If you’ve only ever passed through Peterborough on a train journey north, you’re missing a city with far more going on than most people expect. There’s a great mix of things to do in Peterborough: heritage railways running through countryside parks, one of the UK’s best surviving Art Deco lidos, Bronze Age archaeology, independent pubs and taprooms, riverside walks, and a cathedral that stops you in your tracks the moment you walk inside.
One of the best things about Peterborough is how easy it is to explore without a car. Many of the city’s top attractions are either walkable from the station or connected by short bus journeys, which makes it an easy day trip or weekend break from London, Stevenage, Hitchin, and beyond.
Whether you’re planning a family day out, looking for unusual things to do in Peterborough for couples, or trying to find fun things to do in Peterborough for adults, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
How to get to Peterborough by train
Peterborough is one of the easiest cities to reach by rail in eastern England. Peterborough railway station sits on the East Coast Main Line, with direct services from London, Stevenage, Hitchin, and many other UK cities.
Once you arrive, many of the city’s main attractions are either walkable or accessible by short taxi rides, making Peterborough surprisingly convenient for a car-free weekend break.
Expert tips:
- Advance rail tickets are usually much cheaper than same-day fares.
- Peterborough has a large PlusBus zone, meaning you can add a bus ticket to your train fare and enjoy unlimited bus travel within the zone.
- Off-peak train services tend to be quieter, especially for weekend travel.
- Ferry Meadows, the Cathedral, and Peterborough city centre combine particularly well for a one-day itinerary.
Top things to do in Peterborough with kids
Nene Valley Railway
For families, this is the main attraction in Peterborough. The Nene Valley Railway is a heritage railway running through the Nene Valley countryside between Peterborough and Wansford, using restored steam and diesel locomotives. Kids love the novelty of old-fashioned train travel, especially during themed events and character weekends, while adults enjoy the scenery and nostalgia just as much.
The railway is also known among train enthusiasts for operating international rolling stock and historic locomotives, including occasional visits from famous engines like the Flying Scotsman.
Address: Wansford Station, Stibbington, Peterborough, PE8 6LR
Phone: 01780 784444
Hours: Office open daily 9am to 4pm. Café hours vary throughout the week and on special event days
Find out more and book tickets: https://www.nvr.org.uk/
Expert tips:
- Sit on the left-hand side leaving Peterborough for some of the best countryside and river views.
- Check the events calendar before visiting. Character weekends and steam galas sell out quickly.
- Pair the railway with Ferry Meadows for an easy full-day family itinerary.
Peterborough Lido
Open since 1936, Peterborough Lido is one of the UK’s best surviving outdoor swimming pools. The Art Deco design, heated outdoor pools and riverside setting make it feel far more continental than you’d expect in Cambridgeshire.
Families spread out across the grassy sunbathing areas during warmer weekends, while kids make a beeline for the learner pools and splash areas. In summer, it becomes one of the city’s most popular attractions.
Address: St Peters House, Lido, Bishop's Road, Peterborough PE1 1YY
Phone: 01733 864761
Hours: Seasonal opening, typically May to September. Usually open daily from 9am to 6:30pm, though hours can vary during events
Find out more: https://vivacity.org/sports-venues/peterborough-lido/
Expert tips:
- Arrive early on hot weekends. The queue builds quickly during school holidays.
- Bring flip-flops. The surrounding poolside areas can get very warm in peak summer.
- Combine it with a riverside walk along the Embankment afterwards.
Ferry Meadows in Nene Park
If you’re searching for things to do in Peterborough with kids that don’t involve screens, Ferry Meadows is the answer locals usually give first. Part of the wider Nene Park, this huge green space has lakes, walking and cycling trails, playgrounds, mini golf, watersports and picnic areas.
Address: Ham Lane, Peterborough, PE2 5UU
Phone: 01733 234193
Hours: Open to pedestrians and cyclists at all times
Find out more: https://www.nenepark.org.uk/ferry-meadows
Expert tips:
- Bring bikes if you can. The cycling routes are one of the park’s biggest highlights.
- The Ham Farm play area is especially popular with younger children.
- The park connects easily with the Nene Valley Railway, making it ideal for a combined day out.
What are some things to do in Peterborough for adults?
Charters Bar
Set aboard a converted Dutch barge on the River Nene, Charters Bar is one of the city’s best-known nightlife spots. There’s live music throughout the year, a large beer garden overlooking the river, and a relaxed atmosphere that works equally well for afternoon drinks or late-night gigs.
Address: Town Bridge, London Road, Peterborough, PE2 8AN
Phone: 01733 315700
Hours: Open daily from midday
Find out more and reserve a table: https://www.charters-bar.com/
Expert tips:
- Summer evenings are particularly busy, so arrive early if you want outdoor seating.
- Check gig listings in advance. The venue regularly hosts touring bands and tribute acts.
Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery
Housed inside a grand Victorian building, Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery covers everything from local archaeology to art exhibitions and the city’s history. The museum is probably best known nationally for its ghost tours and paranormal evenings, but daytime visits are just as worthwhile.
Read more: Peterborough museums
Address: Priestgate, Peterborough, PE1 1LF
Phone: 01733 864663
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 4pm
Find out more and book tickets: https://peterboroughmuseum.org.uk/
Expert tips:
- The evening ghost tours often sell out weeks ahead around Halloween.
- Allow extra time for the archaeology galleries if you plan to visit Flag Fen afterwards.
- Recent exhibitions have celebrated the city’s beloved Lido and local heritage.
The Blind Tiger Taproom
Independent taprooms have become a big part of Peterborough’s food and drink scene, and The Blind Tiger Taproom is one of the city’s best-known craft beer spots. Expect rotating taps, local breweries, small-batch beers and a relaxed crowd that actually knows what it’s drinking.
Address: Ham Lane, Peterborough PE2 5UU
Phone: 01733 855328
Hours: Open daily from 9:30am
Find out more and check out the menu: blindtigerbar.co.uk
Expert tips:
- Ask staff for local brewery recommendations. The regional beer scene around Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire is stronger than many visitors expect.
- Midweek visits are quieter if you want a more relaxed tasting experience.
What are some fun things to do in Peterborough?
Sacrewell Farm
Sacrewell combines a working farm, heritage buildings and family-friendly activities just outside the city. There are rare breed animals, tractor rides, play areas and seasonal events throughout the year, which makes it particularly popular during school holidays.
Address: Thornhaugh, Peterborough, PE8 6HJ
Phone: 01780 782254
Hours: Open daily from 9am-4:30pm
Find out more and book tickets: https://www.sacrewell.org.uk/
Expert tips:
- Check for lambing season events in spring.
- The indoor play areas are a useful backup if the weather turns.
Flag Fen Archaeology Park
Flag Fen is one of the most important Bronze Age archaeological sites in Europe and genuinely one of the most unusual attractions in Cambridgeshire. The site preserves remains of a 3,500-year-old timber causeway and prehistoric landscape discovered during excavations in the 1980s.
You can walk through reconstructed roundhouses, explore exhibitions featuring prehistoric discoveries, and see artefacts including ancient log boats from the Must Farm excavations.
Address: The Droveway, Northey Road, Peterborough, PE6 7QJ
Phone: 01733 313414
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday 10am-4pm; Closed Mondays and Tuesdays
Find out more and book tickets: https://flagfen.org.uk/
Expert tips:
- Wear proper footwear after rain. Some outdoor areas can become muddy.
- Allow time for the preservation hall and museum exhibits, not just the outdoor trails.
- It’s especially good for children who enjoy hands-on museums and discovery activities.
What are some things to do in Peterborough for couples?
Peterborough Cathedral
Even if you’ve seen plenty of cathedrals before, Peterborough Cathedral is well worth a visit. Peterborough Cathedral is famous for its dramatic Gothic west front and huge interior arches, and it is one of the finest medieval buildings in England.
Address: Minster Precincts, Peterborough, PE1 1XS
Phone: 01733 355300
Hours: Open daily 10am-4pm; Sundays 12pm-3pm
Find out more: https://peterborough-cathedral.org.uk/
Expert tips:
- Visit late afternoon for quieter interiors and softer light through the stained glass.
- Check the music programme before visiting. Choral performances inside the cathedral are particularly atmospheric.
- This is a must-visit for history lovers and royalists, as Catherine of Aragon, the first wife of Henry VIII, was buried here in 1536.
Peterborough Key Theatre
Overlooking the River Nene, the Key Theatre hosts touring productions, comedy nights, live music and drama performances throughout the year. It’s an easy date-night option if you’re spending an evening in the city.
Address: Embankment Road, Peterborough, PE1 1EF
Phone: 01733 207239
Hours: Box office hours and performance times vary
Find out more and book tickets: https://keytheatre-peterborough.com/
Expert tips:
- Riverside walks before evening performances make this area particularly good for couples.
- Book ahead for touring West End productions and seasonal pantomimes.
Read more: Your guide to the best shops in Peterborough
Elton Hall & Gardens
Located just outside Peterborough, Elton Hall is a historic stately home with landscaped gardens and centuries of history. Parts of the house date back to the 15th century, and guided tours offer access to richly decorated state rooms and family collections.
Address: Elton, Peterborough, PE8 6SH
Phone: 01832 280468
Hours: Open daily 9am-4:30pm
Find out more and book tickets: https://eltonhall.com/
Expert tips:
- Opening dates are seasonal, so always check ahead before travelling.
- The gardens are particularly impressive in late spring and early summer.
Are there any unusual things to do in Peterborough for couples?
Longthorpe Tower
Longthorpe Tower is one of Peterborough’s hidden gems. This medieval tower house is famous for its exceptionally rare 14th-century wall paintings, which survive remarkably well inside the upper rooms.
Address: Thorpe Road, Longthorpe, Peterborough, PE3 6LU
Phone: 01733 864663
Hours: Open weekends 10am-4:30pm
Find out more and book tickets: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/longthorpe-tower/
Expert tips:
- Guided tours help explain the symbolism and stories behind the medieval artwork.
- Combine it with a countryside pub lunch nearby for a slower-paced day out.
Glo Golf
Sometimes you just want a slightly ridiculous date activity that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Glo Golf delivers exactly that, with indoor UV-lit crazy golf courses, arcade-style energy and competitive chaos.
Address: Peterborough One Retail Park, Eye Road, Peterborough, PE1 4YZ
Phone: 01733 306444
Hours: Open daily from midday; Weekends from 11am
Find out more and book tickets: https://glogolf.co.uk/
Expert tips:
- Evening sessions are usually livelier and more atmospheric under the UV lighting.
- Book weekend slots in advance.
Angle Entertainment Axe Throwing
Axe throwing has become one of the UK’s most popular alternative date-night activities, and Peterborough has joined the trend. Sessions usually include safety instruction, coached games and competitive challenges.
Address: Unit 1, Harvester Way, Peterborough, PE1 5UT
Phone: 01733 306440
Hours: Open daily, session times vary throughout the week
Find out more and book tickets: https://www.anglegaming.co.uk
Expert tips:
- Closed-toe shoes are usually required.
- First-time sessions normally include coaching, so no experience is needed.
Is Peterborough worth visiting?
Peterborough tends to surprise people. You arrive expecting a transport hub and end up finding steam trains, prehistoric archaeology, riverside bars, open-air swimming pools and one of England’s most impressive cathedrals all within easy reach of the station.
Whether you’re planning family activities, looking for fun things to do in Peterborough for adults, or searching for unusual things to do in Peterborough for couples, the city has enough variety to comfortably fill a weekend without feeling rushed.
With direct rail journeys from across the Home Counties and London, it’s one of the easiest UK city breaks to do entirely by train.
