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Drayton Hall Interpreter Guided House Tour (Summer)

4.5 (9)
Charleston, US
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Drayton Hall Interpreter Guided House Tour (Summer)

4.5 (9)
Charleston, US
Share
Experience the charm of historic Drayton Hall, the oldest preserved plantation house in America, on this captivating guided tour. Immerse yourself in the rich history of this 18th-century estate as knowledgeable interpreters guide you through its stunning Palladian architecture. Discover the stories and lives that have shaped Drayton Hall over the centuries. After the tour, explore the beautiful grounds and enjoy a self-guided audio tour, giving you the opportunity to soak in the plantation's captivating landscapes and picturesque views of the Ashley River. Don't miss the chance to visit the 18th-century African-American cemetery and explore the museum galleries. Guarantee your admission by booking ahead and enjoy plenty of free parking for a hassle-free visit. Join this family-friendly excursion from downtown Charleston and journey back in time at Drayton Hall.

About this experience

  • Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
  • Admission Included
  • 1 hours - 2 hours
  • Suitable for 1-15 Participants
  • Guided Experience & Audio Guided
  • Oldest preserved Plantation house in America
  • Fully executed Palladian architecture
  • 45-minute interpreter-guided tour
  • Self-guided audio tour of the grounds
  • Access to two galleries and 18th-century African-American cemetery
  • All-Inclusive Admission to Drayton Hall
  • Almeida Gallery
  • Free Parking
  • Gates Gallery
  • 18th Century African-American Cemetery
  • Orientation Video
  • 1-Hour Interpreter-Led Tour
  • Transportation to/from Drayton Hall

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More about this experience

Introduction

Discover the rich history and timeless beauty of Drayton Hall, the oldest preserved Plantation house in America still open to the public. This architectural masterpiece, founded in 1738, offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the past with its fully executed Palladian design. Immerse yourself in the stories and secrets of this historic estate during a 45-minute interpreter-guided house tour. But the experience doesn't end there - explore the picturesque grounds at your own pace with a self-guided audio tour, visit two galleries showcasing fascinating artifacts, and pay your respects at the 18th-century African-American cemetery. By booking ahead, you can ensure admission to this popular site and make the most of your visit to Drayton Hall.

What to expect?

During your visit to Drayton Hall, you can anticipate a total duration of 60 to 120 minutes. The tour begins at the Drayton Hall plantation, situated in the Ashley River Historic District of Charleston, SC. Led by knowledgeable and passionate interpreters, the house tour offers a deep understanding of the history and significance of Drayton Hall. The journey starts with an orientation video in the visitor center, followed by a captivating exploration of the house's intricate architecture and the stories of those who lived there. After the tour, you are invited to embark on a self-guided landscape tour, where you can admire the stunning views of the Ashley River and immerse yourself in the beautiful Lowcountry scenery.

Who is this for?

The Drayton Hall Interpreter Guided House Tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, architectural admirers, and anyone seeking a memorable and educational experience. Families, friends, and solo travelers alike will appreciate the opportunity to delve into the captivating history of this renowned plantation. Whether you have a passion for the past, a curiosity about Palladian architecture, or a desire to uncover the stories of those who shaped American history, this tour welcomes individuals of all ages.

Why book this?

By booking the Drayton Hall Interpreter Guided House Tour, you are embarking on a journey through time, immersing yourself in an architectural gem that has stood the test of time. Guided by experienced interpreters, you will gain unique insights into the lives of the people who once called Drayton Hall home. The combination of the house tour and self-guided audio tour allows for a comprehensive exploration of both the interior and exterior of the plantation, offering a truly immersive experience. Additionally, by booking ahead, you guarantee admission to this sought-after attraction and can make the most of your visit without worrying about availability.

Good to know

When visiting Drayton Hall, your ticket includes admission to all the attractions within the estate. Explore the extensive grounds, take in the breathtaking landscapes, and pay your respects at the historic African-American cemetery. To enhance your experience, be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes, as the self-guided tour of the grounds may involve some walking. With ample free parking available, Drayton Hall is easily accessible by car, allowing for a seamless and convenient visit. Delve into the history and natural beauty of this remarkable plantation, and let Drayton Hall transport you to another era.

Reviews

Visitors who have experienced the Drayton Hall Interpreter Guided House Tour rave about the professionalism and knowledge of the interpreters. They appreciate the opportunity to learn about the house's history and architecture from experts who have dedicated themselves to preserving and sharing this magnificent estate. Guests also commend the self-guided audio tour of the grounds, which allows for a more personalized exploration of the expansive estate. Overall, visitors express their satisfaction with the experience, praising the beauty of the surroundings and the captivating stories that come to life during the tour. A visit to Drayton Hall promises to be an enlightening and unforgettable journey through history.

How long before the event do I need to book?

  • You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

  • Mobile

Is an adult required for the booking?

  • At least one adult or senior required per booking

Your Itinerary

Drayton Hall

Drayton Hall plantation c. 1738 is located in the Ashley River Historic District of Charleston, SC. Our Interpreter-Guided House Tour is led by professional interpreters who have worked with and in the house for years and have deep understanding of the history and fabric of the house and all the lives which have touched Drayton Hall throughout its three centuries. The tour begins with an orientation video in the visitor center and at the conclusion, tour guests are encouraged to take the self-guided landscape tour of the plantation property, taking in the historic landscape, sweeping views of the Ashley River, and enjoying the exciting Lowcountry vistas and wildlife which vary from location to location across this vast estate. Tickets are all-inclusive, there are no extra fees for a landscape visit or to visit Drayton Hall's museum galleries.

Admission Included

Reviews

(9)

4.5 (9)

Mohit R

We had only a day in Charleston and were not sure what to do after having walked around the Pineapple fountain and French Quarters. Read about Drayton Hall on Trip Advisor and decided to check it out. Glad we did ! It was a weekday, we got there for the 10am tour and there were only 6 other visitors. The guide was very informative. We learnt so much about the history of that period. The exhibits were few but well curated and maintained. The grounds were nice. The home itself was ok - without the guide there is not much one can make out. The trust has decided to preserve the home in its original state, not restore to make it look pretty. That adds to the sense of history. The guided tour of the house is an hour and keep another hour for the grounds and the small museum. We did the combo ticket covering Drayton Hall and Middleton Place. It took us about 4 hours in total. We could have easily spent an additional hour in Middleton. chanced upon Drayton Hall from Tripadvisor reviews.

Nomad66972158182

Our guide was knowledgeable and provided a very good experience as we toured the house. We especially enjoyed the fact that the house remained very close to the way it was nearly 300 years ago. Fascinating to stand in rooms where discussions had taken place regarding intent to support the crown or work toward forming a new country. Nice self guided tour of the grounds surrounding the house.

susan_l

Our guide was so knowledgeable and the houses' history incredible. We enjoyed the tour so much and we ended up joining the preservation association so we could help with this amazing project.

bubba086

This place is a good representation of how slavery was addressed by the family that owns it. It is important to see the homes of the slaves, if you do not see this you do not get a good description of plantation life. The tour guide for their home does not even acknowledge the other houses outside of where the family lived exempting the slave homes. This place is for profit and still owned by the family.

Kelly N

On our way out of Charleston, we stopped in time for a 2:30 pm tour and were so glad we did. It was very interesting to see an unfurnished home and learn about the 7 generations who lived in the home and those who were enslaved. We really enjoyed seeing a home of this time period not restored and just use our imagination. Unfortunately, we did not have the time to walk the grounds so will definitely return to do so. Betsy was an excellent docent.

saltairk

What a beautiful plantation and a true representation of both the beautiful land, very hard slavery history, crops and preservation of the old south. We have been to multiple other antebellum plantation that have been restored-- what is different and interesting is the anthropologists and archeologists' are preserving and not restoring the oldest home. I was surprised by the detail and knowledge of our tour guide (Morgan) and the behind the scene anthropologists (Olivia and others) was a great add -on Be sure to ask about the caretakers cottage history!

Eve_R

Amazing! beautiful place! It was worth our time. Thank you. . The scene looks a lot like a movie set.

Janet_B

Our guide, Matthew, was fabulous! He was very informative and easy to understand what he was saying. Loved the history we learned and how interesting the architecture of the house was. It was very cool my husband and I had a private tour.

Stacie_S

The house is so well taken care of. It has more character than most other plantations we’ve seen. We really enjoyed hearing all of the factual information from our tour guide.
Collected by Evendo, Tripadvisor & Viator
2024-05-10 07:10
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