Ashland Henry Clay Estate Tour: One-hour guided mansion walk

The first floor of the mansion is fully wheelchair accessible, but the upper floors are not.

A one-hour guided tour of Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate in downtown Lexington, Kentucky, where a live docent leads you through the 18-room Italianate mansion with original furnishings, artwork and statuary. After the guided walk, you can explore the gardens and grounds, Civil War monument and Henry Clay Exhibit on your own. Parking is free and the site is suitable for all fitness levels. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before your tour time.

Step-by-step itinerary

Tour Henry Clay Estate and Grounds

• Arrive at Ashland Estate in Lexington
• Enter mansion for guided tour
• Explore original furnishings and artwork
• Take optional self-guided garden tour
• Visit Civil War monument and exhibit
• Stop at Museum Store
• Return to downtown Lexington

The experience

The tour starts inside the mansion's front door, where a docent narrates a path through the meticulously preserved rooms. Henry Clay served in the U.S. Senate and House, and as Secretary of State under John Quincy Adams, and this estate reflects his prominence in American politics for nearly fifty years. The guided portion lasts one hour and covers the rooms where he lived and worked.

After the docent-led walk, you move at your own pace through the gardens and grounds, the Civil War monument and the Henry Clay Exhibit: all optional but included with your ticket. The Museum Store sits at the end of the visit. Free parking is available on-site, and public transportation options are nearby if you're coming from downtown Lexington. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your preferred departure time. If that tour is full, you'll be placed on the next available slot that day.

Service animals are welcome, and the site is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Only the first floor of the mansion is wheelchair accessible, so plan your route accordingly if mobility is a concern. Visitors ages 5 and older must wear masks, and all parties must maintain 6 feet of distance from one another.

What’s included

• One-hour guided tour of the mansion with a live docent.
• access to the gardens and walking trails.
• self-guided tour of the Civil War monument.
• self-guided tour of the Henry Clay Exhibit.
• free on-site parking.
• Museum Store access.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday to Sunday5 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 15:45

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (6 to 17 years) · Infant (under 6): free

GroupUp to 15 · max 8 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessiblePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English, so you'll follow the narration comfortably if that's your language. The one-hour structure fits easily into a morning or afternoon in downtown Lexington without consuming your whole day.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 17 years); Infant (under 6): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long does the guided tour of the mansion take?

The guided tour lasts one hour, led by a live docent in English through the 18-room mansion.

What can I do after the guided tour ends?

You can take optional self-guided tours of the gardens and grounds, the Civil War monument and the Henry Clay Exhibit at your own pace. The Museum Store is also open for browsing.

Is there parking at Ashland?

Yes, free on-site parking is available, and public transportation options are nearby if you prefer not to drive.

What should I know about accessibility at the estate?

The first floor of the mansion is fully wheelchair accessible, but the upper floors are not. The site is suitable for all physical fitness levels and service animals are welcome.

When should I arrive for my tour?

Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your preferred tour departure time. If that time is sold out, you'll be placed on the next available tour slot that day.