Peterborough Cambridgeshire is located in the Eastern part of England about 75 miles north of London and near the River Nene. The city goes back to a Bronze Age settlement and there is an archaeological site just east of where the city is now. The Romans once inhabited the city as did the Anglo-Saxons when they built a monastery called Medeshamstede which is now known as Peterborough Cathedral.

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.

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.

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.

Castor Hanglands, Barnack Hills and Holes and the Bedford Purlieus are nature reserves that also can be explored by hikers and backpackers. The Green Wheel cycle network runs through the city being an area to bicycle with the hub near the center of the city and spokes coming out from it in all directions.

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.

To find a hotel in Peterborough just click here.