The town of Peterborough Cambridgeshire can be found in East England not too far north of London on the banks of the River Nene. There is a site right out side of town showing that the town existed during the Bronze Age. There is also evidence that the Romans once lived in the old city. The Anglo-Saxons built a large monastery in the town that is now Peterborough Cathedral instead of the old name of Medeshamstede.
History lovers will enjoy a visit to Peterborough. One of the best places to visit is the Cathedral re built after parts were destroyed during the English Civil War from 1118 to 1238. The church is dedicated to Saint Peter, Saint Paul and St. Andrew and their statues are positioned on three high gables on the Western Front of the church. This part of the church is typical English Gothic with large arches. This cathedral has a wonderful ancient painted wooden ceiling that is magnificent. Both Katherine of Aragon and Mary, Queen of Scots were once buried under this cathedral with Mary being removed to be buried in Westminster Abby when her son James I became king of England. The cathedral was built on a deposit of limestone.
An old infirmary now houses the Petersborough Museum and Art Gallery. You can see exhibits of the town history including Roman pottery. The art works in the museum are from the 1600’s all the way to present time and you can also enjoy traveling and temporary exhibits. This is said to be one of the most haunted buildings in town and if you can stomach the haunted tours you just might see a ghost or two.
Burghley house is outside the city and was a country home of Queen Elizabeth I’s Lord High Treasurer, Sir William Cecil. He also built a magnificent park where kids can run and play around the house. Visit Longthorpe Tower built in the 14th century and attached to another big manor house that houses an art exhibit of European art. The oldest historical site in town is Flag Fen, the Bronze Age dig that was found in 1982. It is said to have been a religious site and in the dig they found a wheel that is suspected to be the oldest wheel found in Britain.
If you would like to take in some activities after exploring historical sites you can go to Nene Park and walk the 3.5 miles of parkland. Here you will find three beautiful lakes and one is a center of water sports that you can participate in. You can either use your own equipment or rent some from vendors around the lake.
Natural reserves Castor Highlands, Barnack Hills & Holes, and Bedford Purlieus can be hiked and enjoyed for the scenery. There is a cycle network called the Green Wheel that radiates all over town. The spokes go past most of the interesting sites in town.
Once you are done with history and activities go shopping at the three shopping centers and many independent shops in town. There is a Farmers Market in town and you can always find a craft fair in town somewhere especially in the summer. There are many different cuisines represented in Peterborough restaurants and you are sure to find something that will tickle your taste buds. Peterborough is a wonderful vacation destination for those that love to explore.
Tags: Destinations
