Peterborough

A historic cathedral city with a stunning Gothic cathedral that rivals many English cathedrals in grandeur and beauty. The city blends medieval heritage with modern development and serves as a gateway to the Fens.

Things to do

• Peterborough Cathedral — Explore this magnificent 12th-century Gothic cathedral with its iconic west front, ornate interior, and the burial place of Catherine of Aragon.
• Peterborough Museum & Art Gallery — Discover the city's Roman heritage, medieval manuscripts, and local art collections housed in a Victorian building on Priestgate.
• Nene Park — Walk or cycle along the extensive riverside park with lakes, nature reserves, and family-friendly attractions throughout the 1,200 acres.
• Ferry Meadows Country Park — Visit this popular park with four lakes, woodland trails, picnic areas, and opportunities for bird watching and water sports.
• Longthorpe Tower — Tour this 14th-century tower with rare medieval wall paintings and decorative schemes that showcase life in medieval times.
• Market Deeping — Take a day trip to this picturesque stone-built fenland village just south of Peterborough, famous for its charming High Street and River Welland.

Food to try

• Fenland Sausages — Sample traditionally made pork sausages with herbs and spices, a specialty from the surrounding Fenland region often served at local butchers and pubs.
• Stewed Eels — Try this traditional East Anglian dish of fresh eels in a parsley and herb sauce, reflecting the region's fenland fishing heritage.
• Norfolk Dumplings — Enjoy light, fluffy herb-filled dumplings that are a classic East Anglian comfort food, often served in gravy at traditional restaurants.
• Cambridgeshire Pies — Sample locally-baked meat pies and pasties that reflect the agricultural traditions of the Cambridgeshire and Fenland area.

Local customs & good to know

• Cathedral Events — Check the cathedral's event calendar for evensong services, concerts, and seasonal celebrations that are central to local cultural life.
• Fenland Heritage — Respect the city's deep connection to the drained Fens—locals are proud of their agricultural and engineering heritage in transforming marshland.
• Weekend Market Tradition — Visit the city centre market on weekends to experience traditional local shopping and meet residents; the market has operated for centuries in Cathedral Square.