If you’re looking for a picture-perfect getaway that combines culture, art, locally-produced food and exhilarating outdoor activities, you can’t beat the beautiful states of New England. They may be small, but they pack quite a punch whatever the season. From salty seaside towns to quaint rural villages surrounded by mountains bathed in autumnal tones, these beautiful small settlements personify New England charm.

Little Compton, Rhode Island, was founded by explorers from the Plymouth Colony seeking to expand their settlement along the Massachusetts coastline. Situated on a peninsula sticking out into the Atlantic, it's always been a fishing and farming town, and despite the influx of vacationers it still maintains a traditional atmosphere. Goosewing Beach Preserve is one of Rhode Island's most scenic spots, created to provide a habitat for rare piping plovers and the threatened least tern. South Shore Beach is one of only a few public beaches in the area, and is surprisingly uncrowded.

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Nestled in Maine’s Lakes & Mountains region, Bethel is definitely a town for all seasons. In summer you could find yourself kayaking along the mighty Androscoggin River or hiking and biking through the spectacular White Mountain National Forest, while in winter the finest alpine skiing in the east is only minutes away. Autumn is a riot of copper tones, and spring is the perfect time to check out the Lovejoy covered bridge. The walkable colonial town centre is the epitome of charm any time of year, but especially at Christmas.

Once a quiet farming town, Waitsfield sits at the heart of the gorgeous Mad River Valley, a must-visit stop on the scenic Route 100. Surrounded by snowy mountain peaks, this charming town has become a four-season destination for people seeking exhilarating active pursuits, from powdery downhill snowsports in the Mad River Glen ski area in winter to challenging walking trails in the warmer months. There’s an active cultural scene too with several theatre companies and arts facilities organising everything from opera festivals to photo exhibitions.

Salem is of course famous for the witch trials that were held here in 1692, and the modern town leans heavily into its notoriety. There are witch walks, potion-brewing classes and cafés serving witches’ fingers, while at Halloween it seems everyone is wearing a pointy hat and carrying a broomstick. But the port here is worth visiting too. In 1938 the Salem National Maritime Historic Site was designated the first national historic site in the US, and it's steeped in revolutionary history. Follow the Salem Heritage Trail – marked by a yellow line on the pavement – to discover everything Salem has to offer.

If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, the quiet resort town of Jackson should be top of your list. It sits in the heart of New Hampshire’s beautiful White Mountains, which boast hundreds of miles of well-groomed trails ready for snowshoeing, classic track skiing or skate skiing for skiers of all abilities. Or maybe visit Nestlenook Farm, home to a huge Victorian skating pond and 65 acres of trails for horse-drawn sleighs. Couples will want to head to the Honeymoon Bridge, as a kiss stolen under its covered roof is said to bring love and good luck.

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Set in the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains in rural Litchfield County and surrounded by stunning farmland, rolling hills and quiet country roads, this is classic New England, and Cornwall is often described as 'the Greenest Town in Connecticut'. The historic colonial town centre is laidback and cultured, with a historic covered bridge built in 1864 that's one of only three surviving in the state. The more adventurous visitor is well catered for too. Mohawk Mountain ski area is the largest in Connecticut, and the mighty Housatonic River and Mohawk State Forest offer a wealth of outdoor activities.

Affluent Newport is an old money charmer on Aquidneck Island, Rhode Island. Its yacht-filled harbour hosted the prestigious America’s Cup regatta for many years, and retains a moneyed aura. The town is also famous for its Gilded Age mansions, built during a period of extreme materialism in the 1870s. Most are concentrated along stately Bellevue Avenue, and many are now museums. The most famous is the Breakers, an 1895 mansion patterned after a Renaissance palace. It was the Vanderbilts’ summer 'cottage', and a symbol of their social and financial eminence.

Just an hour’s drive north of Portland, Boothbay Harbor is famous for its 1,000-foot-long (305m) wooden footbridge. Built in 1901 and recently restored, it connects one side of the town to the other and gives a unique perspective on harbourside life. The historic downtown is a jumble of colourful shops, restaurants and lobster shacks while aquatic activities like boating, kayaking and paddleboarding open up a whole other world. Enjoy rocky coastlines, picturesque lighthouses and marine life including whales, seals and puffins. On land, the beautiful Coastal Botanical Gardens delights adults and children alike with its incredible giant trolls.

Home to three state parks and a charming downtown where most of the buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Waterbury is at once a popular foodie, artsy and active outdoor hotspot. It’s also home to Ben & Jerry's ice cream factory where you can tour the facility and sample the product. Concerned about the extra pounds from the double fudge cookie dough? Fear not. Waterbury is one of the best biking destinations in Vermont with a trail for every ability, including one to Ricker Mountain in Little River State Park, a farming community abandoned in the 1880s.

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Sugar Hill may have gotten its name from the large groves of sugar maples within the town limits, but visit in June and it's the glorious fields of purple lupine flowers that will catch your eye. They stretch out towards the magnificent Presidential, Franconia, Kinsman and Dalton ranges, ranking among the most unforgettable sights in New England. At other times of year, visitors are drawn to more of the town’s myriad charms, not least Polly’s Pancake Parlor famous for its homemade pancakes smothered in locally sourced maple syrup.

Perfectly placed on the southeastern tip of Cape Cod, charming Chatham offers wild Atlantic views, gorgeous beaches and an obligatory picture-perfect lighthouse, built in the early 19th century. There’s a railroad museum that exhibits model trains and artefacts in a former depot that dates to 1887. But the real highlight is a visit to the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, just to the south, a haven for migratory birds and colonies of grey seals that roll around on the eight-mile-long (13km) spit of blindingly white sand.

Old Saybrook sits where the Connecticut River meets the Long Island Sound and was first settled in 1635 and incorporated in 1854, making it one of the oldest towns in the state. Its colourful history is best explored on the Main Street Walking Tour or on a bike tour to Fort Saybrook, which was repeatedly besieged during the Pequot War. The marina offers all kinds of boating adventures from chartered fishing tours to kayaks and paddleboards. Beautiful beaches, coastal forests and a small-town vibe make Old Saybrook one of the most charming locations in all Connecticut.

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With its picturesque streets, one-of-a-kind shops and eateries nestled among Federal-style homes, Wickford Village is the hidden gem of Rhode Island. Explore the galleries, antique shops and boutique stores or head to the harbour to watch the world float by. On select Fridays through spring and summer the harbour is illuminated, shops stay open later and food trucks from all around the state pull up to serve plenty of delights.

Kennebunkport is a historic fishing village in southern Maine famous for its incredible beaches, screensaver lighthouses and, of course, its seafood. It is one of the oldest European-settled towns in the United States, and for more than 150 years was the preserve of the moneyed sailing and shipbuilding elite. Cross the famous Mathew J Lanigan Bridge over the Kennebunk River and you’ll find the town is now a little more relaxed. Hip chefs have come from all over the country to bring innovation to traditional seafood dishes, while new inns and boutiques have sprung up on every street corner. A slew of off-season festivals have also made Kennebunkport a year-round destination.

Nestled between the Green Mountains to the east and the Taconic Range to the west, Manchester is a south Vermont charmer whatever the season. Abraham Lincoln’s son Robert built a Georgian-Revival mansion here; known as Hildene, its beautiful gardens are still worth visiting today. The Southern Vermont Arts Center showcases local artists, and to the west of the town a trail climbs Mount Equinox. The fascinating American Museum of Fly Fishing is a due acknowledgment of the importance of the sport in this neck of the woods.

Meredith sits on the western edge of Lake Winnipesaukee in the heart of New Hampshire’s stunning Lakes Region. The town is surrounded by forests and mountains so it's the perfect base for hiking, biking and kayaking, but there are plenty of less strenuous options available too. You could take a boat ride on the lake or ride the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad. You could take the Meredith Sculpture Walk, an exhibition of 33 sculptures stationed throughout the town. Or you could sample award-winning tipples at the Twin Barns Brewery or the Hermit Woods Winery.

The town of Webster in southern Massachusetts has many claims to fame. It was the home of Samuel Slater, nicknamed 'the Father of the American Industrial Revolution'. The Rose Room Cafe is considered the best place in the state to experience locally sourced dishes from farms across the northeast. And the Pierpont Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary supports a thriving colony of beavers. But the town is perhaps most famous for the lake it sits beside – Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg – which is the longest place name in the US, and is often humorously translated as "You fish on your side, I'll fish on my side, and no one shall fish in the middle".

Only 60 miles (96km) from New York, Milford feels a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of big city life. Here life passes at a distinctly slower pace, albeit with a cultured and sophisticated edge. You’ll find 17 miles (27km) of stunning coastline along Long Island Sound to explore, one of the largest seafood festivals in New England to dive into and a historic district with buildings dating from as far back as 1650. The water, dotted with sailboats, is never far away. Arguably that's always been Milford’s enduring appeal.

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This peaceful settlement on Conanicut Island has had quite the chequered history. Most of the original homes here were burned down during the American Revolution, when the town was occupied by the British. Today it is a peaceful coastal gem with historic farms, award-winning restaurants and locally owned shops and art galleries offering a distinctly serene atmosphere. Be sure to walk the clifftop trail to the Beavertail Lighthouse and Museum and experience beautiful vistas along the New England coastline.

Cultured Camden brings a touch of style and sophistication to the Midcoast region of Maine. Perched on Penobscot Bay, its High Street Historic District features a series of 19th-century homes and a landscaped amphitheatre. The restored Camden Opera House hosts a dazzling programme of music, film and dance, and a host of art galleries and boutiques display the work of acclaimed local artists. There’s plenty for the body as well as the mind. Trails line the slopes at Camden Hills State Park, and exploring nearby Curtis Island, with its 19th-century lighthouse, is an invigorating and rewarding pursuit too.

Weston sits at an elevation of around 1,500 feet (457m), surrounded by the verdant grandeur of the beautiful Green Mountain National Forest. It was once a bustling timber town, home to 10 sawmills, a grist mill and the Weston Playhouse Theater Company, the oldest professional theatre in Vermont. The colourful Vermont Country Store, a family-owned business since 1946, is a focal point. Several farmers' markets dot the town, offering fresh, locally grown produce, homemade goods and handcrafted items. And the Benedictine monks at the Weston Priory bring tranquillity and reflection to the town.

Set amid the peaks and forests of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, North Conway is the perfect jumping-off point for hiking excursions on Mount Washington and leaf-peeping tours on vintage trains when the foliage changes colour in autumn. The region’s best ski slopes are close by too, as are the Diana’s Baths cascades, a must-visit in the warmer months. The town is also something of a shopper’s paradise, whether you’re hunting for antiques or looking for a bargain at one of the town’s famous outlet stores.

Lowell was the cradle of the American Industrial Revolution, famous for its textile mills and factories. Today these historic manufacturing buildings form the Lowell National Historical Park, a buzzing quarter of museums, cultural centres and restored factory floors that bring the industrial era to life. Lowell is also home to one of the oldest folk festivals in the US, the grave of Beat Generation writer Jack Kerouac; the house where actor Bette Davis was born; and the mysterious (and some say haunted) statue of Witch Bonney.

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During the late 1700s and early 1800s Wethersfield in Hartford County was the centre of the onion trade in New England, earning the town the unflattering moniker ‘Oniontown’. Founded in 1634, it's also known as 'Ye Most Ancient Towne' in Connecticut, a status reflected in the colonial homes, 150 of which pre-date the Civil War. It is this rich heritage that draws visitors, but it would be remiss of you not to at least try a famous Wethersfield red onion on your visit.

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Charlestown is a south Rhode Island gem where it’s all about nature. One day you can be stomping along mile after mile of secluded hiking trails in the Charlestown Moraine and Tucker Woods Preserves. The next, exploring the surprisingly secluded and undeveloped stretches of shoreline on the thin tendril of land between the Ninigret and Quonochontaug Ponds and the Block Island Sound. Finally, sate the appetite you’ve worked up with an all-you-can-eat, seafood-heavy buffet at the Nordic on the shore of Pasquiset Pond. A local legend since 1963, no one walks away hungry.

Stonington on Deer Isle is a living, breathing fishing village where the fruits of the sea are still the lifeblood of the town. The Lobster Co-op here was founded in 1948, making it the second oldest in the state, and to this day you can wander down to the dock and buy a lobster directly from the person that just caught it. There are lobster boat races every summer and a sunset lobster boil at Burnt Cove most evenings between June and August. If lobsters aren’t your thing there are coves and reserves to explore by foot or kayak, plus an intriguing Granite Museum.

If you’re after a picture-book New England village, look no further than Woodstock in the centre of Vermont. Once voted the prettiest town in America, you’ll find Insta-friendly vistas around every corner, particularly around the Green, which is known for gorgeous historic buildings like the 19th-century pink-sandstone Norman Williams Public Library. There’s also the obligatory covered bridge, a recreation of 19th-century farm life at the Billings Farm and Museum, and a bunch of trails to explore in the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park.

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The biggest problem with visiting the lakeside town of Laconia in New Hampshire is deciding what to do. Wedged between Lake Winnipesaukee and Paugus Bay, Laconia boasts five beautiful beaches – Weirs Beach is the most popular – and a 1,300-foot-long (396m) boardwalk taking in the best of the sights. The Funspot claims to be the largest arcade in the world and Weir Drive-In Theater offers all the latest movies the way we watched them back in the 1950s. And thanks to the WOW Trail, a paved multi-use pathway, Laconia can be easily and safely explored by bike.

Nantucket is a popular summer destination that's famous for its unpainted cedar-shingled buildings, built to withstand the harsh winter winds that batter this tiny island. When the sun is out, however, there's no better place to be than the town's dune-backed beaches. The wharfs and cobblestoned streets are lined with restaurants, high-end boutiques and steepled churches, while the walk to Brant Point Lighthouse is bracing and picturesque. If that's not enough, the town’s Whaling Museum recounts the island’s role as a 19th-century whaling hub.

Mystic has been a significant Connecticut seaport since 1784, building over 600 ships and providing chandlery services for countless more. The harbour remains the focus of the town, buzzing with shops, restaurants and cafés. The town’s nautical heritage is reflected in Mystic Seaport Museum, kayak and paddleboard tours and even in Mystic Knotwork, a local shop that sells hand-tied nautical knot bracelets, coasters, ornaments and doormats. A little further along Main Street you’ll find Mystic Pizza, the pizzeria made famous by the movie of the same name that marked one of Julia Roberts’ first roles, which was shot at various locations around the town.

Sitting at the lower end of Moosehead Lake in the Maine Highlands, Greenville is the historic gateway to the north country and a lively centre for outdoor recreation in the area. Moosehead Lake is the largest body of freshwater in the state, and as its name suggests it's a great place to spot moose, which gather here in their hundreds. It's also a hub for all kinds of boating and watersports, and visitors can ride on the magnificent Katahdin, built in 1914 and the last remaining steamboat in Maine.

Imagine the quintessential Vermont town – a white steepled church backed by mountains covered in a riot of autumn colours – and you’ve essentially imagined Stowe. Sitting at the foot of Mount Mansfield, it’s also the perfect base for a host of outdoor activities whatever the season. Nearby you’ll find two of Vermont’s most beautiful waterfalls – Moss Glen and Bingham – and Emily's Covered Bridge, named for a jilted lover who took her own life there and continues to haunt it to this day. The story goes that she occasionally gouges at cars as they pass through.

In the late 1800s trains brought city dwellers to the 'highest town in New Hampshire' to escape hay fever and the summer heat. Now they come to this corner of the White Mountains for all kinds of reasons: old-fashioned festivals, first class theatre and art, excellent antique shopping and top-notch restaurants and breweries. Plus, of course, the great outdoors. In winter, cross-country skiing is king, while in summer mountain bikes reign supreme. A visit to The Rocks, a well-managed 1,400-acre forest reservation, is an absolute must at any time of year.

Just 40 miles (64km) northeast of Boston on the tip of the Cape Ann peninsula, Rockport is the quintessential seaside New England town – but with a distinctive artistic slant. The town has more than 30 galleries featuring the work of over 400 artists, many of whom you’ll bump into around town, their easels out and ready to talk to you about their work. In fact, the red building on the dock is said to be the most painted in America. Alternatively, head out onto the water in a kayak or on a historic schooner and keep your eye out for Rockport’s other famous residents – pods of humpback whales, minke whales and finback whales.

There must be something in the water in the tiny town of Kent, and fortunately it's not an overhang from its time as a centre of the iron industry. Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger lives in the town and Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane was born in it, while actor Ted Danson and singers Lana Del Rey and KT Tunstall went to school here. With a beautiful town centre, the stunning Kent Falls State Park and 17 waterfalls right on the outskirts of town, the real question is why they would ever want to leave.

Tucked away on Maine's southern tip, York is the second oldest town in the state. Old York Gaol is among the oldest English public buildings in the US, and the nearby Nubble Lighthouse is surely a candidate for the cutest lighthouse on Earth. The town itself bustles with quaint shops and honky-tonk arcades, the beaches are wide and long, and clifftop walks offer solitude and peace. But let’s be honest – the biggest reason to visit York is to stop off at The Goldenrod, the region's premier candy store since 1896, for some of its famous saltwater taffy.

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Nestled in the mountains of southern Vermont, Grafton is one of New England’s prettiest villages. And despite its small size and beauty, it's definitely not a living museum. Many of the beautiful and historic buildings have been restored by residents who still hold traditional town meetings to decide on important matters. The result is a town that looks much as it did years ago – and feels the same too. The town is particularly pretty during the colder months – visit in winter and discover a snowglobe come to life.

Harrisville is a preserved 19th-century mill town located in the Monadnock region of southern New Hampshire. The town is centred around a 19th-century industrial mill complex and is the best-preserved mill town in New England. Here you’ll find 10 lakes and ponds, a rehabilitated brick and granite mill and a traditional New England general store. It is surrounded by a vibrant rural community who bring their freshly grown produce to the town’s bustling farmers' market.

It’s all about the clams in this part of coastal Essex County. Ipswich is known for the soft-shell variety – or steamers – that are dug from the sand along the coast here and famously served fried. There’s an annual Chowderfest held on the River Walk every October – especially popular with Bostonians who make the trip north ­– but you can sample this delicacy any time of year at the Clam Box, the Choate Bridge Pub or fresh as you like from the Shellfish Fish Market.

Located in the heart of the beautiful Connecticut River Valley, Chester makes the perfect New England getaway. The picturesque village centre is bursting with lively art galleries, shops and restaurants. And if you’re feeling active, you can always bike through the Cockaponset State Forest, swim at Cedar Lake or take a tour of the Chester Museum at The Mill. Or cross the Connecticut River to visit historic Gillette Castle on a ferry service that has been operating since 1769.

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