You don’t need to cross the Atlantic to experience the charm of Europe. From grand estates and medieval-style castles to coastal villages and formal gardens, Massachusetts is filled with destinations that feel like they belong in Italy, France, or England.
Even better? Many of these places can be explored without the stress of driving, using the Commuter Rail, and thoughtfully planned day trips.
We’ve compiled some of our favorite spots in Massachusetts that make you feel like you’re in Europe without ever leaving the state, along with tips on how to visit them on the Commuter Rail.
Crane Estate – Ipswich, MA
Perched on a hill overlooking the Atlantic, Crane Estate feels like stepping into the English countryside or an Italian villa.
The grand architecture, sweeping lawns, and formal gardens evoke old-world elegance, while the scale of the property gives it that unmistakable European estate feel. Whether you’re wandering the manicured grounds or taking in the ocean views from the Great House, it’s easy to forget you’re still in Massachusetts.
How to visit without a car:
Take the MBTA Commuter Rail Newburyport/Rockport Line from North Station to Ipswich. From there, additional transportation is needed to reach the estate.
Pro Tip! Skip the hassle of figuring out how to get to and from the Crane Estate; rideshares are often unreliable in this area. Keolis massAdventures offers curated day trips with transportation from the train station included, making for a seamless, car-free experience.
Whether you’re interested in kayaking along Crane Beach, becoming a “Guest of the Cranes” on a guided mansion tour, or enjoying a full-day experience exploring downtown Ipswich and heading up to the roof at the Crane Estate, there’s an option for everyone.
Hammond Castle Museum- Gloucester, MA
This museum is probably the closest thing to a European castle in Massachusetts. Built in the 1920s but designed to resemble a medieval fortress, Hammond Castle Museum features stone arches, cloisters, stained glass, and dramatic courtyards. Inside, the space feels like a mix of a Gothic cathedral and a historic museum, while outside, sweeping ocean views mirror the coastal cliffs of Italy or France.
How to visit without a car:
Keolis massAdventures offers an all-inclusive day trip to Hammond Castle Museum. When you book, we include the Weekend Commuter Rail Pass, instructions on what train to take, transportation from the Gloucester MBTA Station to the Museum and back, and admission to the museum. Our day trip eliminates the planning so you can sit back and enjoy your day in Gloucester!
Mirbeau Inn & Spa – Plymouth, MA
Inspired by Monet’s gardens in Giverny, Mirbeau Inn & Spa Plymouth delivers a distinctly French countryside experience.
With its quiet walking paths, lily ponds, and European-style architecture, it feels more like a retreat in rural France than a destination just outside Boston. It’s an ideal stop for a slower, more refined day.
How to visit without a car:
Take the Kingston Line on the MBTA Commuter Rail to Kingston, then arrange a short rideshare to Plymouth, where you’ll be transported to paradise.
Photo courtesy of: Mirbeau Inn and Spa
Wayside Inn Grist Mill- Sudbury, MA
The Wayside Inn Grist Mill looks like it was lifted straight out of the English countryside.
This historic reproduction features a working water wheel, a charming wooden bridge, and peaceful surroundings that feel timeless. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, take a walk, and imagine life centuries ago.
How to visit without a car:
Take the Framingham Commuter Rail Line from South Station to Framingham, and then it’s a short bus or ride share away.
Lyman Estate- Waltham, MA
Lyman Estate offers a blend of historic architecture and greenhouse gardens that feel distinctly European.
The estate’s elegant mansion has one of the oldest surviving greenhouses in the country, creating a setting reminiscent of English manor homes and botanical estates.
How to visit without a car:
Take the MBTA Commuter Rail Fitchburg Line to Waltham then it’s a short ride via a rideshare service.
Creator: Justin Goodstein-Aue | Credit: Justin Goodstein-Aue
New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill – Boylston, MA
New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill is one of the most underrated European-feeling places in the state.
With formal garden design inspired by European horticulture, expansive conservatories, and carefully sculpted landscapes, it feels like something you’d find in London or Paris. It’s quiet, refined, and perfect for a relaxed day of exploring.
How to visit without a car:
Take the MBTA Commuter Rail from South Station to Grafton on the Worcester Line. From there, you’ll need to arrange a rideshare or skip the hassle altogether by booking a day trip with Keolis massAdventures.
The trip to the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill includes your Weekend Commuter Rail Pass, round-trip transportation from Grafton Station, and admission to the gardens, all for just $72!
Sandwich, Massachusetts- Cape Cod
Because Sandwich, Massachusetts, is one of the oldest towns on Cape Cod, we couldn’t pick just one place to highlight—so we’re spotlighting the whole town. With its quiet charm and historic architecture that rivals a small English village, Sandwich feels like a step back in time.
Wander through the beautifully preserved grounds of the Heritage Museums & Gardens, stroll along the iconic Sandwich Boardwalk with sweeping marsh and ocean views, or explore the craftsmanship at the Sandwich Glass Museum. With historic homes, walkable streets, and scenic coastal landscapes, it offers a slower pace that feels worlds away from the city.
How to visit without a car:
During the Summer, it’s easy to get to Cape Cod with the CapeFlyer train service that departs out of South Station. This is a seasonal train that runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Honorable Mention: The Mount, Edith Wharton Cultural Center – Lenox, MA
Although you can’t reach Lenox without a car we felt it was worth mentioning on this list. Designed by Edith Wharton, The Mount is a prime example of French estate design.
Formal symmetry, terraces, and gardens inspired by France define the property, while the interiors reflect refined European taste. Located in the Berkshires, it feels like a true countryside escape.
Exploring Europe-Inspired Destinations Without the Stress
While Massachusetts offers no shortage of European-inspired destinations, many of them aren’t easy to reach without a car.
That’s where the MBTA Commuter Rail and Keolis massAdventure’s curated day trips come in!
Keolis massAdventures makes these destinations more accessible by pairing train travel with last-mile transportation, pre-planned itineraries, and seamless logistics so you can focus on what’s important, the experience, not the planning.
Plan Your Next Car-Free Escape
From castle-like architecture and French-inspired gardens to coastal villages and countryside estates, Massachusetts offers a surprising number of places that feel like Europe.
And the best part? You don’t need a passport—or a car—to experience them.
Explore upcoming trips and start planning your next car-free adventure.
