The 10 Best Things to Do in Peterborough, United Kingdom (UK)

September 21, 2017 Renato Branum

Peterborough (/ˈpiːtərbrə, -bərə, -ˌbʌrə/ ( listen)) is a cathedral city in Cambridgeshire, England, with a population of 183,631 in 2011. Historically part of Northamptonshire, it is 75 miles (121 km) north of London, on the River Nene which flows into the North Sea 30 miles (48 km) to the north-east. The railway station is an important stop on the East Coast Main Line between London and Edinburgh.
Restaurants in Peterborough

Peterborough PE1 1XS, England +44 1733 355315
Excellent
71%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Peterborough Cathedral

Peterborough Cathedral is in the heart of the historic city of Peterborough, England. There has been a place of worship and prayer on the site for 1350 years, the present building approaching its 900th anniversary. With superb Gothic West Front and beautiful hand-painted wooden nave ceiling. Peterborough Cathedral is also the resting place of Henry VIII's first wife, Katherine of Aragon. The Cathedral was also once the resting place of Mary Queen of Scots until her body was moved to Westminster Abbey in 1612. Today it continues to be the focus for a vibrant community. It is the principle church for the Church of England diocese of Peterborough, which serves Northamptonshire, Rutland and the Soke of Peterborough. The origins of the Cathedral can be traced back to King Peada of the Middle Angles who founded the first monastery on the site in 655AD. The monastic settlement was almost entirely destroyed by the Vikings in 870 and rebuilt as a Benedictine Abbey between 960 and 970. The Abbey church then survived Hereward the Wake’s attack on the Abbey in 1069, and remained intact until an accidental fire destroyed the second Abbey here in 1116. It was rebuilt in its present form between 1118 and 1238. It became the Cathedral of the new Diocese of Peterborough in 1541 and it is now known as the Cathedral Church of St Peter, St Paul and St Andrew.

Reviewed By Pengor - Dunstable, United Kingdom

We very much enjoyed our visit to this beautiful Cathedral. There is no parking in the immediate vicinity but the Cathedral can be seen as soon as one approaches the town.
The imposing West Front is approached through an old Norman arch.
The Cathedral is open every day and there is no charge for visiting but donations are requested. Guided tours can be booked in advance but there are plenty of information panels if you are paying a quick visit.
The wooden ceiling is magnificent and the fan ceiling in the newer part must be seen to be believed.
Catherine of Aragon is buried here as was Mary Queen of Scots before being taken to London.
There is so much history and many visitors but the Cathedral remains quiet and peaceful.It really is awe inspiring.

2. Ferry Meadows Country Park

Ham Lane, Peterborough PE2 5UU, England +44 1733 234193
Excellent
67%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Ferry Meadows Country Park

There is something for everybody at Ferry Meadows. Imagine somewhere beautiful, safe and unspoilt where you can walk, cycle, play, horse-ride, ride a train, go fishing, exercise the dog, jog, push the buggy and explore endless meadows, lakes and woodland all less than three miles from Peterborough's busy city centre. We also offer three play areas catering for different ages and an events programme throughout the year with lots of activities for children. If all of this isn't enough to keep you entertained the Visitor Centre stocks a wide range of toys and games along with gifts, souvenirs and sweet treats. After all this activity you can relax at one of our cafes, find a nice spot for a picnic or fire up on one of our barbecue stands. New for 2014: On 11 April Lakeside at Ferry Meadows will open its doors to Park visitors. Lakeside provides a hub for activity and relaxation within Ferry Meadows as the home for Nene Outdoors, a new Water Sports and outdoor activity venture and Lakeside Kitchen & Bar, a contemporary dining and function venue. A new and exciting play area is set to open in early April. Aimed at younger children the new Otter playground will provide an exciting play space to explore and enjoy.

Reviewed By Cheryl C

We have spent many and afternoon walking around the park. It is great any time of the year and children are happy, watching the ducks, playing in one of the various parks, cycling, walking around the lakes or riding on the train. Great fun.

3. Nene Valley Railway

Wansford Station Old Great North Road, Peterborough PE8 6LR, England
Excellent
61%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 629 reviews

Nene Valley Railway

Reviewed By Walshrac - Twickenham

I don't understand how people re-book this experience year after year. It is a complete waste of money. We went on the train just before Christmas December 2017. I paid £25 for x5 1st class tickets and £35 for food so in total £160 for the “experience” and what an over prized disappointment it was. We got there with 45 minutes to spare and had to stand in a long queue to see Santa. (a brass band playing and a magician are supposed to pass the time for very long queue but we didn't see the magician or band till last 10 mins in queue!). When we did finally get in to see Santa he literally took one photo with my Daughter gave her a present and then we were rushed through to the platform. He didn’t ask her any questions or spend any time with her. Once we got onto the platform we found out that the train was delayed by 30/40 minutes…. so why were we so rushed with Santa? And then more standing around in the cold waiting for the train. (No information given just left to stand there while they cleared the train and reset it). When we did get on the train we had a food platter. The lettuce was brown and old and the sandwiches were dry and the ones with Turkey in them had a huge amount of fat on them that wasn’t edible. They were disgusting. The “complimentary” alcoholic drink – we had wine…. Well 3 sips and it was gone… not even a decent glass full? How can they justify a thimble of wine when we were kept waiting and at that price?! There was also no atmosphere on the train… why no music?
For what everyone pays I think this is shocking – you should be charged £10 a ticket and no more. I’m so glad we didn’t pay extra for the premiere carriage.

4. Peterborough Museum

Priestgate, Peterborough PE1 1LF, England +44 1733 864663
Excellent
55%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 320 reviews

Peterborough Museum

Reviewed By Tom L - East Midlands, United Kingdom

We visited on the Tudor Day last Saturday. A small but enthusiastic team had put together a good display and we were able to see the other displays in the Museum too. A hidden Gem is Peterborough Museum and they need to raise awareness. All round very good.

5. Peterborough Greyhound Stadium

Fengate, Peterborough, England +44 1733 296939
Excellent
46%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
4%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 625 reviews

Peterborough Greyhound Stadium

A fun and exciting family friendly venue, open every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday throughout the year. Offering two self-contained function suites; a 400 seater restaurant; unreserved Seating for over 600 in the main grandstand; 8 bars; a fast-food servery and cafeteria;numerous Tote betting stations; plenty of standing room both inside or outside by the track.

Reviewed By N D - Peterborough, United Kingdom

We booked the restaurant and the evening was well organised. The lady doing our tote service was friendly, and the food was fine considering that the kitchens were cooking on a grand scale. Steaks were not so good, but the lamb shank was good. We had a good view of the track and all the betting was well explained for a novice.

6. Flag Fen

Northey Road | Peterborough, Peterborough PE6 7QJ, England +44 1733 864468
Excellent
52%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
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Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4 based on 189 reviews

Flag Fen

Reviewed By suicre - england

A wonderful archaeological site that takes us back 3,500 years
Shows what life was liked for our prehistoric ancestors.
Wonderful collection of ancient objects on display found on the site. Plenty of paths to follow. Great authentic round house which you can step inside.Must Farm long boats undergoing conservation.
We visited on a Bank Holiday and the place was surprisingly almost void of people. Nice coffee shop and very friendly helpful receptionist .

7. Sacrewell

Sacrewell Lodge Great North Road, Peterborough PE8 6HJ, England +44 1780 782254
Excellent
45%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
11%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4 based on 361 reviews

Sacrewell

You probably know us as a lovely place for children to see the animals, run around in beautiful countryside and let off steam in our state-of-the-art play barn - but there's a lot more to Sacrewell. With the help of £1.4 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund, our 18th century water mill is being transformed into a national centre for milling excellence - take a tour and find out how your great-grandparents got their daily bread. Foodies can also join a tractor trip around the fields of our tenant farmers Riverford Organic Farms (it's on our land). Then there's our wildlife trail, scavenger hunt and two new rambles - if you're lucky, you'll see the rare red kites and brown hares. Seasonal events range from our Lamb National to ploughing with vintage tractors. In our 50th year as a charity dedicated to agricultural education, we continue to welcome students of all ages who want to learn traditional skills and get an insight into rural life. We hope that all our visitors not only have a great day out but feel they've learned something too.

Reviewed By freddy067 - Lincolnshire

We do got toe Sacrewell quite often , and it certainly has an excellent indoor play area for the youngsters as well as a well run cafe, but as for the animals...we feel it needs a wider variety than goats sheep and chickens....we like our youngsters to enjoy a farm experience....

8. Railworld

Oundle Road - City end | Access thru Pleasure Fair Meadow Car Park - PE28AT, Peterborough PE2 9NR, England +44 1733 344240
Excellent
73%
Good
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Satisfactory
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Poor
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Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 105 reviews

Railworld

Alongside the Nene Valley Railway,(NVR)Peterborough Station. Short walk from Peterborough Main Line Station - Open Every weekend in 2016 from Easter till October 30th + School Holidays - We are a self funded volunteer group. We have a Passion for Nature and a slant towards model Railways ..... We have built an intriguing exciting wildlife habitat to explore and 2,000 sqft of model Railways to enjoy - Nostalgic film shows, steam on the main line, plus a Wildlife Trust documentary to Entertain and Educate about our wonderful world. Bring a picnic - Relax and relish your time with us. Family ticket 2 Adults + 3 children £10.00 - Adult £4.00 - Concessions £3.00 - Children £2.00

Reviewed By Dormouse39 - Peterborough, United Kingdom

Railways large and small, Waterfalls, walks, bird life, wild animals, Bridges, trees, wild flowers, picnic areas and 2000 square feet of model railway – all in one location 10 minutes walk from Peterborough City Centre – unbelievable, but it’s true. We parked in their large car park.
It is situated at the City end of the Nene Valley Railway in Oundle Road, Peterborough. This is a volunteer site. There is also a viewing platform next to the East Coast Main Line. There are Railways locomotives and wagons of the normal size (which opens onto the Nene Valley Railway) and various model Railways in the Gardens and under cover. Some can be worked by the children. This is a place for individuals, families and school parties.
This is a MUST VISIT site – you won’t be disappointed, we weren’t.

9. Elton Hall & Gardens

Elton Hall Estate Near Peterborough | Cambridgeshire, Peterborough PE8 6SQ, England +44 1832 280468
Excellent
56%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
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Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 70 reviews

Elton Hall & Gardens

Elton Hall is a baronial hall in Elton, Cambridgeshire. It has been the ancestral home of the Proby family since 1660. The hall lies in an 3,800-acre (15 km2) estate through which the River Nene runs. The building incorporates 15th, 17th, 18th and 19th century parts and is a Grade I listed building. Elton Hall is two miles (3 km) from Fotheringhay Castle, where Mary, Queen of Scots was executed in 1587. The Victorian Gardens have been skilfully restored in recent years and contain a knot garden, a herbaceous garden with Fountain, fine hedges and a Gothic orangery built to celebrate the Millennium.

Reviewed By JohnUK - London, United Kingdom

The Hall contains one of the finest art collections of its size in the country. The current owners have done an outstanding job restoring the house over the last 30 odd years and the rooms on the visitor route are stunning. However, I was disappointed that so much was roped off making it impossible to see some of the paintings. In a couple of rooms it would have been possible to extend the available area to walk on without too much hassle. We were a tour of 9 and even then it felt cramped in places. I also didn't like the cling film on the new silk hangings, just on the part accessible to visitors. It is as if to say to your visitors - 'you're dirty'. There must be some better way of stopping people trying to touch... placing some furniture in strategic positions, perhaps?
Photography was not allowed 'for security purposes' yet most National Trust Houses, Blenheim Palace etc now allow it, so this seems an odd excuse.
Secondly, our guide wasn't the best. She made several slips and repeatedly got titles completely wrong - for example the '2nd Countess and her Count'. I do understand that it's not been a straightforward line of inheritance but would have thought she would at least have been able to address the current owners correctly.
Nonetheless it was well worth a visit to see such splendours and to walk in the well designed and tended Gardens.

10. John Clare Cottage

12 Woodgate | Helpston, Peterborough PE6 7ED, England +44 1733 253330
Excellent
59%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 64 reviews

John Clare Cottage

Reviewed By LeicsHelen - Leics

We took some friends from Wales to visit this cottage as they are very interested in John Clare. We were immediately welcomed by the staff, who are all volunteers, giving up their own time, and who do an excellent job.
We all thought that the handset auditory commentary gave added interest to our visit. I particularly loved listening to the poetry readings and to the Northamptonshire "friend of John Clare" who spoke with a local accent.
We had lunch in the cafe at the cottage which was all home-made, delicious and reasonably priced. After lunch we took the auditory tour of the village - thus we were "led" around the village and given added information about John Clare and his life.
Our friends thoroughly enjoyed their day, learning more about the poet whom they admire so much. Our thanks to the volunteers who were so helpful throughout our visit. We definitely hope to return.

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