Peterborough is located in the county of Cambridgeshire in east England. Settlement dates back to the Bronze Age but the city was built along the banks of the Nene River. After World War II, Peterborough was designated as a new town in the search for more accommodation for all the baby boomers.
Despite being a new town there are still some attractive old landmarks like churches and monasteries. With car hire in Peterborough you can check out the attractive English countryside around including areas such as the Fens. Furthermore it is also possible drive to London in about an hour.
Peterborough Mini Guide
Tell me About Peterborough
Peterborough is a cathedral town in Cambridgeshire, England. It is known as the ‘Gateway to the Fens’.
How can I get There?
From London by car, you can drive there using the A1M north. From the city of Cambridge you can take the A14 and the A1M. By rail, Peterborough is just 45 minutes from
London using the East Coast Main Line service which extends north to York and
Edinburgh. This service runs every 20 minutes daily. Once you are there, the town is quite compact, so it is easy to just walk around.
What is There to see?
You can visit the Cathedral, completed in 1238 and see the original painted nave ceiling and one of a kind in England. Look out for the Hedda Stone, an 8th century carving. In Cathedral Square you will see the Guildhall and Butter Market Cross built in 1671, it was an important crossing place in the town. You can find out more about the town at Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery, where they have over 227,000 artefacts, some are archaeological and some represent social history. If you are interested in archaeology in the area, head for Flag Fen Bronze Age Centre and Archaeological Park.
What if I Don’t Like History?
Take a trip on the Nene Valley Railway and see the vintage steam trains. You can shop till you drop at the Queensgate Centre and go and see a show at the Broadway Theatre. If you are feeling active, go ice skating at Planet Ice or head for Nene Park, where you can take a stroll or do water sports at one of the lakes.
Out and About
Burghley House is a short drive away – it is a grand 16th century house that is often used as a film set for historic films. You can also visit the pretty cathedral town of Ely and the city of Cambridge.
What About Eating Out?
There are a wide range of restaurants and cafes in the town and most tastes are covered due to its diverse population. You will find everything from British pub food to Chinese take away, side by side with Nepalese and Polish restaurants.
Staying There
Why not stay at the 17th century Bull Hotel, in the very heart of the town, it is close to the shops and attractions as well as having places to eat nearby. It has 118 modern rooms and Wi-Fi access in public areas. The hotel Brasserie serves traditional and continental cuisine and has a large wine list or you can have a quick snack at Pastroudis Bar and Lounge.