A list of things to do at the Biltmore
There truly are so many fun things to do at the Biltmore. It can be overwhelming at times! Of course, there are a few obvious ones, like touring the Biltmore House and exploring the gardens and grounds. But did you know that you can go on a guided horseback tour at the Biltmore? Or escape for the day at their tranquil spa? Or learn to catch a falcon?
That’s what is so great about the Biltmore. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure attraction. You can have a very relaxed day with a morning at the spa followed by a pleasant tour through the house and an enjoyable afternoon at the winery. Or you can start your day with a guided bike ride, followed by a hike along their trails and an off-roading adventure in a Range Rover before you wrap up at their English-style pub.
This article highlights some of the many things to do at the Biltmore, from touring the house and gardens to unique things to do like falconry and off-roading.
You’ll find out how to spend a day (or ten!) soaking up all that The Biltmore Estate has to offer. And if you are visiting with kids, make sure to check out our article on visiting the Biltmore with kids.
What you’ll find in this article
- Things to do that are included with admission
- Tours at the Biltmore Estate
- Outdoor adventures
- Other things to do
Things To Do At The Biltmore Estate (included with admission)
We’ll first start with the activities and attractions that are included with the basic gardens and grounds admission. You would also have access to all of the items listed below if you are staying the night on the property or accompanying a passholder for free after 5pm.
1. Explore the gardens and grounds
All tickets to The Biltmore Estate include access to their sweeping 8,000 acres. Expect meticulous gardens and amazing views as you wander around the property.
What’s great is there are so many directions to adventure and so much to see. You can stroll along the river, explore by bike, admire the blooms and even check out a playground and farmyard at Antler Hill Village.
2. Stroll along the river
There’s a lovely path along fields and the French Broad River that makes for an excellent place to explore. You can either do this yourself or opt for a guided tour. The tour will give you details on local wildlife and trees, as well as on the estate’s history.
3. Spend time at Antler Hill Village
Antler Hill Village is also included in admission to the Biltmore. This is one of the shopping and dining areas at the estate and it’s on the northwest side of the property. Additional shops and restaurants can be found by the house.
Apart from shops and restaurants, you’ll also find a museum, playground, winery and Antler Hill Barn. The Barn often features various craftspeople showing off their trade.
4. Dine on the Biltmore Estate
Did you know that there are several restaurants on the Biltmore Estate? There are dining options located at Antler Hill Village, near the house and even a small seasonal cafe at the Conservatory. You’ll find everything from an ice cream shop to an English Pub and even a food truck and a four-star dining experience!
5. Enjoy complimentary wine tasting
Your admission to the estate includes complimentary wine tasting at the Winery in Antler Hill Village. You’ll need to make reservations the day of to enjoy this experience.
Apart from wine you’ll find small plates and even grape juice for the kids! Check out our article for more kid-friendly activities at the Biltmore.
6. Watch craft demonstrations
Not too far from the winery you’ll find the Barn at Antler Hill Village. This is part of the estate where you can really feel the history and legacy of it all. Once a hub of activity for local families and farmers of the estate, today the Barn offers a glimpse into the past.
The barn offers opportunities to catch live demonstrations by blacksmiths and woodworkers. We once saw thread spinning in action. Apart from demonstrations, there’s also old farm equipment out for viewing.
Tours offered at the estate (additional charges apply)
7. Tour the Biltmore House
Well, of course! Take a tour of this majestic house and check out how the Vanderbilt family lived. With 35 rooms and 43 bathrooms, you are sure to enjoy your time at the Biltmore House.
The basic admission to the grounds includes walking to and around the house, but if you want to actually tour it you will need to upgrade your ticket.
Oftentimes, visitors are surprised to hear that a tour of the house isn’t included with admission. After all, isn’t that the attraction? But after just one visit you will realize that the house is just a small part of this mega estate.
When booking a ticket, you can either opt for a self-guided audio tour or an expert-guided tour. The self-guided tour is included in the house price but an expert-guided tour is an additional fee.
Make sure to book in advance. You will select an entry time when booking. This is the time is to enter the house itself (not the grounds!) You can access the grounds any time during the day of your visit.
8. Take a rooftop tour of the house
Enjoy exclusive views on a guided tour of areas not included in a regular house visit. You’ll learn more about the design and construction of the house and get a look at the view from the rooftop and balconies.
The cost for a guided rooftop tour is $40 and is only available for guests with daytime tickets, an annual pass or an overnight reservation.
9. Biltmore House Backstairs Tour
Another fun tour that gives you a behind-the-scenes look at life at the Biltmore! The Biltmore House Backstairs Tour is a great way to learn about the people who lived and worked on the Estate. This tour is 60 minutes long and is $40 per person.
Outdoor adventures at the Biltmore Estate
Below are several outdoor adventures available for an additional fee at the estate. To participate, guests need a daytime ticket, an Annual Pass or to be staying on one of the three overnight properties.
10. Go on a guided horseback trail ride
Guests who are 8 and older can participate in a guided trail ride on a horse. Each tour can accommodate up to 10 guests at $115 per person. You can also opt for a private guided tour. The two-hour private tours are $250 per guest for a maximum of four guests.
11. Enjoy a leisurely carriage ride
Speaking of horses… did you know that you can enjoy the sights of the Estate from a horse-drawn carriage? There are various carriage ride packages available, starting at $40 per guest (30 minutes on a 12-person wagonette carriage) all the way up to a private 90-minute carriage ride for up to four guests ($475).
12. Go off-roading in a Land Rover
If you want to feel like British royalty… check out the Land Rover Experience! This add-on includes getting the keys to a Land Rover for a 2-hour exploration of the property. And don’t worry, a guide walks you through the course using a two-way radio!
13. Learn how to handle a falcon
Yes, you read that right! Guests ages 8 and up can learn the ins and out of falconry. First, you’ll learn how to handle a hawk or falcon, and then you’ll have the opportunity to catch it in your gloved hand.
Up to 6 people can experience this together. The cost is $125 per person and $75 for observers.
Other things to do at the Biltmore
14. Check out an exhibit
The Biltmore often hosts exhibits throughout the year. Though their Leonardo da Vinvi – 500 Years of Genius exhibit ended in February 2023, they are introducing their Italian Renaissance Alive exhibit on March 3, 2023. Additional fees apply for this exhibit.
15. Relax at The Spa
Last and certainly not least, a day at The Spa located at The Inn may be the grandest experience of all. The Spa was designed with the persona of Edith Vanderbilt and feels perfectly at home on the estate. Services include massages and facials.
Hopefully this list will inspire your next adventure at Biltmore Estate. Visiting the Biltmore is such a wonderful experience and we hope you fall just as in love as we are!
