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.

There is a great deal of history to learn about and historical sites abound in the area. Parts of the cathedral including the West Front entrance were destroyed during the English Civil War. It was rebuilt from 1118 to 1238 in typical English Gothic style. The statues of St. Andrew, Saint Paul and Saint Peter grace the West Front from gables that reach high into the sky and from three large arches. Inside the cathedral is a surviving painted wooden ceiling that is rare and wonderful. Two Queens were buried in the floor of the cathedral and one still remains. The remaining queen is Katherine of Aragon. Mary, Queen of Scots was also buried at the cathedral but she was transferred to Westminster Abbey when King James I, her son, took the throne.

Petersborough Museum and Art Gallery is in what was once an infirmary. There are displays of the history of the town all the way back to some Roman pottery. The collection of art has works from the 1600’s to the present and there are many temporary and permanent exhibition. The museum is said to be haunted and there are some haunted tours that take place at night certain times of the year.

Other historical treasures include the Burghley House is a country house built by the first Baron Burghley Sir William Cecil. He was Queen Elizabeth I Lord High Treasurer. There is a park all around the house. Longthorpe Tower is a three story high tower attached to a manor house built in the fourteenth century. This has a wonderful collection of art from Europe. Flag Fen is the Bronze Age archaeological site that was found in 1982. It is said that this was a religious area and there are artifacts displayed including what is said to be the oldest wheel found in Britain.

There are several outdoor activities that you can take part in in Peterborough including discovering the 3.5 miles of Nene Park. There you can explore the three lakes and participate in water sports at one of them. Rent equipment there are bring your own.

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.

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