Newport Rhode Island New England

Discover more of Newport Rhode Island New England

Newport, Rhode Island was the home of the uber wealthy during the Gilded Age of America, today tourists can visit the mansions that remain from this time and get a glimpse into Newport’s glamorous past. A trip to Newport, Rhode Island is a great addition to your New England holiday as there is so much to do in the town from sightseeing, enjoying fresh seafood, visiting historic landmarks and much more.

Newport Mansions 

You can't talk about Newport, Rhode Island without mentioning the famous mansions found in the area. One of the best ways to see these mansions is by doing the Cliff Walk- a scenic 3.5 mile walk along Newport’s gorgeous coastline. The Cliff Walk will take you past dozens of the city's most luxurious, historic mansions including The Breakers, Marble House, Rosecliff, and more. To see the fabulous Gilded Age mansions from your car instead of on foot then drive down Ocean Drive, a National Historic Landmark District, for amazing views of the coast and these huge mansions - which were known as “summer cottages” by their original owners. 

The Newport mansions date back to the Gilded Age in the 1800s and the Preservation Society of Newport County now own many of these mansions, so visitors are able to tour them. The most popular mansions in Newport, Rhode Island are as follows:

The Breakers: Built between 1893 and 1895, The Breakers was a summer home for Cornelius Vanderbilt II (a member of the era's extremely wealthy Vanderbilt family).

Marble House: Built between 1888 and 1892 as a summer cottage for another 2 members of the Vanderbilt family, Alva and William Kissam Vanderbilt.

The Elms: The Elms was completed in 1901 by Horace Trumbauer for Edward Julius Berwind. Berwind was a Coal Baron and the home was inspired by classic French homes at the time.

Rosecliff: This mansion was completed in 1902 for Theresa Fair Oelrichs. She hosted many fabulous parties that were known to feature the amazing Harry Houdini.

Chateau-sur-Mer: This was one of the first mansions constructed in Newport during the Gilded Age in 1852, and was again used by the Vanderbilt family until their private homes were finished during the 1890s.

If you are only in Newport for a couple of days or do not have the time to view many of the fabulous Newport mansions, we recommend making time to visit one mansion in particular- The Breakers. The Breakers is the largest and most fabulous of the Newport mansions with a stunning patio that overlooks the Cliff Walk and the Atlantic Ocean. The home is full of Italian architecture, furnishings and décor which adds to its grandeur. Its impressive Atlantic Ocean view is how The Breakers got its name – all you need to do is listen to the impressive sound of the Atlantic Ocean waves breaking on the rocks below.  

Things to do in Newport, Rhode Island 

A stroll down Thames Street will take you right into the heart of all the action in the city including visiting many of the popular restaurants, bars, and boutique stores. Newport’s buildings on Thames Street almost look like the set of a movie and strolling down the street is just as fun as popping in and out of the little shops. 

Bellevue Avenue runs parallel to Thames Street and is another hub of activity that offers quick access to several of Newport historic mansions including The Elms, Chateau-sur-Mer, Rosecliff, and Marble House. The buildings on both Thames Street and Bellevue Ave are charming and reminiscent of an old European town rather than a busy American city. 

Bowen’s Wharf is a quaint square on Newport’s scenic harbour with loads of lovely cafes, chic restaurants, quaint boutiques and more. Across the street from Bowen’s Wharf is a great ice cream parlour, Kilwin’s, and we recommend having an ice cream while you stroll down the Wharf as the sun sets, before heading off for some dinner in one of the fabulous restaurants!

Newport, Rhode Island is not exempt from having the amazing beaches New England is so famous for. In Newport there are three beaches: First Beach, Second Beach, and Third Beach - as they are known to the locals! First Beach, or Easton Beach, is a great one to visit whilst in Newport, Rhode Island as it is home to great family–friendly amenities such as food and drink outlets, a carousel and an aquarium!

Hotels in Newport 

There are some amazing boutique Hotels and Inns in Newport, Rhode Island that make an excellent place to spend a couple of nights whilst exploring the coastal community. Some of our clients favourite Hotel and Inns in Newport include: the Hammetts Hotel – for its great nautical theming and charming Boutique Inn style, The Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina - a popular waterfront hotel that features a seafood restaurant and scenic views over the marina, and the Newport Marriott – an upscale hotel with spa facilities and amazing views of Long Wharf and Newport Harbor.

Twin Centre Newport Rhode Island

Newport, Rhode Island is a great destination to Twin Centre with other areas in New England. For example, you may wish to visit more places within New England on your holiday such as Boston & Cape Cod, Nantucket, New Hampshire, Martha’s Vineyard and many more New England destinations. So, what are you waiting for? Contact us today by calling us on 01635 551011 and speak to a New England Expert or fill out our enquiry form which will send an e-mail directly to our sales team. We can't wait to help you plan your perfect New England holiday.

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