New Hampshire

Prescott Park in Portsmouth, NH | Photographs

Nestled on the banks of the Piscataqua River but just steps from the bustle of downtown of Portsmouth, Prescott Park is a New Hampshire gem.

Prescott Park | Photographs of Portsmouth, NH

Coffee By Design | Portland, Maine

Photo Credit : Katherine Keenan
Portsmouth, New Hampshire has been getting a lot of well-deserved hype in recent years. Its dining scene constantly rakes in the praise, and its long history as one of the oldest towns in the country offers enough to pique anybody’s interest. With one of the liveliest arrays of arts and culture anywhere and a prime New England coastal location, it’s no wonder that Portsmouth has been called the best small town in America, and fifth best in the world. Prescott Park adds a dash of garden beauty to this seaside city’s mystique. The 10 acres of well-maintained waterfront property are home to picnic areas, a stage for small concerts and performances, boat docks, art galleries, and more. It’s the perfect place to relax and read a book by the water, or to immerse yourself in the arts and culture of this vibrant city. The park began as an idea in the minds of two schoolteachers – a pair of sisters who loved their town and envisioned great things for its future. When they found themselves the beneficiaries of a large sum of money from their late brother, they used it to beautify what was once a run-down, industrial part of the city. Land was purchased, plans were drawn, and the work continued well into the sisters’ later lives. When one sister died, maintenance and development instructions, as well as more funds for expansion of the park, were found in her will. Since then, the Prescott Park has become a hub of activity, overflowing with the charm and attraction that the two women once could only hope it would. Here’s a look at Portsmouth, New Hampshire’s Prescott Park in summer.
Prescott Park | Photographs of Portsmouth, NH
“We love how Prescott Park becomes everyone’s backyard and brings people of all ages and walks of life together by the water to enjoy a concert, musical or a movie.” -Dan and Renee Plummer
Photo Credit : Bethany Bourgault
Prescott Park | Photographs of Portsmouth, NH
The Sheafe Warehouse houses the New Hampshire Art Association’s Annual Prescott Park Art Exhibition.
Photo Credit : Bethany Bourgault
Prescott Park | Photographs of Portsmouth, NH
An old pier looks northeast over the Piscataqua River.
Photo Credit : Bethany Bourgault
Prescott Park | Photographs of Portsmouth, NH
The formal garden at Prescott Park is in full bloom.
Photo Credit : Bethany Bourgault
Prescott Park | Photographs of Portsmouth, NH
Bright flowers delight visitors.
Photo Credit : Bethany Bourgault
Prescott Park | Photographs of Portsmouth, NH
One of the formal garden’s three fountains.
Photo Credit : Bethany Bourgault
Prescott Park | Photographs of Portsmouth, NH
The formal gardens were first developed in the 1960s.
Photo Credit : Bethany Bourgault
Prescott Park | Photographs of Portsmouth, NH
The garden is a popular place for weddings.
Photo Credit : Bethany Bourgault
Prescott Park | Photographs of Portsmouth, NH
Brick paths lead wanderers through the flowers.
Photo Credit : Bethany Bourgault
Prescott Park | Photographs of Portsmouth, NH
Bright lilies shine in the afternoon sun.
Photo Credit : Bethany Bourgault
Prescott Park | Photographs of Portsmouth, NH
Historic buildings can be seen from inside the garden.
Photo Credit : Bethany Bourgault
Prescott Park | Photographs of Portsmouth, NH
See prescottparknh.org for more information on the formal gardens.
Photo Credit : Bethany Bourgault
Prescott Park | Photographs of Portsmouth, NH
The Prescott Park Arts Festival brings concerts, theater shows, movies, and special programs to Portsmouth. During its 42-year run, 3.5 million people have enjoyed over 10,000 productions.
Photo Credit : Bethany Bourgault
Prescott Park | Photographs of Portsmouth, NH
Prescott Park extends across the river to the 27-acre Four Tree Island, the perfect spot for a picnic.
Photo Credit : Bethany Bourgault
Prescott Park | Photographs of Portsmouth, NH
Piers over the river give visitors the opportunity to walk out over the water and feel the near-ocean breeze.
Photo Credit : Bethany Bourgault
Prescott Park | Photographs of Portsmouth, NH
The 1740 Sheafe Warehouse holds the New Hampshire Art Association’s Annual Prescott Park Art Exhibition.
Photo Credit : Bethany Bourgault
Prescott Park | Photographs of Portsmouth, NH
The perfect place to sit and relax for a while.
Photo Credit : Bethany Bourgault
Prescott Park | Photographs of Portsmouth, NH
Looking north over the river toward Portsmouth’s next-door neighbor, Maine.
Photo Credit : Bethany Bourgault
Have you ever visited Prescott Park in Portsmouth, New Hampshire? MORE PORTSMOUTH: A Fall Visit to Downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire Where to Eat in Portsmouth, New Hampshire Prescott Park. 105 Marcy Street, Portsmouth, NH. 603-431-8748; cityofportsmouth.com/prescottpark

Bethany Bourgault

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  1. This park is a treasure that my family has visited many times throughout the years and often with family and friends from around the country.

  2. We love to go to Prescott Park, stroll around the gardens, get some lemonade and sit and relax by the river