Hancock, NH

Travel Guide

Hancock showing fall colors and a lake or waterhole
Hancock which includes fall colors and a lake or waterhole
Hancock which includes a house and autumn leaves
Hancock showing autumn leaves
Hancock which includes a house

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 ManchesterOpens in a new window or ConcordOpens in a new window, the state’s capital.

Peaceful Mountain View Retreat

Peaceful Mountain View Retreat

Hancock
Stay at this apartment in Hancock. Enjoy an in-room coffeemaker and air conditioning. Popular attractions Evas Marsh State Wildlife Management Area and Hardings ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (14 reviews)
This was a very quiet, private and clean property. We enjoyed the Mountain View plus the sheep and turkeys! Three adults had plenty of room to spread out. The hospitality (drinks and snacks) was very much enjoyed.

Reviewed on Oct 12, 2025

Peaceful Mountain View Retreat
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
$149 nightly
The price is $162 total per night from Nov 2 to Nov 3
$162 total
Nov 2 - Nov 3
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star 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! (1,002 reviews)
Checking in was a little confusing as I called Best Western before I booked through Expedia to see if I could get my AARP discount and he said yes. When I got there, they said no discount but were kind enough to apply the discount. Plus I booked a room with a balcony and sleep sofa and got a different ...

Reviewed on Oct 27, 2025

Best Western Plus Keene Hotel
Keene Elm City Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel

Keene Elm City Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel

2.5 out of 5
175 Key Rd, Keene, NH
$125 nightly
The price is $136 total per night from Nov 9 to Nov 10
$136 total
Nov 9 - Nov 10
Total with taxes and fees
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (936 reviews)
Best value in New England! Staff is supportive and site is super clean. Decor is nice. Comfy beds. Subpar breakfast but who cares?! Free coffee, and the food is a bonus... and again, you can't beat the value!

Reviewed on Oct 27, 2025

Keene Elm City Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel
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.
Peaceful Mountain View Retreat

Peaceful Mountain View Retreat

Hancock
Stay at this apartment in Hancock. Enjoy an in-room coffeemaker and air conditioning. Popular attractions Evas Marsh State Wildlife Management Area and Hardings ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (14 reviews)
This was a very quiet, private and clean property. We enjoyed the Mountain View plus the sheep and turkeys! Three adults had plenty of room to spread out. The hospitality (drinks and snacks) was very much enjoyed.

Reviewed on Oct 12, 2025

Peaceful Mountain View Retreat
Owl's Nest Treehouse

Owl's Nest Treehouse

Alstead
Stay at this cabin in Alstead. Enjoy patios, cable/satellite TV service, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Shedd-Porter Memorial Library and Alstead ...
10/10 Exceptional! (11 reviews)
We absolutely love this little treehouse. It was very well kept tidy and clean, treehouse, and the hot tub. We highly recommend to everyone!! You definitely have to check out the little farm stand!! Definitely a five out of five stars.

Reviewed on Oct 13, 2025

Owl's Nest Treehouse
Private Beach And  Mountain Lake Home

Private Beach And Mountain Lake Home

Washington
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a garden. Popular attractions Washington Common and Washington Museum ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (122 reviews)
This home has absolutely everything you need. The private beach is accessed through a short pleasant walk through the woods and it’s beautiful.

Reviewed on Oct 19, 2025

Private Beach And Mountain Lake Home
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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1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

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

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

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