Durham Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Located in the heart of New Hampshire, Durham is a charming town that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and a vibrant community. Nestled along the banks of the Oyster River, Durham is known for its picturesque landscapes and friendly atmosphere that make it a popular destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

One of the main attractions in Durham is the University of New Hampshire, a prestigious institution that adds a youthful energy to the town. The beautiful campus is adorned with stunning architecture, sprawling green spaces, and tree-lined walkways, making it a delightful place to explore. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the campus, visit the university museum, or catch a performance at the Paul Creative Arts Center.

For those seeking outdoor adventures, Durham offers an array of opportunities to connect with nature. The College Woods, a vast forested area surrounding the university, provides a tranquil escape with its network of trails perfect for hiking, biking, or birdwatching. In addition, the nearby Wagon Hill Farm offers breathtaking views of the Great Bay and is a popular spot for picnicking and enjoying the sunset.

History enthusiasts will be captivated by Durham's rich cultural heritage. The town is home to several historical landmarks, including the Three Chimneys Inn, a beautifully restored colonial-era inn that offers a glimpse into the town's past. Visitors can also explore the Durham Historic District, where they can admire well-preserved buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries.

Durham is also a great destination for food lovers, with a variety of dining options to suit every palate. From cozy cafes and family-owned restaurants to farm-to-table eateries, visitors can indulge in delicious cuisine prepared with fresh, local ingredients. Be sure to try some of the region's specialties, such as New England clam chowder and fresh lobster rolls.

Alternative names: Settled: 1635Population: 10.3 thous.Area: 24.8 mi²Elevation: 43 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 43°8'4"N, 70°55'39"W

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New HampshireUnited States

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Durham Top Attractions

Durham Attractions - What to See and Explore

Durham offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Hill-Woodman-Ffrost House, Wiswall Falls Mills Site, Jesse Hepler Lilac Arboretum, Thompson Hall. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

43°7'56"N • 70°55'8"W
Hill-Woodman-Ffrost House
Hill-Woodman-Ffrost House in Durham, New Hampshire is purportedly one of the oldest buildings in the State of New Hampshire and is located within the Durham Historic District.
Archaeological site
Wiswall Falls Mills Site
The Wiswall Falls Mill Site is a historic archaeological industrial site in Durham, New Hampshire. It is located in John Hatch Park, a small public park just south of Wiswall Road on the eastern bank of the Lamprey River.
Botanical garden
Jesse Hepler Lilac Arboretum
The Jesse Hepler Lilac Arboretum was located on the University of New Hampshire campus in Durham, New Hampshire, USA, at 4 Library Way, from 1940 to 1980. Jesse R.

Tower • Romanesque architecture
Thompson Hall
Thompson Hall, commonly referred to locally as "T-Hall", is one of the central buildings on the campus of the University of New Hampshire in Durham, New Hampshire, United States.
Universities and schools
University of New Hampshire
The University of New Hampshire is a public land-grant research university with its main campus in Durham, New Hampshire. It was founded and incorporated in 1866 as a land grant college in Hanover in connection with Dartmouth College, moved to Durham in 1893, and adopted its current name in 1923.
Observatories and planetariums
University of New Hampshire Observatory
University of New Hampshire Observatory is an astronomical observatory owned and operated by the University of New Hampshire. It is located in Durham, New Hampshire near the old Durham Reservoir. The main telescope is a 0.35 m Schmidt–Cassegrain reflecting telescope donated to the observatory in 1984.
Church
Saint Thomas More Parish
Saint Thomas More Parish is located in Durham, New Hampshire, United States. Named after Thomas More of England, the Catholic parish was established in 1949 on the corner of Madbury Road and Cowell Drive, near the heart of the campus of the University of New Hampshire.
43°8'4"N • 70°55'48"W
Memorial Union Building
The Memorial Union Building is the University of New Hampshire's students' union building and the "heart of campus." The building also serves as the official New Hampshire War Memorial for soldiers killed in action since World War I.
Church • Gothic Revival architecture
Smith Chapel
Smith Chapel is a historic memorial chapel at 45 Mill Pond Road in Durham, New Hampshire, United States. Built in 1900 in the family cemetery of the locally prominent Smith family, it is a prominent local example of Late Gothic Revival architecture.
43°7'48"N • 70°55'5"W
John Sullivan House
The John Sullivan House is a historic house at 21 Newmarket Road in Durham, New Hampshire. A National Historic Landmark, it was the home of American Revolutionary War General John Sullivan, who later became President of New Hampshire.
Interesting neighbourhood • Greek Revival architecture
Durham Historic District
The Durham Historic District encompasses a portion of the original historic settlement area of Durham, New Hampshire. It extends along Newmarket Road from its northern junction with Laurel Lane to a three-way junction with Main Street and Dover Road.

Things to See and Do in Durham by Category

Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in Durham.

Active

Wildcat Stadium
Durham
FootballArenas and stadiumsSport venue
Whittemore Center
Durham
HockeySport venueSport
Hamel Recreation Center
Durham
SportSport venue
Lundholm Gym
Durham
Sport venueSport

Day trips

Durham – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Durham, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Northeast Delta Dental Stadium (Manchester), Wentworth by the Sea (New Castle), Cape Neddick Light (York).

29 milesW
Sport venue, Arenas and stadiums, Sport
Northeast Delta Dental Stadium, Manchester
Nestled in the heart of Manchester, New Hampshire, the Northeast Delta Dental Stadium offers a quintessential American sports experience. This stadium is the home field for the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, the Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays Major League...
11 milesSE
Hotel, Spa, Golf
Wentworth by the Sea, New Castle
Nestled in the serene coastal town of New Castle, New Hampshire, Wentworth by the Sea marries the charm of a historic grand hotel with the comforts of modern hospitality. This elegant hotel, which has graced the shores of New Hampshire since 1874, offers guests a...
17 milesE
Lighthouse, Vernacular architecture
Cape Neddick Light, York
Perched on a rocky island off the craggy coast of York, Maine, the Cape Neddick Light stands as a picturesque sentinel over the Atlantic Ocean. Known affectionately as "Nubble Light" to locals, this charming lighthouse has been guiding mariners since its establishment...
29 milesW
Sport venue, Arenas and stadiums, Sport
SNHU Arena, Manchester
The SNHU Arena is an indoor events arena in Manchester, New Hampshire, and seats 9,852 for ice hockey, 11,140 for basketball and up to 11,770 for concerts.
9.8 miSE
Cemetery
Point of Graves Burial Ground, Portsmouth
Point of Graves Burial Ground is a small historic cemetery in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, dating to the 17th century. It was the final resting place for many of Portsmouth's prominent residents including the Wentworth family, the Vaughan family, the Rogers, and the Lears.