tours of newport mansions

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6 top-rated newport mansion tours + tips from a local.

Newport's famed mansions are a must-see in the City by the Sea.

Top-Rated Newport Mansion Tours

Gavin Ashworth | Courtesy of Newport Mansions

More than a century ago, America's wealthiest families commissioned their "summer cottages" to be built in the coastal enclave of Newport, Rhode Island , along the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. The era's most renowned architects outdid one another in size and scale as well as opulence and grandeur. Today, Newport is synonymous with its exquisite Gilded Age mansions, and experiencing them in person is an absolute must.

The majority of the Gilded Age mansions in Newport – but not all – are owned and operated by the Preservation Society of Newport County, and many of the most popular are open to the public year-round. Get ready to explore the Bellevue Avenue Historic District as you tour Newport's best mansions.

The Breakers

Courtesy of Andrea McHugh

Price: Adults from $29; kids from $10

Standout perk: The Breakers offers an audio Family Tour that engages young visitors with stories about the lives of the children who summered there, the staff who ran the home and interesting things to see in the mansion, such as the playful dolphin sculpture beneath the grand staircase.

Considered the grande dame of all the Newport mansions, The Breakers was no doubt built to impress. The summertime escape of Cornelius Vanderbilt II and his family was designed by the Gilded Age's preeminent architect, Richard Morris Hunt, and boasts a classic Italian palazzo design with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Visitors can explore the mansion at their own pace via the self-guided audio tour available in nearly a dozen languages (some are transcripts only) on the Newport Mansions free app, which will come in especially handy if you plan to explore more than one mansion. Take some time to explore the beauty of the 13-acre grounds as well, and be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes .

Those with a curiosity of how a mansion of this magnitude worked – after all, The Breakers was considered a modern marvel when completed in 1895 – will enjoy the Beneath The Breakers Tour. This guide-led tour takes you through the boiler room, tunnel and basement. Guests will learn how the home was outfitted with electricity, still considered a novelty during the Gilded Age. This tour requires a separate ticket from The Breakers' audio tour and is best suited for visitors 13 years and older. Advance reservations are recommended.

Local tip: As The Breakers is the most visited mansion in Newport, a good time to visit is either when it opens or toward the end of the day, especially in the busiest summer months. The early evening light can be ideal for photos, but plan accordingly as the house and grounds close one hour after the last tour admission. Before you visit, save time by downloading the free Newport Mansions tour app.

Check prices & availability on:

Marble House

Price: Adults from $25; kids from $10

Standout perk: While it's hard to rival the splendor of Marble House, the Chinese Tea House on the end of the mansion's lawn parallel to Cliff Walk is an unexpected visual delight. For an additional fee, Marble House visitors can enjoy sandwiches and refreshments at the cafe at the Chinese Tea House or make a reservation for brunch and afternoon tea service, offered on weekends May through December. The service is operated by Stoneacre Restaurants, which owns two popular restaurants in downtown Newport.

From the moment visitors walk under the four towering Corinthian columns fronting this mansion, they know they are in for a treat. Like other Newport Mansions audio tours, Marble House has a self-guided tour available via the organization's free app, allowing visitors to peruse the property at their own pace.

Inspired by the Petit Trianon at Versailles , Marble House is an architectural masterpiece. Made from 500,000 cubic feet of marble, the mansion was a 39th birthday present from businessman and philanthropist William K. Vanderbilt to his wife Alva. He spared no expense for their summer escape. Later in life, Alva Vanderbilt Belmont became a suffragist and hosted events at Marble House in support of women's right to vote. Viewers of the popular HBO series "The Gilded Age" may recognize rooms in the mansion as it was used for filming and also inspired sets.

Local tip: Don't miss the ballroom on the first floor – while it's not the largest in Newport, it's widely considered the most ornate, with gilt details from floor to ceiling.

Standout perk: While The Elms is spectacular, its formal gardens – 10 acres' worth – are extraordinary, complete with nearly 40 species of trees plus terraces, gazebos, fountains and colorful blooms, depending on the time of year.

Fashioned after an 18th-century French chateau, The Elms is a must-visit mansion, from the sun-soaked conservatory and the drawing room to the handsome library and the breakfast room bearing Chinese-style lacquered wall panels. A self-guided audio tour is available in nearly a dozen languages, but any fan of "Downton Abbey" or those curious about life behind the scenes of Newport's mansions will appreciate the Servant Life Tour at The Elms.

On this newly updated, guide-led tour, visitors start in the basement, where you'll see the operations of the house such as the kitchen and butler's pantry, all the way up to the domestic staff's living quarters on the third floor. Along the way, travelers will learn more about the personal lives of staff, and see rare photographs of servants at work and in their free time. You'll even get to learn about topics like immigration and labor disputes on this tour.

Local tip: The Servant Life Tour is not only fascinating, but you'll get the rare opportunity to go on The Elms' rooftop and be rewarded with an amazing and unexpected view of Newport Harbor.

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Rough Point

Price: Adults from $20; free for children 12 and younger

Standout perk: Rough Point sits at the southern end of Bellevue Avenue, so getting here allows you to enjoy views of both private mansions and those open to the public along the way. The mansion's oceanfront perch offers an uninterrupted view of the beautiful Cliff Walk Bridge, a stone arch bridge across the rocky inlet where Doris Duke would swim regularly.

Though a Gilded Age mansion through and through, Rough Point is perhaps best loved not for its grandeur but for its most famous resident: Doris Duke. The late heiress, collector and philanthropist – dubbed the "richest little girl in the world" when she was born – spent considerable time at Rough Point until her death in 1993. A self-guided audio tour leads visitors here through the art-filled home room by room, highlighting eclectic sculpture, family portraits, centuries-old tapestries, renowned furnishings and many pieces Duke collected as an avid world traveler.

While the formal rooms such as the Yellow Room and jaw-dropping Music Room are a sight, the ocean-facing Solarium affords the best views. Whether before or after your tour, visit the house tour on the website for photos and talks of Doris Duke at the home. Note that Rough Point is typically open seasonally from spring through mid-November.

Local tip: On Rough Point's grounds, you'll find a pair of life-size topiary camels inspired by Doris' pet Bactrian camels, Princess and Baby. Both enjoyed the summer months with the tobacco heiress at Rough Point and have become the unofficial mascots of the mansion. The Newport Restoration Foundation encourages taking a #camelgram photo with the Princess and Baby topiary to share on social media.

Dave Hansen | Courtesy of Newport Mansions

Standout perk: Rosecliff's signature feature – despite being home to Newport's largest ballroom, which hosted lavish society events throughout the Gilded Age – is its celebrated heart-shaped grand staircase.

Following a multimillion-dollar renovation, Rosecliff resumed tours in September 2023, much to the delight of Newport's visitors. Architect Stanford White, who was the mastermind behind Newport's historic Casino Theatre and myriad other important buildings, modeled the mansion after the Grand Trianon at Versailles for silver heiress Theresa Fair Oelrichs. Its European influence is felt throughout.

Explore the mansion at your own pace via the self-guided audio tour on the free Newport Mansions app. Don't forget to look up in the ballroom, where the trompe l'oeil ceiling creates an air of whimsy and romance, making it the ideal setting for the filming parts of "The Great Gatsby" with Robert Redford and Mia Farrow, as well as the more recent "27 Dresses."

Local tip: Rosecliff hosts many amazing events, including the annual Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival held in September, which features dinners, events and seminars with wines and other libations from around the world.

Note: Rosecliff will have free admission in July and August 2024 as the second floor will be closed to the public during this time.

Chateau-sur-Mer

Standout perk: An audio tour is your guide to this National Historic Landmark, considered Newport's first true mansion. Learn about the lives of the Wetmore family members who lived there for more than a century.

Until the arrival of the Vanderbilt houses in Newport in the 1890s, Chateau-sur-Mer was considered the seaside city's most palatial residence. Today, visitors can explore the home, an Italianate-style villa built for wealthy China trade merchant William Shepard Wetmore, who did quite a bit of entertaining at this summer cottage.

Local tip: While Chateau-sur-Mer is essentially a Victorian Era time capsule, the mansion's grounds are home to amazing tree specimens, shrubs and more, including a striking weeping beech tree. If you explore deeper into the grounds, you'll find a cool circular maze made from mounds of grass; this earthwork by artist Richard Fleischner is known as the "Sod Maze" and makes for a relaxing place to meditate.

What to do nearby

In addition to the historic mansions, Newport offers a variety of historic attractions, walking trails and museums. To help you fully explore the area, here are some recommendations for things to see and where to eat.

Things to do:

• Wander along the Cliff Walk
• Visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame
• Explore the historic Fort Adams
• Discover automotive history at Audrain Automobile Museum
• Explore The Sailing Museum
• Visit the Redwood Library and Athenæum
• Discover the oldest synagogue in the U.S.
• Browse the private collection at the Newport Car Museum

Nearby restaurant recommendations: 

• Breakfast: Annie's or Corner Cafe
• Lunch: Cru Cafe, Belle's Café or The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar
• Dinner: White Horse Tavern, Clarke Cooke House or Castle Hill Inn
• Drinks: Midtown Oyster Bar, The Roofdeck at the Vanderbilt or The Living Room at The Chanler

Frequently Asked Questions

You will need to pay for entry to many of the Newport Mansions. However, driving or walking by is free.

Yes. Driving is one way to get from one mansion to another. You can also choose to take a self-drive tour to see the different mansions and learn about area history.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel 

Andrea McHugh is a travel and lifestyle writer based in Newport, Rhode Island, where the famed mansions of the Gilded Age are common sights along her daily run in the City by the Sea. Though she regularly visits the mansions as they play host to local business and social events, such as the Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival, Newport Classical Music Festival and Newport Film, she spent a recent "staycation" touring these turn-of-the-century behemoths to write this article.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Things to Do in Rhode Island
• The Top Things to Do in New Hampshire
• The Top Things to Do in Maine
• The Top Things to Do in Vermont

Tags: Travel , Tours

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Newport Mansion Tours

Which should i see and how do i get tickets.

The Breakers - The Ocean State's most popular attraction

Front entrance of The Breakers

The Elms - modeled after the French Château d'Asnières

Marble House - Over 500,000 cubic feet of marble!

Rosecliff - based on the French Grand Trianon at Versailles

Doris Duke's Rough Point - view from Newport Cliff Walk

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Group Tours

Welcome to the newport mansions, we welcome adult and student groups to visit the newport mansions. your group visit helps preserve these great houses. thank you, mansions & gardens available for group visits.

Groups can be scheduled to visit The Breakers, Marble House, The Elms, Rosecliff and Green Animals Topiary Garden. Please check our Operating Schedule to see if a house is open on the date you want to schedule.

Length of visit

Please allow approximately 90 minutes to visit each house, including travel time to other Newport Mansions. Allow for more travel time if visiting Green Animals Topiary Garden, which is 30 minutes north of Newport.

Payment information

Payment is due upon arrival at the Newport Mansions. We are unable to accept purchase orders or provide invoices for payment at a later date. Pre-payments are allowed, but refunds for overpayment will not be issued and cannot be applied toward future visits. Any overpayment will be considered a donation to the Preservation Society of Newport County.

Group tours are self guided

Interior tours are self-guided using the free Newport Mansions audio tour app. Guests are encouraged to download the audio tour prior to arrival and bring their own earbuds. For those who prefer not to listen to the audio, one-use printed scripts are available. Newport Mansions no longer provide audio tour headsets and audio players.

Get the Newport Mansions app

Download our tour app before your visit and bring your earbuds.

Adult Groups

Adult Group rates are based on a minimum of 20 persons with advance reservation, visiting as a qualified professional travel group with one person responsible for full payment. Driver and escort are complimentary.

All tours are self-guided using the free Newport Mansions app. Guests are encouraged to download the app and audio tour prior to arrival and bring their own earbuds. For those who prefer not to listen to the audio, one-use printed tour scripts are available. The Newport Mansions no longer provide audio tour players and headsets.

Multi-lingual

On our mobile app, audio tours of The Breakers, The Elms and Marble House are available in English, French, German, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish.  Audio tours of Rosecliff are in English only. Written transcripts of the audio tours are available in other languages.

Area Information

For group tour support and services in the greater Newport area, please go to Discover Newport

Student Groups

Student Group rates are based on a minimum of 10 students. We require one adult chaperone for every 10 students and those chaperones are admitted complimentary. Additional adults are admitted at the Adult Group rate . Students must be affiliated with an educational organization.

All tours are self-guided using the free Newport Mansions app. Teachers, chaperones and students are encouraged to download the app and audio tour prior to arrival and bring their own earbuds. If students do not have their own device, we suggest teachers and chaperones split into small groups and play the tour on low volume. The Newport Mansions no longer provide audio tour players and headsets.

To ensure a safe, productive and enjoyable learning experience for your students, please review our field trip guidelines.

Accessibility

The Breakers, Marble House and Rosecliff are partially accessible for mobility devices. Our other houses are not currently accessible.

Parking & Motorcoach info

General motorcoach information.

Newport is an historic city with narrow roads and residential dwellings, so there are many rules and regulations for motorcoaches. To review Newport’s maps, rules and regulations for motorcoaches, please download the brochure  Touring Newport by Motorcoach.

Your cooperation with these ordinances is much appreciated.

Directions to Bellevue Avenue, Newport

With the exception of Green Animals Topiary Garden and Hunter House, all properties are located on or directly off Bellevue Avenue.

From Points South, (New York City, Mystic, CT) 1-95 North to RI Exit 7A (Route 138 East). Follow signs for the Newport (Pell) Bridge. Take first exit off bridge (Scenic Newport). Turn right at end of exit ramp. Go straight through first light. Turn right at second light, America’s Cup Ave. Follow America’s Cup Ave. along waterfront, at the 7th light bear left uphill. At 2nd light, take right onto Bellevue Ave.

From Points North, (Boston Area) Route 93 South to Route 128 South to Route 24 South to Route 195 West, returning to Route 24 South. Take Route 138 South. Follow directions “From Route 138 South” below.

From Cape Cod Route 195 West to Route 24 South (Exit 14A) to Route 138 South. Follow directions “From 138 South” below.

From Providence Route 195 East to Route 24 South (Exit 14A), to Route 138 South. Follow directions “From 138 South” below.

From Route 138 South After 8 miles, turn left at first light (Dunkin Donuts on your right) onto Route 138A (Aquidneck Ave.) At second light, turn left. Bear right past beach and uphill on Memorial Blvd. At top of hill, turn left onto Bellevue Ave.

Directions to the Mansions

The breakers, ochre point ave.

From the intersection of Memorial Blvd. and Bellevue Ave., head south 1.1 mile on Bellevue Ave., turn left onto Ruggles Ave. Turn left onto Ochre Point Ave. then left into the motor coach parking lot. This entrance and parking area is for motor coaches only, and is well marked. The motor coach parking lane runs along the perimeter of The Breakers parking lot; coaches should park on the left side of the parking lane, and disembark passengers there. Parking of motor coaches on Ochre Point Avenue is not allowed, per city ordinance.

Bellevue Ave

From the intersection of Memorial Blvd. and Bellevue Ave., head south 0.35 of a mile on Bellevue Ave., Turn right onto Bellevue Court, adjacent to The Elms, and park in coach parking area at the end of the road. Groups disembark and embark here and then walk to the front entrance of The Elms using the pathway. When finished with the tour, groups exit through the side entrance and follow the pathway back to the parking lot. At no time shall the passengers board and disembark on Bellevue Court. Parking staff is on duty.

Marble House

Head 1.5 miles south on Bellevue Ave. Parking area is located opposite Marble House. Turn right into parking lot. Groups disembark and embark here, then cross Bellevue Ave. to entrance.

From the intersection of Memorial Blvd. and Bellevue Ave., head south 1.3 miles on Bellevue Ave., turn left onto entrance.

Motorcoach Parking in Downtown Newport

The Gateway Transportation Center is located at 23 America’s Cup Ave. Limited motorcoach spots are available and it is an ideal spot for coaches to off-load and on-load groups visiting the downtown waterfront, shops, and restaurants. Restroom facilities are available (seasonally).

Other tour types

Family audio tours.

Talking houses, ancient superheroes and a 2-foot high ice cream cake! Family Tours at The Breakers and Marble House introduce kids to these Gilded Age mansions from a unique and fun perspective.

Guide-led Tours

Our expert guides lead fascinating specialty tours such as Beneath The Breakers and The Elms Servant Life. Other guided tours available by season at some houses.

Self-guided audio tours

Six engaging audio tours bring you unique insights into the lives of the people who lived and worked in the grand mansions of the Gilded Age in Newport.

Additional Visitor Info

Map & parking info.

Parking is free onsite at all properties except for Hunter House and The Breakers Stable & Carriage House, where street parking is available.

Answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

Mansions & Gardens

Explore the 11 properties under the stewardship of the Preservation Society and open as historic house museums.

Partners in Preservation

15 Mansions in Newport, RI You Have to See to Believe

Newport, Rhode Island was the summer playground of America’s wealthiest during the Gilded Age, and it has plenty of still-standing mansions that live to tell the tale.

The preservation and restoration of the Gilded Age mansions give visitors a glimpse of the opulence, artistry, and complicated culture that went into these time capsules.

If nothing else, the beautiful architecture and cliffside views of the ocean should be enough to inspire you to visit this area.

Today, this article lists down the best Newport mansions to tour, as well as the lesser-known mansions in the area.

History of Newport Rhode Island Mansions

The mansions of Newport, Rhode island are remnants of the fancy Gilded Era. Built between late 19th century and early 20th century, these luxury residents were not even the primary homes of their owners. In fact, the rich of that time built these RI mansions as their “summer cottages.”

When the Gilded Age ended around the 1910s due to the start of the federal income tax, followed by the First World War, parties at the mansions declined.

The Great Depression eventually put a stop to the rich vacationing at their mansions, which in turn resulted in the properties falling to demolition or abandoned completely.

A group of residents founded The Preservation Society of Newport County in hopes of saving the 200-year-old Georgian Colonial home – the Hunter House – located on the harbor waterfront.

In doing so, they were able to save several other mansions at Newport Rhode Island, starting with Marble House, then Chateau-sur-Mer, The Breakers, Kingscote, and Rosecliff. Today, the organization remains steward of 11 historic properties in the area.

Best Preserved Newport, RI Mansions To Tour

The Preservation Society of Newport County is a cultural organization aiming to protect and preserve Newport County’s rich cultural heritage. Here are the Newport Mansions

1. The Breakers

By far the most popular Newport mansion, The Breakers is the Italian Renaissance-style Vanderbilt estate widely acknowledged to be the grandest, most extravagant mansion in Newport and is thus the signature symbol of the Gilded Age.

The mansion features 70 rooms, a 45-foot high Great Hall, gold- and platinum-covered walls, and intricate panels with mythological beings. All these sit on a 13-acre estate overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

It is recommended to visit this mansion first, as this is also the site of the Welcome Center of the Preservation Society, where you can get information about all the other mansions they’re in charge of and make your visit to the Newport mansions easier to plan.

Essential Information

• Address: 44 Ochre Point Avenue, Newport, RI
• Phone : 401-847-1000
• Hours: Vary depending on the season; Check their calendar prior to your visit
• Cost: $29 per head for adults; discounts available for children
• Website: The Breakers

2. Marble House

One of the first stone mansions in the area, Marble House is another extravagant mansion. Alva Vanderbilt, the original owner of the house, is said to have spent $7 million then (equivalent to almost $128 million today) on the marble used to construct it.

With 50 rooms spread over four levels decorated in various styles, as well as a Chinese Tea House that was a later addition, the Marble House is an elegant structure and one of the earliest done in the Beaux-Arts style of architecture.

• Address: 596 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI
• Phone: 401-847-1000
• Cost: $25 per head for adults; discounts available for children
• Website: Marble House

3. The Elms

The Elms mansion was the summer residence of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Julius Berwind. It isn’t as extravagant as the previous two mentioned, but its beautiful architecture modeled after the French chateau d’Asnieres is remarkable and well worth studying and appreciating.

The interior is designed to show off Berwind’s Renaissance ceramics, 18th-century paintings, and jades from Asia.

Fun fact: It is one of the first houses wired for electricity in this area.

Address: 367 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI | 401-847-1000 Hours: Vary depending on the season; Check their calendar prior to your visit Cost: $25 per head for adults; discounts available for children Website: The Elms

4. Rosecliff

Rosecliff was home to Nevada silver heiress Theresa Fair Oelrichs of Nevada.

Inspired by Versailles’ Grand Trianon, which was the garden retreat of French kings at Versailles, the architectural style is Baroque and Baroque Revival, producing clean lines and perfect symmetry.

If this house looks familiar, it may be because it has been used as a set location in movies such as The Great Gatsby , Amistad , and True Lies .

• Address: 548 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI
• Website: Rosecliff

5. Chateau-sur-Mer

Considered the first of the great Newport mansions, Chateau-sur-Mer was recognized as the most palatial in Newport from its completion in 1852 until The Breakers and the Marble House were built.

This mansion was built for William Shepard Wetmore in High Victorian architecture and was subsequently remodeled in the Second Empire French style. Unlike many of the other mansions in the area, Chateau-sur-Mer was not built as a summer residence but as a year-round residence.

• Address: 474 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI
• Website: Chateau-sur-Mer

6. Kingscote

Kingscote is one of the earliest mansions designed in the Gothic Revival style of architecture. Originally owned by George Noble Jones, the property was acquired by William Henry King when the Civil War broke out.

The dining room features the earliest known installation of Tiffany glass, which is a type of glass produced between 1878 and 1933 at the Tiffany Studios in New York.

• Address: 253 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI
• Phone:  401-847-1000
• Website: Kingscote

7. Isaac Bell House

The Isaac Bell House, also known as Edna Villa, is acknowledged as the first Shingle-style house in the area and the best example of its kind.

The architects and designers of this house drew inspiration from a mix of international styles, such as Japanese, European, and Old English elements.

• Address: 70 Perry Street
• Website: Isaac Bell House

8. Hunter House

Away from the Bellevue Avenue Historic District, where most of the other mansions are located, the Hunter House is one of the finest examples of Georgian Colonial architecture.

It originally belonged to Jonathon Nichols, Jr., and the subsequent owners of the house added or renovated parts of the house. The most prominent owner of the mansion was William Hunter, a US senator after whom the house is named.

• Address: 54 Washington Street, Newport, RI
• Cost: $18 per head for adults; discounts available for children
• Website: Hunter House

9. Chepstow

Chepstow is an Italianate-style villa that is a prime example of a Victorian summer cottage.

Originally owned by Edmund Schermerhorn, it contained various valuable paintings, including the Morris family’s collections, as well as 19th-century landscape paintings by the Hudson River school of Artists.

• Address: 120 Narragansett Avenue
• Website: Chepstow

10. Green Animals Topiary Garden

Green Animals is the oldest topiary garden in the US, but when Thomas Brayton bought this property in 1872, it consisted of seven acres of land, a white clapboard summer residence, farm outbuildings, a pasture, and a vegetable garden.

The superintendents of the property were responsible for creating the topiaries, sculpting more than 80 pieces in different shapes from yew, California privet, and English boxwood.

Today, Green Animals is a rare example of a self-sufficient estate with a Victorian house, topiaries, vegetable gardens, and orchards.

While not technically in Newport, it’s still considered one of the Newport Mansions.

• Address: 380 Corys Lane, Portsmouth, RI
• Website: Green Animals Topiary Garden

Other Newport Mansions Worth Visiting

As I’ve mentioned, not all of the Gilded Age mansions in Newport are managed by the Preservation Society. Here are other Newport mansions you should consider visiting.

11. Ochre Court

Ochre Point was commissioned by Ogden Goelet in 1892 in a châteauesque architectural style and is second only to The Breakers in size.

Nowadays, it serves as the main administration building for Salve Regina University and is used for occasional social functions.

• Address: 100 Ochre Point Avenue, Newport, RI
• Phone:  401-847-6650
• Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-4pm
• Website: Ochre Court

12. Belcourt of Newport

Oliver Belmont commissioned this mansion in 1891 to have a summer cottage for him as well as his many horses.

With this vision, the architect, Richard Morris Hunt designed the ground floor around an enormous carriage room and stables, with only a single bedroom where Belmont can live with his horses in privacy.

However, when Alva Vanderbilt (yes, the same Alva Vanderbilt who owned the Marble House) moved in with him, she had the ground floor transformed to be more suitable for humans than for horses.

Ownership then changed hands many times before Carolyn Rafaelian bought it in 2012. Currently, Carolyn Rafaelian is in the process of restoring Belcourt to its former glory.

• Address: 657 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI
• Hours: Fri–Sun 11am–2pm
• Cost: $20 per head for adults; discounts available for children ( Book Tickets Here )
• Website: Belcourt of Newport

13. Rough Point Museum

Commissioned by yet another member of the Vanderbilt clan, Rough Point is at the south end of Bellevue Avenue and is built in the style of a stately English manor.

After a few more transfers of ownership, the last owner of the house was Doris Duke before it got turned over to the Newport Restoration Foundation, which Doris Duke herself founded in 1968.

Nowadays, Rough Point looks more or less the same as it looked when Doris Duke lived here. It’s not by accident; the house is carefully maintained to get a lived-in look. The result is that when you tour the house, it feels less like a museum and more like a visit to your distant aunt’s house.

That is, if your distant aunt were a billionaire who owned plenty of expensive art and furnishings, as well as a couple of camels.

• Address: 680 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI
• Phone : 401-847-8344
• Hours: Tue–Fri 10am–4pm; Sat–Sun 10am–5pm
• Cost: $20 per head for adults; discount available for students with ID
• Website: Rough Point Museum

14. Vernon Court

Vernon Court was commissioned by Anna Van Nest Gambrill and was built in 1900 in French classical style, loosely based on the French mansion Château d’Haroué.

At some point, it was considered one of the ten most beautiful mansions in America.

It remained in the Gambrill family until 1956, after which ownership changed hands a number of times.

At present, Vernon Court houses the National Museum of American Illustration (NMAI) and is temporarily closed for renovation.

• Address: 492 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI |
• Phone : 401-851-8949
• Cost: $20 per for adults; discounts available for seniors, children, students with ID, and military
• Website: National Museum of American Illustrators

Unique Newport Rhode Island Mansions Tours

15. the breakers stable & carriage house.

• Address:  53 Coggeshall Ave, Newport, RI 02840
• Cost: $20 per for adults; discounts available for seniors, children, students with ID, and military. Admission is free with any Newport Mansions ticket or Preservation Society membership.

The Breakers Stable & Carriage House was originally built by Cornelius Vanderbilt II with architect Richard Morris Hunt from 1894 to 1895. It is located about 2/3rds of a mile from The Breakers.

When the place was completed in 1895, the stable wasn’t just any humble stable. It had 26 stalls, 2 box stalls, and ample space for about 20 carriages, a five-room apartment for the head coachman, bedrooms for 20 grooms who operate the stables, an office, kitchen, dining room, workroom, office and harness room.

The Breakers Stable & Carriage House is open seasonally.

Newport Mansions Visitor Guidelines and Rules

Note that these rules and general guidelines apply to those mansions maintained by the Preservation Society of Newport County. Other mansions may have their own set of rules that you should still follow so that you and other visitors all have a great time.

• It is recommended to start your mansion tour in The Breakers so you can also visit the Welcome Center to get information about the mansions.
• Exterior photography through handheld cameras for social media and non-commercial purposes is allowed.
• Exterior photography through drones is strictly prohibited.
• Interior photography is allowed only for social media and personal, non-commercial purposes. No selfie sticks, tripods, or flash photography are allowed.
• Allot a minimum of one and a half hours for touring each mansion.
• With very few exceptions, mansions have free parking.
• Kids are welcome, but strollers and carriages are not.
• Mansions normally have a dress code. Shirts (except those that have offensive language printed) and shoes are mandatory.
• No large bags and luggage are allowed.

Newport Mansion Tour Tickets

If you plan to visit the mansions multiple times a year, membership to the Preservation Society is the most expensive option upfront but will work out to be the least expensive per visit as long as you visit frequently.

For one time visits to multiple mansions, various packages are also available for a wide range of mansions, with some packages even including popular activities aside from touring the mansions.

However, membership and packaged tickets will only cover the 10 mansions that the Preservation Society is maintaining.

The simplest, most straightforward way to get tickets is to just get it in the mansion you’re visiting. This is the most convenient and allows for spontaneity.

Tips For First-Timers to Newport, RI

Getting to newport.

If you’re flying into Newport, it’s almost 100% certain that you’ll arrive via the TF Green Airport.

From here, you can rent a car, ride the bus (via RIPTA or Peter Pan Bus Lines), or book an Uber to go to Newport.

Getting Around

Renting a car is by far the easiest and most convenient option for getting around, especially considering most mansions do not allow large bags and luggage inside.

Where To Stay

The magic of Newport is that wherever you decide to stay, you’ll be within walking distance of restaurants, bars, shops, and other attractions.

If you want oceanfront views, Castle Hill Inn & Resort, Club Wyndham Inn on Long Wharf, or The Chanler at Cliff Walk are solid choices.

However, if downtown Newport is more your style, Hotel Viking, Courtyard by Marriott Newport Middletown, or Mill Street Inn are also great places to stay.

What To Wear

Rhode Island weather is notoriously variable. From early June to mid-September, average highs reach above 70°F; mid-September to October is known for its Indian summers, with warm, dry weather during the day and cooler temperatures at night.

November is characterized by rainfall, and December to March sees average highs of around 44°F, with more than 20 inches of snowfall yearly.

It’s wise to dress according to the weather but plan for sudden changes. Layers are encouraged, as well as weatherproof footwear.

Best Time Of Year To Visit

The end of spring (around May) and the start of autumn (around September) are generally considered the best times of the year to visit Newport, weather-wise. Not too hot, not too cold, and a few drops of rain make it the ideal weather for walking around.

What To Eat

Your trip to Newport would be a waste if you don’t at least try some of Newport’s signature dishes and drinks.

Coffee milk has been the official state drink since 1993. Coffee is simmered with pure cane sugar to create a syrup, which is then mixed with ice-cold milk.

Del’s frozen lemonade started out as a mix of snow, lemons, and sugar in the 1840s and is now prepared by machine, producing a frozen product with a texture between a Slurpee and an Italian ice.

As a coastal city, Newport had plenty of ways to prepare various seafood. Clams casino is a dish made of littleneck clams stuffed with bacon, peppers, and breadcrumbs and then broiled.

They also like putting their unique twist on already-known dishes. For instance, johnnycakes are pancakes made of cornmeal, and their version of zeppoles aren’t fried donuts but creampuff-like pastries filled with custard-type cream and topped with more cream and a cherry.

Plan Your Newport Mansion Tour Today!

Exploring Newport mansions gives you a glimpse of how the rich lived in the Gilded Age, which is part of our history.

In fact, it’s one of the stops in a New England road trip itinerary that we’ve previously described.

Don’t forget to check out nearby Rhode Island wineries .

Start organizing and scheduling your trip to Newport today!

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17 Useful Tips for Visiting the Newport Mansions in Rhode Island

• Post author: Rachel Means
• Post last modified: 2023-11-09

Visiting the Newport Mansions is on many a dreamer’s bucket list, but there’s a lot to know before you go.

Like did you know not all of the mansions are open year-round? Or that small bags are allowed inside the mansions but strollers aren’t?

Where are you going to eat lunch, and where are you going to park?

Don’t worry! I’ve been there, done that, and learned everything you need to know ahead of time so you can enjoy your visit.

Here’s all our most useful tips for planning your first visit to the Newport, Rhode Island mansions!

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and associate of other programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means if you click a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

Best Newport Mansions to Visit: Ranked

The most popular Newport mansions to visit are owned and maintained by the Preservation Society of Newport. They have 9 houses, some of which are not open all year round.

Below I’ve ranked the mansions according to our must-see order based on opulent decor, interesting history, and availability.

• The Breakers
• Marble House
• Chateau sur Mer
• Isaac Bell House
• Hunter House

Can You Visit the Newport Mansions for Free?

This question comes up the most, so I wanted to address it first. No, you can’t visit any of the Newport mansions for free , even if you only want to see the grounds.

The only exception is if you know a Preservation Society member and they bring you as their guest.

It’s possible to see some of the mansions from the public sidewalk on the street, but you’re obviously limited in the views you’ll get.

For example, The Elms has large trees that cover most of the front façade, and The Breakers sits back a ways from the street so you only see a sliver of the front.

Most of the estates are surrounded by walls, too, so you can’t really see inside.

While there are plenty of fun things to do in Newport , we highly recommend budgeting to see a couple of the mansions while you’re here.

17 Useful Tips for Visiting the Newport Mansions

1. you need tickets to visit the grounds..

None of the Newport mansions have free entry to explore the grounds only. If you purchase a ticket to tour inside the house, you’ll also get entry to the grounds.

If you want to view the grounds only and not the interior of the mansion, those tickets are available for a reduced price.

See all your Newport Mansion ticketing options here.

2. Some mansions are guided tours only requiring advanced reservations.

Not all of the Newport mansions are open all year round.

Some of the smaller mansions are only opened seasonally and require advanced reservations and guided tours. This trips up Preservation Society members, too.

Even if you’re a member and want to see one of the seasonal houses like Chepstow or the Isaac Bell House, you have to reserve a spot ahead of time.

Members won’t have to pay for the tour, but you do need to reserve a spot. These homes are smaller and the tour size is limited to better fit in the limited interior space.

If you show up without a reservation, they’ll try to fit you in (we’ve watched them do it), but there’s not much they can do if the tour is already filled to capacity.

3. Bring headphones and download the app to enjoy the free audio tour.

What a great resource this is! Get the app and download the audio guide for each mansion.

It’s much more in-depth than the paper brochures available, and it keeps your hands free so you can take pictures while the audio guide plays. I loved it!

The app also has landscape tours at some of the mansions, like an audio tour for the grounds. It connects to your GPS and pops up informational tidbits as you walk around the grounds.

4. Photography is allowed inside the mansions.

Personal photography is allowed inside all of the Newport mansions, so feel free to take as many photos as you’d like. Shutter bugs rejoice!

Tripods and selfie sticks aren’t allowed , and obviously you’re not allowed to block others from enjoying the mansion, but otherwise you can take as long as you like and take as many photos as you want.

Important: this doesn’t include photoshoots.

If you’re trying to take senior pictures or engagement pictures or something like that where you have props (like a graduation cap) or a wardrobe change, you’ll have to get a special permit.

It’s easy to get cute and fun pictures both inside and outside of the mansions. If you’re snapping a few low-key, unobtrusive photos, you’ll be fine without a permit.

But if you show up in your quinceañera dress, they’re gonna know something’s up and ask about your permit.

5. Don’t forget the special guided tours.

The Elms and The Breakers both have additional guided tours available, revealing the behind-the-scenes areas of these great mansions.

The Elms Servants Life Tour features the lives of the men and women who worked for the Berwind family, touring their living quarters and some additional areas in the basement where they worked.

Most fancy houses have a tour like this nowadays. They’re very popular ever since Downton Abbey came out.

The Beneath The Breakers Tour takes you into the tunnels and basement level of the house, discussing the many modern marvels of the day that made The Breakers tick.

I loved both tours, but I liked Beneath The Breakers a little more because it’s so unique.

If you’re looking for that extra special something to round out your mansion visit, I highly recommend a specialty tour.

6. Strollers aren’t allowed inside the mansions.

None of the houses allow strollers. Children are welcome , but you’ll either need to hold little ones or keep them close by as you walk through the house.

I strongly recommend you consider whether your children are old enough to appreciate the house, or at least old enough/well-behaved enough to stay by your side as you appreciate the house.

I’ve been in a mansion when a toddler got loose, ducked under a rope, and took off between all the furniture, precious knickknacks, and 15 th century tapestries.

Luckily, he didn’t knock over anything, but you can imagine the mother’s dismay.

Stroller parking is available outside the front of each house , but you’ll leave your belongings at your own risk.

7. Pack a picnic lunch to eat on the grounds.

I was surprised to discover that picnics are allowed on the grounds at the Newport mansions!

Bring a blanket, picnic basket, or even camp chairs and a cooler and enjoy a meal as a Vanderbilt guest may have.

I recommend The Breakers or Marble House for this, as they both have stellar ocean views, but all of the properties allow picnics.

8. Consider becoming a member or get the one-year access pass.

A great way to save money when visiting the Newport mansions is to become a Preservation Society member.

Your pass will get you in to all nine of the society-owned mansions free of charge for a year, as many times as you wish to visit.

It also comes with other perks and special member events. I did the math and discuss if a Newport Mansions member pass is right for you here.

If you want to visit 4+ mansions in a year, the Access Pass will save you money.

It’s cheaper than buying standard tickets, but also cheaper than becoming a full member of the Preservation Society of Newport County.

If you and another adult want to visit 4+ mansions in one year, then a full membership is worth it.

9. All mansions have free parking lots.

Parking in Newport is notoriously difficult, but each of the Newport mansions open for tours has its own free parking lot.

Now, they can be packed on busy days, but I’ve always been able to find a spot. I had to circle a few times at The Breakers lot, but I did find a spot. Didn’t have any trouble at any of the other houses.

Pro Tip : The parking lot for Marble House is across the street from the house and a tad bit north, so you’ll pass it before you pass the house if coming from town. If you put Marble House into your GPS, you might miss the parking lot. As you get near the house traveling south on Bellevue Avenue, start looking on the right side instead of the left, and you’ll see the green and yellow sign.

10.  Small bags are allowed inside.

As an avid photographer, I really appreciate this policy, but this is also good news for those visiting without cars or with kids.

None of the mansions can store luggage, but a small backpack or diaper bag is fine.

You’ll still need to be aware of where you’re standing so your bag doesn’t accidentally brush up against a wall or artifact, but the ropes will mostly keep you in the safe zone.

11.  No food or drinks inside the mansions.

Food and drinks aren’t allowed inside the mansions, except for water, so make sure you give the kids a snack before you go inside.

You might have the snacks in your bag, but the kids can’t eat it inside the house. You’d have to take them to the restroom area and eat it there.

If you leave the house to eat a snack, they won’t let you back in because you already scanned your ticket.

12.  All of the mansions have restrooms.

Every mansion has restrooms available for visitors. However, they’re always at the very end of the tour, usually by the gift shop.

So, if you’re in the middle of a self-guided tour, you’ll have to walk to the end of the tour, usually on a different floor of the house, use the facilities, and then walk backwards on the tour route to where you left off.

Don’t try to re-enter from the front/start of the tour.

They’re going to want to scan your ticket, and yours won’t go through because it was already scanned when you started your tour.

Sometimes there’s an attendant that’ll recognize you and let you back through, but it’s easier to go backwards.

All of the mansions have staff on each floor, and they’ll help you find the fastest route to the restrooms.   

13.  Be prepared for crowds at The Breakers.

The biggest and most popular to visit Newport mansion is The Breakers. With that fame comes crowds…

Pretty much every time of day and every day of the week, The Breakers will be busy. Pack your patience.

Come early or late for the smallest crowds, right at opening or an hour or two before closing.

Even with the crowds, you can move pretty easily through the house at your own pace. If you’re listening to the audio guide, though, you’ll probably move in groups.

14.  Avoid arriving on the hour or half hour.

Speaking of moving in groups, start your self-guided tours at a non-standard time.

Humans like round numbers, and many will arrive at say 1PM for their tour. If you arrive at 12:45PM, you’ll be fifteen minutes ahead of a big group of people that all arrived at the same time.

It’ll help space you out inside the house and give you a bit more breathing room during your tour.

15.  All mansions require climbing stairs. Some are accessible via elevators.

Not every Newport mansion is accessible for mobility-impaired visitors.

Every house has stairs. A few of the mansions have elevators, but not all of them. And sometimes the elevators are down for maintenance, so call ahead the morning of your visit to check.

Inside the houses, there are two types of staircases: the ones built for use by the owners and the ones built for use by the staff. You’ll use both as you tour the mansions.

The ones used by the owners are always wide, often marble, and usually a shorter stair height because it was easier for the ladies in their ridiculous Gilded Age dresses to get up and down the stairs.

You’ll climb up these staircases at the beginning and/or in the middle of your mansion tours.

The servants’ staircases, though, are narrow and standard stair height. They’re usually located behind a secret door, and you climb down them at the end of a tour.

16.  Viking Trolley Tours has a shuttle option for The Breakers.

The Preservation Society doesn’t have shuttle service between its properties. If it’s a nice day, you can walk between a few of the properties.

It takes some time and adds more time on your feet, which you’ll probably already have enough of if you’re visiting more than one mansion per day, but it can be nice if you’re up for it.

Viking Trolley Tours has an option to add a Breakers tour to their trolley tour. You’ll board the trolley in town, take the tour around town, along Ocean Avenue, and into the mansion district before they drop you off at The Breakers.

You’ll then take your tour of the Breakers, and the trolley will meet you 1.5-2 hours later to pick you up and take you back to town where you started.

17.  Ride the free RIPTA bus to the mansions.

During peak visitor season, one line of the local city bus system offers free rides.

A lot of people descend on the tightly packed town in summer, so the free bus option helps to reduce the number of cars in the area.

Route 67 runs from the Newport Transportation Center in town all the way to the southern end of Bellevue Avenue before turning around.

It stops directly in front of both Marble House and The Breakers, but you can get to all of the mansions from this route if you walk a little.

FAQs for Visiting the Newport Mansions

When’s the best time of year to visit newport.

Summer is the best weather but also the most crowded time of year to visit Newport. Spring and fall are both good alternatives for slightly smaller crowds but still comfortable weather. Winter has its own allure, with the smallest crowds but also fewer shops are open.

How Much Time Do You Need to Visit Newport?

I recommend at least 3 days in Newport to take it all in, but you can easily day trip to Newport from Boston or other nearby cities.

If you want to see several mansions and do other fun things in Newport , then I recommend extending to 5 days or a week.

How Much Time Do You Need to Visit Each Mansion?

This is so subjective, but I’d say at least 1-2 hours for each mansion. Most of the mansion self-guided audio tours are about 45 minutes to an hour long.

But you might be taking pictures or waiting for crowds to move in front of you, and it could take longer.

Plus, you’ll want time to walk the grounds at each mansion, which could be a quick 15 minute loop or a more leisurely stroll with stops to sit on a bench and enjoy the views.

Do the Newport Mansions Have Parking?

Yes, all of the mansions open for tours have their own parking lots. The most popular spots, like The Breakers, can still be very crowded though. I’ve always found a spot, but may have circled a few times before I did.

Are There Places to Eat at the Newport Mansions?

Not really. Two of the mansions (The Breakers and Marble House) have cafes with overpriced pre-made lunch items like sandwiches or salads.

The Chinese Tea House at Marble House also offers afternoon tea, if you book it ahead, which is a fun experience if you like tea, tea sandwiches, and desserts.

But if you need a more substantial lunch, there’s nothing like that at the mansions. You’re better off going back into town for lunch.

Happy travels!

About the Author : Rachel Means

With six-figure student loan debt and only 10 PTO days per year, Rachel started traveling the world. A decade later, she’s paid off her loans, changed careers, and been to 38 US states and 17 countries. She’s an expert at planning and budgeting for travel and loves to help others do it, too! Read her full story here.

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9 Best Mansions in Newport, Rhode Island | To Admire the Architecture, Gardens, Landscapes, and Family History

Felix Lipov / Shutterstock

• Activities and Interests
• Architecture
• Destinations
• History and Culture
• Rhode Island
• United States

Note: The Travel Awaits team regularly updates content to provide the latest, and most accurate information to our readers. The updated content in this article may not reflect the views or opinions of the original author.

The mansions of Newport, Rhode Island, once served as summer “cottages” for the wealthy. Families came to escape life in the big city for six weeks of the year in Newport. They carried last names such as Vanderbilt, Morgan, and Astor. In the late 1800s, sometimes called the Gilded Age, they poured their money into lovely homes on rolling green hills next to the ocean.

Many of the grand mansions in Newport, Rhode Island were designed by prominent architects of the Gilded Age. Architects like Richard Morris Hunt, Stanford White, and McKim, Mead & White contributed to the opulent designs of these summer cottages for America’s elite families such as the Vanderbilts and Astors. Their architectural feats still stand as testaments to the era’s wealth and sophistication.

Today, you can marvel at the opulence, imagine the extravagant parties that were hosted here, and dream about days filled with sailing on yachts and playing tennis.

Tours of the mansions cover many aspects of life and appeal to a wide range of interests. You’ll learn about decorative arts, architecture, gardens and landscapes, family history, and what daily life was like for the servants. Events and lectures will enrich your visit, too.

The prime time to tour the Newport mansions is between May and October. Some are open year-round, and some are open only on weekends. Check the websites for the different mansions to plan your visit. The Preservation Society of Newport County , which oversees all of the homes, allows you to buy tickets in advance and learn more about the different options.

When you arrive in Newport, stop in at the visitor center at The Breakers to pick up more information or tickets. You can grab a bite to eat there, too. Buses leave for the other mansions every 20 minutes. Allow at least an hour to an hour and a half to tour each mansion.

Some mansions are so large you wonder how the family kept from getting lost inside. Others are included in the group of “mansions,” but they are actually more modest historic homes. Try to include both larger and smaller homes in your tour plans.

Read on to find out more about the amazing mansions of Newport.

9 Best Mansions in Newport, Rhode Island

1. the breakers.

The Breakers is the grandest and best known of the mansions. If you have a limited amount of time to spend in Newport, this one should top your list. Built on 13 acres of a bluff above the Atlantic Ocean, this 70-room home was named for the waves that crash on the rocks below.

The Breakers is a prime picture of the extravagance of the Gilded Age. No expense was spared as the Vanderbilt family spent money earned from the thriving New York Central Railroad. The Italian Renaissance decor is luxurious, with rare marble and alabaster, along with gilded woods, throughout. The mansion includes a Great Hall with a 45-foot-high ceiling and a Morning Room with platinum leaf wall panels. The latest technology went into the modern plumbing and the elevator.

A fun part of your visit will be hearing the voices of The Breakers with the audio tour. Family members and staff “talk” to you as you move through the home. And you can enjoy finding fanciful touches such as the dolphin hiding under the grand staircase and the dining room dragons.

The basement is also open to the public. Here you’ll learn about the wonders of the heating and cooling system and other cutting-edge inventions of the time. It;s a perfect destination for a weekend in Newport .

Hungry? The Garden Cafe is open for lunch or a snack.

CO Leong / Shutterstock

2. The Elms

This summer retreat of coal magnate Edward Berwind was modeled on a French-style chateau. A large art collection decorates the walls and includes Venetian paintings, tapestries, and Chinese lacquer panels. The Elms boasted the latest technology when it was finished in 1901. It was one of the first houses in Newport to use electricity.

The Elms “below stairs” is the focus of the Servant Life Tour. More than 40 men and women worked hard to provide the upstairs residents their lavish lifestyle. On the tour, you’ll learn about the lives of the butler, cooks, and maids.

The option to go upstairs from the main floor takes you to the servant living quarters and a rooftop view of the quaint Rhode Island city . Be prepared to climb stairs for both the downstairs and upstairs tours.

A sunken garden features flower beds with pink begonias, clipped hedges, trees, fountains, and marble pavilions.

Jeff Schultes / Shutterstock

3. Marble House

This mansion was inspired by the Petit Trianon at Versailles. Commissioned by the Vanderbilts in 1892, the house contains 500,000 cubic feet of American, Italian, and African marble. William Vanderbilt gave the deed to the house to his wife, Alva, as a 39th birthday present.

The notable history of the Marble House includes Alva’s “Votes for Women” rallies that she hosted on the back lawn. The audio tour lets you hear the words of Alva, her daughter Consuelo, and many others as they championed this cause.

A colorful Chinese tea house overlooks the Atlantic Ocean on the grounds of the Marble House. Relax here with a snack or lunch and take in the sweeping views.

4. Rosecliff

The romance of the Gilded Age lives on at Rosecliff , a lovely baroque-style mansion overlooking the Atlantic and surrounded by 20 acres of lawn and gardens. Movies filmed here include The Great Gatsby , True Lies , Amistad , and 27 Dresses . Rosecliff also hosts the popular Newport Flower Show every spring.

The audio tour includes the stories of those who lived here and partied in the gardens. From the time Rosecliff opened in 1902 to the present, it’s been a choice location for everything from business events to wedding receptions.

Notable features of the house are the immense ballroom where Arnold Schwarzenegger tangoed with Tia Carrere in True Lies and the beautiful limestone sweetheart’s staircase.

Wangkun Jia / Shutterstock

5. Hunter House

Enter the Hunter House and step back into colonial times. Built before the American Revolution, this was the home of a wealthy merchant and ship owner, and it served as the Revolutionary War headquarters of the French Navy.

Furnished with colonial furniture, the house is smaller than the more imposing mansions and will give you a glimpse into everyday life in Newport. You’ll see paintings by artists such as Gilbert Stuart, and there’s a notable collection of Newport pewter.

This is the house that prompted the formation of the Preservation Society of Newport County. In 1945, concerned local residents feared that the Hunter House would be sold or dismantled by someone who didn’t appreciate its history. So the society was formed and immediately set to work collecting colonial-era art and artifacts as the house was restored. The society continues to expand and preserve more Newport mansions .

Ritu Manoj Jethani / Shutterstock

6. Isaac Bell House

The Isaac Bell House , built in 1883 for a wealthy cotton broker, is fascinating for its architecture. Using a mix of English, continental European, colonial American, and Japanese styles, the builders experimented with design. The result is an intriguing, many-shingled house with bamboo-style columns and an open floor plan.

Check the website for seasonal opening hours.

Google Maps

7. Kingscote

With original rooms from 1841, Kingscote shows off rare furniture, silver collections, and Chinese decorative arts. Built in 1839 for a Georgia planter, this Gothic Revival house was abandoned during the Civil War and later occupied by the King family. The dining room added in 1881 includes the earliest known Tiffany glass decor.

8. Chateau-sur-Mer

Considered Newport’s first true mansion, Chateau-sur-Mer is a truly unique house. This National Historic Landmark is one of the finest examples of High Victorian architecture and was considered the most palatial residence in Newport until the appearance of the Gilded Age Vanderbilt houses in the 1890s. 

The main house of the estate, Chateau-sur-Mer, was built as an Italianate-style villa for China trade merchant William Shepard Wetmore by local contractor Seth Bradford. While the property’s original carriage house and stables are now part of the university’s Antone Academic Center, the Chateau-sur-Mer residence is in the Preservation Society’s hands.

9. Rough Point

Located at the southern end of Bellevue Avenue, Rough Point is perhaps best loved not for its grandeur but for its most famous resident, Doris Duke. The feel is slightly less museumlike than at most of the other mansions, though “lived-in look,” is a relative phrase when applied to the dwellings of billionaires. 

Built in 1887 by the architecture firm Peabody and Stearns, Rough Point was designed to look and feel like an English manor. It features red sandstone and granite, and wonderful gardens and lawns. The formal rooms, including the impressive Music Room and Yellow Room, are visually striking, but the ocean-facing Solarium offers the best views.

What To Know Before You Go

All of these mansions are run by the Preservation Society of Newport County. Hours and days for touring vary and may change with the seasons. Check the information for each house you want to visit before you map out your itinerary.

A package that includes a tour of The Breakers, Marble House, and The Elms will save you some money.

The Breakers and Rosecliff offer full wheelchair access. Marble House and The Elms provide partial wheelchair access.

The mansions of Newport welcome you to explore and step back in time as you immerse yourself in the architecture and the treasures of each home. Listen for echoes of those who once glided down the majestic staircases. Delve into the everyday lives of the servants. Amble on the lawns overlooking the ocean. Walk through the formal gardens. Whether you have time for one or several of the homes, you’re sure to come away impressed.

For more to see and do in Newport, see this page .

Who Owns and Maintains the Gilded Age Mansions in Newport Now?

Newport County’s Preservation Society now owns eleven best-surviving examples of Gilded Age mansions in Newport, while Rough Point is the only mansion run by the Newport Restoration Foundation, which was founded by Doris Duke in 1968. 

Are the Newport Mansions Free?

Residents of the City of Newport can enjoy free admission to Newport Mansions when they are open for the Newport mansion tours. However, this excludes special events and specialty tours. Also, the Newport Mansions hours vary seasonally. 

How Newport Mansions Came to Be?

More than a century ago, during the Gilded Age, America’s wealthiest families built mansions in the coastal enclave of Newport. Most renowned architects of the time, like Richard Morris Hunt, designed these shingle-style architecture and Gothic Revival Style landmarks. 

What Else Is There to Do When Visiting Mansions in Newport?

Strolling through downtown Newport, exploring the stunning Narragansett Bay, and doing the Newport Cliff Walk before seeing all the Newport mansions are some of the things to do here. Also, mansions in Newport host many amazing events, including the annual Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival.

How Many Mansions in Newport Were Torn Down?

After the social era died out, about 20 of these historic mansions were torn down before it was decided that these homes were an integral part of America’s architectural history. Some of them, like the historic Stonor Lodge on Bellevue Avenue, burned down in the fire.

As the owner of the travel blog, Exploring Our World , Sharon enjoys taking her readers on a journey with her. Articles often delve into the history of a place, and by adding in a generous number of photos, she inspires others to explore for themselves. In her early travels, she was most frustrated by coming back home and learning that she had missed a fascinating sight or a hidden gem. Now she helps travelers prepare for a trip by passing along travel tips, pointing out lesser known things to see, and alerting them to enjoyable day trips from major cities.

Her travel articles have been published by Stripes Europe Newsletter and the World War 2 Writing and Research Center. Whether she's discovering more about her hometown of San Diego, California or flying to faraway places, she enjoys sharing with travel lovers around the world.

HBO’s Gilded Age Newport Mansion Tours

If you are a fan of the TV series ‘The Gilded Age,’ you will love these Newport Mansion tours thanks to their rigorous historical preservation. These mansions also served as a set for several of the TV series episodes.

The Gilded Age, which started in the 1870s and lasted for over 4 decades, was a time of unprecedented development in American history. Increasing industrialization and commerce, along with the absence of income tax, gave birth to titles like Rockefeller, Carnegie, Ford, Morgan, and Vanderbilt. Massive fortunes were amassed and spent on luxurious lifestyles and palace-like mansions.

The epicenter of the Gilded Age spectacle was at the magnificent summer homes of the Newport mansions, where emerging millionaires competed to outshine one another at athletic events, concerts, carriage parades, banquets, balls, and other forms of entertainment. Rosecliff, The Elms, Marble House, and The Breakers were built at the height of the Gilded Age and are examples of homes that show their owners’ fixation with social standing and imitation of European royalty.

These well-known and wealthy families built most of their palace mansions in New York City, particularly on Fifth Avenue, during this economic boom. However, only a small number of homes are still standing, with most of the Newport estates being converted into luxury hotels where you can stay and be transported to the Gilded Era. The hotels offer an opportunity to admire the luxurious interiors, stay cooped up in chic rooms, and enjoy the panoramic view of the city’s famed Cliff Walk.

Following are a few of the Newport mansions still standing for you to spend a few nights in and feel like a part of the Gilded Age cast and crew.

The Cliffside Inn

The Cliffside Inn , the 16-room Victorian house is situated on Seaview Avenue on the city’s prized Cliff Walk with views of Easton Bay. Thomas Swan, the governor of Maryland, built the mansion before moving in. It is referred to as the Swan Villa still by the old households living in the area. Beatrice Turner, who was a well-known painter, later lived in the house until 1948, after which the mansion was transformed into a respected school for boys only, St. George’s School.

Hotel Viking

If there’s a Newport mansion that stands out from the rest, it is Hotel Viking, a brick building in the colonial style known locally as “the people’s hotel.” It was actually constructed as a hotel during the 1920s, not as a private residence. It immediately sold out as soon as the doors opened to out-of-town visitors.

Johnny Cash also stayed in one of the rooms of this extraordinary hotel.

The Chanler

In 1870, at the beginning of the Gilded Age, John Winthrop Chanler, who was a New York congressman, began construction on his now-famous residence on the outskirts of Easton Bay. Three years later, the “cottage,” as he referred to it, was completely finished and served as the ideal getaway for him and Margaret Astor Ward, his wife.

The Chandlers subsequently sold the house, as is customary for the world’s richest people, and it was converted into a historical museum, the summer residence of Bishop Francis Patrick Keough, the Tole Thorpe School for Girls , and even a housing complex for naval personnel.

But the marvel of architecture became a 30-room hotel just after the Second World War.

Hire a Tour Guide For HBO Gilded Age Newport Mansion Tours

Apart from the fascinating and luxurious hotels, the mansions that are still standing include The Marble House, The Beakers Mansion, and the legendary Bellevue Avenue. If you are a history fan, you can book a trolley tour to explore these magnificent mansions, admire the intricate architecture and luxurious interiors, and feel transported to the most splendid economic growth times in America.

With Viking Tours, you can see and experience an amazing era in American history and might even see the sets where our favorite TV series, The Gilded Age, was filmed.

Providing the best in touring and transportation since 1962. Viking Tours of Newport provides trolley tours in and around Newport’s museums, sailing, beaches, shopping, dining and other attractions. Private, wedding and corporate tours also available.

Contact Us | Call us at (401) 847-6921 | Purchase Tickets | Visit Us

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During the Gilded Age, America’s wealthiest families flocked to the City by the Sea and its surrounding areas; making the area their summertime playground. The meticulous preservation of more than a dozen of these homes gives us intimate access to the artistry, personality, and complex culture that went into these colossal time capsules. All that being said, simply having access to and enjoying the breathtaking grounds and cliffside vantage points of these homes is a treasure we cherish.

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To Do in RI: “The Gilded Age” special tours extended at 4 Newport Mansions

Photo: The Elms, a National Historic Landmark built in 1901, has been the setting of many scenes in Julian Fellowes’ “The Gilded Age” series on HBO.

Starting this week The Preservation Society of Newport County will add more opportunities to take two of its most popular guide-led tours in the Newport Mansions.

The Inside “The Gilded Age” Tour , which provides glimpses into the making of HBO’s Emmy-winning series at four of the mansions, will be offered every Tuesday and Friday now through Sept. 27 th. During this 3.75-hour tour through The Elms, Marble House, Chateau-sur-Mer and The Breakers , guides explain which scenes were filmed in various rooms, talk about the real people who lived in these mansions, and give an insider’s view of what it takes to host a major television production in four National Historic Landmark museums.

Advance ticket purchase is required. See  www.newportmansions.org/events/inside-the-gilded-age-tour .

In addition, The Breakers Third Floor Preservation in Progress Tour will be offered twice a day for the first time since its inception in late June. This guide-led tour allows visitors to see and learn about third-floor private spaces, used by the Vanderbilt family and their household staff, that had never previously been open to the public in The Breakers’ 129-year history.

From now through Oct. 14, The Breakers Third Floor Preservation in Progress Tour will be offered twice daily at 1:30 and 3:30 pm. Starting Oct. 15, the tour will be given once daily at 1:30 pm.

Advance ticket purchase is strongly recommended. See  www.newportmansions.org/events/the-breakers-third-floor .

The Breakers Third Floor Preservation in Progress Tour includes spaces that were closed to the public until this summer.

The Preservation Society of Newport County, Rhode Island, is a nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. It is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the area’s historic architecture, landscapes, decorative arts and social history. Its 11 historic properties – seven of them National Historic Landmarks – span more than 250 years of American architectural and social development.

For more information, please visit  www.NewportMansions.org .

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• September 6, 2024 Setlist

Deer Tick Setlist at The Southgate House Revival - Sanctuary, Newport, KY, USA

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• Sacrosanct Play Video
• Forgiving Ties Play Video
• Wasting Time Play Video
• Once in a Lifetime Play Video
• Jumpstarting Play Video
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• I Got a Rocket in My Pocket ( Jimmy Lloyd  cover) Play Video
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4 activities (last edit by taco8888 , 7 Sep 2024, 14:57 Etc/UTC )

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• Forgiving Ties
• Once in a Lifetime
• Running From Love
• The Real Thing
• Die on a Hill
• Wasting Time
• Me and My Man
• Jumpstarting
• Look How Clean I Am
• Twenty Miles
• I Got a Rocket in My Pocket by Jimmy Lloyd
• Sleep Walk by Santo & Johnny
• Not So Dense
• The Dream's in the Ditch
• Christ Jesus

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• Sep 01 2024 The Colonial Theatre Bethlehem, NH, USA Start time: 8:15 PM 8:15 PM
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Members-Only “State of the Collections” Lecture

With Leslie Jones, Director of Museum Affairs and Chief Curator, The Preservation Society of Newport County

A behind-the-scenes view exclusively for our members! Leslie Jones will provide an overview of the conservation work and research that has taken place at our properties over the past year, as well as what to look out for in the upcoming months.

What you need to know

• This event is free and open to Preservation Society members only. Please register by signing into the Ticketing Portal and working under the “Member Login” tab.
• Live at Rosecliff and via Zoom video.
• Please arrive at Rosecliff in time to be seated for the lecture.
• Virtual attendees will receive Zoom link on the day of the event.

More Tours, Events & Exhibitions

Beneath the breakers tour, daily 10:30 am.

Explore the underground systems that made this great house a marvel of technology for its time.

Servant Life Tour

Daily 10:30 am and 3:30 pm*.

See and hear how the other half lived. This tour will highlight the stories of some of the men and women who worked to service the social whirl of Newport during the Gilded Age. * Sept. 1-Sept. 30 10:30 & 3:30. The Elms closed after Sept. 30.

The Breakers Third Floor Preservation in Progress Tour

Daily 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm* (see below).

For the first time in the 129-year history of The Breakers, the private third-floor family space occupied by generations of Vanderbilts is open for public tours. *Sept. 3-Oct. 14, offered twice daily at 1:30 and 3:30 pm. Starting Oct. 15, offered once daily at 1:30 pm.

Wild Imagination: Art and Animals in the Gilded Age

August 30, 2024 – january 12, 2025 10:00am – 3:00pm.

Wild Imagination will explore the changing place of animals in the Gilded Age, a period that transformed how we view and treat the animal world, through more than 100 animal-themed artworks across a range of media.

Inside “The Gilded Age” Tour

September 3 – 27, 2024.

Fans of HBO’s "The Gilded Age" will love this guide-led tour of locations in four of the Newport Mansions where the show was filmed. Tuesdays and Fridays only, September 3 through 27.

Mid-Autumn Festival 2024

September 17, 2024 5:00pm.

The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival, is a 3,000-year-old tradition from China that celebrates togetherness. We invite you to a family program celebrating this festival on the grounds of Marble House and in the Chinese Tea House.

Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival

September 19 – 22, 2024.

Save the dates for the 19th annual festival, featuring the Vintner Dinner, Sunday Brunch and tasty yet educational seminar experiences. Plus, special guest appearance by Jacques and Claudine Pepin!

Seminar 7: Ammunition Wine and Whiskey Tasting: Grapes and Grains

September 20, 2024 3:00pm – 4:00pm.

Join us for a masterclass and tasting of Sonoma County wines and Kentucky whiskeys finished in French oak wine casks.

Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival Restaurant Experiences 2024

September 20 – 21, 2024.

The perfect pairing: Fine wines from Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival sponsors and inspiring cuisine from the world-class chefs at participating local restaurants.

Art and Animals in the Gilded Age: Newport Stories

September 26, 2024 6:00pm.

In this insider’s look at the Preservation Society’s new exhibition “Wild Imagination: Art and Animals in the Gilded Age,” curator Dr. Nicole Williams explores the evolving relationships between Gilded Age Americans and their pets and wildlife, with a focus on Newport history.

Get the Newport Mansions app

Download our tour app before your visit and bring your earbuds.

Additional Visitor Info

Map & parking info.

Parking is free onsite at all properties except for Hunter House and The Breakers Stable & Carriage House, where street parking is available.

Answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

Mansions & Gardens

Explore the 11 properties under the stewardship of the Preservation Society and open as historic house museums.

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