Signature Experience Tour
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for anyone comfortable with walking 1-2 miles at a gentle pace with brief standing periods.
Overview
Experience the best of Charleston’s history and culinary culture with the Signature Experience Tour by Drayton Hall Preservation Trust. Join an intimate guided journey through historic grounds paired with delicious Southern flavors.
Signature Experience Tour
Call to Book • 1 Hour • 15 Person Minimum
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About This Adventure
Discover Drayton Hall on an exclusive one-hour private guided tour, exploring its historic cellar, main, and second floors. Engage with expert interpreters and delve into captivating stories of the past. Enjoy the Steven and Laura Gates Exhibit Gallery and the serene Lenhardt Courtyard Garden, making for an unforgettable experience.
Explore the Grounds to the Fullest!
Please Note: To make a reservation, call a Group Tour Coordinator at: 1-843-769-2627 or email ehendrix@draytonhall.org
Duration
1 Hour
Rates
$25/Person
About
Explore Drayton Hall like never before with a one-hour private guided tour, led by on of our expert interpreters. Visit the cellar, main floor, and second floor of the historic house while discovering the stories of those who lived and labored here. After the tour, your guide will remain in the Steven and Laura Gates Exhibit gallery to answer questions and share deeper insights into Drayton Hall’s rich history.
Your visit includes the Steven and Laura Gates Exhibit Gallery, showcasing furniture, artwork, manuscripts, and archaeological discoveries on display for the first time, the Lenhardt Courtyard Garden, featuring historically accurate Drayton family plantings, and the Caretaker’s House, highlighting the post-Civil War period and 20th-century history at Drayton Hall.
Complete your experience at The Shop at Drayton Hall, offering unique gifts, art reproductions, Drayton-inspired porcelain, and local favorites for every visitor.
Book your private Drayton Hall tour today and enjoy Charleston’s premier historic house and museum experience.
Adventure Tips
Wear Comfortable Footwear
Expect moderate walking on uneven historic grounds, so sturdy shoes will keep you comfortable throughout the tour.
Bring a Lightweight Water Bottle
Stay hydrated during the walking segments, especially in warmer months, as water stations may be limited.
Reserve Your Spot Early
This private guided tour has limited availability and fills quickly, so securing your booking in advance is recommended.
Prepare for Outdoor Weather
Check the forecast and dress accordingly since a significant portion of the tour is outdoors on the plantation grounds.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Osprey nesting near the Ashley River
- White-tailed deer roaming the grounds at dusk
History
Drayton Hall is the oldest intact plantation house in America open to the public, with original 18th-century architecture that avoided major renovations, preserving its authenticity.
Conservation
The Drayton Hall Preservation Trust focuses on sustainable tourism and historic preservation, minimizing environmental impact while educating visitors about responsible stewardship.
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Adventure Hotspots in Charleston
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Provides support and comfort on historic terrain and uneven surfaces.
Reusable Water Bottle
Helps you stay hydrated during warm weather tours.
summer specific
Light Jacket or Sweater
Useful for cooler mornings and evenings, especially in fall and winter.
fall specific
Wide-Brimmed Hat
Provides shade and protection from the sun during outdoor portions of the tour.
summer specific