Is the Drayton Hall at Night tour suitable for children?

The tour is generally recommended for guests aged 12 and older due to the length and pace of the walk, as well as the evening setting.

Are pets allowed on the nighttime tours?

Pets are not permitted on Drayton Hall grounds during any tours to protect the historic site and wildlife.

Can I bring food or drinks during the tour?

Food and beverages are not allowed on the guided tours to maintain the integrity of the historic property.

Is the site wheelchair accessible?

While some paths are accessible, uneven terrain and outdoor conditions may pose challenges; please contact Drayton Hall directly for specific accommodations.

How do I book a private Drayton Hall at Night experience?

You can book through the Drayton Hall Preservation Trust website or via the provided FareHarbor referral link for availability and reservations.

Is photography allowed during the tour?

Photography is allowed but flash photography is discouraged to preserve the mood and avoid disturbing other guests.

Drayton Hall at Night

Experience history like never before with the Drayton Hall at Night private tour, an exclusive outdoor adventure that brings Charleston's oldest preserved plantation house to life in a unique and captivating way. Under the dim light of lanterns and moonlight, guests can explore the remarkable Georgian-Palladian architecture and grounds of Drayton Hall while absorbing stories of the people and events that shaped this historic site. Unlike typical daytime tours, the nighttime setting adds an air of mystery and intimacy, allowing visitors to connect deeply with the past as shadows dance across the plantation’s iconic walls. Led by expert guides from the Drayton Hall Preservation Trust, this private experience balances education with a peaceful, atmospheric ambiance. Onsite, you’ll find beautifully maintained gardens, age-old live oaks, and views of the Ashley River that are stunning after sunset. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a couple seeking a memorable experience, or a group looking for an unusual adventure, Drayton Hall at Night offers a personalized journey through time with limited guest numbers to ensure a comfortable and immersive visit. Booking in advance is highly recommended to secure your spot at this rare and enchanting evening event.

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.