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Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour

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Charleston, United States
Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour
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Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour
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From $45.00

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Number of travelers
1 Adult2 Adults3 Adults4 Adults5 Adults6 Adults7 Adults8 Adults9 Adults10 Adults11 Adults12 Adults13 Adults14 Adults15 Adults0 Children1 Child2 Children3 Children4 Children5 Children6 Children7 Children8 Children9 Children10 Children11 Children12 Children13 Children14 Children15 Children
Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance. Learn more
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Safety measures
icon1 hour  (Approx.)
Mobile ticket
iconOffered in: English
Good for avoiding crowds

Overview

Experience more than 300 years of history on this guided carriage tour of Charleston. See the many mansions, churches, and gardens as your horse-drawn carriage tour covers more than 2.5 miles and 30 blocks of historic Charleston. Belgian and Percheron draft horses will you lead you through the streets while you learn about this “Holy City” and its role in the Civil War.
  • Narrated horse-drawn carriage tour of Charleston
  • Follow a scenic route through 30 blocks of the historic district
  • See grand antebellum homes and hear about their former owners
  • Great photo ops of gardens with beautiful wrought iron gates
  • Belgian and Percheron draft horses lead your carriage through the streets
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From $45.00

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1-Hour Horse & Carriage Sightseeing Tour of Charleston
Belgian or Percheron Draft Horse
Certified Driver/Guide
See Charleston highlights such as historically significant homes, churches and gardens
Hear stories of the city’s role in our nation's history from your certified guide
Gratuities

Departure Point

14 Anson St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA

Departure Point: Old South Carriage Address: 14 Anson St. Charleston, SC 29401 Dates: Daily - MUST check-in 15-minutes

Return Details

Returns to original departure point
This horse-drawn carriage ride and tour, a journey that travels back in time to the colonial beginnings of Charleston, meets at 14 Anson Street, home of the Old South Carriage Company. Charleston, the oldest and second-largest city in South Carolina, is defined by its cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages and pre-Civil-War-era houses.

As the tour progresses, pass by the old churches, antebellum mansions and lush gardens of Charleston — more than 2.5 miles and 30 blocks of residential real estate. Stop outside historic homes, like the Gov. William Aiken House, the former home of South Carolina Governor William Aiken, Jr. This house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.

Part of the charm of the tour are the horses that pull the carriage. These are the same kinds of draft horses that worked on American farms in the early 1800s, making this voyage all the more authentic.
Itinerary
Stop At:  
Old South Carriage Company
Our stable is where your tour experience will begin and end. After checking in you can say hi to our draft horses, watch an educational video, purchases a bottle of water, or use our restroom. As you board your carriage via our inclined ramp / easy loading platform, your certified tour guide will greet you.
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Duration: 15 minutes
Admission Ticket Included
Pass By:  
Charleston City Market
After leaving our stable, your carriage will stop at the City gate near the Market, where a route is assigned by the City of Charleston. Our industry is governed by this system in order to disperse the carriage traffic more evenly throughout the city. Your tour will cover about 30 blocks and 300+ years of history. Though specific landmarks vary by route, all tours pass by sights that give Charleston its unique charm – custom wrought iron gates, well-manicured gardens, historic mansions with picturesque piazzas, and the many church steeples of the “Holy City.”
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  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Please note: you MUST check-in 15-minutes prior to your scheduled tour time. Failure to do so may result in your reservation being cancelled with out refund.
  • Carriage can transport up to 16 passengers per departure.
  • Children 3 years and under are free provided that they sit on the lap of a parent or guardian. If you want your child to have a seat, you must purchase a child seat.
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers
  • OPERATED BY Old South Carriage

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Learn more about cancellations.

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
Where does the Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour depart from?
A:Carriages board and depart from our stable at 14 Anson Street (one block north of the City Market). Our stable provides protection from the elements while you wait.
Apr 2021
Q:
Is parking available for the Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour?
A:There are multiple parking garages and lots near the City Market. You can also park at the Visitor’s Center and ride the free Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH) to the Market.
Apr 2021
Q:
How early should I arrive for the Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour?
A:You MUST check in 15-minutes prior to your scheduled tour time. Failure to do so may result in your reservation being canceled without a refund.
Apr 2021
Q:
Can I bring my young child with me on the Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour?
A:Yes, children 3 years and under are free provided that they sit on the lap of a parent or guardian. If you want your child to have a seat, you must purchase a child seat.
Apr 2021
Q:
How long is the Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour?
A:The carriage tour lasts approximately an hour (50-60 mins.)
Apr 2021
Q:
Is the Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour narrated?
A:Yes. Our tours are narrated by a certified guide. All of our guides who provide historic tours are required to be members of the Palmetto Guild, which indicates they have successfully passed a comprehensive examination on the history of Charleston.
Apr 2021
Q:
What will I see during the Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour?
A:The tour covers about 30 blocks and 300+ years of history. Specific landmarks may vary, but all tours pass by sights including custom wrought iron gates, gardens, historic mansions with picturesque piazzas, and the church steeples of the “Holy City.”
Apr 2021
Q:
How many people does the carriage seat during the Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour?
A:Our surrey-style carriages seat up to 16 passengers and our wagonette carriages seat up to 8 passengers
Apr 2021
Q:
Can I bring snacks/drinks with me on the Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour?
A:Food is not allowed on the carriage, however, you may bring drinks with you. You can purchase bottled water at our offices before or after your tour.
Apr 2021
Q:
Can I bring a stroller on the Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour?
A:We cannot accommodate strollers on the carriage, however, you may store your stroller at our stable while you're on tour.
Apr 2021
Q:
What if the weather is bad on the date of my Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour?
A:We run our tours during rain, however, not during thunderstorms. If extended periods of inclement weather are forecasted, we may close for the day. If there is bad weather on your selected date, contact us at the number on your ticket to confirm.
Apr 2021
Q:
Are carriages covered during the Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour?
A:Yes. The roof offers shade during sunny weather and some protection from rain–but if it’s raining hard, you will get wet. Lightweight ponchos are available for purchase at 14 Anson Street where you board your carriage.
Apr 2021
Q:
Can I bring my dog with me on the Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour?
A:We welcome dogs of all sizes if they’re well-behaved. Smaller pups may ride in your lap, and larger dogs can sit in the front row.
Apr 2021
Q:
What is the policy on sanitization during Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour?
A:The policies on sanitization are:

  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Gear/equipment sanitized between use
  • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
See all safety measures taken by Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour.
Q:
What measures are being taken to ensure staff health & safety during Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour?
A:The policy on staff health & safety is:

  • Regular temperature checks for staff
See all safety measures taken by Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour.
Q:
What is the maximum group size during Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour?
A:This activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers.

See all safety measures taken by Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour.

Traveler Photos

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Reviews

5.0
star-5
3,566 Reviews
5 stars
3,090
4 stars
310
3 stars
91
2 stars
48
1 star
27

Reviews by Viator travelers

Showing 1-10 of 3,566 reviews
star-5
Great tour full of history
Lisbeth_H
, Sep 2021
Janice was a great tour guide, very knowledgeable about Charleston and the history of the town. She added just enough humor while teaching the interesting facts. She also dealt really well with a local who heckled her, suggesting he read a book. (Apparently the carriage tours get heckled a lot) The horses were extremely well cared for and seemed to know their jobs well and enjoyed them. Definitely worth the price!
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star-5
It was amazing getting to...
Bambi_H
, Sep 2021
It was amazing getting to learn so much about Charleston's Robust history, and the architecture is comparable to none. Christmas Carol and Jason the Horse made it pretty special.
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star-5
Great fun, informational, great way to see the City
Tiffani_S
, Sep 2021
My mother, her friend, and I really enjoyed our history tour. We had “Christmas” Carol as she called herself, and she was full of life, jokes, and facts. Her friendly demeanor was welcoming and I believe she could put any at ease that might be apprehensive around horses. James was our horse that pulled our carriage, he was very clean and looked as if he was very well taken care of in his home in Charleston. He was friendly and behaved wonderfully with the busy streets and traffic, as well as letting all the kiddos pet all over his face. I would recommend this to anyone, the carriage ride has a slight breezes which helps with the heat and you get so much great information. I hope you book Old South Carriage Historic Horse Tour, and enjoy your time as much as we did.
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1 traveler found this review helpful
star-5
Tour guide Jason was very...
Tim_V
, Sep 2021
Tour guide Jason was very knowledgeable and funny. We learned a lot about Charleston and its history. We recommend this tour to all.
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star-5
Old South Carriage is Southern Hospitality at its best!
Renee_G
, Sep 2021
Eli the horse and Tom were very knowledgeable! We didn’t get a “coveted” route but still Tom made it interesting and was funny! My husband greatly appreciated the detail to all the architectural features and real estate prices! Highly recommend Old South Carriage as the guides greeting us at the stable were also so friendly and informative while we were talking to them waiting for our ride!
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star-5
Amazing information
Robert
, Sep 2021
Great info on the historic areas and buildings of CHS. Beautiful houses and neighborhoods. The guide was a lifelong resident and had several side comments. Humorous also
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star-5
The horse was also very knowledgeable.
Kenneth_K
, Sep 2021
The driver was excellent and very knowledgeable. I was able to take many photos along the way, as we pulled over to let traffic pass.
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star-4
Mack the Horse
Terri_M
, Sep 2021
The size of the horse was most impressive . The docent was very knowledgeable. Wish more information was presented about Antebellum.
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star-5
Rex, the Amazing Tour Horse
Roseanne_C
, Sep 2021
We had an amazing tour. Our group won the lottery and for to so the Battery area. Our tour guide and Rex our horse were top notch. The weather was amazing, light cool breeze. This was our 3rd tour with this company and we will do it again.
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star-5
Informative and fun
Debra_B
, Sep 2021
What a wonderful experience. Scott was a terrific guide and so knowledgeable. Jim, the horse stole the show!!
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