Explore Drayton Hall — Unrestored Palladian House & Curated Historic Tours

Drayton Hall Preservation Trust — Historic Tours in Charleston

Discover Drayton Hall on the Ashley River

Drayton Hall Preservation Trust offers a range of historic tours, seasonal events, and curated combination packages in Charleston, South Carolina. Visitors can explore America’s earliest unrestored Palladian house, experience candlelit evenings, attend holiday concerts, and join hands-on workshops. The property’s guided experiences emphasize preservation, interpretation, and connection to Lowcountry history.

Popular Tours and Experiences

• Signature Experience Tour — One-hour guided access to the cellar, main, and second floors, plus the Steven and Laura Gates Exhibit Gallery and Lenhardt Courtyard Garden.
• Student House Tour — 45–60 minute educator-led programming focused on African American history, architectural preservation, and onsite archaeology.
• Candlelight Tours of Drayton Hall — Two-hour evening tours that present the house illuminated as a historic domestic environment.
• Drayton Hall at Night — Special evening event featuring live lawn music, guided house access, and archaeological talks.
• Wreath Building Workshop — Seasonal two-hour hands-on workshop led by local florist Lela Solomon, followed by a Holiday Sip and Shop.
• Oyster Roast at Historic Drayton Hall — Annual Deck the Hall Oyster Roast with local food and drink, supporting the Trust’s mission.

Combination Packages and Partner Tours

Drayton Hall partners with nearby cultural sites to create economical, full-day itineraries. Combination options include:

• Drayton Hall x Charleston Stroll Combo — Combines the Drayton Hall visit with a Charleston Strolls walking tour to explore city streets and landmarks.
• Ashley River House & Garden Combination Tour with Middleton Place — Joint access to Drayton Hall and Middleton Place landscape and house sites.
• A Day on the Ashley — Five-hour package pairing Drayton Hall and Middleton Place with a signature tour and Lowcountry lunch.

Seasonal Events & Concerts

The Trust programs seasonal concerts and community events that highlight musical and cultural traditions of Charleston. Offerings have included African American Spirituals with Ann Caldwell and The Magnolia Singers and other holiday performances paired with historic-site receptions.

Why Book Drayton Hall Tours

• Historic authenticity — Focused interpretation of an unrestored Palladian house.
• Varied experiences — Daytime tours, evening candlelight visits, workshops, and special seasonal events.
• Educational value — Student and educator-led tours that explore architecture, archaeology, and intertwined histories.
• Combination itineraries — Convenient partnerships with Middleton Place and Charleston walking tours for extended exploration.

Tips for Visitors

• Book in advance for limited-capacity tours and popular seasonal events.
• Consider combination packages to experience Drayton Hall with Middleton Place or Charleston Strolls.
• Arrive early to explore exhibit spaces such as the Steven and Laura Gates Exhibit Gallery and the Lenhardt Courtyard Garden.

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Plan a Visit

Drayton Hall Preservation Trust provides a range of ticketed experiences that suit history enthusiasts, school groups, and seasonal visitors. For the most up-to-date schedule and ticket availability, visitors should consult official event listings and reserve spots for limited-capacity programs.