Nene Reaches
A ribbon of water and green space stretching west from the city, rich in Roman heritage, country houses, and year-round outdoor adventure.
The Nene Reaches trace the River Nene west of Peterborough — a landscape where water, history, and wildlife flow together. Beginning at Nene Park and Ferry Meadows, the city’s green gateway, the river winds through meadows and villages shaped by centuries of connection to the water. Here, Roman settlements, medieval bridges, and historic churches line the valley, linking Longthorpe and Orton Waterville to the heritage landscapes around Castor, Ailsworth, and Upton.
Further west, the river passes Water Newton, Wansford, Elton, and Fotheringhay, where landmarks such as Elton Hall, the Nene Valley Railway, and the Water Newton Treasure tell the story of a valley central to Britain’s past. Blending activity and heritage, the Reaches invite exploration on foot, by cycle, or by boat — connecting parks, nature reserves, and historic sites in a living river corridor that carries the story of Peterborough into the surrounding countryside.
Geographical Layout:
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- The Urban River Edge: Longthorpe, Thorpe Meadows, Nene Park and the Ortons
- Middle Reaches: Alwalton, Stibbington and Sutton
- Water Newton Roman Town & Treasure Site (Durobrivae)
- Western Reaches: Yarwell, Wansford, Elton and Fotheringhay
- River-based trails, cycle routes and boat moorings
Cultural Anchors & Symbols:
- Nene Park Trust & Ferry Meadows
- Thorpe Meadows Sculpture Trail
- Longthorpe Tower
- Sacrewell Heritage Farm & Country Centre
- Elton Hall and Gardens
- Nene Valley Railway
- Nene Navigation and Boating
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.
Longthorpe Tower
Step inside a 14th-century tower to discover vivid medieval wall paintings and a glimpse into the lives of Peterborough’s medieval gentry.
Peterborough Blue Plaque Trail
Explore the stories etched into Peterborough’s streets through the Blue Plaque Trail. Each plaque reveals a piece of the city’s heritage — from royal visitors to inventors, artists and reformers — creating an inspiring open-air museum of local history.
Holywell Ponds
A tranquil medieval fishpond site fed by a spring emerging from a grotto, nestled in Longthorpe amid wildflower meadows and nature reserve habitat.
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.
Thorpe Meadows Sculpture Trail
The Thorpe Meadows Sculpture Trail weaves through one of Peterborough’s most picturesque green spaces, offering a unique blend of outdoor art and waterside scenery.
Elton Hall
Elton Hall is a romantic part Gothic house, home to the Proby family for over 400 years. Explore grand state rooms, rare art and manuscripts, and enchanting formal gardens that reflect centuries of heritage, elegance and care near Peterborough.