Holiday homes & rentals in Nantucket

30 miles south of Cape Cod, Nantucket fattened itself like a grey seal pup on its mother's milk from the whaling industry in the nineteenth century. It is now a summer escape for high powered types from New York and Boston, who are no doubt attracted by its rose-embroidery, cobbly streets, and beaches of golden sand.

Experience Nantucket's maritime culture

A must-see in Nantucket is the evocative Whaling Museum, housed in an old whale oil (spermaceti) candle factory. You can see engravings and carvings by sailors on ivory, whalebone and baleen, a 46 foot sperm whale skeleton, and incredible views from the rooftop deck. Immerse yourself in the historic atmosphere at this incredible prospect on the past. The Museum of African American History is a fascinating record of the influential island community.

Holidays with kids in Nantucket

Kids will adore visits to the Old Gaol, where drunken sailors used to spend the night. Built in 1806, the jail has over 125 years of history intertwined with the swashbuckling salty sea dogs who inhabited this part of America's coast in the old days. Jetties Beach, one mile north-west of the town is the best beach around, and well equipped for all kinds of outdoor water sports. Children's Beach on South Beach Street is also a great choice and has a fun playground and picnic area.

Discover these Nantucket gems

Brant Point Light

You'll be glowing after visiting this incredible historic lighthouse. Dating back to 1746, it is featured on the National Register of Historic Places and just may have illuminated a famous Nantucket sleigh ride or two way back when.

Sankaty Head Light

Located at the easternmost point of Nantucket Island, Sankaty Head was built in 1850. It was one of the first lighthouses in the States to receive a Fresnel lens, far more compact than earlier models. The lighthouse has helped mariners navigate the hazardous shoals off the Nantucket coastline ever since.

Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge

Deer, raptors and shorebirds gallivant about this rugged shoreline. Explore the sand dunes, coastal forests, and salt marshes in the area, which are home to heather, beach plum, and horseshoe crabs advancing gradually.

Maria Mitchell Observatory

Peer into the secrets of the universe through the state of the art 24 inch research telescope at this functioning research observatory. Guided tours and special events, like lectures from world experts, are regular features of this remarkable observatory.

Muskeget Island

Muskeget Island marks the maximal extent of the last glacial ice sheet to reach the north-eastern coast, millions of years ago. The National Natural Landmark is an important breeding ground for grey seals, and pups can be seen flopping along its edges. The waters surrounding the island are a feeding ground for everyone's favourites predator, the great white shark.

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