Thorpe Meadows Sculpture Trail at a glance
- What
- A free outdoor sculpture trail beside Peterborough’s rowing lake
- Where
- Thorpe Meadows, Peterborough, PE3 6LN
- Collection
- Thirteen permanent artworks displayed around the landscape
- Route
- Approximately 3.2 kilometres or two miles
- Allow
- Around one hour for the complete trail
- Managed by
- Nene Park Trust
Art meets landscape on the Thorpe Meadows Sculpture Trail, where permanent works in wood, stone and steel turn a walk around Peterborough’s rowing lake into a free open-air gallery.
The trail forms part of the wider Peterborough Sculpture Collection, much of which was assembled during the city’s New Town expansion. Between the late 1970s and the end of the 1980s, Peterborough Development Corporation commissioned and acquired ambitious public artworks intended to bring culture directly into everyday spaces.
At Thorpe Meadows, the sculptures are encountered among water, trees, open grassland and changing skies. Some stand prominently beside the path, while others sit quietly within the landscape and reveal themselves gradually as visitors move around the lake.
Highlights include Nicholas Pope’s monumental wooden Odd Oaks, Simon Perry’s stone-carved Quarry, Christine Angus’s mysterious Under the Ocean, Under the Sea and Tolleck Winner’s waterside figures in People.
Different materials weather and change as the seasons pass, allowing the artworks to develop a close relationship with their setting. The result is a trail that can feel different on every visit, shaped by light, water, wildlife and the movement of people through the meadows.
What to expect
Thirteen permanent works
A varied collection of sculptures is placed around the rowing lake, riverside paths and surrounding meadows.
Wood, stone and steel
The artists use contrasting materials, textures and forms which respond differently to weather, light and landscape.
Peterborough’s New Town art
Many works reflect an era when public art was commissioned to give Peterborough’s expanding communities a distinctive cultural identity.
Art beside the water
The rowing lake, River Nene, grassland and trees provide an evolving natural backdrop for the sculptures.
Explore each artwork
Visit the Peterborough Art Trail to uncover individual sculptures, artists and stories from across the city.
Walk, run or cycle
The trail follows shared paths used by walkers, runners and cyclists, so remain aware of other visitors.
Planning your visit
- Address
- Thorpe Meadows, Peterborough, PE3 6LN.
- Before visiting
- Check with Nene Park Trust for current parking information, path conditions and any temporary changes affecting the route.
- Admission
- The Sculpture Trail is free to explore. Parking and refreshments are charged separately.
- Route
- The complete circular trail covers approximately 3.2 kilometres or two miles around the rowing lake.
- Time needed
- Allow approximately one hour, with extra time if you want to study each artwork or stop beside the water.
- Parking
- Paid parking is available at Thorpe Meadows. Follow the current payment instructions and restrictions displayed on site.
- Vehicle access
- A height restriction applies at the car park entrance. Check with Nene Park Trust if travelling in a taller vehicle.
- By bus
- The nearest bus stops are on Thorpe Road. Check current routes and walking directions before travelling.
- Heritage railway
- Orton Mere station on the Nene Valley Railway is a short walk from the western end of Thorpe Meadows.
- Walking and cycling
- Shared paths connect Thorpe Meadows with the city centre, Orton Mere, Ferry Meadows and the wider Nene Park.
- Accessibility
- The main lakeside path is firm and relatively level. Other sections use compacted stone, limestone or grass and may be uneven.
- Artwork access
- Some sculptures stand away from surfaced paths on grass, which may be difficult for wheelchairs or pushchairs in wet conditions.
- Facilities
- Facilities near the car park include a café, toilets, an accessible toilet, baby changing and a small play area.
- Dogs
- Dogs are welcome but should remain under control. Follow signs and take particular care around wildlife and shared paths.
- Respect the art
- Please do not climb on or damage the sculptures. Follow any instructions displayed beside individual works.
- Contact
- Call 01733 234193 or email visitor.services@neneparktrust.org.uk.
Explore more of Peterborough
Peterborough Art Trail
Explore sculptures, murals, paintings and creative landmarks throughout Peterborough.
Discover public artArts, Culture & Heritage
Find museums, historic landmarks, cultural venues and artistic experiences across the city.
Explore arts and heritageParks, Nature & Wildlife
Discover Peterborough’s country parks, nature reserves, wetlands and green spaces.
Explore the outdoorsThe Nene Reaches
Follow the River Nene through parks, historic villages and countryside west of the city.
Discover the landscapeParking arrangements, facilities, paths and the location or condition of individual artworks can change. Check directly with Nene Park Trust before making a special journey.