Newport Ghosts: Seaside Hauntings and Hags Tour

If you’re curious about the darker side of Newport’s charming streets, the Newport Ghosts: Seaside Hauntings and Hags Tour might just be worth a shot. It’s a walk that takes you through some of the city’s most historic and supposedly haunted sites, all under the cover of night. While it’s not the longest or most intense ghost tour out there, it offers a bit of spooky fun for those interested in local lore and ghost stories.

What we love about this tour is the historical depth behind the stories — the guides seem well-researched and genuinely knowledgeable about Newport’s past—and the scenic setting adds a lot to the atmosphere. Plus, at just $24, it’s pretty accessible for most travelers looking for a light, spooky experience without breaking the bank.

That said, a potential drawback is the variation in tour quality. Some reviews mention guides who are less engaging or tours that felt rushed, which can definitely affect the vibe. It’s also worth noting that if you’re seeking a super creepy or highly interactive experience, this tour might fall a little short.

This experience suits lovers of ghost stories, history buffs, or anyone wanting a fun, quick walk around Newport’s darkened streets. It’s especially good if you enjoy hearing tales that blend fact and folklore, rather than pure horror.

Key Points

• Affordable at $24, offering a decent introduction to Newport’s haunted spots
• Wheelchair-friendly and welcoming to service animals, making it accessible for many travelers
• Short and focused — about an hour long, ideal for a quick evening activity
• Rich in storytelling with researched true stories and documented hauntings
• Variable guide quality—some reviews highlight engaging guides, others mention dull or lackluster narration
• A mix of history and ghost lore—not just frights, but stories rooted in local pasts

What to Expect from the Tour

The Seaside Hauntings and Hags Tour is a walking experience, starting at Eisenhower Park and ending at the Artillery Company of Newport. The route takes you through the heart of Newport, covering several historic sites reputed to be haunted. It’s a good choice for those who enjoy a short, thematic walk with a spooky twist, and it’s accessible for most travelers.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Washington Square

This central square is known for its history and its ghost stories. It’s the perfect way to kick off the tour because the stories here involve shadowy figures and eerie sensations that visitors often report near the old courthouse. The square is a lively, historic spot by day, but at night, the atmosphere shifts. Many say they’ve felt strange presences or seen shadowy shapes, making it an atmospheric start.

Reviewers note that this stop lasts about 7 minutes, giving guides enough time to set the scene without dragging things out.

Stop 2: 72 Long Wharf Mall

Once a lively hub of trade, Long Wharf now has a reputation for ghostly footsteps, creaking ships, and the sounds of sailors long gone. This waterfront spot’s history as a hub of commerce and its connection to sailors’ spirits make it a natural haunt for ghost stories. Visitors report hearing sounds that can’t be explained, adding to the maritime mystery.

This stop is about 8 minutes long—enough to soak in the views and the stories without feeling rushed. The waterfront setting, especially at night, just adds an extra layer of eeriness.

Stop 3: Queen Anne Square

By sunset, Queen Anne Square takes on a more ominous air. It’s a peaceful park during the day, but at night, rumors of restless spirits and mysterious shadows surface. It’s a quiet, contemplative place that, after dark, feels just a little unnerving. The stories here focus on spectral appearances and strange occurrences that visitors have experienced.

This segment lasts approximately 7 minutes and is a good spot for some classic ghostly ambiance.

Stop 4: Trinity Episcopal Church

This colonial-era church is a well-known haunt with tales of ghostly organ music and spectral figures in the graveyard. The church’s historic significance and its graveyard make it a natural setting for ghost stories that have persisted for centuries. It’s a spot that feels sacred but also quite spooky after hours.

Guide-led stories here tend to be more atmospheric, and visitors have noted the “eeriness” of the church grounds, making it a highlight.

Stop 5: The Vanderbilt, Auberge Resorts Collection

This lavish mansion-turned-hotel carries stories of former residents who never quite left. Guests have experienced unexplained cold spots, flickering lights, and feelings of being watched. The grandeur of the building, combined with its ghostly tales, creates a fascinating contrast.

Most reviews describe this as a chilling story that fits perfectly with Newport’s luxurious past. It’s about 7 minutes here, giving enough time for stories and some photos.

Stop 6: Vernon House

This Revolutionary War-era house is said to be haunted by spirits tied to its historic significance. Visitors have seen ghostly figures and heard unexplained noises, especially around the house’s time as the French Army’s headquarters. It’s a site where history and hauntings collide, adding depth to the ghost tales.

The stop lasts roughly 8 minutes, making it a good balance of story and atmosphere.

Stop 7: Artillery Company of Newport

Ending at a military site, this stop is connected to stories of soldiers’ spirits—ghostly apparitions and sounds of marching boots. The building’s military history lends authenticity to the stories, and it’s a fitting finale to a ghostly tour of Newport’s historic sites.

Guide reports and visitor impressions suggest about 7 minutes here, rounding out the hour-long experience.

The Experience Itself: What You’ll Take Away

This tour offers a balance of history and ghost stories, making it appealing to a broad audience. Guides are described as professional and courteous, with some being praised for their knowledgeability and charismatic storytelling. However, not all reviews are glowing; some travelers found guides to be boring or unengaged, which affects the overall vibe.

The tour is designed to be accessible, with wheelchair-friendly stops and a mobile ticket system that makes organizing easier. Since it’s only about 1 hour long, you can easily fit this into an evening after dinner or before heading out for other activities.

The cost of $24 provides reasonably good value for the experience, especially given the detailed stories and the historic significance of the sites. You get a guided walk through some of Newport’s most atmospheric spots, with documented accounts of hauntings and paranormal activity that lend credibility to the tales.

What’s Great?

• The stories are well-researched and based on documented hauntings
• The route visits iconic and atmospheric sites like Trinity Church and the waterfront
• The tour is wheelchair-friendly and includes service animals, making it accessible to many

What Could Be Better?

• The quality of guides varies, with some reviews citing dull or disinterested narration
• Tours can feel rushed or underwhelming if the guide isn’t engaging
• If you’re expecting a super spooky or long experience, this might feel too brief

The Verdict: Who Should Join?

If you’re into ghost lore, enjoy historic walking tours, or just want to add a little spooky fun to your Newport visit, this tour can add some interesting stories to your evening. It’s ideal for those who appreciate a well-researched narrative and enjoy a scenic walk with a slightly eerie twist.

However, if you’re looking for a deeply immersive or highly theatrical experience, or are a skeptic who wants an intense ghost hunt, this might not satisfy. The variability in guide quality and the relatively short duration mean it’s more of a quick, atmospheric stroll rather than a spine-chilling adventure.

All in all, it’s a decent value for a fun hour of ghost stories, especially if you’re in the mood for some local legends and historic sites with a spooky reputation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair-friendly and accessible for most travelers. It’s designed to be manageable for those with mobility considerations.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 1 hour, covering multiple sites around Newport city.

What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs $24 per person, which is quite reasonable for a guided walk filled with stories and historic sites.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Eisenhower Park and ends at the Artillery Company of Newport. The meeting point is at Eisenhower Park, and the tour concludes there or nearby.

Are there any age restrictions?
Most travelers can participate, but specific age guidance isn’t provided. Since it’s mostly a walking tour with storytelling, it should be suitable for ages that can walk comfortably.

Can I book the tour in advance?
Yes, booking is recommended and usually done about 9 days in advance, ensuring availability.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable shoes for walking and weather-appropriate clothing are advised. Since it’s outdoors in the evening, bring a jacket if needed.

Can I bring a service animal?
Yes, service animals are welcome, making it accessible for guests with assistance needs.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While most age groups can enjoy it, it’s primarily a spooky storytelling experience, so it might be more suited to teenagers and adults.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refundable.

Final Thoughts

The Newport Ghosts: Seaside Hauntings and Hags Tour offers a charming, accessible way to explore some of Newport’s historic and supposedly haunted spots. Its charm lies in the combination of credible stories, scenic sites, and the opportunity to learn about the city’s dark past in a relaxed, informal setting.

If you enjoy ghost stories, historical walking tours, or are simply curious about Newport’s spooky legends, this tour can be a fun addition to your trip. Just keep in mind that experience can vary based on the guide, and it’s more of a light, atmospheric stroll than a nerve-shaking adventure.

For those who want a quick, inexpensive way to add some mystery and mystique to their evening plans, this tour delivers. If you’re craving a spine-tingling, highly theatrical experience, you might want to look elsewhere. But for a casual, interesting walk with some ghostly ambiance, it’s definitely worth considering.

Note: Always check current reviews and tour details before booking, as guide quality and experiences can change.