Barrington (Rhode Island)

Barrington is a scenic town of 17,000 (2020) in Bristol County, Rhode Island with many great waterfront properties and activities.

Understand
Barrington was established as its own town back in 1717 and is named after Barrington, Somerset where many of the original English settlers came from. Barrington is not a very large town as it spans only 15.4 square miles. However, of the 15.4 square miles, 8.4 of it is land and 7.0 of it is water. Much of Barrington's history comes from the brick industry and small businesses clustered along the main street, which helps it maintain its friendly and comfortable atmosphere.

Bordered on three sides by water, this small town on Narragansett Bay retains the leisurely feel of its days as an early 20th-century summer resort, and its proximity to Providence and Newport allows easy access to both city and beaches. Entering from either side of Barrington, either from Seekonk, Massachusetts, or from Warren, Rhode Island, you will run across or next to the Barrington River. In the summer, many people enjoy days of waterskiing, fishing, and sailing on the river. Other main attractions during the summer are the Barrington Beach and Rhode Island Country Club.

Due to its coastal New England climate, Barrington experiences all four seasons, with a long summer, blooming spring, scenic autumn, and snowy winter. In the summer, it offers quick getaways to the beaches in Newport, the Cape, and the Islands, and in the winter, ski trips to New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont are just a few hours north. Barrington offers the best parts of New England living, while offering a quiet haven with easy access to the nearby action.

Get around
Barrington is easily navigated either by car or by public transportation. The RIPTA (Rhode Island Public Transit Authority) has eight stops within the town. Barrington is also home to a bike path that runs through some of its more scenic locations such as Brickyard Pond, the YMCA softball field, and through the center of town. This makes it easy to get around Barrington either by bike, walking, running, or driving. Travel by boat along the Barrington River by way of the Yacht Club. Barrington's waterside location also makes the town easily accessible to Narragansett Bay boaters looking to dock up and grab a bite to eat.

Do

 * Boating and sailing lessons: Narragansett Sailing School, at Cove Haven Marina, offers a variety of American Sailing Association certified classes to help beginners and experienced sailors be prepared to sail on the open water.
 * Boating and sailing lessons: Narragansett Sailing School, at Cove Haven Marina, offers a variety of American Sailing Association certified classes to help beginners and experienced sailors be prepared to sail on the open water.
 * Boating and sailing lessons: Narragansett Sailing School, at Cove Haven Marina, offers a variety of American Sailing Association certified classes to help beginners and experienced sailors be prepared to sail on the open water.
 * Boating and sailing lessons: Narragansett Sailing School, at Cove Haven Marina, offers a variety of American Sailing Association certified classes to help beginners and experienced sailors be prepared to sail on the open water.
 * Boating and sailing lessons: Narragansett Sailing School, at Cove Haven Marina, offers a variety of American Sailing Association certified classes to help beginners and experienced sailors be prepared to sail on the open water.
 * Boating and sailing lessons: Narragansett Sailing School, at Cove Haven Marina, offers a variety of American Sailing Association certified classes to help beginners and experienced sailors be prepared to sail on the open water.
 * Boating and sailing lessons: Narragansett Sailing School, at Cove Haven Marina, offers a variety of American Sailing Association certified classes to help beginners and experienced sailors be prepared to sail on the open water.
 * Boating and sailing lessons: Narragansett Sailing School, at Cove Haven Marina, offers a variety of American Sailing Association certified classes to help beginners and experienced sailors be prepared to sail on the open water.
 * Boating and sailing lessons: Narragansett Sailing School, at Cove Haven Marina, offers a variety of American Sailing Association certified classes to help beginners and experienced sailors be prepared to sail on the open water.
 * Boating and sailing lessons: Narragansett Sailing School, at Cove Haven Marina, offers a variety of American Sailing Association certified classes to help beginners and experienced sailors be prepared to sail on the open water.

Drink
The Democratic Club, Rhode Island Country Club, and Yacht Club feature bars, but all three only serve members. Liquor can be bought locally at Grapes and Grains in the Center Marketplace just off of county road. Liquor stores are also available a short drive over the border to East Providence, Seekonk, or Warren.



Sleep
There are no hotels located in Barrington, the closest one is approximately 15 minutes away in Seekonk, Massachusetts.



Go next
While there is very little to do in Barrington concerning nightlife, the surrounding towns offer numerous options. Upscale dining can be found on Federal Hill in Providence, or on America's Cup Ave in Newport. Providence, Newport, and Bristol all feature a vibrant nightlife with a wide variety of bars, restaurants, and clubs, 30 minutes or less from town.