Newport Ghosts: Seaside Hauntings and Hags Tour

If you’re looking to add a spooky twist to your Newport visit, the Newport Ghosts: Seaside Hauntings and Hags Tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s haunted past. This walking tour, led by local guides with a flair for storytelling, promises a mix of eerie tales, historic sights, and ghostly legends—all within an hour.

What makes this experience stand out? First, it’s led by knowledgeable guides who enrich each story with a mix of humor and historical insights. Second, the tour takes you through iconic sites like Washington Square and Queen Anne Square, which are steeped in mystery and ghostly lore. Lastly, the stories about shipwrecks, executions, and disappearances make you see Newport through a different, more haunted lens. The main drawback? It’s a walking tour that lasts just an hour, so if you’re after a longer or more in-depth experience, you might find it a little brief.

This tour is perfect for history buffs, ghost enthusiasts, or anyone curious about Newport’s darker stories. It’s an engaging way to explore the town after sunset—especially if you enjoy a good spine-tingling story or two.

Key Points

• Knowledgeable Guides: Guides like Joe, Joel, and John Eric bring the stories to life with humor, insight, and credibility.
• Historic Sites: Explore well-known locations like Washington Square, Queen Anne Square, and the grounds of the Artillery Co of Newport.
• Authentic Ghost Stories: The tour shares credible, well-researched tales of shipwrecks, executions, and mysterious disappearances.
• Short and Sweet: The one-hour duration makes it a perfect evening activity that fits into most schedules.
• Weather-Friendly: It takes place rain or shine, so be prepared regardless of Newport’s weather.
• Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible, but not suitable for those with mobility impairments or who cannot walk more than a mile.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Experience

What to Expect on the Tour

Starting in Washington Square, the tour kicks off around 8 PM, with your guide dressed in a black USGA-branded T-shirt and carrying a lantern—setting an authentic, slightly mysterious tone right away. You’ll walk through Newport’s historic district, passing by landmarks like the Artillery Co of Newport and Queen Anne Square, all shrouded in the darkness of the night and the shadows of history.

As you walk, your guide will share stories that range from shipwrecks along the coast to tragic executions that left echoes in the streets. For example, one reviewer praises Joe for “adding humor” to his extremely knowledgeable narration, making the stories both entertaining and informative. Another highlights Joel’s storytelling prowess, recounting paranormal tales involving characters from Newport’s past—rum runners, naval heroes, and figures from the days when the city’s port was bustling with activity.

The Stops and Stories

Washington Square is the tour’s starting point, a lively spot that transforms into a place of mystery come night. From here, your guide might share tales about the ghosts that haunt the historic buildings and the spirits rumored to linger around the graves lining the beaches and cliffs nearby. These stories are more than just ghost tales; they offer a window into Newport’s tumultuous history marked by shipwrecks, disease, and social upheaval.

Passing by Queen Anne Square, you’ll hear about the tragic events that have left spirits behind, often tied to the city’s maritime history. This area, with its old architecture and quiet ambiance, becomes even more atmospheric after dark.

Eerie Encounters and Local Legends: Several reviews mention the guides’ storytelling skills—one remarks that Joel kept everyone enthralled with stories about characters who met their fate in Newport. While the tour doesn’t involve entering private buildings (due to access restrictions), standing on haunted ground and hearing about the spirits that are said to still roam is enough to send shivers down your spine.

Practical Details and Value

This tour costs $24 per person, which is quite reasonable given the quality of storytelling and the authentic local insights provided. It’s a one-hour experience, making it ideal for an evening activity after a day of sightseeing or dining. The fact that it’s rain or shine means you can plan it regardless of weather, but warm, comfortable shoes are recommended given the walking involved.

The meeting point in Eisenhower Park, with guides easily identifiable by their lanterns and branded T-shirts, makes it straightforward to start on time. No need for transportation or additional arrangements, which adds to the tour’s convenience and value.

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Authenticity and Credibility

The stories shared are well-researched and credible, according to the tour provider, US Ghost Adventures. The reviews echo this, with guests mentioning how guides like John Eric are both friendly and highly knowledgeable. One reviewer notes that even if they were the only participant, the guide still offered a full, engaging experience, emphasizing personal attention and authenticity.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This ghost tour is perfect for those curious about Newport’s lesser-known stories and haunted sites. It suits travelers who enjoy storytelling, history, and a hint of the supernatural without the need for a long commitment. It’s also excellent for families or groups looking for a light-hearted yet spooky evening activity.

While it’s accessible for most, it’s not recommended for those with mobility issues since the tour involves walking about a mile. If you’re seeking a longer, more in-depth exploration of Newport’s haunted history, this might feel a little short—but for a quick, atmospheric experience, it hits the mark.

Final Thoughts

The Newport Ghosts: Seaside Hauntings and Hags Tour offers a fun, atmospheric way to see Newport after sunset. With guides like Joe, Joel, and John Eric bringing charm and credibility to each story, you’ll leave with a new appreciation for the city’s haunted corners. The 1-hour format makes it accessible for most schedules, and the reasonable price encourages spontaneous bookings.

While it’s not the most extensive or intensive ghost tour out there, it delivers plenty of entertainment, credible stories, and a chance to explore Newport’s historic streets in a different, spooky light. For anyone fascinated by ghost stories or wanting to experience the city’s darker side, this tour is a solid choice.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
It’s generally suitable for older children and families interested in ghost stories, but younger children or those sensitive to spooky tales might find it a bit intense.

What should I bring on the tour?
Comfortable shoes are recommended as you’ll be walking about a mile. Bringing a flashlight might be useful, although guides usually carry lanterns for illumination.

Can I join the tour if I have mobility issues?
The tour is wheelchair accessible, but it’s not recommended for those who cannot walk more than a mile.

What happens in bad weather?
The tour takes place rain or shine. Dress appropriately and consider bringing rain gear if showers are forecasted.

Are private buildings visited during the tour?
No, the guide does not enter private buildings, but you’ll be on haunted ground, standing near sites with intriguing stories.

How do I find the meeting point?
Meet your guide in the center of Washington Square in Eisenhower Park, where they will be wearing a black USGA T-shirt and carrying a lantern. Arrive 15 minutes early to settle in.

If you’re after an evening that combines history, local lore, and a touch of the supernatural, the Newport Ghosts: Seaside Hauntings and Hags Tour offers an enjoyable glimpse into the town’s darker tales. Just pack your curiosity—and maybe a jacket—because Newport’s ghosts are waiting.

You can check availability for your dates here: