FAQs

• Can I bring a bag/backpack?

  For entry into Biltmore House, all bags, packages, and boxes will be inspected by security personnel.

  Guests may carry small personal bags no larger than 19″ x 14″ x 9″ inside Biltmore House. If your bag does not meet these requirements, please leave it in your vehicle or ask about storage options. Exceptions will be made for medical items after inspection.

  Backpacks are not permitted on any guided tour of Biltmore House. Guests are required to leave backpacks in a locker or in their vehicle.
  

  We reserve the right to refuse admission for any bag, parcel, or other item. Weapons are prohibited.

• Is special clothing or footwear required?

  Dress comfortably. Wear walking shoes and layers for the changing mountain weather.

• Can I bring food or drinks with me?

  No outside food and beverage is permitted on estate grounds except for personal water bottles and while picnicking in certain estate locations; please visit Guest Services for recommended picnic spots.

  Only clear, plastic water bottles are permitted inside Biltmore House. Outside alcohol and tailgating—including the use of tents, grills, multiple camping chairs/tables, and large coolers—are not permitted on estate grounds.

• Is Biltmore cashless? 

  Because Biltmore is primarily cashless, we recommend use of credit, debit, and Biltmore Gift Cards, which are accepted for ALL estate purchases, including estate admission, dining, overnight stay, outdoor activity, tour, exhibition, and estate shop purchases. 

  Cash is only accepted at the front desks of Village Hotel and The Inn on Biltmore Estate®, and at The Inn’s Library Lounge and The Dining Room. The Inn’s retail outlets are cashless. 

  Biltmore Gift Cards can be purchased (with credit or debit card ONLY) at any estate Guest Services location, at the Gate House Shop, and online. 

  We also offer three fee-free Cash-to-Card machines where you can turn cash into a prepaid Mastercard for use for ALL estate purchases. 

  Cash-to-Card machines are located in the Reception and Ticketing Sales Center, the Stable Hallway near Biltmore House, and Antler Hill Village near Village Hotel and Biltmore Winery. 

• What is not allowed in Biltmore House?
  • Crossing or reaching across the ropes and/or touching anything behind the ropes
  • Food and drink, except for clear, plastic water bottles
  • Pets (except service animals)
  • Weapons/firearms*
  • Personal bags larger than 19″ x 14″ x 9″ (more details below)
  • Wheeled bags
  • Sketching
  • Commercial photography/video recording, and posed photography
  • Large cameras (with any camera lens larger than 135mm), tripods, monopods, selfie sticks, gimbals, Steadicams, GoPro cameras, or any other photography equipment
  • Audio recording of special event performances such as live music during Candlelight Christmas Evenings
  • Photography and cell phone use that negatively impacts the guest experience (i.e. blocking an area to take photos, asking guests or employees to move out of the way of a shot, etc.)

  For your safety and the protection of this historic home, all guests must enter through a security scanner for each entry to the building.

  *Biltmore is a privately owned estate with both Security Personnel and Law Enforcement Officers on the property. In the interest of public safety, and for the safety of Biltmore employees and officers, Biltmore does not permit weapons/firearms inside Biltmore House or in estate establishments that serve alcohol. Overnight guests may safely secure their weapons/firearms in their hotel room while on the estate. Daytime guests may safely secure their weapons/firearms in their vehicle while on the estate. Law enforcement officers are not exempt unless coordinated and approved in advance by Biltmore’s Director of Security & Police Operations.

  We appreciate your understanding of, and cooperation with, this policy.