Candlelight Tours at Drayton Hall, Charleston SC
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most adults and older children as the tour involves moderate walking on historic flooring and grounds.
Overview
Step into colonial America with Drayton Hall Preservation Trust’s Candlelight Tours, where history glows under flickering flames. Discover Charleston’s oldest home in a hauntingly beautiful two-hour walk.
Candlelight Tours of Drayton Hall
For all ages! • 2 Hours
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About This Adventure
Experience the enchanting atmosphere of Drayton Hall, the oldest untouched home in the U.S., on a guided candlelight tour. This unique two-hour journey offers a rare glimpse into 18th-century life, allowing you to connect with Charleston's rich history in a beautifully preserved setting, illuminated by candlelight.
Create a very special historic memory this year in Charleston, SC. Take a candlelight tour of Charleston, SC’s historic estate, Drayton Hall ca. 1738.
Duration
2 Hours
About
Beautiful and moving, this eighteenth century historic house is the oldest untouched home open to the public in the United States. On select dates, Drayton Hall will be open for these reservation-only guided Candlelight Tours to a limited number of guests on the dates below.
Experience Drayton Hall at night with these incredibly special candlelight experiences. This is a remarkable way to understand the house and the lives which touched it – and historic Charleston – from the perspective of a preserved colonial home.
Adventure Tips
Arrive Early
Tours start promptly and space is limited; arriving early ensures your spot and time to settle in before the tour.
Use Quiet Voices
Respect the intimate setting by keeping noise to a minimum to fully appreciate the historic ambiance and informative narration.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walk includes uneven floors and cobblestones inside the house and on the grounds, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
Check Weather Forecast
Since the property’s outdoor areas are part of the experience, dress appropriately for Charleston’s variable spring and summer evenings.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- White-tailed deer often graze on the property in the early mornings and evenings.
- Various bird species including great blue herons frequent the riverbanks and marshlands.
History
Drayton Hall, built circa 1742, is one of the few plantation houses in America never altered by modern renovations or restored to a different period, preserving its authentic 18th-century condition.
Conservation
The Preservation Trust practices careful stewardship, focusing on maintenance that respects the site's heritage and minimizes environmental impact on the surrounding natural habitat.
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Adventure Hotspots in Charleston
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Provides stability on uneven indoor floors and outdoor pathways.
Light jacket or sweater
Evening temperatures can drop, so dress in layers.
fall|winter|spring specific
Insect repellent
Keeps mosquitoes and other bugs at bay during outdoor portions of the tour.
spring|summer specific
Small flashlight
Helpful for safely navigating darker pathways after the tour if needed.