Nestled between towering mountains and sparkling lakes, Holderness became a popular 19th-century summer retreat for the inhabitants of Boston and Baltimore. Today, this pretty rural town is a year-round favourite with outdoorsy adventurers and laid-back visitors eager to soak up the region’s natural beauty. Accommodation options range from simple, self-catering spots to a gorgeous lakeside manor house, fit for a whole host of tastes and budgets. Promising glorious Squam Lake views, the best places to stay in Holderness are a welcome escape from the bustle of the world beyond.

The New Hampshire Lakes Region is famed for its spectacularly clear waters. Try kayaking, paddle boarding, boating trips or fishing excursions on scenic Squam Lake, or at Little Squam Lake and Lake Winnipesaukee, both nearby. Wildlife enthusiasts of all ages will be fascinated by bald eagles, bobcats and mountain lions at the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center.

Keen hikers and mountain bikers can follow the area’s myriad trails. The viewpoint atop West Rattlesnake Mountain comes highly recommended. The mountain's oak and pine forests are magical in the autumn! Come winter, you can expect downhill and cross-country ski trails aplenty in the foothills of the White Mountains. Round off your days at the town's inviting shops and eateries, before kicking back at one of the best places to stay in Holderness.