The New Hampshire Coastal College Town Where New England Charm Blends with Scenic Farmland

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The New Hampshire Coastal College Town Where New England Charm Blends with Scenic Farmland

For many of us, New England evokes an image of rugged coastlines, sea breezes, and beautiful fall foliage. It’s a place where college towns are filled with red brick buildings and clapboard houses, and the countryside is full of winding country lanes, covered bridges, and acre upon acre of rolling farmland. New Hampshire offers all of this and more, and Durham stands out as a must-visit destination.



Home to the University of New Hampshire’s (UNH) main campus, Durham is a quintessential New England college town. The permanent population of around 15,000 is nearly equalled by the student body, making Durham a young, vibrant city. There’s a thriving arts scene and tons of coffee shops and diverse restaurants to keep students and locals happy. Just a short drive from the coast and surrounded by serene farmland, Durham offers a college-town atmosphere, scenic hiking trails, and a healthy dose of classic New England charm.

What to do in Durham, New Hampshire

Wooden building with red roof surrounded by plants



Where to stay and how to get to Durham

Street with clapboard and red brick buildings

If you’re staying overnight in Durham, check out the Three Chimneys Inn, with its quaintly decorated rooms and an adjoining restaurant serving local cuisine and craft brews. A stay costs around $200 per night. A number of other well-reviewed, independent, and chain hotels are available in the town center.



Durham is well-connected and easy to reach. It’s a little over an hour’s drive from Boston, where the Logan International Airport is served by flights from all over the country and beyond. You can also take the train in under an hour and a half from Boston — the Amtrak station in Durham is right on the UNH campus. The town is also less than an hour’s drive from Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, which offers a variety of domestic flights.

While Durham is a great destination in its own right, it’s perfectly situated as a base to explore southern New Hampshire. You can visit nearby Portsmouth, known for its historic downtown, mouthwatering seafood, and large number of art galleries. Not to mention that travel expert Samantha Brown says that Portsmouth has some of the best ice cream in the U.S. Alternatively, you could drive 30 minutes inland to Epsom, a cozy destination for a couple’s camping trip.

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Dave Pennells

By Dave Pennells

Dave Pennells, MS, has contributed his expertise as a career consultant and training specialist across various fields for over 15 years. At City University of Seattle, he offers personal career counseling and conducts workshops focused on practical job search techniques, resume creation, and interview skills. With a Master of Science in Counseling, Pennells specializes in career consulting, conducting career assessments, guiding career transitions, and providing outplacement services. Her professional experience spans multiple sectors, including banking, retail, airlines, non-profit organizations, and the aerospace industry. Additionally, since 2001, he has been actively involved with the Career Development Association of Australia.