Olde Town Ghost Walk

If you’re considering a nighttime activity that combines history, storytelling, and a dash of the supernatural, the Olde Town Ghost Walk might just be your perfect fit. This experience promises a walk through Newport’s most haunted locations, bringing to light ghost stories and dark deeds alongside historic landmarks. We’ve gathered plenty of insight and honest impressions to help you decide if it’s worth your time and money.

What really catches our eye about this tour is its ability to offer something different from typical sightseeing. First, it’s an engaging way to see Newport after dark, with stories that are just spooky enough to entertain both kids and adults. Second, the guides seem genuinely passionate and skilled at weaving history with tales of spirits, making it a fun, memorable experience. A possible drawback? The tour’s focus leans more toward storytelling than in-depth historical facts, which might leave history buffs craving more detail.

This ghost walk suits travelers who enjoy a bit of mystery, storytelling, and exploring historic streets at night. It’s also great for those traveling with older kids or groups who appreciate a lively, entertaining approach to local lore. If your idea of fun involves a mix of history, fun tales, and a little spooky vibe, this tour could be just the right evening activity.

Key Points

• A unique way to explore Newport’s history and legends in a lively, storytelling format
• Ideal for those seeking an evening activity that stretches sightseeing into night hours
• Guides are praised for their knowledge and entertaining style
• Experience average length of about 1.5 hours and is suitable for most travelers
• Cost is $24 per person, offering reasonable value considering the guided storytelling
• Most reviews highlight the engaging guides and fun ghost stories, with some noting the balance between history and spooky tales

A Full Look at the Olde Town Ghost Walk

This tour offers a well-paced walk through some of Newport’s most iconic haunted sites, with a focus on storytelling that blends spooky tales with snippets of local history. Starting at the Newport Marriott Hotel & Spa, the tour takes you through the city’s vibrant streets, which are alive with art, culture, and beauty during the day, but reveal a darker, ghostly side at night.

The Itinerary: What You’ll See and Experience

Stop 1: White Horse Tavern
This spot is the oldest tavern in America, and it’s also a key haunt on the tour. While today it’s a lively historic landmark, it’s also believed to be haunted by spirits of the past. The guide will share stories of past patrons and ghostly encounters, making it a great opener. Reviews mention how the stories here are “just scary enough to keep both adults and kids entertained,” which suggests a balanced spooky factor that doesn’t go overboard.

Stop 2: Artillery Company of Newport
Next, you’ll visit the oldest chartered military organization in the US. It’s home to historic cannons—some with stories of their own, and possibly spirits of wars gone by. While admission isn’t included for this stop, the highlight is the stories of spirits linked to historic military events and the sense of stepping into a place with profound history. The guide’s enthusiasm here is often noted as a plus, making the stories memorable.

Stop 3: Trinity Church
The tour wraps up at Trinity Church, another location with haunted tales and historic significance. It’s a relaxed conclusion, giving you a good sense of Newport’s blend of spirituality, history, and ghostly legends. The reviews note the guide’s engaging storytelling, with many mentioning how the tour feels like a fun walk rather than a strenuous hike.

What You Can Expect

Most reviewers have appreciated the group size (up to 35 people), which keeps it intimate enough for storytelling but lively enough to feel energetic. The tour lasts roughly 1.5 hours, making it a manageable evening activity. Expect to walk through Newport’s historic streets, with plenty of opportunities to take photos—some guides even encourage capturing phenomena or spirits in pictures, as one reviewer noted.

The Guides: What Sets Them Apart

Reviewers frequently praise guides like Richard, Sara, and Jeff for their entertaining, knowledgeable, and respectful approach. Many mention how guides weave humor, history, and creepy tales seamlessly. As one review states, “Richard was a delight, entertaining, funny, informative, and a wonderful storyteller,” which really encapsulates what most visitors experience.

The Value of the Tour

At $24 per person, this tour offers a solid value for the amount of storytelling, history, and fun you get. Several reviews mention how engaging guides and interesting stories make this price seem fair, especially considering you’re walking around Newport’s historic district after hours. It’s worth noting that the tour is a great way to stretch your sightseeing into the evening, making it a good option if you want to make the most of your visit.

Practical Details and Considerations

Booking in advance is recommended—most travelers book about 15 days ahead—probably because this tour tends to fill up, especially during peak seasons. The tour is weather-dependent, so on rainy or stormy nights, it’s wise to check if it’s canceled or rescheduled. Refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance, which adds some flexibility.

Parking is an extra consideration; some reviews mention needing to pay for parking nearby, so plan accordingly. The meeting point at the Newport Marriott is central, with easy access via public transport for those without a car.

The tour is family-friendly, especially for older children or teens who enjoy spooky stories and history. The tone is generally fun and light, with no over-the-top scares, making it suitable for a broad age range.

The Sum Up

If you’re after a fun, engaging way to see Newport at night while hearing intriguing ghost stories and learning a bit about the city’s past, the Olde Town Ghost Walk offers a good balance of entertainment and history. With guides who are praised for their storytelling skills and a reasonable price point, it’s a great addition to an evening itinerary.

While it’s not a deeply historical tour for purists, it’s perfect for those who want a lively, fun experience that combines local legend with sightseeing. If you’re traveling with older kids or just looking for something different to do after sunset, this ghost walk will likely meet your expectations.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for kids?
Yes, it’s suitable for older children and teens who enjoy spooky stories. The stories are fun and not overly frightening, making it a family-friendly option.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, giving you enough time to explore without it feeling too long or tiring.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the Newport Marriott Hotel & Spa and ends at Trinity Church, both centrally located in Newport.

What’s the price per person?
The tour costs $24 per person, which provides a good value considering the guided storytelling and sightseeing involved.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, most people book about 15 days ahead, as the tour tends to fill up, especially during busy seasons.

Are there any special considerations I should know?
The tour is weather-dependent and might be canceled in bad weather, in which case you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Parking fees are not included, so plan for that.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour, allowing flexibility if your schedule shifts.

Overall, if you’re in Newport and want a memorable, lively, and spooky experience that balances storytelling with a touch of history, the Olde Town Ghost Walk is worth adding to your evening plans. Just be prepared for some fun tales, a bit of walking, and an atmosphere that makes Newport’s haunted past come alive at night.