Peterborough can be explored through a range of different themes: the cathedral and museums tell stories of architecture, collections and the past, while the lakes and parklands invite visitors to enjoy paths, rowing and water sports. When planning your visit, it is worth keeping these themes separate: some activities are seasonal, while information about the paths is mainly useful for planning your time.
Cathedral, Collections and Archaeology
The Cathedral Church of St Peter, St Paul and St Andrew is listed as a Grade I building. The main pedestrian entrance to the cathedral grounds leads from the Market Place through the archway known as the Norman Gate. The cathedral also contains remains of the tomb of Queen Katharine of Aragon. The building, its entrance and the tomb each bring a distinct focus to a visit.
Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery brings together collections spanning more than 150 million years of Peterborough’s history, environment and culture. These include the Norman Cross collection, considered the largest and finest of its kind in the world. Another highlight is the internationally significant collection of marine reptile fossils, found locally in Jurassic Oxford Clay. Together, the collections offer different perspectives, from a distinctive collection about the history of Norman Cross to fossils from the local clay deposits.
The wall paintings in Longthorpe Tower also depict specific subjects, including the Wheel of Life, the Nativity and King David. Anyone interested in archaeological finds can see one of the earliest wheels discovered in Britain at Flag Fen Museum. Children can try out archaeological work in a recreated excavation area. The Flag Fen parkland also provides a habitat for wildlife. Pedestrians can reach Flag Fen via a riverside path that forms part of National Cycle Network Route 63. As path conditions can change, it is advisable to check the route before setting out.
Paths, Lakes and Outdoor Activities
The Three Lakes Trail starts and ends at Ferry Meadows and takes approximately 50 minutes to an hour. Along the way, the route explores Bronze Age, Iron Age and Roman settlements. This combines an approximate time estimate with a look at several earlier periods. Ferry Meadows also has a 4-mile (6.4-kilometre) circular cycling route that starts at Lakeside. It offers another option for anyone who would rather plan a bike ride than a walking route.
For a rough guide to timing, the Three Lakes Trail can be compared with the Sculpture Trail in Thorpe Meadows: according to the information available, both take about an hour. The Sculpture Trail is also listed as being 3.2 kilometres long, while the Three Lakes Trail passes settlements from three historical periods. This gives you two different routes to choose from within a similar time frame, though they cover different themes.
Thorpe Meadows has a purpose-built rowing lake, surrounded by waterside paths for walking, cycling and jogging. Visitors can also learn to row there. Those more interested in activities on the water can find kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and other water sports at Gunwade Lake with Nene Outdoors. These activities are available seasonally. Nene Outdoors also offers seasonal eco-friendly passenger boat trips around Ferry Meadows.
More Places to Explore and Planning
Railworld Wildlife Haven is a visitor attraction in Peterborough. Volunteers transformed a disused coal-handling site there into an urban green space with ponds and waterfalls. The Nene Valley Railway offers a different view of the surrounding area: this historic steam railway runs from Peterborough to Wansford. Its trains travel west of Peterborough through countryside, parkland and riverside areas. As current services should not be assumed, it is advisable to check the timetable before travelling.
If you are looking for a hotel in Peterborough, you can start by considering what you want your stay to focus on: the cathedral and collections, archaeological themes, or paths and outdoor activities. Approximate walking times and the seasonal availability of water sports and boat trips are practical differences to consider when planning. For seasonal activities and train journeys, check the dates or timetable in advance.
Discover more destinations: Barnack, Helpston, Ufford, Northborough, Wansford.
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