Your Gilmanton, NH Guide
Local guide
Things to Do in Gilmanton, NH: Farm Stays, Lakes & Local Tips
Stay on a working farm
Some of our most-loved homes are farm stays in Gilmanton, where you wake up to mini cows, horses and other farm animals right outside your door. Choose from cozy farm lofts or a tiny home with a rooftop deck, with fire pits for evenings under the stars.
Want to get closer to the animals? Guests at our farm stays can book horseback riding lessons and mini cow grooming sessions right from their Guest Portal after booking. It's a favorite for kids and grown-ups alike.
Wine, brunch and alpacas at Gilmanton Winery
Gilmanton Winery is a family-owned winery and restaurant set on a farm in town. Stop in for a wine tasting, a relaxed lunch or Sunday brunch, and say hi to the farm animals and alpacas. It's also one of our local partners, so Big Lake Properties guests get a perk when they visit. See all guest perks.
Swim, paddle and fish on Crystal Lake
Crystal Lake in Gilmanton Iron Works is about 455 acres of clear water with views of Belknap Mountain and Mt. Major. There's a public beach, park and boat launch at the southern end, and the lake is home to nesting loons, with bald eagles and great blue herons often passing by. In summer, the park hosts Fourth of July fireworks and a boat parade, and in winter the lake is a popular spot for ice fishing.
Some of our Gilmanton homes are right on the water, with docks and kayaks so you can paddle out straight from the backyard.
Hike the Belknap Range
Gilmanton sits on the edge of the Belknap Range, which stretches across Gilmanton, Gilford and Alton. Climb Belknap Mountain (2,382 ft), the highest peak in the range, or head to Mt. Major (1,786 ft) for one of the most famous views of Lake Winnipesaukee. In fall, the foliage is unbeatable. Check trail conditions before you go, and bring traction in winter.
Explore a little history
Take a drive through Gilmanton Corners, the town's historic village center, home to the Gilmanton Academy building and the Congregational church. Book lovers might know Gilmanton as the town where Grace Metalious lived when she wrote Peyton Place in the 1950s.
Easy day trips from Gilmanton
- Gunstock Mountain Resort (Gilford): skiing and tubing in winter, plus the Mountain Coaster and ziplines in summer. Our guests get discounted lift tickets. Read our Gunstock Ski Trip Guide.
- Lake Winnipesaukee: beaches, boating and lake towns like Gilford, Meredith and Wolfeboro. See our Lake Winnipesaukee winter guide.
- Laconia: restaurants, shops and live shows, just a short drive north.
Where to stay in Gilmanton
From farm lofts with mini cows to lakefront homes with docks and dog-friendly retreats with room to roam, our Gilmanton homes are made for slowing down. See all our Gilmanton vacation rentals. Want to be closer to Gunstock and the big lake? Check out our Gilford rentals too.
Book direct and save
Booking directly on our website means no booking-site fees, and every guest gets our local partner perks. See available homes.