Newport Ghosts: Seaside Hauntings and Hags Tour

REVIEW · SALEM GHOST AND HAUNTED TOURS

Newport Ghosts: Seaside Hauntings and Hags Tour

4.0 · 93 reviews 1 hour (approx.) From $32 Operated by Newport Ghosts By Us Ghost Adventures · Bookable on Viator
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Ghost stories tend to get better at night. This one-hour walking tour threads alleged hauntings through Newport’s key landmarks, from squares to churches to historic homes and forts. You start at Eisenhower Park and finish at the Artillery Co. of Newport, with a guide telling researched tales as you move.

What I like most is the mix of documented-style accounts and visible, real-world places you can look at as the story unfolds. I also like the value: for $32 you get a professional guide plus a focused route that does not drag into a half-day event.

One thing to consider: this is often described as more history with a spooky edge than nonstop scares. If you want your nerves attacked the whole time, you may feel the vibe stays mild.

Key takeaways before you go

Newport Ghosts: Seaside Hauntings and Hags Tour - Key takeaways before you go

  • Starts at 8:00 pm for a reason, and the route is built around nighttime atmosphere.
  • Seven stops, about a mile of walking, so you can do it even if you are not a long-walk person.
  • Wheelchair-friendly with service animals welcome, which makes the tour easier for more people.
  • The Vanderbilt and other landmark properties bring in classic ghost-lore themes like cold spots, strange lights, and graveyard sounds.
  • Guide quality affects your night, and some people noted pacing and audio issues when the group moves quickly.
  • No-show and meeting-point confusion have shown up in feedback, so you should confirm details the day of.

A one-hour ghost walk with a real Newport route

Newport Ghosts: Seaside Hauntings and Hags Tour - A one-hour ghost walk with a real Newport route
This tour is scheduled for 8:00 pm and runs about one hour. It is a walking experience with a set end point, so you will not be stuck circling the same block. The pace can feel brisk, but the total time stays short enough that you can recover quickly if the evening is chilly.

The meeting point is at Eisenhower Park, 32 Touro St #28, Newport, RI 02840, and the tour ends at Artillery Co of Newport, 23 Clarke St, Newport, RI 02840. It is also listed as near public transportation, which matters in Newport because parking and curb space can turn into a time sink.

Accessibility is a big plus on paper. It is wheelchair-friendly, and service animals are welcome. You still want to plan for uneven sidewalks and the fact that you will be stopping and starting at multiple historic corners, especially near older buildings.

And yes, the tour name uses the word hag. You should think of it as a spooky-themed brand, not a promise that you will spot a specific figure at each stop.

Price and value: $32 for landmark stories, not a theme park

Newport Ghosts: Seaside Hauntings and Hags Tour - Price and value: $32 for landmark stories, not a theme park
At $32 per person, this is priced like a solid “one-and-done” evening activity. You are not paying for an all-day program, multiple paid entries, or transportation between neighborhoods. Instead, you are paying for a guided route plus researched story telling.

Two practical notes about what that means for value:

  • Admission is free at the stops listed. That keeps your total cost predictable, but it also means the tour leans on storytelling more than inside-the-building access.
  • Tips are not included. Some guides can be very good, and the best ones deserve it, but this is your call.

Also, the tour caps at 35 travelers. That is not massive, and it usually keeps the group manageable. Still, Newport streets can feel narrow in places, so if you are toward the front, you might hear better when your guide stops to talk.

Seven stops from squares to steeples to mansions

The route is designed like a spooky trolley line on foot: you start at the center of town, then walk into waterfront energy, quiet park time, and finally the heavier hitters like churches, mansions, and military-connected buildings. You will hit Washington Square, Long Wharf Mall, Queen Anne Square, Trinity Episcopal Church, The Vanderbilt, Vernon House, and end at the Artillery Company of Newport.

What you should expect at each stop is a blend of local character and alleged supernatural events. The tour highlights documented accounts of hauntings and paranormal activity, but it also keeps things grounded in place names and built history rather than turning into a Hollywood script.

Because this is a walking route, your best strategy is simple: keep your attention on the guide, and look at the building or site they reference. When you do that, the stories land better, even if you are not a full-on “spook fan.”

Stop 1: Washington Square, the courthouse-adjacent chills

Newport Ghosts: Seaside Hauntings and Hags Tour - Stop 1: Washington Square, the courthouse-adjacent chills
Washington Square is your kickoff point, and it is a smart choice for a ghost tour. It is the heart of Newport, so you get that real town-center feel while the guide sets expectations for what kind of hauntings you will hear tonight.

The story angle here focuses on the area near an old courthouse. Expect the guide to describe alleged sightings and unsettling sensations tied to the square. Even if you do not feel anything supernatural yourself, you can still play along by reading the space like a puzzle: watch sightlines, notice how shadows sit along the corners, and imagine people passing through this spot long before modern lighting and street designs.

Possible drawback: if you are hoping for big jump-scare moments, the opening stop may feel more like mood-setting. That is not bad. It just means you should not assume the “scary peak” happens immediately.

Tip: arrive with a few minutes to spare so you can get into position before the storytelling starts.

Stop 2: 72 Long Wharf Mall and the idea of sailor ghosts

Newport Ghosts: Seaside Hauntings and Hags Tour - Stop 2: 72 Long Wharf Mall and the idea of sailor ghosts
Next you head to 72 Long Wharf Mall, where the tour leans into maritime ghost-lore. Long Wharf has always been about trade and ships, so this stop naturally fits stories about sailors and merchants from centuries past.

The haunting themes here are classic waterfront ones: ghostly footsteps, sounds suggested from creaking ships, and the sense that the past lingers near the water. If you are sensitive to sound at night, you might notice how wind and distant noise can make the whole area feel eerie even when nothing paranormal is happening.

Why this stop works: the waterfront adds a built-in atmosphere. Even if the supernatural claims are just part of the entertainment, the setting does half the job for you.

Possible drawback: water-adjacent areas can be cold and windy. Bring a layer you can handle for a short stretch, and be ready for uneven pavement near the wharf.

Stop 3: Queen Anne Square, park quiet with sunset energy

Newport Ghosts: Seaside Hauntings and Hags Tour - Stop 3: Queen Anne Square, park quiet with sunset energy
Queen Anne Square is a daytime park in normal life, but at night it shifts into something quieter, more shadow-filled, and more “tell me a story” friendly. The tour frames it as a place where restless spirits allegedly linger.

You will likely hear about mysterious shadows and strange occurrences that people connect with the square. This is often where the tone shifts slightly, because parks give guides a chance to describe atmosphere instead of explaining a specific interior space.

What I like about this stop type: it is easy to follow. You look at where you stand, and the guide tells a story that fits the vibe of the trees, walkway edges, and open sightlines.

Possible drawback: if your group is small and your guide is moving fast, you might not get a long pause here. You want a moment to look around and actually take in the square, so do not assume it will feel like a full scene unless your guide slows down.

Stop 4: Trinity Episcopal Church and graveyard legend

Newport Ghosts: Seaside Hauntings and Hags Tour - Stop 4: Trinity Episcopal Church and graveyard legend
At Trinity Episcopal Church, the tour turns more directly toward religious and graveyard-linked hauntings. The stop includes the kind of stories ghost tours are famous for, including alleged ghostly organ music and spectral figures in the cemetery area.

The guide will use the church’s colonial-era presence to paint a picture of how stories could persist around sacred grounds. Whether you believe any of it or not, the building helps the storytelling stay visual. Steeples, stone, and old burial sites naturally create a setting that feels serious.

Why this stop is one of the best choices: it gives structure to the ghost-lore. Instead of pure “could it be haunted” vibes, you get a grounded location and a clear narrative frame.

Possible drawback: this stop is also where sound matters. If your guide is speaking while walking ahead, you may struggle to hear, especially if other groups are nearby. Try to stay close, and stand so your body faces the guide.

Stop 5: The Vanderbilt, hotel grandeur and the cold-spot style stories

Newport Ghosts: Seaside Hauntings and Hags Tour - Stop 5: The Vanderbilt, hotel grandeur and the cold-spot style stories
The Vanderbilt is a major stop on the route because it is a luxury mansion-turned-hotel, and that makes the ghost-lore feel extra tempting. The tour’s theme here includes alleged experiences like cold spots, flickering lights, and the sensation of being watched.

This is one of those stops where the building’s scale helps the story. Big rooms, older renovations, and high ceilings are perfect props for haunted-building talk, even if all of it is legend.

I also like how the stop theme fits the overall night rhythm. After church and park, the tour shifts back to “private space” energy, like the past living inside walls.

Possible drawback: because it is an active hotel property, you might not get the same level of stopping and lingering you would at a public square. If you expect lots of time staring at windows or a long explanation at one spot, keep your expectations flexible.

Stop 6: Vernon House, Revolutionary War and French Army shadows

The tour then moves to Vernon House, connected to Revolutionary War era stories. The haunting claims here focus on spirits tied to the house’s past, including alleged activity around the former headquarters of the French Army during the war.

This stop tends to appeal to history fans who still want spooky stories in the mix. You are not just hearing random ghost claims. You are getting a wartime context that explains why people would build legend around the building.

Why it works: the Revolutionary War setting gives the guide a narrative spine. It can help you follow the story even if the paranormal part is presented lightly.

Possible drawback: if you want a purely supernatural vibe, war-era hauntings can feel more “dramatic history” than “paranormal event.” You will get the ghost angle, but it may be delivered as a layer on top of the timeline.

Stop 7: Artillery Company of Newport and the soldier-echo idea

The final stop is the Artillery Company of Newport. The tour connects it to military history and frames it as a place rumored to house spirits of former soldiers.

The haunting theme here uses sensory language you can actually imagine on a street corner at night: ghostly apparitions and sounds described like marching boots. Even if nothing happens, you can feel the story’s logic. Historic military buildings carry a strong sense of purpose, and that makes haunted tales easier to accept as a theme.

This is a good ending point for two reasons:

  • It is tied to action and movement, so your night does not feel like it ends on something too quiet.
  • It gives the guide a chance to land a “finale” feeling as you reach the tour’s official finish point.

Guide performance is the real swing factor

This tour lives or dies on delivery. I see two different paths people tend to experience.

On the upside, some guides are described as funny, fast-moving in a good way, and strong on location details. Names that come up include Joe, James, John-Eric, and Bobby. When a guide nails pacing and clarity, this can feel like a fun Newport walk where you learn more than you expected, and you get a light spooky mood without feeling lost.

On the downside, there are patterns worth planning for. A few people reported issues with hearing the guide, like speaking while walking in front of the group or mumbling. Others noted that the tour felt rushed, including times when the guide moved quickly, stopped less at the listed points, or seemed disorganized with the route.

How you protect your evening:

  • Arrive early and pick a spot where you can face the guide most of the time.
  • If the group starts moving faster than you can hear, step inward rather than behind.
  • Have the mindset that this may be more story-and-place than nonstop scares. You’ll get more enjoyment from it that way.

Also, one practical caution: meeting point directions have caused confusion for at least some people. Before you head out, take a minute to verify you have the correct start location and a clear plan to reach it before 8:00 pm.

Is this tour scary, or more spooky history?

The tone is best described as ghost stories with a light fright level. Many people come away saying it is entertaining, sometimes mildly creepy, and not a full adrenaline sprint. That is not a dealbreaker, it just means you should choose the right kind of spooky outing.

If you are bringing kids, date night, or anyone who prefers atmosphere over fear, this format can work well. It is short enough that nobody gets trapped in a long, tense experience.

If you want a hair-raising tour where something jumps out every few minutes, you might feel disappointed. Think of it like a Newport night walk with haunted themes and landmark storytelling. The “haunting” is part narrative, part mood.

Who should book Newport Ghosts by Us Ghost Adventures?

I think this tour fits best when you want:

  • a quick nighttime activity
  • a walking loop that stays under about an hour
  • real landmarks in Newport tied to story themes
  • a guide who can connect past events to place

It can also be a good pick if you are a history fan who likes your stories with a side of eerie. War-era lore, church settings, and maritime sites give you plenty to think about even if you do not feel fear.

It is also listed as wheelchair-friendly and service animals welcome, so it can be a practical choice for groups that need those options.

The main “do not book” scenario is simple: if you need intense scares, long stops, or lots of hands-on cemetery time, this may not match what you want.

Should you book Newport Ghosts, Seaside Hauntings and Hags?

I would book it if you want a short, affordable night walk through Newport landmarks with guided, researched-style ghost storytelling. At $32, it is a reasonable bet for a fun evening, especially if you go in expecting spooky history rather than constant shock.

I would hesitate if you are sensitive to pacing. If you know you get frustrated when tours feel rushed or hard to hear, take steps to position yourself well, and be ready to ask for clarity if you lose the thread.

If you are excited to see Newport by night and you can enjoy the stories even when they stay mild, this is the kind of local experience that can be worth it.

FAQ

What time does the Newport Ghosts tour start?

The tour starts at 8:00 pm.

How long is the tour?

It is listed as about 1 hour.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet at Eisenhower Park, 32 Touro St #28, Newport, RI 02840, USA.

Where does the tour end?

End at Artillery Co of Newport, 23 Clarke St, Newport, RI 02840, USA.

Is the tour wheelchair-friendly?

Yes, it is wheelchair-friendly.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are welcome.

What is the price per person?

The price is $32.00 per person.

What is included in the tour price?

Included are professional, courteous guides, intensely researched true stories of history, and documented accounts of hauntings and paranormal activity.

What should I know about tips and cancellations?

A guide tip is not included. Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time for a full refund.

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