Experience the Haunted Side of Newport with the Olde Town Ghost Walk
If you’re looking to add a touch of mystery to your Newport visit, the Olde Town Ghost Walk offers a memorable way to combine history and ghostly tales. For just $24, you’ll spend about an hour and a half wandering the historic streets at night, uncovering stories of ghosts, ghouls, and dark deeds that whisper through the city’s alleys and landmarks. Lead by engaging guides, this tour visits top sites like the White Horse Tavern, the Artillery Company of Newport, and Trinity Church, with stories that entertain both adults and kids alike.
What we love about this experience is how the guides blend historical facts with spine-tingling stories—it’s a perfect mix for those who want to learn about Newport’s past while feeling a little thrill. The tour’s flexible timing, stretching your sightseeing into the evening, makes it a great after-hours activity, especially during the warmer months. A minor consideration: if you’re expecting a deeply spooky experience, be aware that the stories are just scary enough—not over-the-top horror, but enough to keep your imagination active.
This tour is ideal for families, history buffs, or anyone curious about Newport’s darker corners. It’s especially well-suited for those who enjoy storytelling and lively guides, as many reviews highlight how engaging and funny the guides like Richard and Sara are. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Newport explorer, if you enjoy tales of the supernatural intertwined with local history, this tour will fit right into your plans.
Key Points
- Balanced blend of history and ghost stories provides an engaging experience.
- Accessible for all ages, making it family-friendly.
- Knowledgeable guides bring stories alive with humor and enthusiasm.
- Cost-effective at $24, offering good value for a lively, informative walk.
- Nighttime walking tour enhances the spooky atmosphere.
- Tour is booked 15 days in advance on average, so plan ahead.
A Detailed Look at the Olde Town Ghost Walk
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A Perfect Introduction to Newport’s Nightlife and Lore
Starting at the Newport Marriott Hotel & Spa, this tour invites you into a different side of the city—its haunted history—through a relaxed, 1 hour and 30-minute walk. The guides are well-reviewed, with many praising their storytelling skills and ability to make the past come alive. One reviewer mentions how Richard, the guide, was “delightful, entertaining, funny, and a wonderful storyteller,” setting the tone for an enjoyable evening.
The tour is designed to stretch your sightseeing hours into the evening, which is perfect if you’re already exploring Newport during the day. For just $24, it offers a great way to add some intrigue to your trip without breaking the bank, especially since the tour includes visits to top landmarks and some lesser-known sites. Booking about 15 days in advance ensures a spot, as it’s quite popular.
What’s Included and How It Works
Your adventure begins at the Newport Marriott Hotel & Spa, with the guide leading you through the city’s historic streets. The tour visits multiple sites, each with its own story, and concludes at Trinity Church, a historic landmark. The entire experience is mobile-ticketed, making check-in straightforward and contactless—a plus in today’s travel environment.
While the tour is primarily walking, it’s not overly strenuous, making it suitable for most travelers. Group size caps at 35, ensuring intimate interaction with your guide. It’s near public transportation, so getting to the starting point isn’t a hassle.
The Stops in Detail
White Horse Tavern:
This oldest tavern in America is more than just a historic pub; it’s also rumored to be haunted. The guide will tell stories about spirits who might still haunt the premises, adding a ghostly layer to the tavern’s cozy atmosphere. One reviewer notes that the stories here are just spooky enough to entertain without overdoing it—perfect for families or faint-hearted ghost fans.
Artillery Company of Newport:
Here, you’ll see the oldest chartered military organization in the U.S. and learn about cannons and spirits of wars past. The site is rich with history, and the guide will share tales of soldiers and possibly lingering spirits. Admission isn’t included, so you might want to plan for that, but the stories alone make it worthwhile.
Trinity Church:
The final stop wraps up the tour at this historic church, where stories of ghostly encounters and dark deeds linger. The proximity to other historic sites makes this a fitting conclusion—an atmospheric spot to reflect on the stories you’ve heard.
What Travelers Say
Reviews from past participants are glowing on the whole. Many mention the guides’ engaging storytelling and humor. For example, one says, “Richard was delightful, entertaining, and a wonderful storyteller,” emphasizing how the guides make the stories come alive. Others appreciate the balance of history and ghost tales—“a perfect blend,” as one reviewer put it.
Some note that the stories are not overly scary—more fun and spooky, suitable for teenagers and kids. A few mention wishing for more historical detail, but overall, the focus on stories makes it a fun, lighthearted experience rather than a full-on haunted house tour.
Practical Tips for Making the Most of It
- Dress warmly for evening walking, especially during spring or fall.
- Arrive early to find parking or use public transportation—some reviewers noted late info or difficulty with parking.
- Bring a camera or smartphone to snap photos, as some enjoy trying to catch ghostly phenomena.
- Consider whether you want to add on the optional admission to certain sites or just enjoy the stories from the outside.
Who Will Love This Tour?
If you’re after a fun, light-hearted ghost tour with plenty of historical context, this will make your evening in Newport memorable. It’s a hit with families, couples, and solo travelers who enjoy storytelling and local lore. Many reviewers highlight how guides like Sara or Richard add humor and personality, making it more than just a walk—it’s an engaging experience.
It’s also a good pick for those who want to extend their sightseeing into the night without straying far from the city’s core. If you’re interested in Newport’s darker stories but prefer a relaxed pace and a touch of comedy, this tour hits the mark.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
For the price of $24, the Olde Town Ghost Walk offers a fun, approachable way to explore Newport after sunset. You get a well-paced walk through historic streets, stories that blend fact and fun, and guides who clearly care about making the experience engaging. It’s especially suited for travelers looking to combine history, local legends, and a touch of the supernatural in one evening activity.
While not intensely spooky, the stories and atmosphere create a sense of mystery that can appeal to a broad audience. Families with children, history buffs, and anyone curious about Newport’s hidden stories will find this tour both entertaining and enriching.
The main value lies in the guide’s storytelling ability and the opportunity to see Newport from a different perspective—at night, with a ghostly twist. It’s an activity that enhances your understanding of the city’s past while entertaining the whole family.
FAQ
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, many reviews indicate that children enjoy the stories, which are spooky but not overly scary. It’s a family-friendly activity, especially for those who like a little ghostly fun.
How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it a manageable length for most travelers.
What is the price of the tour?
It costs $24 per person, offering good value given the storytelling quality and access to key historic sites.
Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the Newport Marriott Hotel & Spa and concludes at Trinity Church, both centrally located and easy to reach.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. It’s a flexible option if your schedule shifts.
Are admission fees included for the sites visited?
No, some sites like the Artillery Company require separate admission, but the stories and outside views are included in the tour itself.
In all, the Olde Town Ghost Walk makes for a delightful addition to your Newport trip, blending history and legend in a way that’s both informative and fun. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, you’ll enjoy the lively guides and atmospheric streets that bring the city’s ghostly tales to life.