Location: Portsmouth
Top Things to do in Portsmouth
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10 Historic Sites in Portsmouth That You Shouldn't Miss
Don your walking shoes, breathe in the ocean air and set out to discover this picturesque maritime town. You can join one of several organized walking tours or explore on your own. Portsmouth is filled with old homes and museums, and you'll have your pick of fascinating historic sites. Climb aboard the USS Albacore, a retired U.S. Navy submarine offering tours and exhibits. View an 18th-century garden, striking stairway and period furniture at the Moffatt Ladd House, the home of William Whipple, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, or follow a costumed guide through the John Paul Jones House, home of the Revolutionary War naval hero. For a broader look at the city's history, visit Strawbery Banke Museum, where over 40 buildings have been assembled to depict Portsmouth life from 1695 to 1950, complete with costumed actors. If you know architecture, Portsmouth's array of Colonial, Federalist and Neo-classical styles will dazzle you. Weary of walking? Sit down for a meal at one of Portsmouth's fine eateries or relax on a narrated harbor or whale-watching cruise.
Restaurants in Portsmouth
1. Nathan Parker House
2. North Church Of Portsmouth
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
3. North Cemetery
4. Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 91 reviews
Originally built for a wealthy merchant family, and later the residence of one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, this splendid home features an elegant 18th-century garden, interesting carvings, and much of the original furniture. Guided tours of the house are available June 1 through mid-October, Monday-Saturday 11am to 5pm and Sundays 1-5pm. Tours last 45-60mins and are $8 for adults, $2.5 for children (6-12) and children under 6 are free. To tour the garden on your own is just $2 per person.
5. Rundlet-May House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
6. Strawbery Banke Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,103 reviews
Museum houses open in December only for Candlelight Stroll: Saturdays Dec 12 and 19, 5-9 pm and Sundays, December 13 and 20, 4-8 pm. Guided Holiday House Tours offered Dec 26-31, 10 am to 2 pm with last tour starting at 2 pm. Labrie Family Skate outdoor ice rink at the museum is open daily 9 am to 9 pm (except for occasional private rentals).
Reviewed By aneczypor - Seattle, United States
This historic park is fabulous. From the first video to all the various houses, it is non stop entertaining and beautiful. The structures range from very old homes, to stores and churches transporting you back to another world and time. The buildings are often staffed by volunteers dressed in vintage clothing who act out the person who lived or worked there. The gardens are beautiful and the garden tour is worth taking if you are a Gardner. Do not go to Portsmouth and miss this magical place.
7. Warner House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
The governor's mansion when Portsmouth was state capital in the 1700s, this historic 1718 house was the site of many important decisions about New Hampshires future.
Reviewed By proudrose - Ottawa, Canada
We had a fantastic tour, We had arranged to meet the director at the house as it was closed for the season for regular tours. He was amazing and so knowledgeable. We found out about the family who had built the house and everything in it. Just great for history buffs
8. African Burying Ground
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By ShayAndRay - Yonkers, United States
Found this monument and the Black Heritage trail, on a GPS map, before visiting Portsmouth, NH. My wife and I were quite unaware of Portsmouth’s role in colonial history. And we were even more astonished to learn of the role and presence of early Black Americans in this town. These monuments are very respectful and moving memorials to forgotten individuals, and a testament to modern-day Portsmouth’s spirit of acceptance, tolerance and remembrance. Please visit and make sure to read the memorial plaques.
9. Wentworth-Gardner House
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 16 reviews
Located in the historic South End neighborhood of Portsmouth, NH, the Wentworth Gardner House overlooks the back channel of the Piscataqua River. The Wentworth-Gardner house is a classic example of Georgian architecture.
10. Jackson House
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 10 reviews
The look and feel of colonial New Hampshire is still visible in the sloping roof of the Portsmouth's Jackson House, the oldest surviving wood frame house in New Hampshire and Maine.
