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Drayton Hall

3380 Ashley River Rd, Charleston, SC 29414
843-769-2600
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Ranked #12 of 91 attractions in Charleston
Type: Historic Sites, Gardens
Activities: Group tours/walking tour
Description: This Georgian-Palladian gem, built in 1738, is America's oldest plantation house open to the public.
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528 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
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Date Rating
Senior Contributor
42 reviews 42 reviews
12 attraction reviews
Reviews in 24 cities Reviews in 24 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed June 17, 2013 NEW

Unlike most of the other Charleston area plantations, Drayton is preserved, not restored, and that difference makes it fascinating. Seeing the original detail was a unique experience not to be missed.

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See 6 more reviews by alice_lenthe for Charleston
Illinois City, Illinois
Top Contributor
63 reviews 63 reviews
36 attraction reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
18 helpful votes 18 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed June 17, 2013 NEW

This should be at the top of the list of historic attractions in the area. There just aren't many mansions that survived the civil war, much less the civil war and the revolutionary war. Add to that that the staff has done a wonderful job in maintaining it without overdoing the restoration and you have a real gem.

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See 10 more reviews by 55steve55 for Charleston
bichonandon
Senior Contributor
30 reviews 30 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed June 15, 2013 NEW

Do not miss this house. If you love history but have limited time and funds, spend them with confidence at this wonderful old plantation.

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See 5 more reviews by bichonandon for Charleston
Providence, Rhode Island
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed June 13, 2013 NEW

The docents give a fantastic tour of this plantation. They know the history of the family and the property very well. This is a preserved plantation home - not a restored house. Frankly, the house is not pretty. However, the tour is worth the visit!

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See 9 more reviews by Anonymous111213 for Charleston
San Antonio, Texas
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed June 11, 2013

Exceptional guided tour by a lady named "Peggy" she was extremely well informed and knew the history and background of the plantation.

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See 2 more reviews by Vic L for Charleston
Staten Island, New York
Senior Contributor
33 reviews 33 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed June 11, 2013

An interesting and historically informative place to visit. It was perfect for a rainy day activity, keeping in mind that there is no air conditioning in this totally unrestored, and unfurnished, plantation house on the Ashley River. A very personable and intelligent young woman was our guide, and she answered every question we had. Not cheap, but worth the the... More

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See 24 more reviews by Lindajwink for Charleston
Orangeburg, South Carolina
Senior Contributor
36 reviews 36 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed June 10, 2013

Anyone around Charleston knows there are several plantations to visit. I have been to all of them. When we have out of town guests and only have time for one, we always choose Drayton Hall. Instead of being restored, it is preserved, so it stands as it is. One can see it as it was left, the original paint, the... More

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See 5 more reviews by ACW2243 for Charleston
New York City, New York
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed June 9, 2013

This is a wonderful experience but one should understand what they're visiting. Unlike so many other plantations and historical sites that have been restored and altered for visual appeal and tourism; Drayton has been preserved. The details in the columns, ceilings, and fireplaces are inspiring. The faded paint a reminder of days past. If you appreciate authenticity and history, this... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Chicago, Illinois
Top Contributor
59 reviews 59 reviews
20 attraction reviews
Reviews in 24 cities Reviews in 24 cities
19 helpful votes 19 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed June 8, 2013

We appreciated the knowledgeable tour guide who knew a surprising amount beyond her script. Of the half-dozen tours I did in a week in FL/SC/GA, one of the top couple for actually focusing on the site, period, and history. If you really only get excited about old homes that have recreated the bling, this will not be your cup of... More

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See 5 more reviews by hollykmarie for Charleston
Charleston, South Carolina
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed June 6, 2013

Drayton Hall was miraculously saved from Sherman's burning seige, march to the sea. It is very interesting and a beautiful piece of history.

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See 4 more reviews by rockymountaincamper for Charleston

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