Peterborough

Travel Guide

Peterborough showing autumn leaves and a house
Peterborough showing autumn colours
Peterborough
Peterborough showing a house
Peterborough featuring signage

Home to an art colony and one of America’s oldest basket companies, this idyllic town in New Hampshire was also the inspiration for Thornton Wilder’s play Our Town.

Historic New England meets a thriving arts scene in Peterborough, New Hampshire. See its charming red-brick town center and gorgeous natural surroundings that have made the town a favorite among tourists.

Start your tour of downtown at the Peterborough Historical Society. Check out the 18th-century kitchen and learn about local history through its series of rotating exhibits.

The sprawling brick Peterborough Town Library, supported by soaring white columns, is an iconic building. Established in 1833, it also has the distinction of being the country’s oldest tax-supported public library. When you enter the library, look up. The veranda’s ceiling is adorned with a mural depicting a beautiful Contoocook River scene.

Peterborough was the inspiration for Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer-winning play about small-town America, Our Town. Look for Grove Street, very similar in name to Grover’s Corners, the fictional setting for the play.

Browse the shops and galleries of Depot Square, Peterborough’s retail hub. Have lunch in one of its restaurants. Peterborough Diner has hosted numerous presidential candidates on the campaign trail.

Continue your shopping at Peterboro Basket Company, which has been producing handcrafted wooden baskets since 1854. It is one of the oldest continuously operating basket companies in the United States.

Immerse yourself in New Hampshire’s scenic beauty at Miller State Park. Climb to the top of Pack Monadnock. To enjoy the mountain’s stunning views without the hike, drive along the paved road leading to its summit.

MacDowell Art Colony, just outside town, has been operating for over 100 years. Make an appointment to see works of MacDowell Fellows in the Eugene Coleman Savidge Library. The site also hosts events throughout the year.

Despite its small size, Peterborough has a large cultural scene, regularly hosting concerts, art festivals, plays and dance shows. Whether you come for a special event or just want to explore, you’re sure to leave this charming town wearing a smile.

Riverhouse by Weekender (Formerly Jack Daniels Inn)

Riverhouse by Weekender (Formerly Jack Daniels Inn)

2.5 out of 5
80 Concord Street, Peterborough, NH
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Peterborough. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (406 reviews)
"Spacious room with view of river!!"

Reviewed on 25 Jul 2025

Riverhouse by Weekender (Formerly Jack Daniels Inn)
Studio Apt with Full Kitchen. 1 minute stroll over picturesque bridge into town.

Studio Apt with Full Kitchen. 1 minute stroll over picturesque bridge into town.

Peterborough
The price is €167 per night from 5 Aug to 6 Aug
€167
5 Aug - 6 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this apartment in Peterborough. Enjoy free WiFi, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Mariposa Museum and World Cultures ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (18 reviews)
"My stay was what I wanted – quiet and time to study and pray. The town has many beautiful brick buildings and quaint shops for shopping. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay."

Reviewed on 25 Jul 2025

Studio Apt with Full Kitchen. 1 minute stroll over picturesque bridge into town.
Great Wolf Lodge Boston / Fitchburg, MA

Great Wolf Lodge Boston / Fitchburg, MA

3.5 out of 5
150 Great Wolf Dr, Fitchburg, MA
The price is €192 per night from 14 Aug to 15 Aug
€192
14 Aug - 15 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly resort in Fitchburg. Enjoy 4 indoor pools, free water park access, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,016 reviews)
"The staffs are friendly, the rooms are clean nice and spacious."

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2025

Great Wolf Lodge Boston / Fitchburg, MA
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Studio Apt with Full Kitchen. 1 minute stroll over picturesque bridge into town.

Studio Apt with Full Kitchen. 1 minute stroll over picturesque bridge into town.

Peterborough
Stay at this apartment in Peterborough. Enjoy free WiFi, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Mariposa Museum and World Cultures ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (18 reviews)
"My stay was what I wanted – quiet and time to study and pray. The town has many beautiful brick buildings and quaint shops for shopping. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay."

Reviewed on 25 Jul 2025

Studio Apt with Full Kitchen. 1 minute stroll over picturesque bridge into town.
 Spectacular Log Home with Private Lake Access

Spectacular Log Home with Private Lake Access

Deering
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Hillsboro. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Deering Wildlife Habitat ...
10/10 Exceptional! (96 reviews)
"Cozy and peaceful log cabin."

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2025

Spectacular Log Home with Private Lake Access
Beautiful Private Lakefront new Log Home

Beautiful Private Lakefront new Log Home

Weare
Book a stay at this ski vacation home in Weare. Enjoy a fitness center, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Stonebridge Golf Course and Clough ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (54 reviews)
Wedding guests
"My son was getting at married at StoneBridge Country Club and we needed a house for out of town guests. This property was perfect! Close to the venue and big enough for several guests. Frank was always quick to respond to any questions I had."

Reviewed on 9 Jun 2025

Beautiful Private Lakefront new Log Home
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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