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Historic Tours

Guided Tours Spotlight
Portsmouth Harbour Trail

Did you know that the first attack of the American Revolution was on the NH Seacoast, not in Lexington, Massachusetts? Do you know why so many of the buildings in downtown Portsmouth are made of brick? Did you know that Portsmouth was once the brewery capital of the world, and that Portsmouth once had a thriving red light district? Did you know that NH's first newspaper was printed in Portsmouth?

If not, let our Portsmouth Harbour Trail tour guides tell you the lively stories that highlight the nearly 400 years of Portsmouth history. Depending on which tour you take, you may hear stories about the rich and famous to humble merchants and madams who had thriving businesses here. You may even hear about the brewers and politicians, fishermen and boat builders, writers, editors, and publishers that made Portsmouth the talk of the nation in their day. Learn how diplomats from around the globe made peace here while others simply came to paint, write, or play their music. You'll find that the people who were born here, worked here, or moved here over the past three centuries weave a colorful cultural tapestry. Portsmouth was, and still is, a town full of characters.

Three different tours are offered:

• Highlights Tour
  Walk through Portsmouth's historic downtown and hear fascinating stories of early settlers, patriots, ship builders, and entrepreneurs. Unlike those who settled other colonies for religious reasons, they came here to find their fortune. Tours start 10:30 a.m.Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Monday,and 1 p.m. Sunday from Market Square.
• Twilight Tour
  Costumed role players bring to life a bawdy era when merchants, madams, sailors and immigrants mingled on Portsmouth's waterfront. You'll hear how the Water Street brothels thrived, how they influenced the politics of the day and how they met their demise at the hands of "reformists." Tours start 5:30 p.m., Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Monday from Market Square.
  
•   Portsmouth Peace Treaty Tour
  A century ago, the eyes of the world turned to Portsmouth, New Hampshire as the center of an international event-the signing of the Portsmouth Peace Treaty that ended a bloody war between Japan and Russia.  President Theodore Roosevelt initiated the peace process and was later awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his diplomatic efforts.  A tour of the Portsmouth Peace Treaty Trail will introduce you to the people, places and events of the peace process from the delegates' arrival by ship to the symphony of church bells that declared the peace throughout the city.

  Tours are available by advanced reservation only.  Cost is $6 per person for groups of $10 or more.  There is a $50 minimum for smaller groups.  For details, contact the Chamber at (603) 610-5513 or info@portsmouthchamber.org. 

So put on your walking shoes and come on down to the Market Square kiosk and take the tour of your choice. Reservations are recommended but not required. Call (603) 610-5510 for reservations.

Pricing (except for Portsmouth Peace Treaty Tour):

• Adults - $8
• Seniors - $7
• Children, ages 8-14, $5
• Children under 8 years - FREE

Group rates or Step-on guide service are available year round at the convenience of the group. Please call (603) 610-5510.

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