Lexington: Ashland Henry Clay Estate Ticket With Guided Tour

Lexington’s Ashland Henry Clay Estate offers visitors an immersive experience into the life and legacy of one of America’s most prominent statesmen. With guided tours starting at $25, guests can choose from various options to explore the beautifully maintained estate and gain insights into Clay’s influential career. From the Signature Tour to the Women’s Voices and Slavery at Ashland tours, each experience promises an engaging and enlightening look into the past. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a unique cultural outing, a visit to Ashland is sure to leave you intrigued and eager to uncover more about this fascinating figure.

Good To Know

• Guided tours of Ashland, the estate of Henry Clay, are available in Lexington, Kentucky, with ticket prices starting at $25 per person.
• Tour options include the Signature Tour, Women’s Voices Tour, Traces: Slavery at Ashland Tour, Art & Grounds Tour, and Combo Tour.
• Tours provide insights into Henry Clay’s legacy and the history of the estate, including the impact of slavery.
• Visitors can explore the 18-room Italianate-style mansion, gardens, and trails, with knowledgeable docents sharing historical stories and perspectives.
• Tickets include admission fees, guided tour, parking, and access to the estate’s grounds, with a customer satisfaction rating of 4.9 out of 5.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

Visitors can explore Ashland, the estate of renowned Kentucky statesman Henry Clay, through various guided tour options.

Tickets start at $25 per person, with tours lasting 50 minutes to 1 hour. Guests can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Tickets start at $25 per person, with tours lasting 50 minutes to 1 hour. Guests can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Those interested can reserve their spot without upfront payment, thanks to the "reserve now & pay later" policy.

The estate offers a Signature Tour, Womens Voices Tour, Traces: Slavery at Ashland Tour, Art & Grounds Tour, and a Combo Tour, providing in-depth insights into Clay’s life and legacy.

Tour Options

Ashland offers multiple guided tour options for visitors to choose from, allowing them to tailor their experience.

The Signature Tour is a 1-hour narrated tour of the 18-room Italianate-style mansion.

The Women’s Voices Tour focuses on the social and political contributions of 9 women from Ashland.

The Traces: Slavery at Ashland Tour explores the lives of enslaved individuals on the estate.

The Art & Grounds Tour combines history, art, and nature, highlighting Clay’s interest in agriculture.

Lastly, the Combo Tour combines the Signature Tour with either the Women’s Voices or Traces tour on specific days.

Highlights and Learning Experience

By exploring Ashland, visitors can learn about Henry Clay’s legacy and significance in American history.

They’ll discover the grand drawing room, bedrooms, and artifacts related to Clay’s life, providing insights into his influential political career.

The tours also examine the impact of slavery on Ashland and Clay’s America, offering a deeper understanding of this complex history.

Engaged docents share historical stories and perspectives, enriching the experience.

Whether visitors choose the Signature Tour, Womens Voices Tour, or Traces: Slavery at Ashland Tour, they’ll come away with a greater appreciation for Henry Clay’s role in shaping the nation.

Visitor Information and Amenities

The meeting point for visitors is Ashland – The Henry Clay Estate, located at 120 Sycamore Rd, Lexington, KY 40502.

Guests should present their voucher 15 minutes prior to the start of the tour. The ticket includes admission fees, a guided tour (depending on the option selected), parking, and access to the beautiful gardens and trails.

Visitors must present their voucher 15 minutes before the tour begins, which includes admission, a guided tour, parking, and access to gardens and trails.

However, visitors aren’t allowed to bring food, drinks, use flash photography, record videos, or carry weapons on the premises.

Key visitor information:

1. Meeting point: Ashland – The Henry Clay Estate, 120 Sycamore Rd, Lexington, KY 40502

2. Present voucher 15 minutes before tour start

3. Includes admission, guided tour, parking, gardens, and trails

4. Not allowed: Food, drinks, flash photography, video recording, weapons

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

According to the information provided, visitors have overwhelmingly positive experiences at Ashland – The Henry Clay Estate.

With an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on 42 reviews, the tours are praised for their informative and engaging nature. Reviewers highlight the knowledgeable guides who provide expansive historical insights and make the experience "wonderful."

Visitors describe the estate as "beautiful" and "thoroughly enjoyable," with the perfect tour length to learn a lot.

Exploring Henry Clay’s Legacy

As a prominent Kentucky statesman during the 19th century, Henry Clay left an indelible mark on American history.

Visitors to the Ashland estate can explore his legacy and learn about his pivotal role in shaping the nation. The guided tours offer insights into:

1. Clay’s influential political career, including his service as a U.S. Senator and Secretary of State.

2. His role in the "Great Compromiser" during divisive debates over slavery and state’s rights.

3. His passion for agriculture and his contributions to the development of Ashland’s grounds and gardens.

4. The complex history of slavery at Ashland and its impact on the estate and Clay’s life.

Art, Nature, and Agriculture at Ashland

Ashland’s verdant grounds and gardens reflect Henry Clay’s lifelong passion for agriculture and landscape design. The Art & Grounds Tour takes visitors on a journey through the estate’s natural beauty, showcasing Clay’s interests in horticulture and the environment. Guests can admire the well-manicured lawns, vibrant flowerbeds, and towering trees that adorn the property.

| Gardens | Fauna | Sculpture |

| — | — | — |

| Formal parterre gardens | Abundant wildlife | Impressive bronze statues |

| Ornamental flower beds | Bird watching opportunities | Reflecting pool with sculpture |

| Vegetable and herb gardens | Diverse native plants | Architectural garden elements |

Exploring the grounds and discovering the artful integration of nature and architecture provides a unique and enlightening experience for visitors to Ashland.

Uncovering the Perspectives of Ashland’s Women

Though often overshadowed by the legacy of Henry Clay, the women of Ashland played crucial roles in shaping the estate’s history and social impact.

The guided "Women’s Voices Tour" offers a unique opportunity to learn about 9 influential women, including:

1. Mary Creighton Clay, Henry Clay’s wife, who managed the household and maintained Ashland’s gardens.

2. Laura Clay, a renowned suffragist and daughter of Henry Clay, who advocated for women’s rights.

3. Madeline McDowell Breckinridge, a social reformer and great-granddaughter of Henry Clay.

4. Nannette Hopkins, an enslaved woman who oversaw the daily operations of Ashland.

Exploring the lives and contributions of these remarkable women provides a more holistic understanding of Ashland’s past.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

No, visitors are not allowed to bring their own food and drinks to the Ashland Henry Clay Estate. The visitor information states that outside food, drinks, and other prohibited items like weapons are not permitted on the tour or grounds.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tours?

No age restrictions are mentioned for the tours. The tours are suitable for all ages, though visitors should be able to participate in the guided walking portions. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Are the Tours Wheelchair Accessible?

The tours at Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate, are wheelchair accessible. The estate has made accommodations to ensure visitors with mobility challenges can fully experience the guided tours and explore the grounds.

Can I Take Photos or Videos During the Tour?

According to the visitor information, photography and video recording are not allowed during the tour. Guests are advised to refrain from using flash photography and recording videos to preserve the historical experience and respect the estate’s rules.

Are Discounted Tickets Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour does not offer discounted tickets for students or seniors. However, the standard ticket price of $25 per person is already quite reasonable for the guided experience provided at the historic Ashland estate.

The Sum Up

Explore the rich history and legacy of Henry Clay at the Ashland Estate in Lexington. With various tour options available, visitors can explore the statesman’s life, the estate’s architecture, and the perspectives of its past inhabitants. Whether you’re interested in Clay’s political influence or the estate’s natural beauty, a guided tour offers an engaging and insightful experience. Don’t miss the opportunity to gain a deeper appreciation for this important landmark and the people who shaped it.

You can check availability for your dates here: