Community Corner

Winchester Mystery House Launches ‘Spirits’ Tour

The Winchester Mystery House has launched a new tour that aims to bring the estate's supernatural lore to outdoor evening visitors.

The storied mansion was ordered to close on July 16, the first day it was allowed to reopen since shelter-in-place orders went into effect March 17.
The storied mansion was ordered to close on July 16, the first day it was allowed to reopen since shelter-in-place orders went into effect March 17. (Autumn Johnson/Patch)

SAN JOSE, CA – The “world’s most haunted mansion” experience has just been adapted to the age of social distancing.

With the Winchester Mystery House shuttered amid a rollback of shelter-in-place orders, the storied mansion has launched a new tour that aims to bring the estate’s supernatural lore to outdoor evening visitors.

The Winchester Mystery House had to abruptly shutter after the state ordered a rollback of shelter-in-place orders amid a surge of coronavirus cases in Santa Clara County.

Find out what's happening in Los Gatosfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The “Walk with Spirits Tour” is open at 8 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays.

"Guests will roam the expansive grounds of the world’s most haunted mansion while hearing tales of its former and (possibly current!) inhabitants, as well as peer through its many windows and doors to see what might materialize … if they’re open to receiving the signs,” the Winchester Mystery House said.

Find out what's happening in Los Gatosfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The storied mansion was ordered to close on July 16, the first day it was allowed to reopen since shelter-in-place orders went into effect March 17.

“'Once we received word that we would need to temporarily pause our indoor mansion tours, we quickly pivoted to design a new experience for our guests that shares some of the most famous—and infamous—stories surrounding the mysterious estate,' said Walter Magnuson, Winchester Mystery House General Manager.

"This tour complements our daytime Sarah Winchester’s Garden Tour by delving into the legends and lore surrounding the House, and provides visitors with a unique opportunity to explore the grounds at night.”


Full coronavirus coverage: Coronavirus In California: What To Know

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

More from Los Gatos