Great Island Common: Seaside Escape
Discover scenic beauty and recreational fun at New Castle's Great Island Common, offering beaches, history, and stunning ocean views.
Great Island Common in New Castle, NH, offers a scenic 32-acre seaside escape with a sandy beach, rocky shoreline, and picnic areas. Open daily, it provides stunning views of lighthouses and historic forts, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and recreation.
A brief summary to Great Island Common
- 301 Wentworth Rd, New Castle, New Hampshire, 03854, US
- +1603-431-6710
- Visit website
- Monday 9 am-9 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-9 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-9 pm
- Thursday 9 am-9 pm
- Friday 9 am-9 pm
- Saturday 9 am-9 pm
- Sunday 9 am-9 pm
Local tips
- Visit during the off-season for a quieter experience and to bring your dog, as they are not allowed from May 15 to September 15.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy the scenic views and utilize the picnic areas available throughout the park.
- Check out the tide charts before visiting to make the most of the beach and shoreline.
- Consider visiting the nearby Fort Constitution and Fort Stark Historic Sites to explore more of New Castle's history.
Getting There
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Walking
From the center of New Castle, Great Island Common is easily accessible by foot. Follow Wentworth Road eastward; the park entrance will be on your left. The walk offers scenic views of the coastline. No costs involved.
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Driving
Approaching Great Island Common by car, follow Route 1B (Wentworth Road) into New Castle. The park is located at 301 Wentworth Road. Note that there is a parking fee when an attendant is present, starting May 17, 2025. Parking fees vary. Limited VIP parking is sometimes available during special events.
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Public Transport
While New Castle is a small island town, public transportation options are limited. The New Castle Area Transit Authority (NCATA) primarily serves the local residents. From Portsmouth, you can take a taxi or ride-sharing service to reach Great Island Common. A taxi from downtown Portsmouth would cost approximately $20-$30.
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Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Lady Pepperrell House
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Seacoast Repertory Theatre
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John Paul Jones Historic Site
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African Burying Ground Memorial
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Portsmouth Scavenger Hunts
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Portsmouth Historical Society's John Paul Jones House
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Portsmouth Historical Society
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Unmissable attractions to see
Great Island Common Park
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Pose Inside Outdoor Picture Frame
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Park-Parking
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Fort Stark State Historic Site
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Fort Constitution Historic Site
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Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse
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Fort McClary State Historic Site
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Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion
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Seacoast Science Center
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Prescott Park
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Strawbery Banke Museum
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Essential places to dine
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Moxy
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Pickwick's at the Banke
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Pickwick's Mercantile
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