Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes, the tour is family-friendly and offers engaging stories that are appropriate for children and adults alike.

Are photography and videography allowed during the tour?

Photography is permitted, but flash photography and video recording inside the house are restricted to protect the artifacts.

Is the house wheelchair accessible?

Due to the historic nature of the building, accessibility is limited; please contact Drayton Hall in advance to discuss accommodations.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellations made 48 hours before the tour are refundable; later cancellations may forfeit the booking fee.

Are refreshments provided during the tour?

The tour itself does not include refreshments, but visitors are welcome to bring their own water bottles.

How large are the private groups?

Private tours can accommodate groups of various sizes, but typically host up to 12 people to maintain an intimate experience.

Interpreter Guided House Tour (All inclusive)

Experience history come to life with the Interpreter Guided House Tour at Drayton Hall, a beautifully preserved 18th-century plantation house located on the banks of the Ashley River in Charleston, South Carolina. This all-inclusive guided tour offers visitors an intimate look at one of the oldest intact plantation houses in America, where expert interpreters share detailed stories about the architecture, the lives of its inhabitants, and the broader historical context of the South during colonial and antebellum times. The tour is private, allowing for personal interaction and tailored insights, making it perfect for history enthusiasts, families, or anyone fascinated by American heritage. Beyond the grand rooms and original furnishings, the tour highlights efforts in preservation and sustainability, shedding light on the continuous work needed to maintain this historic landmark. With its stunning riverside setting and lush grounds, the experience extends beyond the house itself, offering visitors a chance to explore the scenic gardens and reflect on the landscape that shaped the lives of those who once called Drayton Hall home. Whether you're local or visiting Charleston, this guided house tour provides a meaningful and educational outdoor adventure that connects you directly to America’s past in a unique, engaging way.

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.