Description
Overflowing with New England charm, but not without its own unique quirks, Newport, Rhode Island, is an American destination defined by the ocean and one port of call you’ll remember visiting for a long time to come. Boasting some of the best coastline in the region and a city centre full of intriguing colonial architecture and grand mansion houses from the 19th century, such as the Vanderbilts’ Marble House and lavish Belcourt of Newport, the sightseeing opportunities here are second to none. This destination is also littered with charming boutique shopping experiences and sensational seafood restaurants – although, you will find plenty of other places to eat if you’re not a fan of fish! Whether you’re looking to enjoy the fresh air and a coastal walk in the sunshine, or some watersports off Bailey Beach, or Schuest Bay, off Second Beach, this destination is great for connecting with the outdoors.
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Things to do
The Breakers
Built as a summer home for Cornelius Vanderbilt II between 1893 and 1895, The Breakers is a Gilded Age mansion boasting 70 rooms across five floors and roughly one acre of surrounding grounds. A national historic landmark and an impressive example of Neo Italian Renaissance architecture in North America, this former residence is now open as a museum – and the elegant interiors really are something to marvel at.
The Elms
An impressive mansion house designed for Edward Julius Berwind and completed in 1901, The Elms and its stunning grounds are open to the public and self-guided tours can be taken to explore the life of servants during the Gilded Age – alongside the grandeur of life in the social and economic elite, of course. You’ll also enjoy fantastic views of Newport Harbor from the grounds of this particular manor.
Rough Point
A Gilded Age mansion in Newport, Rhode Island, this English Manorial-style building was built for Frederick William Vanderbilt in the late 1800s of red sandstone and granite. Bordering the famous Newport Cliff Walk, this impressive home is now open to the public as a museum; since 2003, a rotating exhibit has been in place within Rough Point, highlighting things like the clothing, jewellery, and furniture of the era.
Fort Adams State Park
First developed as a coastal fortification between 1798 and 1799, Fort Adams is a former United States Army post with a unique history. Expanded upon after the War of 1812 against the British, it was in active use throughout the American Civil War, World War One, and the Second World War. Beyond this, however, the site was transferred to the United States Navy and has since become a National Historic Landmark with important restoration work ongoing. While an interesting insight into the military fortifications of centuries prior, this fort boasts unique features unlike anything else existing from this era today – making it an even more interesting place to visit when in Newport.