Hampton-Preston Mansion & Gardens
Explore a beautifully restored 1818 mansion and its stunning, free-access gardens, offering a peaceful escape and a glimpse into South Carolina's hist...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Hampton-Preston Mansion & Gardens
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a beautifully restored 1818 mansion and its stunning, free-access gardens, offering a peaceful escape and a glimpse into South Carolina's history.
"Absolutely beautiful plantation home and gardens, my daughters love learning about our rich history."
🚶♀️ Free Garden Access
Enjoy the beautiful gardens daily during daylight hours at no cost!
📸 Perfect Proposal Spot
The gardens offer romantic, semi-private spots ideal for proposals and photos.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Gardens
Surrounding the Mansion
Wander through meticulously kept grounds featuring native SC species, azaleas, and camellias. A peaceful escape with ample shade and seating.
The Mansion Interior
Inside the Mansion
Explore beautifully restored rooms filled with antique furniture, offering a peek into 19th-century life and a former governor's residence.
The Greenhouse
Within the Gardens
Discover a charming greenhouse showcasing plants propagated from Historic Columbia's collections, perfect for plant enthusiasts.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Garden Access & Hours
Historical Context & Preservation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Free Garden Access
Enjoy the beautiful gardens daily during daylight hours at no cost!
📸 Perfect Proposal Spot
The gardens offer romantic, semi-private spots ideal for proposals and photos.
🌿 Plant Sale Delights
Check for seasonal plant sales featuring native species propagated from the historic sites.
📅 Check Tour Times
Mansion tours are offered Wed-Sun, but confirm exact times before your visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Free Garden Access
Enjoy the beautiful gardens daily during daylight hours at no cost!
📸 Perfect Proposal Spot
The gardens offer romantic, semi-private spots ideal for proposals and photos.
🌿 Plant Sale Delights
Check for seasonal plant sales featuring native species propagated from the historic sites.
📅 Check Tour Times
Mansion tours are offered Wed-Sun, but confirm exact times before your visit.
🚗 Easy Street Parking
Street parking is generally easy to find and free, making access convenient.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Hampton-Preston Mansion & Gardens for its beautiful, free-to-access gardens and the well-preserved historic mansion. Many appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, diverse plant life, and the convenience of free street parking. Some note the importance of understanding the full historical context of the site.
"Walked across the street from the Robert Mills House & Garden and was greeted by this stunning home! Free gardens and grounds access during the day as stated at the sign at the entrance gate! So peaceful and stunningly put together. Coming from someone not from the South Carolina area, it was wonderful to see a variety of species native to SC as well as some unique selections as well! Plenty of benches to sit and rest, especially with the tree canopy providing shade. Street parking was easy, accessible and free! The restoration of the home was beautiful. I visited on a Friday morning and it was very quiet and not busy. Highly suggest visiting the gardens!"
Jessica Bolles
"Beautifully kept grounds to still through on your lunch hour or on weekends. Great place for the annual oyster 🦪 roast they have once a year. People who work at these historical mansions do their very best to preserve history and keep the landscape in immaculate condition for everyone to see on each visit here."
Rick T
"What I love abt Columbia is its true old school charm with some of their buildings. This place has beautiful gardens to stroll through, take a picnic or just sit and enjoy the scenery. I went for a festival and it was the perfect backdrop for the event."
Cynthia R
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Hampton-Preston Mansion & Gardens is located in downtown Columbia, South Carolina. Street parking is typically available and free. It's also easily accessible by public transport or ride-sharing services.
Yes, street parking is generally available and free around the mansion and gardens, making it convenient for visitors.
Absolutely! Hampton-Preston Mansion & Gardens is located across the street from the Robert Mills House & Garden, making it easy to visit both on foot.
Many visitors enjoy walking through downtown Columbia to reach Hampton-Preston, taking in the city's charm. The gardens themselves are perfect for a leisurely stroll.
While specific bus routes may vary, downtown Columbia is generally served by public transportation, making it a feasible option to reach the mansion. It's also a popular destination for ride-sharing services.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The gardens are free to access during daylight hours. Tickets are required for tours of the mansion interior. Check the Historic Columbia website for current tour schedules and pricing.
The gardens are generally open during daylight hours. For specific times and any potential closures, it's best to check the Historic Columbia website.
Tour admission fees apply for the mansion interior. Prices can vary, so it's recommended to visit the Historic Columbia official website for the most up-to-date information on ticket costs.
While the gardens are open for self-exploration, tours of the mansion interior are typically guided to provide historical context and information.
Yes, Historic Columbia often hosts special events, workshops, and holiday celebrations at the Hampton-Preston Mansion & Gardens, which may require separate ticket purchases. Keep an eye on their events calendar.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed in the gardens for personal use. For professional photography or event-related shoots, it's advisable to contact Historic Columbia in advance to inquire about policies and potential fees.
The blooming gardens, especially during spring, offer stunning backdrops. The mansion's architecture and the greenhouse also provide picturesque settings for photos.
The Hampton-Preston Mansion & Gardens is a popular venue for weddings and events, and its beautiful grounds are ideal for engagement and wedding photography. Contact Historic Columbia for specific guidelines and booking information.
As with most historic sites and public spaces, drone usage is likely restricted or prohibited to ensure the safety and preservation of the property and the visitor experience. It's best to confirm with Historic Columbia.
The gardens offer beautiful dappled light under the tree canopy, especially in the morning and late afternoon. The mansion's exterior can be photographed at various times, but consider the sun's position for optimal shots.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
You can tour the historic mansion, stroll through the beautifully maintained gardens, visit the greenhouse, and attend special events. It's a great place for a peaceful walk or a picnic.
Absolutely! The gardens are designed for strolling, with well-marked paths, benches for resting, and plenty of shade from mature trees.
Yes, the gardens are a lovely spot for a picnic. Enjoy the scenery and the peaceful atmosphere.
Tours focus on the mansion's architecture, period furnishings, and the lives of the families who resided there, including its time as a governor's residence.
While tours are informative, the gardens offer space for children to explore. Special family events may also be offered.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities within the mansion or gardens. However, numerous restaurants and cafes are located nearby in downtown Columbia, offering a variety of culinary options.
Yes, bringing a picnic to enjoy in the beautiful gardens is a popular option. It's a great way to extend your visit and relax amidst the scenery.
Downtown Columbia offers a diverse range of dining, from casual cafes and Southern cuisine to international flavors. You'll find options to suit any taste and budget.
Historic Columbia occasionally hosts events that may include food vendors or catering, such as their annual oyster roast. Check their events calendar for details.
Yes, the Hampton-Preston Mansion & Gardens is a popular venue for events, and catering services can be arranged through approved vendors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look out for special family-friendly events hosted by Historic Columbia, which can add an extra layer of fun and engagement for children. The greenhouse also offers a point of interest, and the well-marked plants can be a fun way to learn about local flora. Remember to check the mansion's tour schedule if you plan to visit the interior, and ensure children are supervised in the garden areas.
💍 Couples & Romantics
The mansion itself, with its historic charm and antique furnishings, can provide a unique atmosphere for a date. Consider visiting during a weekday morning for a more intimate experience. The venue is also a popular choice for weddings, so if you're planning a special event, the gardens offer a glimpse into its romantic potential.
🌿 Garden Enthusiasts & Photographers
Photographers will find numerous opportunities for stunning shots, from the architectural beauty of the mansion to the lush greenery and colorful blooms in the garden. The greenhouse also presents unique photographic possibilities.
While personal photography is generally permitted, professional shoots may require prior arrangement with Historic Columbia. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Gardens: A Living Collection
During the spring, the gardens burst into a riot of color, making it a particularly popular time to visit. The canopy of mature trees provides ample shade, creating a comfortable environment for leisurely strolls, quiet contemplation, or even a delightful picnic. The presence of numerous benches throughout the grounds invites visitors to pause and soak in the serene atmosphere.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, the gardens play a role in plant conservation and education. Historic Columbia often hosts plant sales featuring specimens propagated from their various historic sites, allowing the public to take a piece of this horticultural heritage home.
A Glimpse into 19th-Century Life
Inside, visitors will find beautifully restored rooms adorned with period-appropriate antique furniture, decorative arts, and architectural details that reflect the era's style and social customs. The restoration efforts aim to authentically represent how the house might have looked during its most prominent periods. Guides often share stories about the families who lived there, including the Wade Hampton family, offering insights into their lives, social standing, and the broader historical context of the time.
While the tours focus on the architectural and decorative aspects, it's important for visitors to be aware of the complex history associated with such antebellum homes, which often includes the legacy of slavery. Understanding this broader historical narrative enriches the visitor's appreciation of the site's significance.
Events and Celebrations at Hampton-Preston
Social media often showcases the beauty of events held here, highlighting transformations for weddings with elaborate floral arrangements and festive decorations.
The venue has also hosted community events like the Goodwill Family Fun Day and the Diner en Blanc Columbia party, demonstrating its versatility. Beyond private events, Historic Columbia frequently organizes public programming at the site, including holiday tours that depict 1800s winter traditions, plant sales, and sound journey events.
+1 Attending one of these special events can offer a unique perspective on the mansion and gardens, often with a festive or educational twist.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit