Canterbury Shaker Village
Canterbury, NH
A well-preserved former Shaker community of white buildings, workshops and gardens on a quiet hilltop. Guided tours explain the Shakers' way of life and craftsmanship; allow a couple of hours and check the season before driving out.
Benjamin Whitcher, a Shaker convert, donated the land on which Canterbury Shaker Village was established in 1792. The community lived from farming, livestock, mills, seeds and medicinal herbs; under Elder Blinn the print shop became the publishing center of the northern Shaker communities. Today 25 well-preserved buildings and about 700 acres (about 283 ha) of grounds survive. They include dwelling houses, workshops, stables, a laundry, a school and an infirmary.
The Meeting House was designed by Moses Johnson and was the center of community life. The site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Allow about two hours for a tour and a walk around. Because the village is not open to the same extent all year, check the season and tour times before you set out.
- Nearest town
- Canterbury, NH
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 43.3606, -71.4907
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Nearby
© Fletcher6 · CC BY-SA 3.0Wolfeboro Downtown and Lake Winnipesaukee
© Lee Wright from Marlborough, Massachusetts, US · CC BY 2.0Strawbery Banke Museum
© Bob Linsdell · CC BY 3.0Sabbaday Falls – Kancamagus Highway
© Kristopher Roller krisroller · CC0Odiorne Point State Park
Campsites nearby
- Lazy River Family CampgroundCampsite10 mi from Canterbury Shaker Village
- Circle 9 RanchCampsite11 mi from Canterbury Shaker Village
- Maple Grove ParkMotorhome stopover14 mi from Canterbury Shaker VillageMotorhomes
- Spacious Skies French PondCampsite18 mi from Canterbury Shaker VillageWi-Fi
- Cold Springs Camp ResortCampsite23 mi from Canterbury Shaker VillageWi-Fi
- Cold Spring RVMotorhome stopover24 mi from Canterbury Shaker VillageMotorhomes
All campsites in New Hampshire · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Canterbury Shaker Village?
Canterbury Shaker Village is in Canterbury, NH, at GPS 43.3606, -71.4907. It is about 48 mi from Lincoln.
Can you camp near Canterbury Shaker Village?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Cascade Campground, about 7 mi away; within 25 mi there are 38 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Canterbury Shaker Village?
Places worth a stop nearby: Wolfeboro Downtown and Lake Winnipesaukee (24 mi), Strawbery Banke Museum (42 mi), Sabbaday Falls – Kancamagus Highway (44 mi) and Odiorne Point State Park (45 mi).
When is the best time to visit Canterbury Shaker Village?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)