Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes, children interested in history and preservation are welcome, though some content may be better suited for older kids.

Are reservations required for the Behind the Scenes Curator Tour?

Yes, bookings must be made in advance as this is a private, limited-access experience.

Is photography allowed during the tour?

Photography is permitted in most outdoor areas but may be restricted inside certain rooms to protect artifacts.

How long is the tour?

The experience lasts approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

Is the site wheelchair accessible?

Drayton Hall has some accessibility features, but the curator tour includes uneven terrain that may be difficult for wheelchair users.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 48 hours before your tour for a full refund, but be sure to check specific terms upon booking.

Behind the Scenes Curator Tour

Experience history up close with the Behind the Scenes Curator Tour offered by the Drayton Hall Preservation Trust. This private, guided attraction provides an exclusive opportunity to explore one of America's oldest intact plantation houses, dating back to the 18th century. Unlike regular tours, this experience takes you beyond the public areas, offering insights from expert curators about the architecture, artifacts, and preservation efforts. You'll gain a deeper understanding of the social and cultural history of the Lowcountry, including the roles of enslaved people who lived and worked here. The tour reveals unique conservation techniques used to maintain Drayton Hall's authenticity and offers personal anecdotes from those who manage this historic site today. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking for a quiet, educational outing surrounded by scenic grounds along the Ashley River, this tailored tour creates a memorable connection to South Carolina’s heritage. The setting combines natural beauty with fascinating stories that bring the past vividly to life.

About Drayton Hall Preservation Trust

Drayton Hall Preservation Trust stewards Drayton Hall, a nationally significant historic property located on the Ashley River in Charleston, South Carolina. The Trust preserves America’s earliest unrestored Palladian house—often described as the nation's oldest preserved plantation house—and interprets its architectural, cultural, and archaeological stories for the public.

Programming includes daily and seasonal guided tours such as the one-hour Signature Experience Tour that visits the cellar, main, and second floors and features the Steven and Laura Gates Exhibit Gallery and the Lenhardt Courtyard Garden. Educator-led Student House Tours provide 45–60 minute curriculum-based experiences exploring African American history, architectural preservation, and onsite archaeology. Evening offerings range from Candlelight Tours that illuminate 18th-century spaces to special events like Drayton Hall at Night with live lawn music and archaeological presentations. Seasonal and community events include the popular Annual Deck the Hall Oyster Roast, holiday concerts such as African American Spirituals with Ann Caldwell and The Magnolia Singers, and hands-on workshops like the Wreath Building Workshop led by local florist Lela Solomon. The Trust also collaborates with nearby institutions to offer combination itineraries—for example, joint tours and package days with Middleton Place and Charleston Strolls walking tours—giving visitors economical ways to experience Lowcountry gardens, houses, and historic streets. Interpreters and guides emphasize preservation, authenticity, and historical context. Many ticketed experiences have limited capacity, so visitors are encouraged to book in advance to secure a place.

Public programming supports conservation of the house, landscape, and archaeological collections through admission and membership, and community engagement efforts nationwide.