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 NH
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! (16 reviews)
Cozy and clean with responsive hosts. Just note that there is no door in the kids room.

Reviewed on Nov 11, 2025

Peaceful Mountain View Retreat
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
$118 nightly
The price is $128 total per night from Dec 28 to Dec 29
$128 total
Dec 28 - Dec 29
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! (966 reviews)
The room was perfect, and the food was great

Reviewed on Dec 15, 2025

Keene Elm City Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel
Days Inn by Wyndham Keene NH

Days Inn by Wyndham Keene NH

2 out of 5
3 Ash Brook Road Keene NH
$84 nightly
The price is $91 total per night from Dec 31 to Jan 1
$91 total
Dec 31 - Jan 1, 2026
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 helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7/10 Good! (999 reviews)
Not exactly spotless by the experience was better than at the Courtyard by Marriott on Railroad St. in Keene NH.

Reviewed on Dec 5, 2025

Days Inn by Wyndham Keene NH
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 NH
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! (16 reviews)
Cozy and clean with responsive hosts. Just note that there is no door in the kids room.

Reviewed on Nov 11, 2025

Peaceful Mountain View Retreat
Owl's Nest Treehouse

Owl's Nest Treehouse

Alstead NH
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! (14 reviews)
10/10 across the board! The cabin was a great experience. The hot tub was amazing. They have their own store near by with lots of goodies. They were very helpful with any questions we had. Would come here again!

Reviewed on Dec 12, 2025

Owl's Nest Treehouse
Secluded waterfront 2-bedroom / 2 bath on private 152 acre Sportsman's Pond.

Secluded waterfront 2-bedroom / 2 bath on private 152 acre Sportsman's Pond.

Fitzwilliam NH
Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Sportsman Pond and Laurel Lake are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (10 reviews)
It was a lovely stay! Lake is beautiful and the house is cozy.

Reviewed on Oct 16, 2025

Secluded waterfront 2-bedroom / 2 bath on private 152 acre Sportsman's Pond.
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
0
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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