South Berwick: Gardens, River Landscapes and History

South Berwick offers delightful discoveries among garden design, river landscapes, and local history. At the perennial garden at Hamilton House, you can take a stroll or enjoy a picnic overlooking the river. Historic buildings and a museum offer other ways to explore the town: the Sarah Orne Jewett House is a National Historic Landmark, and the Counting House Museum is housed in the last surviving building of the Portsmouth Manufacturing Company textile mill. When choosing where to stay, consider whether you would most like to experience nature or explore these historical landmarks.

Gardens and Varied Landscapes

The perennial garden at Hamilton House combines a landscaped garden with views of the river. Strolling and picnicking are specifically part of the visitor experience here. The grounds of Hamilton House also include hayfields, groves of trees, wetlands, and riverfront areas along the Salmon Falls River. Different landscape features sit side by side: from the garden to open meadows and wetland habitats by the water. This landscape is home to numerous pollinators and native bird species, including grosbeaks, herons, and eagles. Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to observe outdoors; those who prefer a quiet moment in the garden can take in the river view.

Another way to spend time outdoors is at Vaughan Woods State Park. The 160-acre park is in southern Maine and has a 3.70-mile trail network. Its focus differs from that of the perennial garden: here, the defining feature is a trail network in a large park, while Hamilton House combines a garden, picnicking, and river views.

Historic Buildings and Collections

The Sarah Orne Jewett House is designated a National Historic Landmark. The Counting House Museum offers a different perspective on history: it is housed in the last surviving building of the Portsmouth Manufacturing Company textile mill. The two sites represent different historical landmarks that you can explore as you discover South Berwick. Hamilton House adds another perspective through its interiors: visitors can see two whimsical murals, as well as antique furnishings and handmade decorative art objects collected by the women.

The first floor of the Counting House Museum hosts rotating exhibits. It also houses about 10,000 historical records and photographs of South Berwick and the surrounding region. The collection thus offers both changing presentations and a substantial body of historical materials. The museum is open from June through October on Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m., as well as by appointment. A neighboring building in the Greek Revival style serves as a visitor center with a museum shop, program space, and a community room. If you plan to visit the museum, you can factor its stated Sunday hours into your day.

Which Stay Suits Your Interests?

If you’re looking for a vacation rental in South Berwick, your preferred type of outing may help you choose where to stay. Gardens, river landscapes, and park trails are ideal for a nature-focused stay, while the historic houses and Counting House Museum offer different points of interest. The destinations described here offer a variety of ways to get to know South Berwick, without limiting you to just one kind of discovery.

More destinations for travel inspiration: Old Orchard Beach, Buxton, Kennebunkport, Kennebunk, Saco, York, Kittery and North Berwick.

Go to the main travel overview: York.