Overview
Amherst is a town in the Merrimack Valley of New Hampshire.
3 sights · 4 things to do · 8 places to eat
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Amherst
Amherst Village
There are over 100 properties of historical significance in the village from a time period ranging from 1700-1924. The entire Historic District is on the National Register which means the possess significance in New Engl…
Amherst Village Historic District Park
Baboosic Lake
Ponemah Bog Wildlife Refuge Park
Amherst Country Club
If you are looking for a great place for a day out on the golf course this is the spot for you. Amherst Country Club has 18 beautiful holes and fun family events.
Jasper Valley Swim and Tennis
Jasper is a family fun summer club that includes tennis, outdoor swimming pools, arts and crafts, and other entertainments. This is a seasonal club that is affordable and comfortable for all ages.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 84°F; winter lows dip to about 14°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Oct and Dec. (climate data from nearby Nashua)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- MHT Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, Manchester — 11 mi away. Directions
- BED Laurence G Hanscom Field, Bedford — 32 mi away. Directions
- BOS Boston Logan International Airport, Boston — 47 mi away (major hub). Directions
Amherst is in Hillsborough County, about 10 miles west of downtown Nashua and only about 25 minutes drive from downtown Manchester.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Amherst Village, Amherst Village Historic District Park
- Lunch Aspirations Bistro & Bakery
- Afternoon Ponemah Bog Wildlife Refuge Park, Party Vision Entertainment
- Dinner Black Forest Cafe & Bakery
Day 2
- Morning Baboosic Lake, Amherst Country Club
- Lunch Chicken Soup Designs
- Afternoon Jasper Valley Swim and Tennis
- Dinner Eden Restaurant & Lounge
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Amherst came about due to land given to soldiers in 1728 who had participated in King Philip's War. This was first named "Narragansett Number 3" in 1733 and then later changed to "Souhegan Number 3." Settlers there formed a Congregational church and hired their first minister In 1741. The town was named for Lord General Jeffrey Amherst, he initiated the practice of giving smallpox blankets to Native Americans and commanded British forces in North America during the French and Indian War. Today, Amherst houses a population of a little over 10,000 people in an area of 35 square miles.
Get in
Amherst is in Hillsborough County, about 10 miles west of downtown Nashua and only about 25 minutes drive from downtown Manchester.
By plane
Manchester Airport- One Airport Road, Manchester, +1 603-624-6556
By car
Regal Limousine Service-3 Howe Dr, Suite 1
Velocity Travel +1 603 672-5550
See
See Amherst Village Historic District Park
See Baboosic Lake
See Ponemah Bog Wildlife Refuge Park
Do
Do Amherst Country Club
If you are looking for a great place for a day out on the golf course this is the spot for you. Amherst Country Club has 18 beautiful holes and fun family events.
Do Amherst Village
There are over 100 properties of historical significance in the village from a time period ranging from 1700-1924. The entire Historic District is on the National Register which means the possess significance in New England and American history in their architecture, culture and historic integrity. To be eligible for the National Register the landmark must not have lost the physical qualities that convey its significance. This common has played an important role in the community for activity for the past 200 years. Today, Amherst's community functions including the Fourth of July, Antiques on the Green, Easter egg hunts, the Farmers Market, the Tree Lighting, and the summer band concerts.
Do Jasper Valley Swim and Tennis
Jasper is a family fun summer club that includes tennis, outdoor swimming pools, arts and crafts, and other entertainments. This is a seasonal club that is affordable and comfortable for all ages.
Learn
Colleges-
New Hampshire College (about 17 miles; Manchester, NH; Full-time enrollment: 3,251)
University of Massachusetts-Lowell (about 20 miles; Lowell, MA; enrollment: 8,373)
Fitchburg State College (about 22 miles; Fitchburg, MA; enrollment: 3,660)
Mount Wachusett Community College (about 28 miles; Gardner, MA; enrollment: 2,023)
Northern Essex Community College (about 28 miles; Haverhill, MA; enrollment: 3,388)
Merrimack College (about 28 miles; North Andover, MA; enrollment: 2,384)
Middlesex Community College (about 30 miles; Bedford, MA; enrollment: 4,501)
Eat
Eat Aspirations Bistro & Bakery
Nearby
Milford
City / town · 9 listings · 2 mi away
Brookline
City / town · 1 listings · 2 mi away
Merrimack
City / town · 29 listings · 7 mi away
Bedford
City / town · 5 listings · 8 mi away
Nashua
City / town · 16 listings · 10 mi away
Hudson
City / town · 8 listings · 12 mi away
Manchester
City / town · 38 listings · 13 mi away
Londonderry
City / town · 9 listings · 13 mi away
My experience
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