New England New England is region rich in history and culture. From its Ivy League universities to the dairy farms of Vermont, from the seaside towns of Cape Cod to the ski slopes of New Hampshire.

The region of the USA popularly known as New England consists of six states: Maine, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, Rhode Island and New Hampshire. New England is region rich in history and culture. From the Ivy League universities of Harvard and Yale to the dairy farms of Vermont, from the seaside towns of Cape Cod to the ski slopes of New Hampshire, New England is a surprisingly diverse region for its compact size.

New England is where the USA all began, after the New England Colonies kicked off the War of Independence in 1775. Today, in contrast with its rebellious beginnings, New England maintains a genteel reputation. Its hub is vibrant, beautiful Boston, the capital city of Massachusetts. History buffs will enjoy visiting the many historically significant sites in New England, including Plymouth (landing place of the Pilgrims) and the Freedom Trail through Boston.

In autumn, New England fills with tourists who come to enjoy the colourful foliage of the trees – a hobby known as leaf peeping. Thanks to thousands of miles of coastline, New England is a haven for water sports such as fishing, surfing and especially sailing. The resort towns of Cape Cod, Nantucket Sound and surrounding islands, such as Chatham, Martha’s Vineyard, Provincetown and Hyannis, swell by up to ten times their local population in the summer.

In Rhode Island, Newport is known as a favourite summer town for New York’s rich and famous, filled with enormous, Great Gatsby style mansions. It is also one of America’s most famous sailing towns, in addition to hosting major annual jazz and folk music festivals.

New England is renowned for its delicious food. Sample mouth-watering lobsters in Maine, fresh clam chowder in Rhode Island, and pancakes covered in locally-produced maple syrup in Vermont. Try artisanal cheeses, eat your fill of cranberries, and wash it all down with craft beer from the dozens of microbreweries within the region. The cuisine of New England is a foodie’s dream.

New England is also renowned as a cultural hub. From the world famous Boston Symphony Orchestra to music festivals in Maine and Rhode Island, there is much for music fans to enjoy. Many of America’s greatest writers have also lived or grown up in New England, from Nathaniel Hawthorn and Louisa May Alcott, through to H.P. Lovecraft and Stephen King.