Learn about the best parks, attractions, museums, historic landmarks, tours, and other things to do in Portsmouth NH and the surrounding Seacoast area.

fort constitution

Fort Constitution

Route 1A, New Castle, NH

Built in the 1700s as Fort William and Mary, Fort Constitution was the subject of Paul Revere's first ride and, some say, the first overt act of the Revolutionary War. The fort is not staffed, nor are there brochures or other information available. Access is through a short walk across the Coast Guard station parking lot.

Gov. John Langdon House

Gov. John Langdon House

(603) 436-3205
143 Pleasant St., Portsmouth, NH 03801

The Gov. John Langdon House is an exceptional Georgian mansion which George Washington thought of as the best in Portsmouth. Its reception rooms are of a grand scale suited to ceremonial occasions and are ornamented by elaborate wood carving in the Rococo style.

John Paul Jones House

John Paul Jones House

(603) 436-8420
43 Middle St., Portsmouth, NH 03801

Revolutionary War hero John Paul Jones stayed at the home at Court and Middle streets in Portsmouth in 1777 while his ship "The Ranger" was being built. Today the house is a museum focusing on Jones' life and the Revolutionary War.

New England Curiosities

(603) 343-7977

Experience local legends, lore and mystery. Tales of folklore, ghosts and mysterious history with author and historian Roxie Zwicker. New Hampshire's only ghost tour.

Woodman Institute Museum

(603) 742-1038
182 Central Ave., Dover, NH 03820

Dover's Woodman Institute offers an eclectic collection of natural science, local early history, and art. On display are rocks and minerals, butterflies, stuffed animals, Native American items, early furniture and artifacts from the Civil War, as well as an original 1675 fortified garrison house.