duration of the Mansion Tour typically lasts approximately 65 minutes.

Photography is permitted during the Mansion Tour, but flash photography and videography is not. Please respect any guidelines provided by our tour guides.

Tickets for the Mansion Tour can be booked online through our website at winchestermysteryhouse.com or purchased at the Winchester Mystery House ticket office. We recommend booking in advance to secure your spot as availability may be limited.

Unfortunately, due to the historic nature of the Winchester Mystery House, not all areas may be wheelchair accessible. Please contact us in advance to discuss any accessibility requirements, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs. We have ADA Video Tours available onsite if needed.

Cancellations and rescheduling are subject to our tour booking policies. Please refer to your booking confirmation or contact our customer service team for assistance with any changes to your reservation.

Explore more TOUR

Experience the ultimate exploration of Winchester Mystery House with our Explore More Tour — a unique  opportunity to see even more rooms in this historic mansion. Prepare to uncover hidden secrets and unlock doors to the oldest sections of the home.

Building upon the foundations of our classic mansion tour, Explore More promises to reveal new dimensions of the mansion’s history, architecture, and intrigue!

The explorations begins May 25, 2024. Tickets on sale now!

Tour Duration: 60 minutes

Price:  Starting at $39.99 adults, $32.99 seniors, $17.99 children 5-12.

Explore more Tour FAQs

Building upon the foundations of our classic mansion tour, Explore More promises to reveal new dimensions of the mansion’s history, architecture, and intrigue. As we delve into the decades-long construction saga spanning 36 years, guests will witness the evolution of Winchester Mystery House from its humble beginnings to its current iconic status. From Sarah Winchester’s initial visit to San Jose to the present day, every step of the journey unveils a new chapter in the mansion’s rich tapestry of history. With additional unique architectural elements and captivating stories to share, Explore More promises a deeper look into our story like never before.

We offer the Mansion Tour for guests to learn about the amazing woman at the heart of this home, and to see all the bizarre architectural designs and mysterious elements of the Winchester Mystery House. But there is only so much we can show you and tell you about in one hour. The Explore More Tour expands on more of the history and architecture of the mansion, taking you through the rooms you do not see on the Mansion Tour.

All that talk of paranormal sometimes worries parents that the tour will be to scary for children. Not to worry – the tour is very family friendly!

However, due to the exposed areas of the basement and the third floor, which require safety helmets, children under 5 are not permitted. It is recommended that children must be 5 and up and be able to walk unassisted. We do ask that any minor be accompanied with an adult at any time. 

During the Explore More Tour, you’ll have the opportunity to explore  rooms not included on the regular Mansion Tour, some of which include the Basement, Witches Cap, North Wing, South Turret, Crystal Bedroom, Staff Quarters and more. Plus, guests will have the opportunity to step into additional rooms never before accessible to the public.

The duration of the Explore More Tour typically lasts approximately 60 minutes.

Photography is permitted during the Explore More Tour, but flash photography and videography is not. Please respect any guidelines provided by our tour guides.

Tickets for the Explore More Tour can be booked online through our website at winchestermysteryhouse.com or purchased at the Winchester Mystery House ticket office. We recommend booking in advance to secure your spot as availability may be limited.

Unfortunately, due to the historic nature of the Winchester Mystery House, not all areas may be wheelchair accessible. Please contact us in advance to discuss any accessibility requirements, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

The Explore More Tour is a separate, premium experience and is not included in the regular Mansion Tour admission ticket. We do recommend purchasing the bundle experience of our Mansion Tour and Explore More Tour to have the ultimate Winchester Mystery House exploration during your visit.

FRIDAY THE 13TH FLASHLIGHT TOURS

Starting Friday the 13th we will be hosting Flashlight Tours every Friday evening till February 24th. These self-guided tours give guests the opportunity to roam through the halls of the purportedly haunted Victorian mansion while hearing tales of its former and (possibly current!) inhabitants. Guests will guide themselves through the mansion that is famous for its dizzying floorplan and lack of formal blueprints. Tour Hosts will be stationed throughout the house to ensure guests don’t get lost.  Advanced tickets are required.

holiday tours

Built during the Victorian era, Sarah Winchester’s eccentric house is a sight to behold any time of year, but it’s especially inspiring during the holidays. From  November 25, 2022 through January 1, 2023 , Winchester Mystery House will present daily mansion tours developed specifically for the holiday season. Guests will be treated to a sprinkling of Victorian holiday traditions, beautiful décor, festive music, and more.

Due to the historic nature of the Winchester Estate, the Mansion Tour is not wheelchair accessible.  An ADA Tour is available for guests with mobility issues.  The ADA tour includes a video tour and the self-guided Sarah Winchester Garden Tour.

Price: $19.99 Adults (13 and up)

IMMERSIVE 360° TOUR

The Winchester Mystery House is offering guests unprecedented access to the most beautiful and bizarre Victorian Mansion. Enjoy unlimited virtual access in 360° and go behind-the-ropes.

Price:  $8.99

SARAH’S GARDEN TOUR

Looking to enjoy the sunshine and stay outdoors? Book the Sarah Winchester Garden Tour.  This tour does not include access to the mansion.

Price:  $19.99 adults, $15.99 seniors, $9.99 children 5-12.