Newport Cliff Walk Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour

Newport, US
75% of travellers recommend this
Very Good (92 reviews)
Self-guided - entry to attractions not included

Included

  • inclusion
    Other
    Support is available via chat, email, or phone if you need help.
  • inclusion
    Other
    Planning tools, route maps, scenic stops, and area previews included.
  • inclusion
    Other
    Just bring your phone and headphones; the app guides your walk.
  • inclusion
    Other
    Lifetime access: use the tour anytime and keep it for future trips.
  • inclusion
    Other
    Works offline with GPS route guidance and automatic audio stories.
  • inclusion
    Other
    Flexible tour: start, stop, and pause anytime during your trip.
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    Other
    Private walking tour experience for your family or group.
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    Other
    Access your tour in our separate audio tour app after booking.
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    Hidden gems and local stories included along the route.

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Other
    No live guide. Entrance fees, parking, food, and car rental are separate.

Meeting Point

Begin from Easton's Beach, 175 Memorial Blvd, Newport, RI 02840, USA. After booking the tour, search your emails and texts for "audio tour". Your tour is VALID FOR ONE YEAR so follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.

Meeting point

175 Memorial Blvd, Newport, RI 02840 , United States

End point

What to expect

1
Easton's Beach (first Beach)

Embark on this scenic walk at the Cliff Walk entrance by Easton's Beach. We'll learn a little about Easton's Beach as we set off on this journey, followed immediately by a short look at the Chanler. As we continue along, we'll dive into Newport's history, the effect of the Gilded Age, and the Cliff Walk's creation. We'll also learn a little about the "old-money" families, like the Vanderbilts and Astors, whose grand summer cottages line the Cliff Walk. Note: The tour is over 4 miles long, with more than 35 audio stories, and takes about 1-2 hours to complete. Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

Duration 10 minutes
2

Forty Steps

Our first major stop comes at the iconic Forty Steps. This is an alternative starting point for the tour and a wonderful opportunity to walk down these historic steps and appreciate the wild beauty of the crashing waves in front. We'll learn about the Gilded Age elites who tried to keep access to the Cliff Walk for themselves by building a wall -- and about the lower-class residents who tore those walls down! Thanks to their battles, this beautiful pathway has remained open to the public.

Duration 10 minutes
3
Ochre Court

Ochre Court will immediately arrest our eyes! This châteauesque mansion cost of $4.5 million... in 1892. And it certainly shows! Now the centerpiece of the Salve Regina University, this mansion isn't open for tours... but that won't stop us from learning all about it's rich and fascinating history!

Duration 10 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
4

McAuley Hall

Next up on our Cliff Walk tour: the manorial Vinland Estate. This Vikings-inspired mansion is now Salve Regina's McAuley Hall. As we pass this beautiful red-stone mansion, we'll learn all about it's inspiration and its unique owner.

Duration 10 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
5
The Breakers

Finally, we reach Newport's highlight: The Breakers. This Vanderbilt mansion is the biggest and the best of all of Newport's summer cottages -- and you can tell. We'll look past the gate, across the sweeping lawns, and up to the magestic and marvelous mansion's facade. We'll dive into the Vanderbilt backstory, the mansion's architectural wonders, and much more while here. We'll also explore the technological wonders at work beneath the Breakers.

6
Rosecliff

Rosecliff is next on our path along the Cliff Walk. This is arguably the most beautiful of the Newport Mansions, and it contains a rotating exhibition gallery on it's top floor. You can immediately spot this mansion by it's pink-and-white awning.

7

Gustave White Sotheby's International Realty

As we continue, we'll pass the Astors' summer cottage: Beechwood. Mrs. Astor famously had a "300 List" - the definitive list of the 300 people she considered high society. Where did that number come from? Well, this ballroom actually! It fit 300 guests. We'll learn more about this list, the Astors, and the Gilded Age as we continue to walk down Newport's Cliff Walk.

8
Marble House

Our journey now takes us past Marble House, one of the most opulent and magnificent of Newport's Mansions. This Gilded Age marvel is another Vanderbilt home, and actually has one of the most interesting histories of all the mansions here. We'll learn all about Marble House's powerful owner Alva and it's beautiful Chinese Tea House.

9
Rough Point Museum

As we continue along the Cliff Walk, we can catch a glimpse of an English Manorial style home through the trees: that's Rough Point. As we pass, we'll learn all about it's eccentric (and possibly dangerous) owner: Doris Duke.

10

Lands End

As we near the end of the Cliff Walk, we'll see one final mansion: Land's End. This was the home of Edith Wharton, the gifted author who abhorred being a Gilded Age elite. We'll learn all about Wharton and her works as we continue.

Duration 10 minutes
11

Bailey’s Beach

Our tour along the beautiful Cliff Walk ends near another beach: Bailey's Beach. The northeast end of the beach, where the Cliff Walk ends, is open to the public, but Bailey’s Beach itself is private, welcoming only a very exclusive club.... reminiscent of Mrs. Astor’s “400” list. Perhaps the Gilded Age lives on in Newport!

Duration 10 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    At your own pace: Start anytime and pause for hikes, picnics, photos, or scenic stops.
  • Additional information
    Download in advance: Download the Tour Guide app by Action and tour while connected to Wi-Fi or a strong cellular signal.
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    Easy to use: GPS-triggered audio plays automatically along the route for a hands-free experience.
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    Follow the route: Begin at the suggested starting point or join anywhere along the route shown in the app.
  • Additional information
    Lifetime access: Preview the tour before your trip and revisit the stories, photos, and details afterward.
  • Additional information
    More ways to save: Choose a single tour, a nearby bundle, or access to 200+ tours.
  • Additional information
    Multi-device access: Use the same password on one device for each traveler included in your booking.
  • Additional information
    NOTE: You can park your car at Easton's beach.
  • Additional information
    Private tour: Follow the route on your phone without an in-person guide or crowded group.
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
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    Savings tips: Walking tours: couples can share a tour by using separate earbuds. We recommend using headphones or earbuds for clearer audio and to avoid disturbing nearby guests.
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Additional information
    Supported devices: iPhone with iOS 15+, Android with version 9+, or a GPS-enabled iPad/tablet with cellular capability.
  • Additional information
    Works offline: Once downloaded, the tour works using GPS without Wi-Fi or cellular service.
Provided by Guide With Action

What our experts say

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    Start at Easton's Beach for views.
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    Check out Ochre Court's stunning architecture.
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    Bring headphones for a better audio experience.
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    Explore nearby restaurants for lunch.
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    Visit the Forty Steps for great photos.

More About this Experience

Introduction

Welcome to Newport's historic Cliff Walk self-guided walking tour! Immerse yourself in the glamour and opulence of the Gilded Age as you explore this scenic path at your own pace. This GPS-based tour, accompanied by an easy-to-use app, takes you along a carefully chosen itinerary, offering a mix of natural beauty and rich history.

What to expect?

Embark on a 60 to 120-minute journey through time and discover the fascinating stories behind Newport's iconic millionaire mansions. As you walk along the Cliff Walk, you'll learn about the impact of the Gilded Age, the wealthy families who once inhabited these grand summer cottages, and the architectural wonders that still stand today. This self-guided tour allows you to take as much time as you need to appreciate each stop along the way.

Who is this for?

This tour is perfect for anyone seeking a unique and immersive experience in Newport. History enthusiasts will delight in the opportunity to learn about the influential Vanderbilts, Astors, and other prominent families of the era. Nature lovers will revel in the stunning coastal scenery and picturesque landscapes. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a group of friends, this self-guided walking tour caters to all ages and interests.

Why book this?

Immerse yourself in the luxurious lifestyles of the Gilded Age elites as you explore the magnificent Cliff Walk. This self-guided tour allows you to set your own pace and delve into the rich history and captivating stories of Newport's iconic mansions. With the convenience of the Tour Guide App by Action, you'll have all the information you need at your fingertips. From the spectacular Vanderbilt-owned Breakers mansion to the picturesque Rosecliff and the elegant Marble House, each stop along the way offers a unique glimpse into a bygone era. Experience the grandeur of Newport like never before.

Good to know

Before starting the tour, make sure to check your email for important instructions and download the Tour Guide App for a seamless experience. This tour typically takes 60 to 120 minutes to complete, depending on your pace and the time you spend at each site. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle as you enjoy the breathtaking views and fascinating stories. Don't forget your headphones to fully immerse yourself in the audio tour provided by the app.

Reviews

Visitors have been captivated by the Newport Cliff Walk self-guided walking tour. They have praised the informative and engaging audio tour, highlighting how it brings the mansions and their history to life. Travelers appreciate the flexibility of exploring at their own pace and the stunning views along the way. Many reviewers have found this tour to be a fantastic way to learn about Newport's history and immerse themselves in the beauty of the Gilded Age. Overall, guests have been highly satisfied with the unique experience offered by this self-guided walking tour.

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