If you’ve got some free time during your stay in Peterborough, why not experience some of the local attractions. Whatever your interests, whether it is a love of the theatre, a thirst for history, are partial to a shopping spree or looking for something to keep the kids occupied, there is something for everyone.
Peterborough boasts two theatres in the city, the Key Theatre and the Cresset Theatre. Both sites offer a variety to suit all tastes, from drama and ballet, to concerts from musicians and comedians alike. Peterborough’s nightlife comes alive as the sun sets, with a diverse selection of restaurants serving cuisine for every palate, cocktail bars and night clubs open until the early hours.
The number one attraction to Peterborough is the magnificent Norman Cathedral, which provides the most beautiful backdrop to the city. Enjoy a tour of the building, taking in the striking architecture, and listening to accounts of the past. Just next door, visit the Peterborough Museum where you can meet a 1,500 year old woman!
Flag Fen is one of the finest Bronze Age archaeological sites in Europe, stretching over 20 acres of parkland. You can discover how people lived 4000 years ago, discovering ancient tools, jewellery and woodwork from the past, as well as the oldest wheel in England. The site comprises over 60,000 timbers arranged in five 1km rows connecting nearby villages, known as the Fen Causeway, as well as reconstructions of two Bronze Age roundhouses and one from the Iron Age. Special events run monthly throughout the summer from pond dipping and artefact handling to re-enactments and experimental archaeology. Learn a new skill at a weekend workshop from willow sculpture to sword finishing, flint knapping to basketry.
Peterborough Greyhound Stadium is a popular night out amongst locals and visitors alike. If it’s value for money and entertainment you are after, there has never been a better time to visit Peterborough Greyhound Stadium. More and more people are finding a night at the dogs to be a cost effective way of getting maximum enjoyment and excitement from a night out. With racing every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, doors opening at 6.30pm and the first race 7.30pm. The purpose built fully air-conditioned 1,000 seat tiered stadium offers unobstructed views of the racing action lit by state of the art floodlighting and the choice of eight bars.
Entertaining the children can be tricky, but there is a variety of places in Peterborough to, hopefully, keep everyone happy. The summer brings the warm weather, the ideal time to take the children to the Green Flag award-winning parks, where you will find large play areas, a paddling pool, sunken gardens and tearooms. Why not take a short trip out of the city on the Nene Valley Railway to Ferry Meadows Country Park for a relaxing walk around the lakes and woodlands. Let them burn off some energy in the open fields, kicking a ball around and looking at the local wildlife.
With a choice of two local farmyards, there are plenty of animals for your children to see and feed. Pigeons Farm and Sacrewell Farm and Country Centre allow your children to get up close and personal with the animals, to learn about their breeding and rearing, whilst enjoying a great day out.
For the older children in the group, why not treat them to a great day at Teamworks Karting. Let the adrenalin kick in and compete against family and friends to win. This state-of-the-art indoor karting track is a great day out for everyone, regardless of your ability or speed! Open seven days a week, the track caters for families and business executives alike.
Shopping in Peterborough is quite a pastime; in fact, you are spoilt for choice with three shopping centres, the City Market, independent stores, regular Farmer’s Markets and craft fairs. During the warmer months, dining can become an outside experience so that you can soak up the atmosphere of the city, while relaxing with a drink and a bite to eat.
Special events can make your stay even more memorable…
Where else could you experience a dragon boat race, beer festival, conker championships, cheese rolling, a straw bear parade, or the famous Burghley Horse Trials. A special event can be a great excuse for planning a weekend away – or an added bonus to an existing break. Peterborough has events taking place throughout the year so there’s never a dull moment. From concerts and fireworks at a stately home, to a spectacular event at the East of England Showground.
Then there are the ever-changing exhibitions at our art galleries and city museums. Don’t miss the Peterborough Festival, or local music events such as Peterborough Music Making or drama festivals in our nearby towns, or the famous Tulip Parade. Add to this the Santa Specials and Thomas treats on the Nene Valley Railway, or lambing and milling days at Sacrewell Farm, and you will see that you will be spoilt for choice. You can even ride on an old red London bus to transport you from the steam railway to the farm for some of its special events.
So be sure to check out what’s going on during your stay.