New Hampshire’s small towns are often so packed with history that it’s difficult to soak it all in. Many of these towns are also located in some of the most beautiful areas of the state. In Hillsborough County, the Town of Peterborough offers both charm and an interesting past, which makes it one of the best historic towns in New Hampshire!

The Town of Peterborough was permanently settled in 1749 after being granted by Massachusetts in 1737. It was later incorporated in 1760.
George Carmichael/iStock/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
The Contoocook River and Nubanusit Brook made Peterborough a bustling center of industry in the 1800s. Numerous mills and factories used the waterways for power.
John Poltrack/500px/500px Plus vis Getty Images
The most prominent natural feature of the greater Peterborough area is southern New Hampshire's highest summit, Mt. Monadnock.
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A 1906 postcard scene of Main Street shows the quaint New England charm that is still present today in enchanting towns in New Hampshire like this one.
Unknown photographer/Wikimedia Commons

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In 1933, the Peterborough Players Theatre was established. To this day, the Players still perform seven productions each year.
Peterborough Players/Facebook
Peterborough, NH has long been a haven for artists, spurred in part by an artist's founded by Edward and Marian MacDowell in 1907.
MacDowell/Facebook
A proposal at an 1833 town meeting created the Peterborough Town Library, the first library to be free to the public and fully supported by taxation.
Peterborough Town Library
Many historic buildings and homes remain within the town. Wilson Tavern was built in 1797 and is now home to Cranberry Meadow Farm Inn.
Cranberry Meadow Farm Inn
While in Peterborough, be sure to stop at one of the fine downtown restaurants. Waterhouse Restaurant offers a relaxing atmosphere along the Nubanusit River.
Waterhouse Restaurant/Facebook

Peterborough lies in the heart of the Monadnock Region and is easily accessible from several state highways. The best small towns in NH certainly include this gem! For an authentic experience, stay in a Vrbo and you will be able to get a feel for what it’s like to live in this lovely town.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Peterborough, New Hampshire? What was your favorite part of your trip? Please let us know in the comments section. We are always happy to hear about your fun experiences!

Looking for other destinations or historic towns New Hampshire? Visit Exeter, New Hampshire near the seacoast or take a drive north to the mountains to see the idyllic Sugar Hill, New Hampshire.

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Danielle Schwartz | February 23, 2024

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The most walkable town in New Hampshire is Portsmouth. While so many cities require that you have a car to get around, Portsmouth is a great option when you just want to explore on foot and enjoy the fresh air and gorgeous views of the Piscataqua River. There are lots of pretty parks in this town as well. You will love the lush greenery!

What are the best day trips in New Hampshire?

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Peterborough, NH 03458, USA