Things To Do
in Londonderry

Londonderry is a quintessential New England town in southern New Hampshire. It blends rural charm with family-friendly neighborhoods and easy access to major highways. The town offers a friendly, small-town atmosphere, with schools, local shops, and open spaces.

Even with its quiet pace, Londonderry serves as a convenient base for day trips to the White Mountains, lakes, and cultural attractions in nearby cities.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Derry's History
morning
:

Start your day by visiting the Derry Museum and Arts Center, where you'll learn about the town's rich history and artistic contributions. Admire local exhibits that showcase the town's heritage and cultural evolution. Take a leisurely stroll around the picturesque town square to absorb the local atmosphere.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, head to the nearby Mount Monadnock for a scenic hike, where breathtaking views await at the summit. Enjoy a packed lunch amidst nature, surrounded by stunning landscapes. After your hike, return to town and explore the quaint shops and cafes for unique local finds.

evening
:

As evening falls, dine at one of Derry's charming restaurants that offer farm-to-table dishes featuring local ingredients. After dinner, take a peaceful walk at a local park or enjoy a community event if available. Wind down your day with a nightcap at a nearby pub.

day 2
Cultural Day Trip
morning
:

Begin your day with a visit to the nearby city of Salem to explore its vibrant arts scene and famous sites. Grab breakfast at a local café before heading to the Peabody Essex Museum, where you can immerse yourself in fascinating exhibits. Don't forget to check out the historic architecture that surrounds the area.

afternoon
:

Spend your afternoon at the Salem Witch Museum to learn about the iconic witch trials that shaped the region’s history. Engage in insightful discussions about the past and its influence on present-day culture. After your museum visits, enjoy lunch at one of Salem's popular eateries, indulging in local seafood.

evening
:

Return to Derry for a relaxing evening. Choose to unwind at a local cinema or theater, catching a film or performance. End the night with dessert from a nearby bakery before heading back to your accommodation.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-15
🏠One-bedroom apartment (monthly)$1,200-1,600
💡Utilities (monthly)$150-250
🚗Gasoline per gallon$3-4
🌐Internet per month$50-70

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Quiet, family-friendly town with easy access to Manchester
  • Close-knit community feel and safety
  • Limited nightlife and big-city attractions
  • Smaller selection of dining and entertainment options in-town

Places to Visit in Londonderry

Visit one of these nice places.

Londonderry Town Center at Golden Hour

Historic storefronts and a tree-lined Main Street framed by late-day sun.

Massabesic Lake Outlooks

Wide water views with silhouettes of trees and soft morning fog.

Londonderry Town Forest Trails

Woodland paths and small streams ideal for nature close-ups and fall color.

Culinary Guide

Food in Londonderry

Londonderry and the surrounding area showcase classic New England flavors with farm-to-table ingredients, seasonal produce, and comfort-food favorites. Expect hearty breakfasts, coastal-inspired seafood options within a short drive, and plenty of bakery treats and maple-cured delights during harvest seasons.

Londonderry Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

New England Clam Chowder

Creamy, chunky soup featuring potatoes and clams; widely available in cafes and casual eateries.

Must-Try!

Whoopie Pies

The classic NH dessert: soft cookies with a creamy filling, perfect for a sweet treat after a day of exploring.

Blueberry Pie

Seasonal, locally sourced blueberries baked in a flaky crust; a staple at farmer markets and family bakeries.

Maple Apple Cider Donuts

Seasonal donuts glazed with maple sweetness, often found at orchards and farm stands.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Londonderry Farmers Market

Seasonal market offering local produce, baked goods, preserves, and prepared foods from nearby farms.

Climate Guide

Weather

Londonderry experiences a four-season climate: warm summers with occasional humidity, crisp autumns with vibrant foliage, cold snowy winters, and wet springs with varying temps.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Etiquette Rule

Be courteous, hold doors for others, and say please and thank you. In quiet residential areas, keep voices down after 9-10 pm; parking in busy areas is best in designated spots.

Seasonal Closings

Farmers markets and some local venues operate seasonally; check schedules for holidays and weather-related closings.

Safety Guide

Safety

General safety is good in Londonderry; use common-sense precautions: lock vehicles, keep valuables out of sight, and drive carefully in winter conditions; emergency services are available in Manchester and surrounding towns; remember to call 911 for emergencies.

Tipping in Londonderry

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tips are customary in restaurants and bars, generally 15-20% of the bill; staff often receive cash tips; rounding up at casual spots is acceptable.

Payment Methods

Credit/debit cards widely accepted; contactless payments common; cash is still useful for farmers markets or small shops.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm days with humidity; afternoon thunderstorms are possible; mosquitoes can be present near water.

Autumn

Peak fall foliage in late September to early October; cool, crisp days; scenic drives and hikes.

Winter

Cold temps with regular snow; winter sports and cozy indoor venues; plan for icy roads.

Spring

Mild temperatures; blooming cherries and forsythia; variable rainfall.

Nightlife Guide

Londonderry at Night

Londonderry has a quiet nightlife scene with local pubs and casual eateries; for larger venues and live music, many residents head to nearby Manchester, Nashua, or Portsmouth on weekends.

Hiking in Londonderry

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Londonderry Town Forest Trails

Pleasant woodland trails with easy to moderate routes suitable for families.

Massabesic Lake Shoreline Trails

Scenic lakeside paths with water views and opportunities for birdwatching.

Pawtuckaway State Park Trails (Nottingham, NH)

Extensive trail system around a kettle lake with hills and viewpoints.

Airports

How to reach Londonderry by plane.

Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT)

Nearest major airport with domestic flights and good connections; about 15-25 miles from Londonderry depending on route.

Boston Logan International (BOS)

Major international airport offering broad connections; about 45-70 miles away, with toll roads and highways.

Portland International Jetport (PWM)

Smaller regional airport in Maine; a longer drive but useful for certain destinations; about 85-90 miles away.

Getting Around

Walkability

Londonderry is walkable in the town center and around residential neighborhoods, but most destinations (work, groceries, nature spots) require a car. Sidewalks exist in many areas, and planned developments improve pedestrian access. For a larger selection of shops, dining, and cultural venues, a short drive to Manchester or Nashua is common.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families with children

Many households with school-age children and active community groups.

Retirees

A steady presence of retirees attracted by quiet neighborhoods and golf courses.

Commuters

Residents who work in Manchester, Nashua, or nearby towns.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Soccer

A popular youth and adult sport; local leagues and fields around town.

Baseball/Softball

Local little league fields and rec leagues in warmer months.

Skiing and Snowboarding

Nearby winter resorts and cross-country trails for seasonal sports.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is moderate, with heavier congestion around Manchester and main commuting corridors during peak hours. Public transit options are limited in Londonderry, so most residents rely on cars; some shuttle services connect to Manchester and surrounding towns. For longer trips, major highways like I-93 provide quick access to the region.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Londonderry.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many farms and cafes offer vegetarian options; look for veggie pies, salads, and sides; gluten-free bread may be available upon request.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Primary care clinics and specialists are available in Londonderry and nearby towns; larger hospitals and urgent care centers are in Manchester (about 20-25 minutes away). See the local health networks for appointments and emergency services; pharmacy access is widespread.

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