Overview
Peterborough is a village in New Hampshire. It was founded in 1760 and has about 6,300 residents.
5 things to do · 5 places to eat · 2 bars & cafés · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Peterborough
Peterborough Contra Dance
Try out a traditional New England folk dance that has been flourishing here since the 1700s. Contra is easy to learn, making it welcoming for travelers without prior experience.
Mount Monadnock
One of the most-climbed mountains in the world. The hike is quick and views from the top are phenomenal.
Mariposa Museum
It features crafts from around the world, as well as frequent musical performances.
The Peterborough Players
Has been putting on plays during the summer months for over a hundred years. James Whitimore was a regular there.
MacDowell Dam and Recreation Area
Has a lovely beach and is a good place to relax on a hot summer day. Unfortunately, the town beach at Cunningham Pond is for residents only and your car will be towed if you park there without a sticker. But MacDowell da…
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 — 26 mi away. Directions
- ORH Worcester Regional Airport, Worcester — 42 mi away. Directions
- BOS Boston Logan International Airport, Boston — 59 mi away (major hub). Directions
Peterborough is located at the crossroads of Routes 101 and 202, and can be reached easily from Montreal, Manchester, or Boston.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning MacDowell Dam and Recreation Area, Peterborough Contra Dance, Mount Monadnock
- Lunch Harlow's Pub
- Afternoon Mariposa Museum, The Peterborough Players
- Dinner The Peterborough Diner
- Evening The Wreck Room
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
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Peterborough appears as a classic small New England town, featured in USA Today as most picturesque and idyllic in the state. It has a charming brick downtown, and is a popular stop on leaf-peeping tours. Its cultural activities attract many throughout the region.
Get in
Peterborough is located at the crossroads of Routes 101 and 202, and can be reached easily from Montreal, Manchester, or Boston.
Get around
The easiest way to explore the downtown area is to walk, as it's not very large. There are also bicycle paths and cross-country ski trails that wind along rivers.
See
Start your tour at the horsehead fountain in front of town hall; just point your phone at the UPC code there to access the guide. Every May Peterborough hosts a Children and the Arts festival, which involves hundreds of schoolchildren and centers around many performing venues. It also has a giant puppet parade. The Thing in the Spring music festival, Broke Arts festival, Wellness Festival and Greenerborough are just a few of the many events you'll find listed in the Monadnock Ledger-Transcript Calendar .
Do
Do Mount Monadnock
One of the most-climbed mountains in the world. The hike is quick and views from the top are phenomenal.
Do Mariposa Museum
It features crafts from around the world, as well as frequent musical performances.
Do The Peterborough Players
Has been putting on plays during the summer months for over a hundred years. James Whitimore was a regular there.
Do MacDowell Dam and Recreation Area
Has a lovely beach and is a good place to relax on a hot summer day. Unfortunately, the town beach at Cunningham Pond is for residents only and your car will be towed if you park there without a sticker. But MacDowell dam is public and free. It has hiking and skiing trails, kayak and fishing boat launch, picnic areas, frisbee and other recreational games.
Buy
There are many shops in the downtown area.
Eat
Eat Harlow's Pub
Popular with the locals. It features delicious burritos, sandwiches, and pasta, and has a great atmosphere. Dinners run about $8.
Eat The Peterborough Diner
A classic small-town eatery. It makes delicious burgers, fries, and Oreo frappes. A good lunch costs about $8.
Eat Waterhouse
Lovely bar. Makes delicious gourmet pizzas among other upscale foods. Dinner will cost about $20-42 per person.
Eat Nonie's
Makes the best breakfasts in town and has awesome lunch specials too. It opens at 6 sharp and stays open until 2 or 3. Breakfast is about $7, lunch is a few dollars more.
Eat Ave Marie's
Has great homemade chocolates and ice creams. The ginger ice cream, when they have it, is highly recommended. A medium ice cream is about $3.
Drink
Drink Harlow's Pub
The best bar in town. They have a wide variety of regional beers and the atmosphere is great on Friday nights.
Drink The Wreck Room
Music venue and bar
Sleep
Nearby
Rindge
City / town · 8 listings · 9 mi away
Francestown
City / town · 3 listings · 11 mi away
Brookline
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Amherst
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Swanzey
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Keene
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Hillsborough
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My experience
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