Touring the Historic Biltmore Estate in North Carolina
The Biltmore Estate
The Biltmore Estate is a beautiful French Chateau in Asheville, North Carolina. This mansion has 250 rooms and more than 4 acres of floor space. There are 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, an indoor bowling alley, and an indoor swimming pool. The home and the grounds are fascinating and -at times- breathtaking.
I visited Biltmore about 20 years ago when I was **cough** **cough** years old, and I was excited to go back with my little family now. I was a little nervous that my kiddos might not enjoy it – worrying that it was a trip just for grown-ups. I told them that we were going to visit the largest home in America and it was like a castle. I have to say they really enjoyed our visit and they learned a lot. My husband and I really loved visiting Biltmore. It was really captivating- the beautiful gardens… the architecture… the art…the antiques… the sheer size of the home…
Information & Tip for Visiting Biltmore Estate with Kids:
- First, let me say that kids visiting Biltmore with paying parents will receive FREE admission (Ages 9 and younger). Children ages 10-16 get 1/2 priced tickets. In the summertime, kids 16 years and younger are FREE through Labor Day.
- There is a 90-minute audio tour for adults (about $11.00), and a 90-minute audio tour for children (about $11.00). The children’s audio tour is narrated by Cedric, the Vanderbilts’ Saint Bernard and he tells stories about Biltmore from his point of view.
- You can download a Treasure Hunt (it also features Cedric the Saint Bernard) to keep the kiddos entertained during the tour. You can download the Treasure Hunt HERE.
- There are books about Biltmore that are for young readers (recommended 8-12 years old). Some parents like to get these books for their kiddos to read before their visit to get the kids excited for the trip and tour. Book Ideas HERE and HERE (full disclosure – some of these books look really scary!) One mom told me that you can pick up a Serafina Adventure Map at the Asheville Visitor Center if your kiddos are fans of that book series.
- There are 43 bathrooms inside Biltmore, none of which are open to the public. I recommend taking the kiddos to the restrooms in the Stable Courtyard area before beginning the house tour.
More Biltmore Information (Continued)
- It’s also recommended that you wear very comfy shoes. After touring the house, and walking to the gardens (and through the conservatory), my husband’s FITBIT showed that we had walked almost 3 miles in 2 1/2 hours! And we hadn’t even been to Antler Hill yet!
- If you are worried the kids will get too tired from all the walking, you can take a shuttle from the parking lot to the Biltmore House (and vice versa). You can also take the shuttle from the Biltmore House back to the parking lot and then drive your car to the Gardens/Conservatory where there is additional parking. There is also the option to drive or take the shuttle service to Antler Hill which is about 5 miles from the Biltmore House.
- Strollers are welcome at Biltmore!
- If you feel like you need more than one day to enjoy Biltmore, they have the Biltmore Village Hotel and the Biltmore Inn right there on the property next to Antler Hill.
- Eating at Biltmore can be very expensive, but all of the food that we have tried has been fantastic (and all of the restaurants have a Kid’s Menu and the staff is very accommodating). There is also an ice cream shop and a candy shop (we didn’t go before the tour because we didn’t want hyper kids while on the tour since we would spend a lot of time in line). We actually stopped to eat before we toured the Biltmore Estate. Next time we might bring snacks (there is no food or eating inside the Biltmore House, but we could eat snacks outside).
More Info & Tips (continued)
- You can now take photos inside the Biltmore House, but you cannot use flash.
- Included in your ticket/admission is free wine samples at the Winery at Antler Hill, and the kids will be treated to complimentary grape juice.
- Before reaching the parking lots, you purchase a ticket at the Reception & Ticketing Sales Center. If you don’t want to wait in line with the kids, you can order tickets online and save yourself some time. You can buy tickets HERE
P.S. The following photos show some of the highlights of the Biltmore Estate. There is a lot more than what is shown (it’s crazy massive!)
The Shuttle
After purchasing tickets, we drove to the parking area. We then hopped on the Biltmore shuttles (there is also the option to walk to the house). There are two shuttles. One runs back and forth to the parking lots and one runs from the Biltmore House to Antler Hill and The Biltmore Hotels.
Biltmore House (Exterior)
South Terrace
Above: Such a wonderful view! The Biltmore’s Mansion, Gardens and Antler Hill (and land) are on 8.000 acres.
The Library Terrace
Biltmore House
Above: The Winter Garden
The Dining Room
There was a special exhibit that was being featured during our visit to Biltmore. The exhibit was Designed for Drama: Fashion From the Classics (running from February 10-July 4). George Vanderbilt had a love of literature and this exhibition showcases more than 40 award-winning movie costumes from films based on some of his favorite literary works. That is why you will see these costumes in many of my photos.
Tapestry Garden
We were able to see tapestries from the 1530’s in this small music room.
Above: This is actually a portrait of Edith Vanderbilt (painted by Giovanni Boldini)
The Library
George Vanderbilt had a collection of 22,000 books, and this library contains almost half of his books. There is also a game table and chess set here in the library that once belonged to Napoleon Bonaparte.
I wonder how many people it took (and still takes) to clean this home… just thinking about the dusting and sweeping and mopping wears me out!
Mr. Vanderbilt’s Bedroom
Mrs. Vanderbilt’s Bedroom
The Oak Sitting Room
Stone Hallway, Bowling Alley, and Swimming Pool
In the picture on the left, you can see the stone hallway. This hallway actually lets you see the foundation walls. The foundation is actually about 29 feet deep and took about two years to build.
In the picture on the right, you can see the bowling alley.
Below: After walking past a hall of dressing rooms, you can see the indoor swimming pool.
The Gymnasium
We all got a good laugh at this “gym”, but it was probably very modern in 1895.
The Kitchen
The Laundry Room
The Halloween Room
The walls of the Halloween Room were painted with very colorful murals, and there was a lot of information and photos showing the construction of the Biltmore Estate.
The Billiards Room
The Billiards Room featured costumes from the Sherlock Holmes movies (one of George Vanderbilt’s favorite books).
BUT WAIT! There’s More…
Conservatory & Gardens
There is an Azalea Garden, Walled Garden, Italian Garden, Spring Garden, Shrub Garden, and Rose Garden just a short walk from the Biltmore House. The Conservatory is also located in this area and there is also a Bass Pond here as well. (You can also drive to the gardens and conservatory. The long road that leads to the exit will take you right by the gardens, but parking is limited).
Above photo via
But wait! There’s MORE!
The Waterfall & Walking Trails
Antler Hill & Winery
Antler Hill is a cute little village in the Biltmore property. It has a Winery, Hotels, Walking Trails, Biking Trails, a Farm (with a petting zoo), a playground, shopping areas, restaurants, etc. There is plenty to keep a family busy during your visit.
It is also a very peaceful area. There are Adirondack chairs scattered all over the Antler Hill area. Several people were sitting in the chairs, reading books or napping.
Above photo via
Antler Hill & Winery Information
- The Antler Hill & Winery (as well as the Biltmore Village Hotel and The Biltmore Inn) are about an 8-mile drive from the Biltmore House (you drive really slow and it is a beautiful property!)
- All of the activities at Antler Hill are included in the price of admission.
- On the day of our visit, there were many activities for children at Antler Hill. There was a petting zoo, arts and crafts, and even grape stomping! There is also a sandy play area, playground, and rock climbing area. When purchasing tickets at the main gate, you can ask about the children’s activities for that day (and the times they will be occurring).
- There are other outdoor activities that the family can participate in at an additional fee (carriage rides, fly fishing, hiking, horseback riding, river float trips, Segway tours, sporting clay, and stand up paddleboarding). More info HERE.
- We saw several families walking on the trails and riding bikes also. You can bring your own bikes or rent them HERE.
- You can also visit the winery for some free samples of wine, and the kiddos can have complimentary grape juice while you are there.
- Antler Hill Village also has a Bistro and Cedric’s Tavern if you want to stop for a bite to eat.
Above photo via
If you feel like you want to spend more than just a few hours or just one day at Biltmore (or you need more time to let the kiddos rest), there are two hotels on the property – The Village Hotel and the Biltmore Inn. They are located in Antler Hill.
Village Hotel. Above photo via
The beautiful Biltmore Inn on the hill. Above photos via
Have you been to Biltmore Estate? I would love to hear about your experience there!
Related Posts
About The Author
KristyB
Wife. Mom. Graphic Designer. Photographer. Professional Nap Taker. Part-time Traveler (with kids in tow, of course!)
Add a Comment
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
I can’t believe that I’ve never ever been there. We are in VA, so not terribly far away, but it is such a lovely place. We need to go soon! 🙂
I hope you get to go. You’ll love it!
The Biltmore is definitely on my bucket list. We have 4 special needs children so I’m not sure they would be too impressed. Are the rooms roped off or can you walk about each space? May just have to leave the husband home with the kids and do the tour solo!
Oh how fun…it looks like you had a blast. This is definitely a place worth visiting.
We had a great time! The Biltmore is definitely worth a visit.
To quote someone, “Wow. What a mansion!”. As someone who enjoys 3-mile walks and gets tired of it, I bet the tour inside won’t even faze me. I don’t get tired or stressed out when I’m in a beautiful place. I hope to visit the Biltmore Estate someday soon!
You’ll love it, Esme! And you can walk as much or as little as you want.
I’ve been meaning to visit charlotte for the longest time, I think I’ll visit here when I finally go to NC, thanks for sharing!
I highly recommend it, Shruti! It’s a fascinating place!
It looks like you and your family had a lovely time visiting the Balitmore estate. The photographs are gorgeous and it looks like a place bathed in lots of history.
Yes! It was very interesting to see how people lived back then. I was very impressed with how they built and put this house together even though there was no electricity at the time.
I’ve always wanted to go to the Biltmore, but haven’t yet had the chance to! Seeing your pictures have reminded me how much I want to go!
I hope you get to go, Emily. It’s a very interesting home and Museum.
:O wow the Biltmore estate is absolutely stunning, what a dreamy location. Also, I know that I would enjoy the antler hill and winery. I have only spent one day in Asheville, as I didn’t realize these places existed, looks like a really great destination to explore.
Yes!! You almost need an extra day for Antler Hill and the winery. It is the perfect place to do a little shopping and relax.
This place has so many things to do and I guess it would be great for family with children. I would love checking out the museum, old furniture, clothing and the library.
It is a great place for a family to visit. They also have bike trails and walking trails through some beautiful gardens.
I love the architecture and the landscaped gardens. Looks like a great place for kids to enjoy.
Yes, the kids could run around outside as much as they liked! They loved it .
Oh, what a site you have seen. Thank-you for sharing it with us. I enjoy all things 17 or 1800’s. The history this house must have seen. I’m already wondering who lived there, in what year did who move out and the place get turned into what it is now. What had to be changed and what is exactly the same etc I’m going to do a little research even though I was going to sleep right after I read this. Haha
You would love Biltmore, Gladys! It was so interesting to see how people lived back then.
I love North Carolina! This looks like the perfect vacation, some history, beautiful scenery, kid friendly. I love the idea of places that I can take my kids with too. Thank you, adding this to our family travel list!
Yes!! North Carolina is gorgeous!
This place looks amazing! I want to go and so thankful for the tips! The fact that they have a treasure hunt is awesome. And the know of not having bathrooms everywhere is so good to know!
I thought people – especially parents – would want to know about the bathrooms. That way you know to go before your tour! The tour is on a route through the house. In some spots you can leave easily, but some spots are harder to leave the line.
What beautiful photos! Seems like y’all had an amazing time.
Yes! We had the best time!
This is amazing I’m sure y’all had a great time. The estate is lovey and the rooms are astonishing. Never been to NC yet but on bucket list. Thanks for info.
You’ll love North Carolina, Tosha! It’s beautiful there.
The architecture is absolutely stunning! I love the interiors as well. I would love to go visit!
xoxo
Annie
It was so amazing to see what all they accomplished before power tools!
Hi! Thanks for the post. What age did you feel the kid’s audio tour was for? Was there any mature content (specifically, sexual innuendo or stories)? Often when we visit museums, my 11 yo prefers the adult over the children’s which also depends on the content of the adult tour. Thanks!
I don’t remember anything inappropriate for children in the kid’s audio nor the adults audio tour. The adult tour is mostly interesting facts. The children’s audio tour is also a lot of facts, just told from the perspective of the family dog.
I’ve always heard about the Biltmore Estate but never been, after seeing all these pictures of it makes me want to make definite plans to go. thanks for the links that will help make making plans easier.
Thanks for your comments Vicky! I hope this info helps!