Historical Walking Tours
Walking Tours Resume May 1
Don’t forget that private tours can be booked all year long.
Learn why Portsmouth is the hub of the New Hampshire Seacoast!
Our downtown is filled with hidden treasures.
Our knowledgeable walking tour guides will introduce you to the city’s rich past and lively present—a unique mix of architecture, specialty shops, and bustling streets nestled in a village-like setting.
Historic Portsmouth Walking Tour
Daily at 10:30 am
2nd and 4th Fridays at 2:30 pm Saturdays at 2:30 pm
This daily 90-minute walking tour covers the streets, stories, buildings, and architecture of historic downtown Portsmouth.
From Loyalist to Liberty
Semi-monthly
1st and 3rd Fridays at 2:30 pm
Portsmouth, once the capitol of the British royal colony of New Hampshire, swiftly went from a hub of royal commerce to a center of patriot sentiment. Learn how the 1770s changed the course of Portsmouth for decades to come.
"Gay" Old Times: Stories of Portsmouth's LGBTQ+ Community
Once a month 3rd Sunday at 2:30 pm
The hidden history of LGBT clubs, organizations, and people who impacted the seacoast of NH. Tour guide, Tom Kaufhold will take you through Portsmouth for this engaging 90 minute tour. You will pass by many beautiful historic sites and learn some important facts about Portsmouth LGBT people, places and events.
Women of Portsmouth
Once a month
2nd Wednesday at 2:30 pm
Learn the untold stories of navigators, preachers, artists, authors, tavern keepers, and madams who defied stereotypes and shaped Portsmouth. Portsmouth Hisotrical Society staff member and Tour Guide Sabina Ion will take you through Portsmouth for this engaging 90-minute tour.
Along The Waterfront
Twice a month
3rd and 4th Wednesdays at 2:30 PM
Stretch your legs on our longest walking tour! This two-hour tour includes Prescott Park, the working waterfront, the tugboats, a bit of beer history and more. Born and bred Portsmouth local, Ron Sher, adds personal anecdotes and depth to this extended tour.
Private Tours
Our walking tour guides cover a great deal of history and would be happy to lead your group on a private walking tour.
Please contact our Walking Tour Manager at 603-570-2494 or robinlm@portsmouthhistory.org
Walking Tour
Portsmouth Historical Society Members
Discount
Children 5–18, Seniors over 62, Students and Portsmouth ResidentsChildren
Ages 5 and underTickets
- Tours run May 1 through October 31.
- You can upgrade your ticket for just $5 to include admission to the John Paul Jones Historic House Museum (open Memorial Day weekend through Indigenous Peoples Day) and the Portsmouth Historical Society galleries.
- Walk-ins are welcome, but tour space is limited. Reservations are strongly encouraged.
- Pets are not allowed on the walking tours.
- All tours depart from the Portsmouth Historical Society, 10 Middle Street. Please gather inside at the welcome center desk.
- Private walking tours outside the daily schedule are available for $25 per person. Contact us at least 48 hours prior to your desired tour time: Walking Tour Manager (603) 570-2494 or tours@portsmouthhistory.org.
- Please click the button below or call (603) 436-8433 to reserve a ticket and for more information.
- Walking tour tickets are non-refundable. Tickets are fully transferrable to another date or person. Please call (603) 436-8433 before your originally scheduled tour time to make changes.
- Are you visiting Portsmouth on a bus tour? Learn about our bus tour options.
Guides will be microphoned and headsets available. You may use our thoroughly sanitized earphones, your own 3.5mm earphones, or purchase a $4 pair of earbuds at the Museum Shop.
