strawbery banke museum

250keithl

This park was recreated during a revitalization of the waterfront Puddle Dock area of the city and many of the homes were moved to the current locations. It's a nice place to see the historical architecture that makes Portsmouth so enchanting. The homes were build by rich merchants in the 17-1800's as Portsmouth blossomed. This setting and venue makes it possible to see their true beauty. Recommended.

834lenan

I liked the history part of the trip and the fun side of it. It has a new ice skating rink. I didn't like that there was only one bathroom station

413SandraB

Often historic reenactments include houses moved to the area. I'm not casting a judgement against them, but this area is rich in the history that actually happened here. These homes have been in these families for decades or even centuries. The people who interpret seem to really love the place. If you like the idea of learning local New England History, I highly recommend it.

happytravelers06614

Strawbery Banke Museum is a must-experience. I did not say "see" because the Banke goes way beyond viewing. It is hard to describe in just a few words. The Banke is a preserved neighborhood adjacent to today's downtown Portsmouth. It contains many restored homes as well as a center and shops. The focus is not on just one period. Interiors range from pre-Revolutionary colonial New Hampshire up to the 1950s. "In-period" docents describe what life was like in their time in that place. Authenticity is at a premium in this richly rewarding museum (the word seems inadequate). With one or maybe two exceptions the buildings are all original. And the Victorian Garden is a very special treat.The Banke is particularly worth a visit when a special event is taking place. Fairs, cook-offs, special wine and beer occasions, a haunted walk at Halloween and our particular favorite, the Christmas Candlelight Stroll--just exceptional.There is more to tell than space allows, so check their web-site and schedule. Oh yes, there are a couple of venues for refreshment. While there, if in spring or summer check out the gardens in nearby Prescott Park.

AlanKitteryPoint_ME

A recreated neighborhood of houses and businesses spanning many years. Docents at the different buildings offer tours. Some demonstrate crafts or just chores.

colinm686

We had a wonderful time at the holiday candlelight tour. The docents all stayed in character, yet managed to answer our 'out of character' questions in very clever ways. The buildings are beautiful, and the seasonal decorations made our visit very special.

katherinel235

It was so interesting to see houses and lifestyles of different eras. There were even chances to try out your skills at weaving. The woman that taught people was extremely rude and seemed bothered to do her job. But the grounds were beautiful and well worth the trip!

rs1450

The pride and efforts to enhance and save historic Strawbery Banke. Excellent visitors center, and a very nice cafe on premises.

DearDona

I am not sure we could have visited the Strawbery Banke Museum at a better time of the year, late May. The landscaping was wonderful, as you can see from some of our photos. We found the museum very interesting in that it showcased homes and business from not just the very early days of Portsmouth but also into the 1940’s and 50’s. The employees, dressed in period costumes, are a wealth of information and are more than happy to describe life in the time they are characterizing. If you are visiting the Portsmouth area be sure to make time to go to Strawbery Banke.

Winesn

My daughter and I had a wonderful time learning about the history of Portsmouth through the houses and buildings at Strawberry Banke. Within a short distance you could walk through decades of history! To fully explore each and every room, be prepared to walk up stairs. The structural differences in the houses was really interesting. A great way to spend a summer afternoon.

83brettd

This is a must-see while in Portsmouth. The setting is beautifully historic. Quiet. Peaceful. My wife and I enjoyed quite a lovely stroll through Strawberry Banke.

BostonNix

This is a fun place to visit at the holidays. They offer skating, hot cider, live music, and tours of historic homes. However, beware that there are often long lines to get into the homes and that can be uncomfortable in the cold weather. Also, try to buy your tickets in advance in order to avoid a long line for that as well!

linds49

So this was a fun surprise to stumble upon while walking around Portsmouth! The museum set up an outdoor rink, with a little fire pit at one end. Skates and rink time was $12 total - and totally worth it. Just wish parents were a bit more strict with their kids, so they wouldn't be racing down the rink sliding into people and darting in and out of the older crowd. Still had a great time, it was fun to skate around while all the museum spots were still decorated for the holidays!

diamun

I've been here both warm and cold seasons, because I could only put one down I choose Christmas. Colonial Village living... and the Gift Shop was really nice. Across the street from the ocean it can be romantic for dates in the evening with a nice stroll. If you go in the Winter make sure you "Bundle Up" you get the wind off the ocean.

Lisius

The Candlelight Stroll In Portsmouth, NH sounds charming, and is to an extent. But it's better enjoyed by adults because of ths heavy emphasis on history and historic homes. I saw a lot of families dragging kids along through the slow-moving lines in the historic Portsmouth tour houses who either were bored or (because they were so young) were clueless about the homes that are part of the stroll. Granted, the outside chorales were nice, and the atmosphere was holiday-festive in an early American kind of way. The one or two eating establishments on the grounds were crowded. And if I was an ice skater I might have had a better time on the pond. But it was very low key and just a touch pricey for the event. We wound up staying an hour and heading into Portsmouth. Glad we went, but having done it once we won't need to go again.