Charleston: Haunted Carriage Evening Tour

Explore Charleston’s Haunted Alleyways and Historic Sites for $45

The Charleston: Haunted Carriage Evening Tour offers a compelling 40-minute glimpse into Charleston’s ghostly past. For $45 per person, this tour takes place in the heart of South Carolina’s historic district, with a twilight schedule that enhances the spooky atmosphere. The tour departs from the Old South Carriage Company and is led by a licensed guide, ensuring both entertainment and accurate historical storytelling.

This activity is perfect for those interested in local legends, haunted sites, and charming architecture. The tour is well-rated, boasting an impressive 4.7 out of 5 from 406 reviews, with many highlighting the guides’ knowledge and engaging style. A key feature is the inclusion of a live guide and stops at iconic locations like the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon. The 40-minute duration makes it an accessible evening activity, especially suited for visitors who want a taste of Charleston’s ghostly tales without a long commitment.

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Key Points

• Price: $45 per person
• Duration: 40 minutes, usually in the evening or at night
• Starting point: Old South Carriage Company, near the City Market
• Highlights: Haunted alleys, graveyards, churches, hotels, and a dungeon
• Expert guides: Members of the Palmetto Guild, ensuring well-informed storytelling
• Highly praised guides and horses: Guides like Noel, Tucker, Jeff, Christine, and others are consistently fun and knowledgeable, while horses such as Wayne, Moose, Noah, Eli, and Jim are appreciated for their calmness and friendly demeanor

From the Old South Carriage Company to Historic Charleston

The tour begins at the Old South Carriage Company stables, a convenient spot with multiple parking options, including garages near the City Market. Travelers can also park at the Visitors Center and ride the free Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH) to the meeting point. This flexible setup helps accommodate visitors arriving from various locations around Charleston.

Once underway, the carriage takes you across over 300 years of Charleston history, passing haunted alleys, graveyards, churches, hotels, and notable landmarks. The Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon is a major stop, known historically as a site of imprisonment and spooky tales. Other sights include Circular Congregational Church, Charleston City Market, and St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, each adding to the city’s eerie ambiance during the twilight ride.

The Experience of the Guided Haunted Carriage Ride

The core of this tour is the storytelling. The guides are known for their ability to weave spine-tingling tales of prisoners, pirates, and city legends. Many reviews highlight the entertaining and knowledgeable style of guides like Shannon, Jeff, Christine, and others who keep the atmosphere lively and informative.

The live guide provides commentary in English, using a nice voice that adds to the overall enjoyment. Some guides, such as Christine, are praised for their humor and engaging storytelling, making the experience lively and memorable. The guide’s stories are complemented by QR codes that can be scanned to view relevant photos, paintings, or ghostly images related to each location, adding an interactive element to the tour.

The Role of the Guides and the Horses

Many visitors note the guides’ extensive knowledge of Charleston’s history and local legends. Guides like Christina, Sharon, Tressa, and others are praised for their entertaining and informative narration. The horses are also a highlight, with names like Henry, Moose, Noah, Eli, and Jim consistently described as gentle, friendly, and well cared for. The horses’ calm pace helps keep the tour comfortable and accessible for families, elderly guests, or those with limited mobility.

The guides’ personalities shine through their stories, jokes, and personal touches, making each ride feel personalized. Many reviews mention how guides like Big Mike, Wendy, and Sharon make the stories come alive with their enthusiasm and humor.

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Specific Stops and Notable Landmarks

The tour covers a 15-block core of Historic Charleston, including landmark sites with haunted reputation. The Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon is a key stop, historically used as a prison, and now a site for ghostly tales. The Circular Congregational Church and its graveyard provide atmospheric backdrops for stories of spirits said to haunt Charleston.

The Charleston City Market and St. Michael’s Episcopal Church are also passed, offering a glimpse of Charleston’s architectural beauty and historic importance. The tour’s stops are chosen for their haunted lore and historic significance, making each location meaningful and engaging.

Practical Details and Booking Flexibility

The Old South Carriage Company offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for flexible planning. Guests can reserve now and pay later, which is helpful if plans change unexpectedly. The tour is available in the afternoon, evening, and at night, providing multiple options to fit different schedules.

The meeting point is easy to access, with nearby parking garages or options to use the DASH shuttle from the Visitors Center. In cases of stormy weather or extended rain, the activity may be canceled for safety reasons, so it’s good to check the weather forecast before booking.

The Value and Audience for This Tour

At $45 per person, this guided carriage ride offers good value considering the quality of guides and historic sites visited. The 40-minute duration makes it a manageable activity for most visitors, especially those wanting a quick yet rich experience of Charleston’s haunted history.

The tour appeals to history enthusiasts, ghost story lovers, and families seeking a fun, atmospheric activity. The interactive elements like QR codes and the friendly horses add extra layers of enjoyment, especially for those new to carriage rides or ghost tours.

Final Thoughts on the Charleston Haunted Carriage Tour

This evening carriage ride provides a entertaining mix of history and ghost stories in the beautiful setting of Charleston. The guides’ storytelling skills and the calm, friendly horses make this a standout activity for anyone curious about Charleston’s more mysterious side.

While the 40-minute duration means it’s a quick tour, many find that this is enough to spark interest in the city’s haunted sites and legends. The flexible booking options and easy logistics make it accessible for various travelers, from first-time visitors to locals exploring the city after dark.

The Charleston Haunted Carriage Evening Tour is a highly-rated, engaging, and affordable way to experience Charleston’s ghostly stories, packed with expert storytelling and charming guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts 40 minutes, typically scheduled in the evening or at night.

What is the meeting point?
The tour departs from the Old South Carriage Company at the stables near the City Market.

Is parking available nearby?
Yes, there are multiple parking garages and lots near the meeting point, or guests can park at the Visitors Center and ride the free DASH shuttle.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled up to 24 hours in advance.

What locations will we visit during the ride?
The tour passes haunted alleys, graveyards, churches, hotels, and the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Absolutely, all guides are members of the Palmetto Guild, indicating they have passed a comprehensive examination on Charleston’s history.

Are the horses well cared for?
Yes, the horses, such as Wayne, Moose, Noah, Eli, Jim, are praised for their gentle temperaments and careful handling.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the calm pace and friendly horses make it suitable for families, though the spooky stories are geared more toward older children and adults.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for the weather, especially since the tour is likely to be at twilight or night.

Is this tour weather-dependent?
Yes, in case of stormy weather or extended rain, the tour may be canceled for safety reasons.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby