While many botanical gardens showcase beautiful landscapes, few in New England offer both vibrant gardens and sweeping Atlantic Ocean views quite like Fuller Gardens in North Hampton. Developed in the early 20th century on a grand summer estate, the three-acre property sits right along the New Hampshire seacoast and features formal rose gardens, a tropical conservatory, and more. It’s one of those rare places that feels like a well-kept local secret, even as it ranks among the top things to do in New Hampshire for garden enthusiasts up and down the East Coast.
Fuller Gardens is one of several compelling reasons to spend a few days exploring the New Hampshire seacoast, where history, nature, and coastal charm are all within a short drive of one another. Head north to Portsmouth for the afternoon and you’ll find the Strawbery Banke Museum and the independent shops along Market Street, or head south to Hampton Beach for the Hampton Beach Boardwalk and the easy energy of a classic New England beach town. For those looking for things to do near Exeter, NH, the garden is just a short drive away and makes a wonderful addition to a day spent discovering downtown Exeter’s historic charm.
After a day among the flowers and coastline, there’s no better place to return to than our boutique hotel in Exeter, NH. Situated right in downtown, our lodging places you within walking distance of Exeter’s shops, galleries, and historic attractions. Mornings begin with a full breakfast. Whether you’re exploring the Seacoast or simply seeking a relaxing getaway, our accommodations offer a welcoming retreat. Book your stay today!
What to Expect at Fuller Gardens in North Hampton
Fuller Gardens in North Hampton is one of the only botanical gardens in New England situated right on the Atlantic coast, and the setting alone makes it unlike anything else in the region. Once part of the grand summer estate of Massachusetts Governor Alvan T. Fuller, it is one of the last working formal estate gardens of its kind remaining in the country. The formal rose gardens were designed in the Colonial Revival style by the Olmstead Firm, commissioned in the late 1920s as an ornament to the Fuller estate. The result is a garden that carries history in every sculpted hedge and stone path, with a sense of intention and artistry that you don’t often find in public green spaces.
The roses are the undeniable heart of Fuller Gardens, and the variety is staggering. With hundreds of varieties, the rose gardens begin their season-long bloom cycle in late June and continue through October, meaning there’s rarely a bad time to visit once the gates open. Beyond the roses, the Japanese garden is typically in bloom in May, the English perennial plantings provide color from spring through fall, and a dahlia display garden adds even more interest throughout the season.
The conservatory, tucked within the grounds, rounds out the experience with tropical and desert plantings that offer a striking contrast to the coastal setting just outside. Throughout the season, Fuller Gardens also hosts a variety of special events on the grounds, so it’s worth checking their website before your visit to see what’s happening during your stay.
The three-acre property at Fuller Gardens is compact enough to explore at a relaxed pace, and the ocean air drifting in over the hedges gives the whole place an atmosphere that a landlocked garden simply can’t replicate. The gardens draw around seven thousand visitors annually, which speaks to their regional reputation, but on any given weekday morning, it can feel remarkably quiet, a rarity among destinations this beautiful.
Fuller Gardens is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with last admittance at 5 p.m., from Mother’s Day through mid-October. There is an admission fee, with discounted rates available for seniors, students, and children. The gardens are located at 10 Willow Avenue in North Hampton, about a 20-minute drive from our boutique hotel in Exeter, NH. It’s worth noting that the property is largely accessible, with benches throughout the grounds, a wheelchair-accessible restroom, and wide paths in most areas.
Plan Your Stay at the Best Hotel in Exeter, NH
After exploring the beauty of Fuller Gardens, continue your New Hampshire Seacoast getaway at Inn by the Bandstand, our boutique hotel in Exeter, NH, and one of the most distinctive places to sleep on the New Hampshire seacoast. Housed in a Federal-style 1809 mansion, our property offers eight thoughtfully appointed guest rooms, featuring luxurious linens and the finest amenities.
Guests who appreciate the artistry of a well-composed garden will likely feel right at home in our hotel’s own art gallery, which showcases a large collection of paintings ranging from oils dating to the 1800s to modern works in a variety of techniques. Mornings at the inn begin with a full breakfast served on site, a proper, unhurried start before a day of exploring. Plan your visit and enjoy a stay where art, history, and hospitality come together. Book your stay today!