Strawbery Banke, Open-air museum in Portsmouth, United States
Strawbery Banke is an open-air museum in Portsmouth that displays more than 40 historic buildings from the colonial period through the 19th century across roughly 10 acres. The houses remain on their original sites and recreate an old waterfront neighborhood where several eras coexist side by side.
The settlement began in 1630 as a British colony on the shore of the Piscataqua River and took its name from the wild strawberries growing along the riverbank. The neighborhood grew quickly into a trading center for shipbuilding and fishing before narrowly escaping demolition in the 20th century.
Artisans in period clothing demonstrate old techniques such as cooperage, textile work, and blacksmithing inside original workshops. These demonstrations take place year-round and offer insight into the daily work of former residents.
The visit is best done on foot, as paths between buildings are short and well marked. In winter the ice rink at Puddle Dock Pond opens while most houses remain accessible only during warmer months.
Each garden grows only plants that match the period of its accompanying house, from colonial herbs to Victorian ornamental species. Some visitors spend hours comparing these historic plots and tracking changes in gardening practice over time.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Memorial Bridge
511 m
The Music Hall
388 m
Prescott Park
347 m
Moffatt-Ladd House
544 m
Portsmouth Athenæum
270 m
Portsmouth African Burying Ground
295 m
Governor John Langdon House
90 m
Wentworth-Gardner House
427 m
Rockingham Hotel
361 m
MacPheadris-Warner House
315 m
Portsmouth Public Library
256 m
Portsmouth Cottage Hospital
523 m
Mark Wentworth House
218 m
New Hampshire Bank Building
230 m
General Porter House
231 m
South Meetinghouse
212 m
Henry Sherburne House
641 m
Simeon P. Smith House
639 m
Phoebe Hart House
641 m
Joshua Wentworth House
476 m
Daniel Pinkham House
641 m
Portsmouth Academy building
497 m
Haven-White House
225 m
Samuel Beck House
513 m
Benedict House
497 m
Shapley Town House
213 m
Whidden-Ward House
620 m
Portsmouth Parade Historic District
533 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes