If you love walking in the footprints of history, you simply must visit the beautiful Drayton Hall Estate! Step back in time and experience an 18th-century gentleman’s garden in the estate of John Drayton, as well as the historic home and surrounding buildings that show what daily life was like throughout Drayton Hall’s history.
EXHIBITS & GROUNDS
A general admission ticket gets you entrance to Drayton Hall’s exhibits and grounds, which includes self-guided nature walks around the gardens, ponds, and 18th-century live oaks, as well as access to the Lenhardt Garden, a historically-inspired garden based on John Drayton’s botanical lists, and the serene and sacred grounds of the African-American cemetery. Exhibits & grounds tickets also give you access to the Stephen & Laura Gates Gallery, which is filled with a rotating exhibition of decorative arts items that once belonged to the Drayton family, archaeological discoveries from the grounds of the estate, and fascinating archival materials.
Basic admission also allows visitors to experience Connections, an interactive program presented twice daily which gives insight into the lives, contributions, and experiences of the African-Americans who lived and worked here at Drayton Hall, both as slaves and as freedmen. And of course, general admission also gets you into the Shop at Drayton Hall, where you can find high-end art reproductions, porcelain pieces, and local food favorites. It’s the ideal place to pick up a special lowcountry souvenir.
DRAYTON HOUSE TOUR
If you’re a lover of architecture, you’ll definitely want to go on the House Tour. Drayton Hall Charleston was built in 1738 and is the oldest and best example of Palladian architecture in America. Drayton Hall’s preservation philosophy is both radical and simple: nothing has been restored, simply stabilized and preserved-in-place, so the home looks the same as it did when acquired from the Drayton family in the 1970s. This approach allows conservators to have a better understanding of period finishes and works and allows you to feel a real sense of history when you enter here. Tours are offered hourly from 10 to 3, last about 45 minutes, and do require a separate ticket on top of general admission.
If you love the feeling of stepping back in time, consider hosting your wedding or other private events here at Drayton Hall Charleston! The historic setting will make your special day one to remember forever. Drayton Hall is a true piece of Charleston history! Contact us today to learn more about the fun you can have when you stay in one of our exquisite Charleston condos rentals!
We invite you to view our complete list of the Top 5 Historic Houses by downloading our FREE Insider’s Guide to Charleston.
