Join us for the Old Walled City Walking Tour and learn all about the history of Charleston!
Charleston was the only English walled city in North America and the wall was substantially in place by 1712. During this two-hour walking tour, we will cover approximately 1 ˝ miles of historic Charleston and learn some of it's great history. On this tour you'll have a chance to:
Charleston was the only English walled city in North America and the wall was substantially in place by 1712. During this two-hour walking tour, we will cover approximately 1 ˝ miles of historic Charleston and learn some of it's great history. On this tour you'll have a chance to:
- Hear about the personalities and circumstances that turned a small pioneer settlement in 1670 into the greatest city in the South by the time of the American Revolution and the seat of Southern Culture throughout the Antebellum period.
- Linger through the oldest neighborhoods in Charleston past virtually intact blocks of pre- and post-colonial homes, storefronts, churches and public buildings.
- Learn about all the rich tales and legends from Charleston’s glorious and turbulent past. Incredible wealth and sophistication were tempered by siege and bombardment ... twice!!
Meeting Location
Meeting Street (Downtown Charleston, SC)
(Exact meeting location details will be provided immediately upon purchase of tickets.)
- Is advance purchase required?
- Tickets must be purchased in advance, as space is limited per tour. To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, please book well in advance. Tickets can be purchased using a Visa, Mastercard or American Express.
- What about rainy weather?
- These tours go out rain or shine. So if it looks like there is rain in the forecast, please dress appropriately and remember to bring your umbrella.
- What should I wear?
- Always wear comfortable shoes. Charleston sidewalks can be uneven, so open toed shoes are an invitation for stubbed toes! In the summer, the southern sun can burn you, so wear sunscreen and a hat, and cold bottled water is advised. In the winter, remember that we are only four short miles from the open ocean and winter winds can be cold and damp. It's better to overdress than underdress, so think about wearing layers that you can remove if the weather warms up.
- What should I bring?
- Bring your camera, bring your well-behaved dog on a leash, bring water in the heat. If you smoke, we ask that you refrain during the tour as a courtesy to the other guests.
- Are there any age limits? Can we bring our kids?
- We welcome all ages on the tour. Please note there is a reduced price ticket for children ages 7-12 and children 6 and under can come for free. Please note that due to the laws in Charleston, we must account for all guests, so everyone needs a ticket even infants and toddlers.
- Does the tour end back where we started? How far do we walk?
- The tours cover no more than 1 1/2 miles over two hours. Think of it like a meandering stroll. Because each and every tour varies slightly, it can end at different locations. If you have a need to be back to where we started, let us know at the beginning, so that we can arrange for the tour to end at least within a few blocks of the starting point. Regardless of where it ends, your guide will always assist in getting back to the starting location or wherever your next stop in Charleston is.
- Does the entire tour take place outside or do we enter any buildings?
- There are several buildings that we can sometimes enter, but it varies depending on the day and time of the tour. On this tour we may enter the Powder Magazine, the Dock Street Theatre or St. Michael's Church. Unfortunately, some of these locations are closed to the public on weekends or are otherwise inaccessible during every tour.
- What is the maximum number of people per tour?
- Charleston law prohibits walking tour groups of larger than 20 participants, so your group will always be less than 20. Please note that all guests require a ticket, even infants and toddlers, who will need a Free Wee One ticket. If you have a larger group, it's best to book as soon as possible.
- Are the tours always the same?
- No, the tour varies from time to time in terms of the route taken, as well as the topics emphasized. Al may also try to touch on subjects that are of particular interest to the group, but regardless you will always get a great tour of historic Charleston and learn about its incredible history.
- Are there restrooms along the way?
- Depending on the route and time, there are usually available restrooms, but this is not always the case. Sunday morning tours lack access to restrooms, so plan accordingly.
- Is the tour wheelchair and stroller accessible?
- The tour is technically wheelchair and stroller accessible, but please keep in mind that we will be walking through a historic neighborhood which has areas of uneven streets and sidewalks. If your group includes someone in a wheelchair or stroller, your guide will do their best to direct the tour through an area that is easy to navigate.
- What is the difference between the tours you offer?
- All three tours are unique and distinct. The Old Walled City Tour highlights historic events, persons and the culture of the city. This tour is highly flexible and is generally tailored to the interests of guests. The Home and Garden Tour discusses the history of the city within the context of the built environment, so we talk about not just what you are looking at but why. We discuss architectural styles and garden design. This tour includes admission to three historic museum properties, the Old Powder Magazine (1713), the Heyward-Washington House (1772) and the Edmondston-Alston House (1825). The Slavery and Freedom Tour discusses the history of slavery in the New World with an emphasis on how it developed in South Carolina and how people lived within the system in Charleston and the surrounding Lowcountry.
- Will I be able to shop and buy souvenirs along the way?
- No, this tour is not set up for shopping, as it is mainly a residential area and there is no time to stop along the way.
- Is there parking available nearby?
- Yes, there are several parking lots and garages near the meeting location. Specific parking information will be provided upon purchasing tickets.
- Are the tours only conducted in English?
- Unfortunately, the tours are only offered in English at this time.
- Do you offer gift certificates?
- Yes. If you are interested in purchasing a gift certificate, please click on the "Contact WalledCity" link on the left side of the page.
- Can I book a private tour?
- Yes, private tours are available! Please click on the "Contact WalledCity" link to discuss setting up a private tour for your group.
Old Walled City Walking Tours
Alfred Ray was born in Charleston in 1958. His first ancestors arrived here in 1792 fleeing Revolution in Haiti. Coming from a family of "long generations" and an even longer memory, he took in all the old tales and legends that instilled in him a love for his native city.
His illustrious tour guiding career started in 1979 with a pitchfork atop a pile of horse dung in a carriage barn on State Street. Seeking cleaner work, he spent a number of years in Real Estate Development with an emphasis on Historic Preservation and reclamation of the historic Radcliffeboro neighborhood in midtown Charleston. Later, after graduating from the Medical University of South Carolina, he worked in healthcare outreach.
His illustrious tour guiding career started in 1979 with a pitchfork atop a pile of horse dung in a carriage barn on State Street. Seeking cleaner work, he spent a number of years in Real Estate Development with an emphasis on Historic Preservation and reclamation of the historic Radcliffeboro neighborhood in midtown Charleston. Later, after graduating from the Medical University of South Carolina, he worked in healthcare outreach.
