Newport: Olde Town Ghost Walk & Haunted History Tour

Summary

Ghost stories echo through newport’s oldest streets with every step

You’ll walk Newport’s oldest streets by lantern light, hear true ghost stories from nearly 20 years of research, and visit places like the Jailhouse Inn and White Horse Tavern with a local guide. Expect strange chills, historic details you won’t find in guidebooks, and maybe even catch something odd on your camera — if you’re paying attention.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I was a little skeptical about the Olde Town Ghost Walk in Newport at first — I mean, how spooky could a seaside town really be? But something about the way our guide held that old lantern (the glass fogged up from her breath) made me want to follow. The air smelled like wet stone and distant seaweed, and people passing by kept glancing at us, probably wondering if we’d lost our minds or found something they hadn’t.

We stopped outside the Jailhouse Inn, and our guide — her name was Janine — told us about prisoners who supposedly never left. She had this way of pausing just before the punchline that made me shiver, even though it wasn’t that cold. Someone in our group tried snapping photos near the door; later she swore there was a weird blur in one of them. Maybe it was just mist, but you start to wonder after hearing these stories. The keyword “Olde Town Ghost Walk” came up when Janine talked about how this was Newport’s original paranormal tour — not one of those copycats.

My favorite stop might’ve been the White Horse Tavern. You can almost taste the centuries in the wood beams (and honestly, I still think about grabbing a pint there after). Janine pointed out where people have seen shadows move when nobody’s around. A couple walking their dog slowed down to listen for a minute — I guess ghost stories are contagious here. We also passed Washington Square and some old cannons from Paul Revere’s time; apparently even they have their own restless guests.

The last stop was quieter than I expected. No big finale, just this weird hush over the group as we looked back at the streetlights flickering on cobblestones. It didn’t feel scary so much as… well, like Newport keeps its secrets close. So yeah, if you’re curious (or just want an excuse to wander around at night), this day trip through haunted Newport is more real than I thought it’d be.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Newport's haunted historic sites

• Walk Newport's haunted streets
• Visit Jailhouse Inn and Washington Square
• See White Horse Tavern
• Spot spirit at movie location
• View oldest US military organization site
• End tour at final stop

Top questions

Is the Olde Town Ghost Walk in Newport wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces on the tour are wheelchair accessible.

How long is the Olde Town Ghost Walk?

The exact duration isn’t listed but expect an evening walking tour covering multiple haunted sites in Newport.

Are children allowed on this ghost tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are welcome.

Does the tour include stops inside buildings?

The description focuses on outdoor locations; entry into buildings isn’t specified.

Can I bring my service animal?

Yes, service animals are allowed on the tour.

Will I see actual ghosts during the walk?

No guarantees — but many guests report capturing unexplained images or sensations during the tour.

Where does the Olde Town Ghost Walk take place?

The tour takes place in Newport, Rhode Island’s historic downtown area.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to where the tour starts.

What’s included

Your evening includes a guided Olde Town Ghost Walk through Newport’s oldest and most haunted locations, with nearly two decades of local research behind every story shared along cobbled streets and outside legendary landmarks like Jailhouse Inn and White Horse Tavern — all fully accessible for wheelchairs and strollers too.