Things to Do Near Holderness School: A Guide to the Best Attractions, Restaurants, and Outdoor Adventures

If you're planning a visit to Holderness School, you'll find that exploring campus is just the beginning. Located in Holderness, New Hampshire, between the Lakes Region and the White Mountains, Holderness School is surrounded by some of the state's best outdoor recreation, scenic drives, local restaurants, and family-friendly attractions.

Whether you're visiting for an Open House, campus tour, interview, athletic event, or family weekend, there are countless things to do near Holderness School. Spend the day hiking mountain trails, kayaking or paddleboarding on Squam Lake or the Pemigewasset River, exploring nearby Plymouth, enjoying locally owned restaurants and cafés, or discovering the many outdoor activities.

This guide highlights some of our favorite attractions, restaurants, outdoor activities, and hidden gems to help you make the most of your visit.

Outdoor Activities

Squam Lakes Science Center

Spend a day walking through the Live Animal Exhibit Trail among black bears, mountain lions, river otters, and bobcats, walk through the Kirkwood Gardens, or take a cruise around Squam Lake.

Chamberlain-Reynolds Memorial Forest

Bring the dog and your bathing suits! Walk the trails and pick blueberries on the boardwalks, find your way to the shore, and cool off in Squam Lake.

Sculptured Rocks

Sculptured Rocks Natural Area in Groton, which spans 272 acres, is a unique example of nature's powerful yet delicate artistry. The Cockermouth River carved a narrow canyon in bedrock on its way to Newfound Lake, beginning as the last ice age drew to a close. Nature used grains of sand suspended in the current to carve the walls of the canyon into curious shapes and create potholes in the bedrock.

Polar Caves

Climb, squeeze, and scramble through the caves in Rumney. It’s a geologic adventure, a little bit of a workout, and fun for 8 and 80-year-olds alike.

Rumney Rocks

Rumney is one of the premier sport climbing destinations in the country. While many sport climbing areas climb walls, the routes at Rumney climb features—be they aretes, grooves, dikes, corners, or cracks. Therefore, the lines feel more defined than at other climbing areas. Also, unlike many other sport climbing areas, Rumney offers quality climbs at all grades. From 5.3 to 5.15a, the visiting climber can surely find a challenging and engaging route. 

Owl’s Nest Golf Course

Owl’s Nest Resort is a premier four-season destination offering year-round amenities including championship golf, dining, wellness and spa experiences, outdoor recreation, events, and luxury accommodations set against the backdrop of New Hampshire’s White Mountains.

Mountain Biking

While New England is known for its tight, rocky, and technical terrain, there’s no shortage of trails for riders of all levels in our region. Whether you’re looking for a skills park, epic all-day rides, or some glacial rocks to get up and down, there’s something for everyone.

• Holderness School Trails, Holderness
• Green Woodlands, Dorchester
• Smarts Brook Trails, Waterville Valley
• Whitten Woods Community Forest, Ashland
• Downhill mountain biking at Highland Mountain Bike Park in Franklin or Loon Mountain in Lincoln

Hiking in the Lakes Region

The Lakes Region offers diverse hiking, ranging from quick family jaunts to rugged mountain climbs. Popular local trails provide direct access to panoramic views of Lake Winnipesaukee, Squam Lake, and the surrounding White Mountains.

Swimming Holes

Ready to cool down? Visit the Pemigewasset River or take a dip in one of the many lakes. There is no shortage of swimming holes in the White Mountains, but be aware that swimming holes can be dangerous because of the unpredictability of the water and conditions. Cliff-jumping at these swimming holes is even more dangerous. Before you visit any of these places, make sure that you understand the risks.

Food

Cafe Monte Alto, Plymouth

Family-run coffee shop that grows and roasts their own coffee located in Plymouth.

Odysea Coffee, Bristol

Specializing in small-batch roasted coffee sourced directly from Honduras, this shop also offers breakfast, scones, bagels, and sandwiches.

Tractor Shed Cafe and Farm Stand, Holderness

A farm-fresh cafe serving breakfast, lunch, and freshly baked treats.

Squamside Beach Bar, Holderness

Located lakeside underneath Walter’s Basin on the shore of Little Squam Lake.

Squam Lake Inn Kitchen & Bar, Holderness

Located at the Squam Lake Inn, the Inn Kitchen + Bar is an award-winning restaurant. A casual restaurant offering the best fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients available by working with local farmers and fishmonger.

Squam Lake Marketplace, Holderness

Local, unique products and delicious sandwiches, salads, baked goods, and one-of-a-kind provisions. 

Yamas, Plymouth

Authentic Greek flavors and traditional recipes passed through generations, bringing the true taste of the Mediterranean to New Hampshire.

Little Red Schoolhouse, Campton

Offering seafood, burgers, and sandwiches with a surprising, breathtaking view and outdoor seating. Dogs welcome!

While you're discovering everything the Lakes Region and White Mountains have to offer, we invite you to experience the Holderness difference firsthand. Walk campus, meet our students and faculty, explore the classrooms, athletic facilities, and trails, and see how our distinctive blend of academics, outdoor education, athletics, and community helps develop the people the world needs most.

Ready to experience Holderness for yourself?

Visit Holderness School