Walking Tour of Historic Downtown Exeter NH

Walk & Explore Historic Downtown Exeter NH

Phillips Exeter Academy, one of the most prestigious prep schools in the world, has shaped the community around downtown Exeter NH for centuries, and continues to influence its academic and cultural identity. Museums, art galleries, and antique shops give visitors endless ways to spend their time. You’ll also find a variety of dining options, ranging from casual eateries to fine Exeter NH restaurants, all steps away from our hotel. When looking for things to do in Exeter, NH, for couples or families, downtown is the perfect starting point.

Downtown Exeter NH is the heart of this historic community. Its brick sidewalks, boutique shops, and preserved colonial-era structures make it a destination that feels both classic and lively. The town has played a pivotal role in New England history, including serving as New Hampshire’s Revolutionary War capital. As you walk through town, you’ll quickly sense its heritage. As you walk these remarkable streets, expect to discover historic homes, churches, and public buildings that date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. The tree-lined streets and scenic views of the Squamscott River create a charming backdrop.

Guided tours offer stories of Exeter’s role in early American politics and commerce, while self-guided tours allow you to move at your own pace and explore hidden corners. For those eager to discover the town on foot, here are several walking tours worth experiencing in Downtown Exeter, NH.

1. History buffs will like the Exeter Historical Society Self-Guided Tours. The Exeter Historical Society offers downloadable maps and guides to downtown Exeter NH (including a full tour and specialty walks like a Lincoln‐related route and a kid-friendly tour). Using the app or just the map, you can stroll through sites tied to Exeter’s founding families, historic architecture, old churches, and public buildings, all at your pace.
2. A Guided History Walk from the Town of Exeter is a hosted, group walk usually organized by Parks & Recreation and the American Independence Museum. It’s about 1.25 miles, begins at the Swasey Parkway Gazebo, and lasts roughly an hour. A guide will share lively stories about the community’s history, pointing out landmarks and giving context you might miss on your own. This is a great way to discover the true character of downtown Exeter NH.
3. Take your pick of other Self-Guided Downtown Exeter Tours. There are several walking and biking options, plus themed tours like the “Revolutionary Capital historic marker” walk, the “Historic Homes of Exeter,” and an “Abraham Lincoln historic marker” walk, plus so many more. Many of these walking tours begin near downtown, go past historic homes, public markers, and Founders Park, and feature river views and the town hall. It’s a great way to explore when you don’t want to be held to a schedule or itinerary. 
4. Step into the local history with the Historic Churches Walking Tour in downtown Exeter NH. For those who love architecture, craftsmanship, and spiritual history, a walk visiting Exeter’s historic churches reveals styles from colonial through 19th-century periods, stained glass or woodwork, steeples, and the way these buildings anchored communities in Exeter’s past.
5. Though a bit more specific than Downtown Exeter Tours, don’t miss the tours available at the American Independence Museum (Ladd-Gilman House and Folsom Tavern). They offer both self-guided and guided tours. You’ll learn about Exeter’s role in the Revolutionary era, early American politics, and life in the colonies. 
6. Though not strictly in downtown Exeter, don’t miss the Phillips Exeter Academy Campus Walk. This walk is less formal, perhaps, but walking the grounds of Phillips Exeter Academy is a chance to view academic architecture, see the campus layout, and appreciate the influence the Academy has had on Exeter’s cultural and educational presence over centuries. Some tours highlight buildings of note or recent architectural additions.
7. The Exeter Riverwalk and Swasey Parkway Trail is a more nature-meets-history option. Following trails along the river or through Swasey Parkway, you’ll encounter historic structures like the Powder House, enjoy stunning views of the river, and possibly spot eagles and herons, all while gaining insight into how Exeter’s geography influenced its development. This tour is great for easy walking, scenic breaks, and combining history with outdoor time.

Ultimately, a walking tour is the most immersive way to experience downtown Exeter NH. It allows you to appreciate the details of architecture, learn about historical events that took place in the exact locations, and enjoy the local shops and cafés along the way. Whether guided or self-directed, a downtown Exeter NH walking tour lets you connect with the town’s past and present in a meaningful and memorable way, one step at a time.