Maymont Park is a beautiful 40 hectare estate, gifted to the people of Richmond by a wealthy lawyer and philanthropist, in 1925. Colourful, intricate landscaped gardens surround the 19th-century mansion house, now transformed into a museum, and across the park dedicated wildlife exhibits are home to many species native to Virginia. Maymont Park offers a fun-filled day out for all the family.
Start your visit at the Nature & Visitor Center at the park’s main entrance. You’ll discover exhibits celebrating the natural James River environment with its fascinating inhabitants. A 6-metre waterfall feeds a series of 13 giant aquariums, home to turtles, otters and many different fish. You can even watch the otters at feeding time.
The focus of the park is the 33-room Maymont Mansion, the former home of Major James H. Dooley and his wife, Sallie. They commissioned this impressive Gilded-Age residence in the 1890s, and lived here for over 30 years. Join a guided tour to admire the silk-lined drawing rooms, the swan-inspired bedroom and the breath-taking stained glass window, a masterpiece by Tiffany Studios.
After marvelling at the luxury of the upper floors, head “below stairs” to learn about the daily life of the Dooleys’ servants. The kitchen, laundry and maids’ bedrooms have been restored, and now house period exhibits.
Wander through the surrounding gardens, including the stunning classical-style Italian Garden, and the subtle Japanese Garden, with traditional stone features and koi carp ponds.
If you are travelling as a family, don’t miss the Children’ Farm. Here you feed and pet domesticated farm animals such as pigs, donkeys, goats and sheep. On your way to the farm from the mansion, you will come across wildlife exhibits, featuring black bears, bison, bald eagles and owls. All of these are native species that, following injury or illness, cannot be released and now rely on the sanctuary provided by the park.
Maymont Park is open daily, but the indoor attractions are closed on Mondays. A small fee is payable for entry to the nature centre. Parking is limited, so many visitors travel by bus.
