Discover Peterborough
More Than You Imagine
A Cathedral City with over 3,000 Years of Stories to Tell
Peterborough is one of England’s most underestimated destinations, and one of its most rewarding. At its heart stands a magnificent Norman cathedral, home to the tomb of Katharine of Aragon and a painted nave ceiling unlike anything else in the country. Just minutes away, Flag Fen reveals a Bronze Age world buried beneath the fens for three thousand years. Beyond the city, the wide skies and waterways of the Cambridgeshire fens open into some of England’s most distinctive landscapes. From prehistoric archaeology and medieval architecture to heritage railways, riverside parks and a thriving creative scene, Peterborough offers a depth and breadth of experience that will surprise almost everyone who comes. This is your guide to discovering all of it.
Discover Peterborough
Discover a city of remarkable contrasts, where ancient heritage, beautiful green spaces, vibrant culture and unforgettable experiences come together. Explore Peterborough’s stories, neighbourhoods and hidden gems, and start planning your perfect visit.
Visitor FAQs
Planning a trip to Peterborough? Our Visitor Frequently Answered Questions answer the questions we’re asked most often, from parking, public transport and accessibility, and practical tips to help you make the most of your visit.
Things to Do
From iconic heritage attractions and beautiful parks to family adventures, shopping, entertainment and hidden gems, discover the very best things to see and do in Peterborough, whatever the season or length of your visit.
What's On
There’s always something happening in Peterborough. Explore our events calendar to discover festivals, live music, theatre, exhibitions, family activities, heritage events and seasonal celebrations.
Shopping
From high street favourites and independent boutiques to bustling markets and unique local makers, Peterborough offers a fantastic shopping experience. Discover the best places to browse, shop and pick up something special during your visit.
Eat & Drink
Whether you’re looking for a relaxed café, a cosy pub, fine dining or flavours from around the world, Peterborough has something to suit every taste. Discover great places to eat and drink across the city.
Featured Attractions
Discover Peterborough through its most inspiring places — from grand heritage landmarks and vibrant cultural venues to family favourites, green escapes, and great shopping. These featured attractions capture the spirit of our city: rich in history, creativity, and warm local character at every turn.
Peterborough Cathedral
One of England’s finest Norman cathedrals, with a stunning 13th-century painted ceiling and the tomb of Katharine of Aragon. Discover 900 years of faith, architecture and civic life at the heart of the city.
Flag Fen Archaeology Park
Step back 3,000 years to a Bronze Age world of causeways and rituals. Walk above preserved timbers, meet ancient artefacts, and imagine life beside the mysterious wetlands of prehistoric Peterborough.
Peterborough Lido
A 1930s open-air pool surrounded by art-deco charm and summer sunshine. Perfect for families and swimmers seeking a nostalgic slice of British leisure in the heart of the city’s River & Rail Quarter.
John Clare Cottage
Visit the home of poet John Clare in Helpston — the “peasant poet” who gave voice to rural England. The cottage, gardens and museum celebrate his life, work and enduring love of nature.
Peterborough Museum & Art Gallery
Housed in a Georgian mansion, the museum tells the city’s story from Roman settlement to modern times. Explore archaeology, fine art, fossils and ghost stories in one of Peterborough’s most atmospheric buildings.
Nene Valley Railway
Travel through time on a heritage steam railway running from Peterborough to Wansford. With vintage carriages, events and family days, it’s a living link to the golden age of rail.
Railworld Wildlife Haven
A former coal yard reborn as an eco-heritage attraction combining model railways, gardens and wildlife habitats. A hidden gem celebrating innovation, sustainability and family fun near the River Nene.
Peterborough United FC
Experience the thrill of matchday at the Weston Homes Stadium, where loyal fans, fast-paced action, and family-friendly atmosphere make every game an unforgettable part of city life.
New Theatre Peterborough
A grand art-deco venue on Broadway presenting touring musicals, comedy, drama and family entertainment. A cornerstone of Peterborough’s Old Town Quarter and a hub for the city’s performing arts.
Sacrewell Heritage Farm & Country Centre
Meet animals, explore the restored 18th-century watermill, enjoy tractor rides, nature trails and play areas, and experience rural life surrounded by history, wildlife and open skies.
Queensgate Shopping Centre
More than a retail destination — over 100 stores, restaurants and cafés beneath one roof. The centre is also a partner in Peterborough’s creative renaissance, hosting events, pop-ups and performances year-round.
Latest News
Build an Awesome Summer at Peterborough Cathedral
This summer, Peterborough Cathedral will become the setting for Travelling Bricks, an extraordinary globally touring exhibition made from over one million LEGO® bricks, combined with hands-on interactive experiences designed for families to create, explore, and...
The Secret Rooms Above Cathedral Square
Hidden above the bustle of Queensgate Shopping Centre, there’s a piece of Peterborough that time almost forgot. On 24th April, thanks to the Queensgate management team, members of the Discover Peterborough team were given rare access to a set of historic rooms...
Inside Peterborough Cathedral’s Library and Archive
A quiet but remarkable part of Peterborough Cathedral is offering a rare glimpse into the city’s past, as interest grows in the Cathedral Library and Archive and the stories it holds. As part of ongoing work to uncover and share Peterborough’s lesser-seen heritage,...
Wings Over the Nene: The Extraordinary Life of Walter Cornelius
Walter Cornelius was born in 1923 into a Latvia that was, for a brief and precious moment, at peace. The country had declared independence in 1918, and the years that followed brought a fragile but genuine stability. For Walter's family, life on a Latvian farm was...
Peterborough’s Medieval Masterpiece: The Peterborough Bestiary
Imagine an encyclopaedia of the natural world — lions, camels, serpents, dolphins, dragons and unicorns — painted in brilliant colours, shimmering with gold leaf, and imbued with moral lessons drawn from every creature it portrays. Created in Peterborough around...
The Painted Tower: Conservation in Context at Longthorpe
Tucked away in a quiet corner of Longthorpe is one of Peterborough’s most extraordinary historic sites. Longthorpe Tower may appear modest from the outside, but within its walls lies a rare and remarkable collection of medieval wall paintings that have survived for...
Dinosaur City: A Prehistoric Adventure Across Peterborough
At the heart of Dinosaur City, an extraordinary sight awaits. A colossal Titanosaur — one of the largest creatures ever to walk the Earth — takes centre stage inside the stunning surroundings of Peterborough Cathedral. Standing beneath its vast frame, you begin to...
A Giant from Deep Time is Coming to Peterborough Cathedral
Seeing Is Believing: Experience the Natural History Museum’s Titanosaur at Peterborough Cathedral 13th April - 31st May 2026 Inside the soaring stone vaults of Peterborough Cathedral, visitors will soon be able to stand beneath one of the largest animals ever to...
HANDMADE WINGS: WHY A CITY OF CULTURE CONVERSATION MATTERS
Peterborough’s City of Culture conversation is not really about a title. It is about something quieter, and more demanding. It is about whether a city chooses confidence over decline, participation over commentary, and shared authorship over passive observation. It...
SEEING IS BELIEVING: TITANOSAUR COMES TO THE CATHEDRAL
In April, Peterborough Cathedral will host Titanosaur – a chance to stand, quite literally, in the shadow of the Late Cretaceous Period. The colossal Patagotitan mayorum – the most complete giant dinosaur ever discovered – will stand within the Cathedral’s vast...
Discover Peterborough is supported by the Peterborough Tourist Board, a city-wide partnership uniting Peterborough’s cultural, commercial and community sectors, working together to grow the visitor economy and share the story of a city that’s more than you imagine.
