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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 $50.00

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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 $50.00

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

This activity will end right where it started.
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
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • 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.

Traveler Photos

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Traveler Tips

  • "If you visit Charleston in the summer, take an early tour or in the evening." See review
  • "We took the tour at 5 pm which made it even more pleasant with a cool breeze." See review
  • "The starting location is an easy 10 minute walk from the cruise port and easy to find." See review

Reviews

5.0
star-5
4,778 Reviews
5 stars
4,157
4 stars
378
3 stars
128
2 stars
73
1 star
42

Reviews by Viator travelers

We perform checks on reviews

Showing 1-10 of 4,778 reviews
star-5
Loved it!
Claire_W
, Jul 2022
Our tour guide’s passion for her job! Carol did a great job of showing us around Charleston. This place is beautiful!
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star-5
Took the whole family
Ray_H
, Jul 2022
Our guide Dan was great! It was our favorite part of our trip to Charleston. Our whole family loved it
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star-5
Incredible!
Jeevan_D
, Jul 2022
The guide was amazing. Unfortunately I forgot her name. She said she was from OHIO. Also, the sights that were on route, like the churches and old houses gave a special ambience unique to Charleston.
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star-5
I have always wanted to...
Leah_M
, Jul 2022
I have always wanted to visit Charleston since I was born there and moved away at only 9 months old. We have a painting of Rainbow Row and it was a bucket list item to visit some day. The Bingo for our ride didn't take us down that route but it was still a great experience and I was able to walk there afterwards.
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star-5
Getting to Know a Bit About Charleston!
Paula_B
, Jul 2022
Loved the historical facts that our guide, Brian provided to us on the tour. We LOVED Garth! He was the best Horse!
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star-5
Fun was had
Ashlie_S
, Jul 2022
Great experience was had! Great tour guide! We loved the the tour, the stories, and seeing all of the historical homes.
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star-5
The staff was great they...
Ally_D
, Jul 2022
The staff was great they worked us in when we were running late for our check in. The tour was very informative learned a lot about Charleston Thanks again
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star-5
Carriage ride
Beverly_B
, Jul 2022
Carol and her horse Jason were great. Very knowledgable and great personality. Cares about her people in the carriage and also people on the street. She made it a very enjoyable tour!!! Jason was perfect as well!
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star-3
Meh. Could have been better.
Robert_W
, Jul 2022
We were excited to get a look at Charleston by carriage, but there weren’t really any picturesque moments and we only got a tiny bit of history. There was nothing about the architecture or other interesting facts about the city. Our guide did a good job of showing her enthusiasm, but she was training the driver and when he switched to giving the tour he talked toward the front of the carriage and we couldn’t hear anything for almost five minutes. I’ve been on other carriage tours that were much better.
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icon Response from Host , Jul 2022
Hello, we are sorry to hear that your tour was not to your satisfaction. We want every guest visiting our beautiful city to have a memorable experience. Please reach out to me so I can help make this right. Thank you for choosing Old South Carriage Co. Scott B. Old South Carriage Co. Guest Relations manager 843-723-9712
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star-5
Our guide was very...
cory_w
, Jul 2022
Our guide was very informative and fun. The carriage ride was a great way to learn more about the city.
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star-5
Horse and carriage tour
Kimberly_G
, Jul 2022
Our tour guide was informative, professional and friendly. We learned a lot of Charleston history, especially about how the Palmetto tree became part of the state flag.
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star-4
Worth the money
Tina_C
, Jul 2022
Our guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining. Our horse Jason did a great job navigating traffic :). The only negative thing we can say is the employee with the right calf tattoo was not very friendly and spoke to patrons rudely. You can’t work with the public if you don’t like people.
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star-5
Awesome experience, very good value.
Rodney_P
, Jul 2022
The driver-guide was great very informative and friendly. Would highly recommend when you are in Charlston.
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star-5
Awesome experience
Noel_W
, Jul 2022
Learning the history of Charleston, Amanda and Wayne in the AM and Shannon and Ron on the Ghost Tour we’re all awesome
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star-5
Great experience.
Marta_A
, Jun 2022
Zach and Francis were a great team. We learned a lot about the history and architecture of Charleston. Great way to start our visit so we could see what else to do explore more the rest of the day. They are so careful about the organization of the carriage rides in the city.
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star-3
I didn’t really find it...
Cheryl_K
, Jun 2022
I didn’t really find it very memorable the area that we looked in was a lot of churches and we couldn’t even get close enough to actually take pictures the one we did get close enough the buggy was in the way so you really couldn’t even take a picture and there really wasn’t enough interesting things to be worth the $50 spent.
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icon Response from Host , Jun 2022
Hello, we are sorry to hear that your tour was not to your satisfaction. We want every guest visiting our beautiful city to have a memorable experience. Please reach out to me so I can help make this right. Thank you for choosing Old South Carriage Co. Scott B. Old South Carriage Co. Guest Relations manager 843-723-9712
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star-5
Vacation
Leasha_S
, Jun 2022
Tour guide was funny and very knowledgeable. Great way to see the historical history. Highly recommended.
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icon Response from Host , Jun 2022
We are so thrilled you had a great experience. All of our certified tour guides are so passionate about our beautiful cities history. Thank you for choosing Old South Carriage Co. Scott B. Old South Carriage Co.
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star-5
Wonderful tour with Amanda!
Jennifer_G
, Jun 2022
Amanda was absolutely amazing and very knowledgeable! She was witty and made the tour very memorable!
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icon Response from Host , Jun 2022
Thanks so much for sharing your experience, glad you had a great time! We hope to see you again soon. Scott B. Guest Relations Manager
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star-5
Great experience
Mika_S
, Jun 2022
Francis (horse) and Zach (guide) were both great. Zach was knowledgeable and answered everyone’s questions. My husband wants to do it again while we are here!
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icon Response from Host , Jun 2022
Thanks so much for sharing your experience, glad you had a great time! We hope to see you again soon. Scott B. Guest Relations Manager
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star-5
Great Experience
Chelsy_S
, Jun 2022
We took the Old South Historic Carriage Tour right when we got to Charleston. It aloud us to see some really neat things right off the bat (rather than walking) and we were able to jot down a few places to visit on our own. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and very nice. He not only gave so much information about the city but the horse, Jordan, as well. We loved the experience and ease of the whole process.
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icon Response from Host , Jun 2022
Hey y’all, we so much appreciate your excellent review, Old South Carriage Companies mission is to provide a first class experience to all of our guests. Come back and see us soon! Scott B. Guest Relations Manager
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