Is the Signature Experience Tour suitable for children?

Yes, children aged 8 and above can enjoy the tour, but parents should consider the walking distance and historical content.

Are food allergies accommodated?

Yes, please inform the Drayton Hall Preservation Trust in advance, and they will accommodate dietary restrictions where possible.

Can I take photos during the tour?

Absolutely! Photography is encouraged; just be respectful of other guests and the historic property.

Is transportation included in the tour?

Transportation is not included; guests are responsible for their own travel to the Drayton Hall site.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellations made at least 72 hours in advance receive a full refund; later cancellations may incur fees.

Are group tours available?

This tour is private and tailored for your party, making it perfect for small groups or families.

Signature Experience Tour

Discover Charleston’s rich heritage through the Signature Experience Tour offered by the Drayton Hall Preservation Trust, where history, food, and guided storytelling come together to create a captivating journey. This private tour guides you through Drayton Hall, one of America’s oldest preserved plantation houses, uncovering untold stories of the site’s architectural beauty and its role in early American history. Along the way, you’ll savor carefully curated local dishes that reflect Charleston’s culinary traditions, making this an immersive experience for all senses. Perfect for history buffs and food lovers alike, the tour offers a slow-paced, personal exploration with expert guides who provide context to the food and site, linking past and present. Expect to walk through scenic grounds, learn about plantation-era life, and taste authentic Southern flavors—from homemade preserves to classic Lowcountry cuisine. The Signature Experience Tour is ideal for those looking to connect deeper with Charleston’s cultural roots while enjoying an exclusive and intimate outing. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to explore more, this tour highlights the unique blend of food and history in a way that leaves guests with a richer appreciation of South Carolina’s past.

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.