Cathedral Quarter

The historic heart of Peterborough, where the city’s story began and where centuries of faith and civic life still shape the city’s identity.

The Cathedral Quarter is the spiritual and civic anchor of Peterborough, dominated by the breathtaking Norman Cathedral whose West Front defines the skyline. This is where medieval lanes meet Georgian frontages, where centuries-old markets still take place, and where the city’s story is told in stone.

Priestgate, one of Peterborough’s oldest streets, leads to the Peterborough Museum & Art Gallery, home to collections spanning archaeology, fine art, and social history. St John’s Church stands sentinel over Cathedral Square, where civic events, markets, and public celebrations unfold against a backdrop of historic architecture.

The Quarter is also a commercial and cultural hub — Queensgate Shopping Centre draws visitors for retail and dining, while heritage trails and public art connect landmarks across the area. Seasonal events, from the Cathedral’s Christmas market to civic parades, reinforce its role as the ceremonial heart of the city.

Geographical Layout:

  • Cathedral precincts and gardens
  • Cathedral Square and St John’s Church
  • Priestgate & Peterborough Museum & Art Gallery
  • Queensgate Shopping Centre
  • Guildhall and Guildhall Walk
  • Cowgate, Bridge Street, and surrounding historic streets

Cultural Anchors & Symbols:

  • Peterborough Cathedral
  • St John’s Church
  • Guildhall
  • Peterborough Museum & Art Gallery
  • Queensgate Shopping Centre
  • Heritage markets & seasonal festivals