Explore Newport’s rich colonial heritage on this engaging 75-minute walking tour. Led by a knowledgeable guide, visitors will discover the city’s most significant landmarks, from the historic Touro Synagogue to the elegant City Hall. With museum entry included, this immersive experience provides fascinating insights into the architectural and historical narratives that shaped this New England coastal town. Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious about the region’s past, this tour offers a compelling glimpse into Newport’s storied past.
Good To Know
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This 75-minute guided walking tour explores Newport’s colonial history and landmarks, including the Great Friends Meeting House, Touro Synagogue, and Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House.
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The tour includes entry to the Museum of Newport History, where visitors can explore historical exhibits before embarking on the guided walk.
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Availability for the tour includes early morning, late morning, and afternoon, but late evening starting times are not available.
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The overall rating for the tour is 4.8 out of 5, with positive feedback highlighting the informative and engaging nature of the guide.
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Participants can make reservations without upfront payment, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance.
Tour Overview
The Newport Colonial History Walking Tour allows visitors to explore the vast colonial history and significant historical landmarks of the city.
Visitors can explore the vast colonial history and significant historical landmarks of Newport on this guided walking tour.
The 75-minute guided experience takes guests to sites like the Great Friends Meeting House, Touro Synagogue, City Hall, and Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House.
Visitors can engage with the architecture and history through this guided tour, which starts at the Museum of Newport History in the historic Brick Market building.
The tour includes entrance to the museum, with a suggested donation of $4 per adult and $2 per child ages 5 and up.
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Tour Highlights
Explore Newport’s vast colonial history and significant historical landmarks on this guided tour. Discover sites like the Great Friends Meeting House, a Quaker place of worship dating back to the 17th century. Marvel at the ornate architecture of Touro Synagogue, the oldest surviving synagogue in North America. Stroll past City Hall, a neoclassical gem, and the Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House, a well-preserved colonial home.
| Highlight | Description |
| — | — |
| Great Friends Meeting House | 17th century Quaker place of worship |
| Touro Synagogue | Oldest surviving synagogue in North America |
| City Hall | Neoclassical architectural gem |
| Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House | Well-preserved colonial home |
This immersive experience allows you to engage with Newport’s rich history through a guided tour and museum visit.
Tour Details
This guided tour is led by a live English-speaking guide.
It includes entry to the Newport History Museum. Visitors can expect to pay a suggested donation of $4 per adult and $2 per child (ages 5 and up) for the museum.
The tour duration is approximately 75 minutes, providing ample time to explore Newport’s colonial landmarks. Guests can expect to visit sites like the Great Friends Meeting House, Touro Synagogue, City Hall, and Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House, learning about the city’s rich history through the guide’s expertise.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and reservations can be made with no upfront payment.
Meeting Point and Directions
The meeting location for the Newport Colonial History Walking Tour is inside the Museum of Newport History & Shop. Guests can check the availability of starting times prior to their visit.
| Starting Times | Check Availability |
| — | — |
| Early Morning | Yes |
| Late Morning | Yes |
| Afternoon | Yes |
| Early Evening | Yes |
| Late Evening | No |
The tour starts at the museum, allowing participants to explore the historical exhibits before embarking on the guided colonial history walk through Newport’s significant landmarks and architecture.
More Great Tours NearbyCustomer Reviews and Ratings
The Newport Colonial History Walking Tour has garnered positive reviews from past participants, with an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 16 reviews.
Reviewers praised the tour’s value for money, with a 4.6/5 rating on this metric.
Reviewers praised the tour’s value for money, with a 4.6/5 rating on this metric.
One reviewer, Elizabeth, found the tour "very informative" and full of "unknown history."
Another, Louise, noted the "friendly guide" and "good pacing."
Robert highlighted the "knowledgeable guide" and said he "enjoyed learning about the buildings."
Across the board, participants appreciate the guided exploration of Newport’s rich colonial past and the insights provided throughout the 75-minute experience.
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Exploring Newport’s Colonial History
As visitors embark on the Newport Colonial History Walking Tour, they’ll have the opportunity to explore the city’s rich past and discover its significant historical landmarks. The guided experience leads guests through sites like the Great Friends Meeting House, Touro Synagogue, and Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House, providing insights into the colonial architecture and history. The tour also includes a visit to the Museum of Newport History, where guests can further explore the region’s heritage. By engaging with the guided narrative and seeing the museum, visitors gain a comprehensive understanding of Newport’s captivating colonial legacy.
| Site | Significance | Highlight |
| — | — | — |
| Great Friends Meeting House | Oldest standing house of worship in Rhode Island | Preserved Quaker architecture |
| Touro Synagogue | Nation’s oldest surviving synagogue building | Exemplary colonial design |
| Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House | Restored 18th-century home | Glimpse into colonial domestic life |
Significant Historical Landmarks
Immersing visitors in Newport’s captivating colonial legacy, the walking tour highlights several significant historical landmarks that offer a glimpse into the region’s rich past.
The Great Friends Meeting House, a Quaker place of worship, showcases the area’s religious diversity. The iconic Touro Synagogue, the oldest surviving synagogue in the United States, underscores Newport’s role as a haven for Jewish settlers.
Strolling past the stately City Hall and the Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House, a well-preserved 18th-century mansion, provides insights into the architectural styles and civic life of colonial Newport.
These landmarks bring the city’s storied history to life for the tour’s participants.
Engaging With Architecture and History
Through the guided experience, visitors can engage with the architecture and history of Newport’s colonial era.
The tour showcases significant landmarks like the Great Friends Meeting House, Touro Synagogue, and Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House. These buildings provide a tangible connection to the past, allowing guests to enjoy the colonial aesthetic and explore the stories behind them.
The knowledgeable guide brings these structures to life, sharing insights into their architectural features and the historical events that unfolded within their walls.
This interactive experience offers a captivating way to discover Newport’s rich colonial heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Discounts for Seniors or Students?
The tour doesn’t mention any discounts for seniors or students. However, the museum suggests a donation of $4 per adult and $2 per child aged 5 and up, which could provide some flexibility for those groups.
Can I Take Photos During the Tour?
Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photos during the tour. However, there may be some restrictions in certain historic sites or museums to preserve the artifacts and environment. It’s best to check with the tour guide for any photo policies.
How Do I Get to the Meeting Location From the Nearest Parking?
The meeting location is inside the Museum of Newport History & Shop. Visitors can access parking nearby and walk to the museum entrance. Directions will be provided upon booking to ensure a smooth arrival.
Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?
The tour is wheelchair accessible, with the meeting location and museum entrance accommodating visitors with mobility needs. Guests are encouraged to let the tour operator know of any accessibility requirements when booking.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Guests can’t bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour focuses on exploring Newport’s colonial history and visiting significant landmarks, so outside food and beverages are not permitted during the guided experience.
The Sum Up
The Newport Colonial History Walking Tour provides an enriching opportunity to take in the city’s rich colonial heritage. Guided by knowledgeable experts, participants explore iconic landmarks, explore architectural significance, and gain insights into the historical narratives that have shaped Newport. Whether a history enthusiast or simply seeking a captivating cultural experience, this tour offers an engaging and insightful journey through the colonial past of this picturesque New England town.
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