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Portland , Maine

Gold Brook , Stowe , Vermont

Jam-packed with rich history , colourful culture and gorgeous landscapes

Covering the states of Massachusetts , Connecticut , New Hampshire , Rhode Island , Maine and Vermont , New England is a region filled with important historical sights , cultural attractions , fascinating cities , white-sand beaches , brilliant fall foliage , tranquil blue lakes , charming villages , and outdoor adventures at every turn .

Beautiful Massachusetts has several historic towns within easy reach of Boston including Salem , known for its infamous 1692 witch trials ; Concord and Lexington , which are richly imbued with Revolutionary War history ; and Plymouth , the site of the Pilgrims ’ first settlement in 1620 . Further insights to New England ’ s history are on show at Old Sturbridge Village and at Historic Deerfield . When you ’ re ready to relax , make a beeline for Cape Cod , where dazzling beaches and the relatively unspoiled islands of Martha ’ s Vineyard and Nantucket await you . Mountainous Western Massachusetts is best known for the picturesque Berkshires , which host the celebrated Tanglewood summer music festival .

Connecticut may be small but is packed with fun for all ages . Maritime heritage is celebrated at beloved Mystic Seaport and hip New London ; foodies can hit a variety of culinary trails ; there are family theme parks ; hiking in state parks and for academics , Yale University in New Haven .

New Hampshire ’ s short Atlantic coastline is a stretch of mellow , sundrenched beaches capped by Portsmouth , a colonial town with a crop of excellent restaurants and stylish inns . Inland , discover over 1,300 lakes , including the largest , Lake Winnipesaukee , while the magnificent White Mountains spread across northern New Hampshire , culminating in the region ’ s highest peak , Mount Washington .

The state of Maine is filled with lobster shacks , dense forests , tranquil lakes and seaside enclaves , with ample opportunities to explore , or just lounge in Adirondack chairs as the scenery unfolds before you . Portland is the state ’ s cosmopolitan city , bustling Bar Harbor is a wonderful summer retreat and Acadia National Park is its most popular outdoor escape .

Vermont probably fulfils the quintessential image of small-town America with white churches , red barns , covered bridges , clapboard houses , snowy woods and maple syrup . Lively Burlington is worth a visit , Woodstock has a stunning village green and a whole range of 19th century homes , while in winter , the resorts of Killington and Stowe burst into life .

A mere 48 miles long by 37 miles wide , Rhode Island is the smallest state in the USA . The colonial college town of Providence and the well-heeled yachting centre of Newport with its extravagant mansions that belonged to prominent American families , should top your list of places to visit .

Wherever your travels take you in the region , the outdoor exploration is second to none . Choose from hiking , biking , whitewater rafting and endless winter sports as well as wildlife spotting . Refuel afterwards on culinary New England staples such as fresh lobster , clam chowder , real maple syrup , wild blueberries , oysters and craft beer !

Bangor Acadia NP

Bar Harbor

NEW YORK STATE

New York

Williamstown Concord

Salem

MASSACHUSETTS Lexington Berkshires

Boston Sturbridge Plymouth

Providence Sandwich Cape Cod

CONNETICUT

Hyannis Falmouth

New Haven Mystic

Newport Nantucket

Martha ’ s Vineyard

26 NORTH EAST

RHODE ISLAND

Atlantic Ocean

Providence

Getting there : Boston is the gateway city to New England and is about 8 hours flying time from the UK .

Best time to go : New England has four distinct seasons and is a year-round destination , although it is extremely popular in Autumn , particularly during peak foliage season ( Sep-Oct ). Spring and Autumn are pleasant , while summer brings sunshine and higher temperatures . Winter is cold and snowfall can be expected .

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