Newport in Rhode Island has some great beaches as well as plenty of other activities to keep you occupied.  Sat on the Atlantic coast, a couple of hours drive south of Boston, Newport is a popular destination for both tourists and locals.  Famous for it’s yachting scene and for being a playground of the rich and famous during the late 1800s & early 1900s.  Its famous summer “cottages”, enormous mansions built by the likes of the Vanderbilt family, are worth exploring on foot or bicycle.  They give a glimpse of life in the extravagant gilded age.

There are numerous lighthouses in the area, many of which can be visited or take the time to visit one of the local vineyards, part of the Coastal Wine Trail.

Beyond the mansions, Newport town itself has a wide range of restaurants and pretty shops to explore.

Go independent…

British Airways offer direct flights from the UK to Boston up to 28 times per week so you’re sure to find a flight time that suits you.  You can be in Boston in around 7 hours from Heathrow.

Virgin Atlantic also operate direct flights from the UK to Boston.   We love them for the great on board entertainment systems and family friendly approach.

If neither of these options appeal we like Skyscanner for a good listing of all the operators  running flights.

For more ideas, read our Boston City Guide for more tips on what to see and do, and for our recommendations for Boston hotels.    

Book a package…

 Sometimes you just don’t have the time or inclination to plan and book a trip independently, that’s when booking through a tour operator makes sense.

Kuoni have a range of holiday options covering Boston and New England including some self drive tours which would be our choice. It’s an easy drive of around 3 hours from Boston to Newport and there’s plenty to see and do in the vicinity. You could include some time in Cape Cod or soak up some history at Plymouth Plantation.