Peterborough is a rapidly-growing city based in the heart of rural east England. It shares borders with Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Rutland.
Peterborough began as a Saxon settlement. The Saxons built a village on the site of Peterborough called Medehamstede (meadow homestead). About 655 an abbey was built next to it. However, this abbey was plundered by the Danes in 870 and was then abandoned. A new abbey was built in 972 and a village grew up nearby. About 1000 AD a wall was built around the settlement to protect it from marauding Danes. It was called St Peters burgh. (Burgh was the Saxon word for a fortified settlement). The Abbot allowed the people of the nearby village to have a market. Soon Peterborough grew into a small town.
Peterborough Cathedral
With its dramatic West Front entrance and magnificent interior, Peterborough is one of the finest Norman Cathedral’s in Europe. It’s 13th Century painted Nave ceiling which is unique in England. Henry VIII’s first wife, Katharine of Aragon, is buried here.
It is the cathedral for the Peterborough Diocese, which includes Northamptonshire within its boundaries. Entry is free (donations invited; groups please book in advance).
Peterborough Cathedral, Minster Precincts, Peterborough, PE1 1XS
01733 355315
info@peterborough-cathedral.org.uk
Peterborough Cathedral
Peterborough Museum & Art Gallery
Located in one of the city’s most historic buildings, Peterborough Museum has a wealth of stories to fascinate and enthral the whole family.With amazing objects and interactive displays for all ages, the collections comprise over 200,000 items of great national and international importance.
Our art gallery hosts an exciting programme of changing temporary exhibitions from local to internationally renowned artists.
Nene Valley Railway
Nene Valley Railway is the UK’s leading international steam attraction, based at Wansford Station, and covering the stations of Ferry Meadows, Orton Mere, Yarwell Junction, and Peterborough.
Sacrewell Farm
Sacrewell is a multi-award winning heritage farm attraction and 18th century watermill nestled between the historic city of Peterborough and the beautiful market town of Stamford.
Railworld and Wildlife Haven
Railworld has a superb ‘OO’ gauge Model Railway layout, with a number of features. The wildlife haven is an intriguing place to explore and learn about nature and how to create habitat for native species.
01733 344240
Railworld
Longthorpe Tower
Ferry Meadows
The ideal place for family day out. One of the largest country parks in the region. Situated at the heart of Nene Park, its varied landscapes make it the favourite destination for thousands of visitors throughout the year. Whether you’re looking to walk, cycle, ride a train, sail a boat, enjoy a cup of tea in the café or go fishing. Ferry Meadows is the place to explore endless meadows, lakes and woodland – all less than three miles from Peterborough city centre.
Ham Lane, Peterborough, PE2 5UU
Flag Fen Archaeology Park
Flag Fen, east of Peterborough, England, is a Bronze Age site developed about 3500 years ago, consisting of more than 60,000 timbers arranged in five very long rows, creating a wooden causeway across the wet fenland.
The Droveway, Northey Road, Peterborough, PE6 7QJ
01733 864468 (lines open April - September)
Flag Fen
Queensgate Shopping Centre
The Queensgate Shopping Centre is located in the centre of the UK city of Peterborough, in Cambridgeshire. It contains over 100 stores and parking for 2,300 cars in four onsite multi-storey car parks. Queensgate Bus Station is located within the shopping centre and only a short walk from Peterborough railway station.
Serpentine Green
Serpentine Green is the leading Peterborough shopping destination with over 35 high street and top branded fashion Peterborough shops, finest restaurants.
Elton Hall
The gardens provide a stunning backdrop to the house. Prints displayed in the house show how Sir Thomas Proby first laid out his garden in the 1670’s and how it developed during the 18th century. During the 19th century the family really gardened in Ireland and Elton was left with a small shrubbery, some topiary and the parkland you see today.
The present gardens are based on a design made in 1911 by A.H. Hallam Murray, father-in-law to Sir Richard Proby (d.1979). They have been completely revitalised over the last 35 years. Extensive hedging and topiary create different areas and structure throughout the year.
