Political secrets, explore hippy history and try fab food

Our stay in the town was at the almost regal-looking Hotel Viking.

It’s an exceptional building with a rooftop bar and a spa, and is only a ten-minute walk from the bustling town centre.

Settling into the self-proclaimed “sailing capital of the world”, we nestled into the 18th Century Clarke Cooke House for brunch, and a lesson in yacht racing history.

The really quite spectacular brunch included mimosas, poached eggs and a cracking chocolate mousse.

Total bliss, and one of the real high points of the trip.

We followed such decadence by entering into Newport’s nautical spirit, hopping aboard the motor yacht Rum Runner II.

The vessel was built during the Prohibition era as a way for New Jersey mobsters to elude the coastguard while speeding off with cases of hooch.

For our last seafood supper, we travelled 30 minutes outside of Newport to Matunuck Oyster Bar.

As you might have guessed, the restaurant is famed for its oysters, which are grown metres from the restaurant, just off its waterfront patio.

I arrived without ever having tried the delicacy, and left wondering where in Scotland I should go for my next fix.

There were salty, delicious, and as fresh as the coastal air.