Craving a cozy lake town with mountain views and small-town charm? Head to Bristol! Located in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, Bristol is a gateway to Newfound Lake and Mount Cardigan. With outdoor adventure, historic streets, and year-round fun, it’s ideal for a peaceful escape.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Bristol is from late spring to early fall (May through October). Enjoy lake days, hikes, foliage drives, and seasonal events. Winter also brings snowshoeing, ice fishing, and nearby skiing.

How to Get There

  • By Car: Located off NH Route 3A and Route 104, Bristol is about 2 hours north of Boston and 1 hour northwest of Concord.
  • By Plane: The nearest airport is Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT), about 1.5 hours away by car.
  • By Bus: Concord Coach Lines serves nearby towns like Plymouth; you’ll need a car or rideshare to reach Bristol directly.

Where to Stay

  • Pleasant View Bed & Breakfast – Charming country B&B with panoramic mountain views, perfect for a quiet getaway.
  • The Inn on Newfound Lake – Historic inn right on the lake with cozy rooms, fine dining, and unbeatable sunset views.
  • Newfound Lake Area Rentals – Cabins, cottages, and lake houses offer flexible, family-friendly options near the water.

Top Attractions

⮕ Swim, Hike, and Picnic at Wellington State Park

Swim, Hike, and Picnic at Wellington State Park

© Eugenie/stock.adobe.com

  • What is Wellington State Park?
    • Wellington State Park is home to the New Hampshire State Park system’s largest freshwater swimming beach.
  • What scenic views can visitors enjoy?
    • Picnic areas and hiking trails along the shoreline offer views of one of the state’s clearest and deepest lakes.
  • What hiking opportunities are available?
    • A well-marked trail provides access to:
      • Mount Cardigan
      • Welton Falls
      • Bear Mountain
      • The Sugarloafs
      • Goose Pond
  • What recreational activities are offered?
    • Visitors can enjoy:
      • Horseshoe courts
      • Volleyball courts
      • Boat launch
      • Kayak rentals
  • What amenities does the park provide?
    • The park features a Snack Bar offering:
      • Souvenirs
      • Picnic and beach items
      • Cold drinks
      • Ice cream
      • Various snacks
  • Is camping available at Wellington State Park?
    • Yes, camping is possible during the summer with reservations.

614 West Shore Rd, Bristol, NH 03222, Phone: 603-744-2197

⮕ Pick Seasonal Fruit and Enjoy Mountain Views at Cardigan Mountain Orchard

Pick Seasonal Fruit and Enjoy Mountain Views at Cardigan Mountain Orchard

© Cardigan Mountain Orchard

  • What is Cardigan Mountain Orchard?
  • What is the main focus of the orchard?
    • While the main focus of the orchard is apples, the business also works with several local growers to offer a wider variety of vegetables and fruits.
  • When can guests pick their own apples?
    • Guests can pick their own apples at Cardigan Mountain Orchard typically from Labor Day through October.
  • What are the orchard's hours for apple picking?
    • The orchard is open seven days a week, from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm.
  • What is available at the Country Store?
    • The Country Store offers a variety of homemade goods, including:
      • Apple butter
      • Jam
      • Pie
  • What is the orchard well known for?
    • The orchard is well known in the area for its apple cider.

1540 Mt Cardigan Rd, Alexandria, NH 03222, Phone: 603-744-2248

Where to Eat

⮕ Treat Yourself to Sweets at The Mill Fudge Factory and Cafe

Treat Yourself to Sweets at The Mill Fudge Factory and Cafe

© The Mill Fudge Factory

  • What is The Mill Fudge Factory?
    • The Mill Fudge Factory is housed in the historic circa 1700’s grist mill of Bristol, New Hampshire on the Newfound River.
  • When was The Mill Fudge Factory established?
    • This family-run shop has been making high-quality, handcrafted fudge in small batches since 2006.
  • What is the mission of The Mill Fudge Factory?
    • The mission of The Mill Fudge Factory is simply “to make people happy”.
  • What ingredients are used in their fudge?
    • All fudge is made with fresh, natural ingredients, including:
      • Cane sugar
      • Pure honey
      • Cabot butter
      • Callebaut Belgian dark chocolate
  • What flavors of fudge are available?
    • Fudge flavors include:
      • Belgian Chocolate
      • Penuche Walnut
      • Chocolate Peanut Butter
      • Irish Cream
      • Maple Walnut
      • Original Penuche
      • Chocolate Salted Caramel
      • And much more

2 Central St, Bristol, NH 03222, Phone: 603-744-0405

⮕ Dine in Rustic Comfort at The Homestead Restaurant & Tavern

Dine in Rustic Comfort at The Homestead Restaurant & Tavern

© The Homestead Restaurant & Tavern

  • What is The Homestead Restaurant and Tavern?
  • What makes The Homestead Restaurant and Tavern popular?
    • The restaurant is known for its delicious food and casual, entertaining, and vibrant atmosphere.
  • What type of food is served?
    • The menu features classic options made to go “above and beyond” the traditional tavern or pub experience, including:
      • Fresh haddock
      • Marinated beef tips
      • Vegetarian ravioli
  • Is there a gluten-free menu?
    • Yes, the restaurant offers a gluten-free menu as well.
  • What are the restaurant’s operating hours?
    • The Homestead Restaurant and Tavern is open seven days a week.
  • Does the restaurant host live entertainment?
    • Yes, The Homestead Restaurant and Tavern often hosts live entertainment for guests to enjoy during their meal.

1567 Summer St, Bristol, NH 03222, Phone: 603-744-2022

If you are a first time visitor:

  • Newfound Lake – Swim, boat, kayak, or just relax along one of the cleanest lakes in New England.
  • Profile Falls – Easy hike to a beautiful hidden waterfall with picnic spots and river access.
  • Downtown Bristol – Stroll past historic storefronts, cafés, galleries, and a classic New England town square.
  • Sculptured Rocks Natural Area – See fascinating rock formations carved by the Cockermouth River, perfect for a short hike and photos.

More Places to Eat

  • Village Pizza & Grill – Local favorite for hearty pizzas, pasta, and burgers in a relaxed setting.
  • Kathleen’s Cottage – Irish-American pub with comfort food, a cozy fireplace, and live music on weekends.

If you are interested in local events:

  • Founders Day & Duck Race (July) – Classic summer festival with games, food, crafts, and the famous rubber duck river race.
  • Bristol Fall Festival (October) – Celebrate foliage season with local vendors, hayrides, pumpkin painting, and live music.
  • Summer Concerts in the Square (June–August) – Free family-friendly music in downtown Bristol on warm summer nights.

If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Bristol, New Hampshire:

  • Plymouth (20–25 min) – Visit Plymouth State University, dine downtown, or see a show at the Flying Monkey Theater.
  • Cardigan Mountain (30 min) – Hike to one of New Hampshire’s most scenic summits with 360° views at the top.
  • Bridgewater (10–15 min) – Explore peaceful lakefront areas and scenic backroads with classic New England beauty.
  • Hill Village Historic Site (20 min) – A “lost village” with cellar holes, trails, and interpretive signs in a quiet forest setting.
  • Hebron (15 min) – Visit the town green, picnic at the beach, or relax by the water in this charming lakeside town.
  • Danbury (25 min) – Head to Ragged Mountain Resort for winter skiing or summer hiking and mountain biking.
  • Rumney Rocks (30 min) – Popular destination for rock climbing or hiking among granite cliffs and forested trails.
  • Meredith (30 min) – Shop, dine, or walk the boardwalk along Lake Winnipesaukee's northern edge.
  • Tenney Mountain (25–30 min) – Seasonal ski area that also offers hiking and scenic views over central New Hampshire.

FAQ

  • Q: When was Bristol, New Hampshire founded?
  • A: The beautiful town of Bristol, New Hampshire, was founded back in 1819.
  • Q: What makes Bristol a quintessential New England town?
  • A: Bristol is a quintessential New England town that encompasses the southern part of Newfound Lake and is surrounded by countryside hills.
  • Q: How close is Bristol to the capital city of Concord?
  • A: Bristol is located only around 25 miles away from Concord, offering small-town benefits with close proximity to major centers and attractions.
  • Q: What activities and attractions are available in Bristol?
  • A: Bristol is a great place for a local atmosphere, outdoor recreation, and apple picking. It is home to Wellington State Park and the Cardigan Mountain Orchard.

Plan Your Trip


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