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Colonial Newport Walking Tour
All tours meet at the Museum of Newport History at the Brick Market.
Learn about the early history of one of the largest colonial seaports in the 13 colonies.
NHS Walking Tours are kid friendly!
Tour guests walking past the historic Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House (c.1697), one of the oldest houses in Newport.

Colonial Newport Walking Tour

By Newport Historical Society Walking Tours
6 out of 10
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Overview

Our “Discover Colonial Newport” tour offers a unique and immersive journey into Newport's vibrant colonial history. Walk the old streets as our expert guides bring to life the tales of bold entrepreneurship, rich African American heritage, and the city’s remarkable legacy of religious tolerance. This tour is not just a glimpse into the past but an exploration of the diverse and dynamic forces that shaped Newport into the historic treasure it is today. Don't miss this opportunity to uncover the stories that make our city truly special.

Activity location

  • Museum Of Newport History And Shop
    • 127 Thames St,
    • 02840-6627, Newport, Rhode Island, United States

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • Museum of Newport History & Shop
    • 127 Thames Street
    • 02840, Newport, Rhode Island, United States

Check availability

Sorry this activity isn't available on Mon, 17 Feb
Please choose a different date

What's included, what's not

  • What's includedWhat's includedBottled water
  • What's includedWhat's includedMuseum of Newport History Admission
  • What's excludedWhat's excludedPrivate transport
  • What's excludedWhat's excludedService charge
  • What's excludedWhat's excludedParking Fees
  • What's excludedWhat's excludedTouro Synagogue Admission ($14 per adult)

Know before you book

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transport options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travellers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Not recommended for travellers with mobility/walking issues.

Activity itinerary

Museum Of Newport History And Shop
  • 15m
  • Admission ticket included
Visitors will check in at the Museum of Newport History and Shop, located inside the historic Brick market building (c. 1762). All tour guests receive free admission to the Museum on the second floor, as well as a 10% discount on store purchases. The Brick Market itself is one of the first sites learned about on the tour. IMPORTANT: The Museum space itself is not on the tour, we recommend arriving early to view the museum, or stopping by after the tour ends.
Washington Square
  • 5m
Visitors will learn about Washington Square, the colonial centre of Newport, reflecting its history of religious tolerance and diversity, and featuring civic buildings like the Colony House and Brick Market instead of a central church, highlighting the city's unique founding principles and commercial importance.
8 Washington Square
  • 5m
Visitors will learn about the oldest house on the Square, originally built for John Rathbun and later owned by John Gardner. It served as a meeting place where, in summer 1763, Gardner and others proposed establishing a Baptist college in Rhode Island, leading to the chartering of Rhode Island College (now Brown University) the following year.
Old Colony House
  • 5m
Visitors will learn about the Colony House, the nation's fourth oldest extant statehouse and a National Historic Landmark, where the General Assembly met and major historical events like a reading of the Declaration of Independence occurred in 1776.
White Horse Tavern
  • 5m
Tour guests will stop outside the White Horse tavern, to learn of the history behind one of the oldest operating taverns in the United States.
Great Friends Meeting House
  • 10m
Guests will stop by the Great Friends Meeting House, the oldest place of worship in the state. Here you will learn about the Society of Friends, or the Quakers, and their influence in early Newport history.
17 Broadway
  • 5m
Visitors will explore Newport's earliest restored museum house, a c.1697 National Historic Landmark. It was home to colonial governors, Tories, and patriots, including Martin Howard, a wealthy lawyer and Tory supporter during the Stamp Act era.
United Baptist Church
  • 5m
Visitors will learn about Newport's founding by Baptists in 1639, led by minister John Clarke, who authored Rhode Island's 1663 charter, presenting it to King Charles II and securing freedom of religious and civic governance, marking the first separation of church and state in North America.
Touro Synagogue (Pass by)
Guide will stop outside Touro Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in North American, where you will learn about the history of the Jews in Newport. IMPORTANT: Touro Synagogue is a separate attraction. Walking tour does not go inside, separate admission is required before or after walking tour.
Trinity Church
  • 5m
Visitors will learn about Trinity Church, built in 1726 by Richard Munday with influences from Christopher Wren.
Vernon House
  • 5m
Visitors will learn about the 1708 Vernon House on Clarke Street. During the Revolutionary War, the house served as headquarters for Rochambeau and hosted significant meetings with Washington and Lafayette.
Artillery Company of Newport
  • 5m
Guide will stop outside the Newport Artillery Company. IMPORTANT: Tour does not include admission into the Artillery Company museum. It is a separate attraction, viewable on weekends, before or after your tour.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIESMuseum Of Newport History And Shop
    • 127 Thames St,
    • 02840-6627, Newport, Rhode Island, United States

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLEMuseum of Newport History & Shop
    • 127 Thames Street
    • 02840, Newport, Rhode Island, United States

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Experience the wonders of the world up close with great deals on things to do near and far. We offer one-of-a-kind activities that allow you to explore Newport your way. Whether you love nature, culture, food, or a bit of adventure, we have the perfect activity for you.