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Peterborough, the small city of history and diversity
The small city of Peterborough lies in the historic county of Cambridgeshire in East Anglia, England. Often overlooked by tourists heading to the nearby larger cities of Cambridge or Leicester, Peterborough offers visitors a quieter experience of historical England. With a mix of historic architecture and nature, this once thriving industrial city still provides an array of things to do; ideal for a weekend break. Modern day Peterborough is a cultural medley thanks to its sizeable ethnic minorities, something which gives the city an extra appealing dimension.
The historic cathedral still shapes the city centre
The focal point of the city centre is undoubtedly the Peterborough Cathedral, an impressive religious building completed in the thirteenth century. Amongst the incredible architecture and historical artwork, its claim to fame is the painted nave ceiling known as the English Gothic Portico, the only one of its kind in England. Moreover, Katherine of Aragon and Mary, Queen of Scots were both buried beneath the cathedral, another draw for tourists. The cathedral acts as an obvious point to understand the orientation of the city centre, from here visitors can navigate their way to nearby attractions. Indeed, there are multiple hotels in Peterborough which are within a few minutes’ walk of the cathedral. A few minutes east lies the Peterborough Museum, showcasing a mixture of historical artefacts and artwork from the local area, it is a popular spot with history enthusiasts. In between these two attractions there is a tourist information centre, offering assistance with everything Peterborough related including pointing visitors in the direction of their hotel.
A river and a railway line
Peterborough emerged as an industrial centre in the mid nineteenth century with the building of the London to York railway line, the railway station is still a focal point of the city today. The other key logistical link in the industrial period was the River Nene which flows through the city centre, again still an important aspect of the city. One of the city’s main cultural centre points, Keys Theatre, is situated on the banks of the Nene and still hosts regular theatre productions throughout the year. Heading east, the railway tracks cross the river on a variety of cast iron bridges and there is an embankment pathway for cyclists and pedestrians to enjoy. Being situated on the major railway line ensures Peterborough is very accessible for visitors and many appreciate having the option of multiple hotels near Peterborough station. From the station, it is just a ten-minute walk south to reach the river and enjoy this element of Peterborough’s nature. Close to Keys Theatre there is a large park along the river banks, offering an area of tranquillity so close to the city centre.
Traditional pubs and ethnically diverse restaurants
Thanks to its diverse population, Peterborough is home to a wide assortment of restaurants representing multiple cuisines. The city has long had a significant Italian community, as a result there are many fine Italian establishments with Peterborough often labelled as the home of UK pizza. There is also a sizeable contingent of Eastern and Central Europeans living in the city and consequently this culture can be felt across the city, adding an extra influence to many restaurants, shops and bars. The bar scene is lively particularly on weekends, but there are also a range of traditional English pubs across the city as well as some independent breweries specialising in traditional British ales. English culture is also represented in the architecture and not just with pubs and restaurants, there are several historic cottages remaining across the city. In terms of shopping, the city is now home to several modern shopping centres such as Queensgate Centre, containing dozens of national stores ensuring visitors can find any practical items they need. With regards to independent stores, there are a few located in the Riverside Shopping Centre presenting visitors with more unique items and souvenirs.
Culture and nature in the surroundings
Away from the city centre, there are also several important sights that Peterborough is home to. Flag Fen, Britain’s Bronze Age Centre, is an archaeological park to the east of the city, featuring many ancient timbers and a series of reconstructions. It is a popular destination that sees visitors come from across the country, particularly those with a keen interest in Bronze Age history. To the west of the centre lies Nene Park, a large nature area focused around the river it owes its name to. Here there are a multitude of outdoor attractions many of which are contained in Ferry Meadows Country Park. A very popular place with families, attractions include pony rides, dinghy sailing and a miniature railway as well as a host of wonderful nature. Accessing the site from a hotel in central Peterborough is relatively easy by car or public transport. One final cultural element of Peterborough which should be mentioned is the city’s football club. Peterborough United FC, known by their nickname ‘The Posh’ are a proud part of the city, playing their home games in the historic London Road Stadium to the south of the centre. Catching a game here is a prime opportunity to experience everyday life for the city’s locals of all demographics.