Discover Exeter

There are many ways to discover Exeter: learn about the history of the Revolutionary War, visit a park along the Squamscott River, or enjoy opportunities for walks and exploration. The city’s musical tradition, market, and rail connections are also part of its character. As you plan your trip, consider which of these aspects interests you most—it will make it easier to decide whether Exeter is the right destination for your stay.

Experience history in two different ways

The Ladd-Gilman House was built as a private residence in 1721 and now serves as a history museum. Its exhibits explore New Hampshire’s role in the Revolutionary War. If you’re interested in the region’s history, this is an opportunity to learn through a specific building and the state’s historical significance.

The Folsom Tavern, built in 1775, offers a different perspective. Visitors can experience what life in a tavern was like during the Revolutionary War through an interactive, immersive tavern experience. The museum and tavern experience therefore offer different emphases: one focuses on exhibits about New Hampshire’s history, while the other immerses visitors in a historical everyday setting. If you’re traveling with children, consider which of these formats best suits your group’s interests.

Along the river and enjoying the outdoors

Swasey Parkway runs alongside the Squamscott River. Trees and park benches line the park, which is suitable for walking, jogging, and picnicking. Alongside its historic experiences, Exeter also offers a place to get active or take a break outdoors. You can also explore Exeter by kayak from Stewart Park.

For more hiking ideas, brochures are available for three different areas: Henderson Swasey Town Forest, Raynes Farm, and Little River Conservation Area. Each brochure can be downloaded and printed free of charge. This lets you look into the trails in advance and decide which of the areas interests you most. Each name refers to a specific place; they do not form a single route.

A digital city tour is another way to get to know Exeter. The Exeter Historical Society offers a smartphone tour with photos and stories. It works on iPhone, Android, and Windows smartphones. If you’re interested in the city’s stories and views, this is an alternative to the hiking brochures: it focuses on Exeter as a city, while the brochures cover specific hiking areas.

City life: music and market

The Exeter Brass Band concerts take place on Monday evenings in July at the bandstand in downtown Exeter. They have been a city tradition since 1847. This gives you a specific seasonal cue for planning your trip: if you’re in Exeter in July, you can look out for the concerts as a possible part of city life.

The Exeter Farmer's Market takes place from May to October on Thursdays from 2:15 to 6:00 p.m. at Swasey Parkway. The market therefore has a clearly specified location and time window, distinct from the July concerts. If you’d like to plan your visit around it, keep Thursday and the stated hours in mind. The market and park are linked here by the stated event location; this does not imply anything about other routes or offerings.

Getting here and choosing the right kind of trip

Exeter has one of the busiest train stations in New Hampshire. The Downeaster connects the town with North Station in Boston and Freeport, Maine. For travelers considering taking the train, Exeter is also of interest from that perspective. Together with its historic attractions, riverside park, and seasonal events, the town offers a range of topics to shape your stay around.

When looking for a vacation rental in Exeter, you can start by deciding which experiences you want to define your trip: history and a tavern experience, time by the river, hiking areas, a city tour, or a visit to the market or a concert. This way, your decision reflects your group’s interests, rather than giving all activities equal weight.

More places on this overview page: Londonderry, Greenland, Northwood, North Hampton, Hampton, Seabrook, Sandown, Rye.

Go to the main travel overview: Rockingham.