America America | Page 24

Harvard

Charles River

John F Kennedy Presidential Library

Old State House

Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

A quirky city with stories to tell

Boston may have been founded in 1630 , but this forward-thinking city is very definitely not stuck in the past ! In fact , Boston is the epitome of the historical and contemporary . From the charming cobblestones and gas lights of Beacon Hill and revolutionary landmarks of the Freedom Trail to the iconic Harvard University , funky neighbourhood squares of Cambridge , beautiful public gardens and iconic sporting arenas , Boston is a treasure trove of Americana .

Where better to start than the famous pedestrianised Freedom Trail , which tells the story of the American Revolution and beyond as it weaves its way for 2½ miles through Boston ’ s historic neighbourhoods . The trail takes in 16 significant sites , including the gold-domed State House , Faneuil Hall , Boston Common and USS Constitution , or “ Old Ironsides ” as she ’ s known .

At the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum you can channel your inner revolutionary by re-enacting history and throwing tea overboard ! Uncover more history at the John F Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum , which pays tribute to Kennedy ’ s thousand days in office , or perhaps visit the Museum of Fine Arts ; Museum of Science ; Boston Children ’ s Museum and the Museum of Natural History . The New England Aquarium is another must-see .

Spend time outdoors at Boston Common , a cherished city landmark and America ’ s oldest public park . Alternatively , visit Boston ’ s Public Garden for a stroll amongst the meticulous flower beds or leisurely cruise across the lagoon on one of its pedal-powered Swan Boats . Boston is also a great sporting city , home to the Boston Red Sox baseball team , the Boston Bruins and Boston Celtics . Why not take in a ball game or a tour of Fenway Park ?

Just across from downtown , the vibrant Seaport District is a neighbourhood for what ’ s new and what ’ s next . Blending 100 year old warehouses and contemporary architecture , it ’ s home to a marina , high-end restaurants , bars , hotels and green spaces . Across the Charles River , Cambridge is renowned for Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology ( MIT ). These elite colleges house celebrated museums and offer tours , or you can soak up the charming atmosphere of Harvard Square .

If shopping is part of your holiday itinerary , pop into the glass-enclosed arcades at Copley Place , Prudential Centre and CambridgeSide ; meander the open-air Faneuil Hall Market Place ; dip into the brownstone boutiques of Newbury and Charles Streets ; or the bustling Downtown Crossing has Macy ’ s and other well-regarded chain stores .

The Boston restaurant scene is equally tasty , whether you fancy tucking into a bowl of authentic clam chowder or Boston cream pie , trendsetting modern cuisine , international or ethnic dishes , there are eateries to suit all .

Getting there : The flight from the UK to Boston is around 8 hours non-stop .

Best time to go : Summer can be delightful with ocean breezes helping keep the humidity down , while winters are cold , with the potential for snow . Spring welcomes in a rise of temperature , although rain can be expected , while autumn boasts crisp , cooling temperatures .

UNMISSABLE BOSTON EXPERIENCES Get more out of your stay . Prices are per person

TEA PARTY SHIPS & MUSEUM from £ 29

Discover the floating Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum where you will see authentically restored replicas of the original tea ships and an array of fascinating interactive exhibits .

HISTORIC HARBOUR CRUISE from £ 45

On this fully narrated one hour cruise through the city ’ s world-famous harbour , you ’ ll hear heroic tales of the Revolutionary War and local legends of the sea , plus glimpse views of the Boston Harbour Islands , USS Constitution and the Bunker Hill Monument .

OLD TOWN TROLLEY TOUR from £ 49

This one day ticket gives you a day of unlimited travel on the Old Town Trolley allowing you to hop on and off at the 18 convenient stops , which cover more than 100 points of interest .

BOSTON CITY VIEW BIKE TOUR from £ 49

Join a friendly guide and pedal your way from the bustling streets of downtown to the serene bike paths of the Charles River on this three hour tour which gives a great overall insight to the city .

BOSTON CITYPASS from £ 79

Gives admission to the Museum of Science plus your choice of two from a Boston Harbour cruise , Harvard Museum of Natural History , View Boston Observation Deck and more . With nine days to use , it ’ s perfect for a weekend or a longer stay .

FROM FOOD TO FREEDOM TRAIL from £ 89

Discover the local side of Boston ’ s popular North End , on this guided five hour walking tour . Visit Boston ’ s most revered church and snack your way through the district , tasting meats , cheeses , fresh bread , pastries , pizza and cappuccino . Continue along the Freedom Trail and beyond .

24 NORTH EAST prices & offers change constantly - call for today ’ s best available deals !