Things to Do in Peterborough

A local museum in a Victorian building covering Peterborough's history, from Roman pottery to a Victorian surgery. Also has a small art gallery with changing exhibitions. Permanent galleries are free.

🕐 Tue-Sat 10:00-16:00, Sun 12:00-15:00 (closed Mon)

💡 Check the website before visiting—temporary exhibitions are sometimes free, but the paid ones are often not worth the extra £5. The museum café does a decent cheap bacon roll.

A Bronze Age site with preserved wooden causeways and a reconstructed roundhouse. The outdoor park and nature trail are free to explore; the indoor museum and exhibition have a small fee.

🕐 Park: dawn to dusk daily. Museum: Wed-Sun 10:00-16:00 (charged entry)

💡 The free outdoor area is best on a dry day—wear boots if it's been wet. Go early morning to avoid school groups, and check their Facebook page for free open days with reenactors.

One of the finest Norman cathedrals in England, with a stunning West Front and medieval wooden ceiling. Entry is by donation (suggested £10), and services are free. You can see most of the interior on a visit.

🕐 Mon-Sat 9:30-17:00, Sun 12:00-15:00 (hours may vary for services)

💡 Skip the paid guided tour; instead, pick up a free leaflet from the welcome desk and do a self-guided walk. Look out for the 13th-century 'Benedictional of St Aethelwold' in the treasury if it's open.

A large country park with lakes, meadows, and miles of footpaths and cycle routes. Free parking at some entrances (pay-and-display at main car park). Good for walking, birdwatching, or a picnic.

🕐 Open 24 hours (car parks close at dusk)

💡 Park at the less busy Overton Field car park (free, but limited spaces) and walk to the lakes. The visitor centre has cheap tea and a map of the shortest circular walk (about 2 miles).

A historic art deco outdoor swimming pool, open in summer only. Entry is low-cost (about £5 for adults). A great cheap way to cool off, with a sunbathing area and café.

🕐 Late May to early Sep: daily 10:00-18:00 (weather dependent)

💡 Arrive just after opening at 10am to avoid queues—weekdays are quieter. Bring your own towel and flip-flops; the changing rooms are basic. The café does a good ice cream for £1.50.