Peterborough might seem like an unlikely holiday spot, but this Cathedral city in Cambridgeshire, East of England is an area that offers a host of activities for people of all ages including entertainment, shopping, art and leisure. My favourite reason for visiting the area is the history, with some of the best heritage attractions for those of us who enjoy learning about the past.
Peterborough Cathedral
The must-see venue for any visitor to Peterborough, the Cathedral Church of St Peter, St Paul and St Andrew is an awe-inspiring example of medieval architecture with an Early English Gothic – an architectural style that flourished in England from about 1180 until about 1520 – west façade made up of three enormous arches which is claimed to have no architectural precedent. The statues of Saint Peter, Saint Paul and Saint Andrew sit aloft the three impressive gables. The extraordinary architecture continues inside with a dramatic Romanesque interior which was completed 800 years ago and recently cleaned and restored following a destructive fire of November 2001.
The contents of the Cathedral are also not to be missed, with many religious and historic artefacts being housed there. My personal favourites include the painted nave ceiling including geometric diamond patterns, the ornately carved Victorian Choir stalls and getting the chance to visit the burial place of Katharine of Aragon, one of the six wives of Henry VIII, and Mary Queen of Scots, two well-known female figures of English history.
The Cathedral puts on a number of events across the year and the Peterborough Cathedral Choir shouldn’t be missed.
Nene Valley Railway
If you are a fan of trains then Peterborough is perfect for you. Take a trip to the Nene Valley Railway which is home to a range of beautiful steam locomotives both British and Continental, with a regular service allowing you to experience steam trains at their best. The railway and its trains have been featured in a number of TV shows including London’s Burning and the James Bond films Octopussy and Goldeneye. When I was growing up Thomas the Tank Engine was one of my favourite TV programs, Nene Valley Railway is the home of Thomas, the children’s favourite with Thomas-themed events are held throughout the season.
For something really special be sure to visit the Railway for one of their special events including the Wizard Express – a Halloween-themed journey with fancy dress and spooky goings-on and Santa Specials where you can meet Father Christmas and get into the festive spirit. Having enjoyed many a Railway in my youth, I can recommend this as a day out that children will love.
Peterborough Museum
With collections of over 200,000 objects including a number of National and International importance, the Peterborough Museum makes for an educational and interactive experience complete with a Victorian Operating Theatre and Underwater World where you can learn about sea monsters from over 150 million years ago. In more recent history you can learn about the world’s first prisoner of war camp, built 200 years ago during the Napoleonic Wars and take a peek inside a cell where French prisoners spent their time making incredibly intricate items which are now on display.
With a £3.2 million refurbishment, the Museum prides itself on offering interactive displays including permanent gallery exhibitions such as “Changing Lives”, my favourite exhibit which shows the story of Peterborough’s growth from a small market town 200 years ago into the industrial city it is today. See historical objects, images, frim and reconstructions from all periods of history.
