Hereward Community Rail Partnership (CRP) worked with Business Improvement District (BID) Peterborough Positive, and the Civic Society to showcase the wonders of Peterborough as a tourist attraction.
Partners of the CRP were invited to a taster day to explore the city on a jam-packed whistlestop tour which included the Museum & Art Gallery, spotting the Antony Gormley statues, the Cathedral, Nene Valley Railway and the Railworld Wildlife Haven.
The Museum & Art Gallery which is free entry has Adventures in Time & Space – an unofficial Doctor Who exhibition on until 02 November 2025 but also has galleries which explore the Ice Age, Jurassic era, Wildlife, Archaeology, Victorian times, the Norman Cross, Changing Lives as well as artwork.
The Cathedral boasts one of the finest Norman cathedrals in Europe and is the resting place of King Henry VIII’s first wife Katharine of Aragon. The building is steeped in more than 900 years of history and has unique architectural details.
Nene Valley Railway (NVR) is just a 15-minute walk from Peterborough station and is run by passionate volunteers. Visitors can enjoy 15 miles of track originally built in 1845 to link the Midlands. Throughout the year they put on events for all walks of life with Thomas the Tank Engine days, afternoon teas on board, and special guest trains visiting the heritage line.
Adjacent to NVR Peterborough station is Railworld Wildlife Haven, a volunteer transformed derelict coal yard to inner-city biodiverse haven for wildlife. A quiet tucked away oasis putting conservation at the heart, is home to over 200 species of flora and fauna. There’s over 4,000 sq. ft of model railways to explore too.
Promoters of the city also pointed out places of interest along the walking tour which included some of the vast array of blue plaques (36 in total) and historical stories associated with Peterborough.
The station will undergo a transformation over the next few years with £48 million of funding going in to improving the gateway to the city and creating an area which is more welcoming to visitors. The city is served well by trains from all over the country and is often overlooked, however Herward CRP alongside the BID are trying to change this perception.
Walking and cycling maps funded by CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, and Community Rail Network have already been produced by Hereward CRP (read more here), and the BID host numerous events throughout the year. The hope is to put Peterborough back on the map as a top tourist destination.
Info
At the time of publishing, all information given is correct. Details of events, businesses, and locations included may be subject to change by third parties. Please make sure to check any details with organisers before you travel.
