Nashville’s Belle Meade Historic Mansion offers visitors a chance to step back in time and explore the captivating history of one of the city’s most significant landmarks. Guided tours take guests through the stunning Greek Revival-style home, built in 1853, revealing the stories of the influential Harding family and their impact on the region. Beyond the grand mansion, the estate’s beautiful gardens and historic grounds provide a serene setting for a day of discovery. But the experience doesn’t end there – adults can enjoy a complimentary wine tasting at the on-site winery, making this tour a truly immersive exploration of Nashville’s rich past.
Key Points
- Guided tour of the 1853 Greek Revival-style Belle Meade Mansion, providing insights into its history and the Harding family’s influence on Nashville.
- Complimentary wine tasting at the on-site Belle Meade Winery for guests aged 21 and older, offering a chance to learn about the estate’s wine heritage.
- Access to the well-maintained grounds, including gardens, outbuildings, walking trails, and an outdoor game court, enhancing the historic experience.
- Two on-site restaurants, The Belle Meade Meat & Three and Fox Run Cafe, serving locally sourced Southern cuisine and light bites.
- Wheelchair-accessible grounds and first floor of the mansion, with free parking and a policy allowing service animals on the premises.
It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.
Tour Overview
Offering a glimpse into the grandeur of the antebellum South, the guided tour of the Belle Meade Mansion takes visitors on a 45-minute exploration of this Greek Revival-style house built in 1853.
Priced from $28.00 per person, the tour allows guests to discover the estate’s rich history and beauty. Visitors can also enjoy a complimentary wine tasting at the Belle Meade Winery, provided they’re 21 or older.
Beyond the tour, the historic site offers access to gardens, outbuildings, walking trails, an outdoor game court, gift shops, and two on-site restaurants, ensuring a full day of exploration and immersion in this iconic Nashville landmark.
Experience Highlights
The splendor of the Belle Meade Historic Site awaits visitors, who can enjoy the captivating history and natural beauty of the estate.
During the 45-minute guided walking tour, guests will explore the grand Greek Revival mansion, built in 1853.
Following the tour, visitors aged 21 and over can enjoy a complimentary wine tasting at the Belle Meade Winery.
The grounds also offer access to gardens, outbuildings, walking trails, an outdoor game court, gift shops, and two on-site restaurants – providing ample opportunities to further discover and experience the estate’s rich heritage.
Accessibility and Amenities
Wheelchair users can access the grounds and first floor of the Belle Meade Mansion.
However, the site doesn’t have wheelchairs available for rent.
Free parking is provided for visitors.
Service animals on a leash are permitted, but pets aren’t allowed on the property.
Key accessibility and amenity highlights:
- Wheelchair-accessible grounds and first floor of the mansion.
- No wheelchairs available for rent on-site.
- Free parking provided.
- Service animals permitted on a leash; pets not allowed.
Cancellation and Ticket Information
With Belle Meade Mansion tour tickets, guests can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. The tickets are valid only for the date and time purchased, but guests can remain on the grounds before and after the tour, with the ticket valid for the entire day.
| Ticket Information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Cancellation Policy | Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance | |
| Ticket Validity | Valid only for the date and time purchased | |
| Grounds Access | Guests can remain on the grounds before and after the tour | |
| Refund | Full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance | |
| Ticket Duration | Ticket valid for the entire day |
Outside food and beverages are not permitted on the property, and the wine tasting occurs after the tour, only for guests aged 21 and above.
Exploring the Historic Site
Guests can explore the rich history and beauty of the Belle Meade Historic Site during their visit. The guided tour of the mansion provides a 45-minute insight into the property’s past.
Afterward, visitors can enjoy these highlights:
- A complimentary wine tasting at the Belle Meade Winery for those aged 21 and over.
- Access to the well-maintained gardens, outbuildings, walking trails, and outdoor game court.
- Two on-site restaurants, The Belle Meade Meat & Three and Fox Run Cafe, offer dining options.
- The gift shops provide opportunities to browse and purchase souvenirs.
The grounds are wheelchair accessible, though the mansion’s first floor is the only wheelchair-accessible area.
Guided Mansion Tour
The 45-minute guided walking tour of the Belle Meade Mansion offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the property’s rich history.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour takes guests through the grand Greek Revival-style home, built in 1853. Visitors will admire the mansion’s elegant interiors, including the ornate parlors, formal dining room, and lavish bedrooms.
Along the way, they’ll learn about the influential Harding family, who owned the estate for generations, and their role in shaping Nashville’s history.
The tour also provides access to the mansion’s outbuildings, gardens, and walking trails, allowing guests to fully enjoy the site’s well-preserved 19th-century atmosphere.
Complimentary Wine Tasting
After the mansion tour, guests aged 21 and over can enjoy a complimentary wine tasting at the Belle Meade Winery located on the historic site.
This exclusive experience allows visitors to sample a variety of award-winning wines produced on-site. The tasting includes:
- A selection of 4-6 different wines to sample.
- Guidance from knowledgeable staff on the wine-making process and tasting notes.
- An opportunity to purchase bottles of the wines enjoyed during the tasting.
- A chance to learn about the rich history and heritage of the Belle Meade estate.
The complimentary wine tasting is a delightful addition to the Belle Meade tour, providing guests with a well-rounded experience of the property’s historical and oenological significance.
On-Site Dining Options
Within the historic Belle Meade estate, guests can enjoy a delightful dining experience at one of the two on-site restaurants. The Belle Meade Meat & Three offers classic Southern fare, while the Fox Run Cafe provides a more casual atmosphere with light bites and beverages. Both eateries use locally sourced ingredients to create mouthwatering dishes.
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| The Belle Meade Meat & Three | Southern-inspired | Tues-Sat: 11am-3pm |
| Fox Run Cafe | Light bites & beverages | Tues-Sat: 10am-5pm |
Guests can savor the flavors of the South and enjoy the historic ambiance of the Belle Meade estate during their dining experience.
Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.
- Best of Nashville City Sightseeing Tour on Double Decker Bus
- Nashville Delicious Donut Adventure by Underground Donut Tour
- Nashville Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours
- Nashville Bike Tour With Local Guides
- Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Admission in Nashville
- Nashville Family Discovery: A Downtown Adventure
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Take Photographs Inside the Mansion?
Yes, visitors can take photographs inside the Belle Meade Mansion during the guided tour. However, flash photography and tripods are not allowed to preserve the historic integrity of the mansion.
Are Guided Tours Offered in Other Languages?
Guided tours at the Belle Meade Mansion are offered in English. However, the website doesn’t mention if tours in other languages are available. Visitors should contact the historic site directly to inquire about language options for their tour.
Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?
There is no formal dress code for the Belle Meade Mansion tour. Visitors can wear casual attire suitable for walking around the historic property and exploring the grounds. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
Can I Extend the Length of the Tour?
The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes, but guests can’t extend the length of the guided tour. However, visitors are welcome to explore the grounds, gardens, and other amenities on their own for the entire day after the tour.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Military, Seniors, or Students?
The Belle Meade Historic Site offers discounts for military personnel, seniors aged 65 and over, and students with valid ID. Guests can save up to 10% off the regular tour price by presenting their valid identification at the time of purchase.
Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby
- Nashville: Murder on Music Row True Crime Tour
- Nashville: Belle Meade Historic Site Journey to Jubilee Tour
- Booze, Brews, and Boos: Nashvilles Haunted Pub Crawl
- Nashville: True Crime Guided Pub Crawl and Walking Tour
- Nashville: Music History and Moonshine Pub Crawl
- Nashville: Whiskey Flight From the Barrel
- Nashville Unveiled: History & Highlights Walking Tour
- Nashville: Guided Bar Crawl With Drinks Discounts
- Nashville: Broadway Boyfriends Bar Crawl
- Nashvilles Speakeasy Secrets: True Crime Tasting Pub Crawl
- Las Vegas: One Way Private Transfer To/From Mccarran Airport
- Nashville: Kayak Tour With Skyline Views
- Nashville: One Way Airport Transfer Service
- Nashville: Farmers Market & Germantown Foodie Walking Tour
- Nashville: The Gulch Walking & Tasting Food Tour
Recap
The Belle Meade Historic Mansion in Nashville offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the area’s past. The guided tour immerses guests in the stories of the Harding family, while the complimentary wine tasting and on-site dining options make for a well-rounded experience. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a unique day out, the Belle Meade Historic Mansion is a must-visit destination.