Cheap flights from Barcelona to Charleston from £425

The world-famous Magnolia Plantation and Gardens date from 1676 and have been owned by the Drayton family for 12 generations. The plantation and gardens cover an area of 600 acres and were built when the area was a British colony. The gardens were one of the first to be opened to the public in 1870. There are romantic areas with fragrant flowers to admire and a ride through the Audubon Swamp Garden with alligators, turtles, egrets, and herons.

Charleston Tea Plantation is situated just outside the city and was once a potato farm, but is now a leading tea producer. It is possible to join a free factory tour to learn how the tea is cultivated and processed into one of the world’s favourite drinks. The plantation is situated at Wadmalaw Island and is open Monday — Saturday 10.00 — 4.00 p.m. and on Sundays, 12.00 — to 4.00 p.m.

In the last few years, Charleston has become very art-loving, with an increasing number of permanent and touring art exhibitions. If you would like to enjoy some of the city’s contemporary art scene, head to Gibbes Museum of Art. Although it is one of the oldest galleries with plenty of history, its display of contemporary pieces by regional artists is varied and impressive.