Boston holidays

Begin your New England odyssey with a break in the beautiful harbour city of Boston...

It's home to a world-famous university, the Freedom Trail, one of America's most iconic baseball teams, and the place where everybody knows your name, and they're always glad you came - yes, the Cheers bar of the much-loved 1980s' sitcom.

Boston holidays start with flights that arrive into Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). From there it's just a hop, skip and a jump into the city to get your Boston break underway.

Holidays in Boston often kick off a tour of wider New England, where the beaches, mountains and forests of Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, and Rhode Island await. This north-eastern corner of the United States of America is one of the most stunning parts of the country, and as close to feeling British - or Irish - as you'll find anywhere in the US.

Boston is one of America's oldest cities and was where the Sons of Liberty - a band of American patriots - lit the fuse of American Independence. They were behind the notorious Boston Tea Party, during which the sons destroyed chests of tea belonging to the then almighty-powerful Brits. Take to the streets and follow the red bricks of the Freedom Trail to weave your way past 16 significant sites.

Stay on your feet, as Boston is an incredibly easy and pleasant city to walk around. Meander through characterful old neighbourhoods such as North End and Back Bay, which sits on the Charles River and is famous for its Victorian brownstone houses. Neighbouring Beacon Hill features narrow, gas-lit streets and is a short distance from the greenery of Boston Common and Boston Public Garden. Irish Charlestown and working-class South Boston, affectionately known as 'Southie', have eclectic populations and are exciting neighbourhoods to explore.

You'll find the Cheers bar in Beacon Hill, though TV bosses used only the exterior for the popular show. Head to Faneuil Hall - an important and historic marketplace and meeting hall - to sup a pint in a recreation of the well-known television bar.

Savour the electric atmosphere at Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, and discover why America loves baseball.

If your feet are getting tired, you can always hop on one of the MBTA's public transport options. There's the 'T', America's first subway system and a safe, fast and good-value method of getting from A to B in Boston. There are also buses, railways, and boats. Make your way over to the Cambridge area of Boston to drink in the student vibe at Harvard.

Boston has a British feel, and you'll get the kind of typically unpredictable weather associated with the UK...

Summer is warm and thunderstorms are common. Expect temperatures anywhere between 15C and 28C. Many visitors flock to Boston and New England in autumn to see the fall colours as the leaves turn. Daily average temperatures will drop and can be quite low as the winter nears. Low temperatures, crisp days and plenty of snow dominate winter and early spring, though many travellers visit and enjoy the winter wonderland.

Boston knows how to have a good time and this sense of joy is reflected in the city's annual events...

St Patrick's Day; March: Irish Boston hosts one of the largest St Patrick's Day parades in the world. The city goes green as the strong links with Ireland are celebrated in traditional style - parades, beer, partying and plenty of good old-fashioned Irish craic.

Baseball season starts; April: Be at Fenway Park and catch the Boston Red Sox as they swing into action at the start of the Major League Baseball season. Grab a hot dog and a cap and set the tone for your foray into the fanatical world of baseball in Boston.

Chinatown Main Street Festival; June: This free event in Boston's vibrant Chinatown is one not to be missed. There are traditional performances and lion dances in the area, which is just south of downtown Boston.

Chowderfest; July: Who makes the best chowder in Boston? Find out at Chowderfest, part of the Boston Harborfest. Lovers of seafood will be in culinary heaven in Boston.

Fall foliage; September/October/November: Thousands of holidaymakers travel to Boston and New England to see the spectacular sight of the leaves turning from deep green to gold, orange and crimson. Leaf-peepers, as they are affectionately called, boost autumn tourism significantly.