Hancock, NH

Travel Guide
Hancock which includes fall colors and a lake or waterhole
Named after a prominent signer of the Declaration of Independence, it’s fitting that this small New Hampshire town is steeped in history.

Visit Hancock, one of New Hampshire’s oldest towns. It was settled in 1764 and is named in honor of John Hancock, the patriot who played a prominent role in the American Revolution.

Stroll down picturesque Main Street. Buildings lining the street vary from stately brick storefronts to wood-shingled homes, but they have one thing in common: Almost all the buildings on Main Street are on the National Register of Historic Places.

Learn about the area’s rich history at the Hancock Historical Society. Walk through the historic Symonds Home, built in 1808, and explore a collection of antiques and exhibits from the town’s past.

Watch the village unfold before your eyes on the Hancock Town Common. Relax under the gazebo and study the monument honoring those who served in the French and Indian Wars. The green hosts a summer outdoor concert series.

Go fishing or kayaking on Norway Pond. Sunbathe on the small sandy beach or swim out to the dock in warmer months.

Stop at the Hancock Library. Besides housing a robust collection of books, the historic brick building also frequently hosts exhibits from local artists.

Visit the Hancock Inn, New Hampshire’s oldest continually operated inn. It opened its doors in 1789, during the first year of George Washington’s presidency. Eat a delicious dinner or enjoy a cozy stay in one of its historic rooms.

Learn about the importance of protecting the natural world around you at the Harris Center for Conservation Education. The conservation site offers hands-on learning activities and a network of hiking trails. Go birding or pack a picnic to enjoy in the great outdoors.

Take advantage of Hillsborough County’s natural beauty at Seven Maples Campground. Pitch a tent under the stars, swim in the pool or play shuffleboard with fellow campers.

Be enchanted by Hancock in any season, from its colorful fall leaves to its snow-blanketed winters. In under an hour, drive to larger cities such as Manchester or Concord, the state’s capital.

Days Inn by Wyndham Keene NH
Days Inn by Wyndham Keene NH
2 out of 5
3 Ash Brook Road, Keene, NH
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₩120,256 per night from May 23 to May 24
₩120,256
per night
May 23 - May 24
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Keene. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
7.2/10 Good! (872 reviews)
"It is obvious this is an older property. The small refrigerator and the microwave were plugged into an extension cord (not sure how safe that is.....). Overall it was clean and reception desk was very nice. No overall issues. I would recommend"

Reviewed on May 10, 2024

Days Inn by Wyndham Keene NH
Best Western Plus Keene Hotel
Best Western Plus Keene Hotel
3 out of 5
401 Winchester St, Keene, NH
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₩189,090 per night from May 23 to May 24
₩189,090
per night
May 23 - May 24
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Keene. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Nice pool, great breakfast"

Reviewed on May 12, 2024

Best Western Plus Keene Hotel
Courtyard by Marriott Keene Downtown
Courtyard by Marriott Keene Downtown
3 out of 5
75 Railroad St, Keene, NH
The price is ₩173,869 per night from May 20 to May 21
₩173,869
per night
May 20 - May 21
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Keene. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (901 reviews)
"The beds were comfy, the whole place was extremely clean and every employee we encountered was wonderful. I highly recommend a stay at this hotel, I know I’ll stay there again."

Reviewed on May 10, 2024

Courtyard by Marriott Keene Downtown
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.
Rustic Waterfront Cottage w/ Fire Pit & Kayaks
Rustic Waterfront Cottage w/ Fire Pit & Kayaks
3.5 out of 5
Weare
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Weare. Enjoy free parking and in-room fireplaces. Popular attraction Pats Peak is located nearby.
Rustic Waterfront Cottage w/ Fire Pit & Kayaks
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.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Hancock

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
3
" "5 - Excellent 60%
4 - Good
1
" "4 - Good 20%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 20%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jun 29, 2019

It was so lovely and historical. It was also close enough to Peterborough and other areas and easily accessible to beautiful hiking

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 1, 2019

Nice little cafe in town. Best sandwich I’ve had in a while...the Big Ben warmed up and on oatmeal bread.

Cities near Hancock