Rich in heritage and nestled in the lush, green heart of eastern England, Peterborough is a varied city with lots to offer. In its center you’ll find a stunning cathedral and an impressive range of stores and restaurants, as well as major business centers.
Its proximity to London is a major attraction for the city, and when you rent a car in Peterborough it means you can enjoy the delights of Cambridgeshire as well as the bright lights of the capital all in one trip.
Admire stunning Peterborough Cathedral
Peterborough city center offers an eclectic mix of shops and cafes. From well-known high-street stores to independent boutiques, Queensgate shopping mall has something to suit everyone.
Among the fountains and hustle and bustle of the central square, you’ll also find a variety of both independent and chain restaurants. It’s also the place to watch street performers and buskers, who may even take center stage on the grand, stone bandstand.
In the heart of the city, you’ll find the enormous and spectacular Peterborough Cathedral, directly opposite the bandstand. Be welcomed by an immaculately maintained garden as you stare in awe at the gothic medieval abbey architecture. The cathedral traces its roots back to 654 with the establishing of a monastic community.
Inside, experience the grandeur of this Norman cathedral, with its colorful stained glass windows, gold painted ceiling and lavish carved details throughout. You may even be fortunate enough to hear the choir in full voice.
Explore the Big Smoke
Starting in Peterborough means you have easy access to the rest of the United Kingdom, and the capital London is within easy reach when you rent a car here. Visit a dizzying array of iconic monuments and sights, from the tourist hotspots of Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace, to the bustling independent markets in Camden or restaurants in Soho.
Discover Peterborough’s intriguing history
Being so close to one of the oldest roads in Britain, Peterborough has a rich and colorful past. Find out more about the city’s long history with a visit to one of its fine period homes. Elton Hall is the city’s most famous, dating back to 1595.
Stroll through the extravagant 18th-century drawing rooms to the dining room, with its intricate French-style upholstery. Throughout the manor, gaze at the wonderful collection of art, sculptures and portraits from the Renaissance era and beyond.
If you’ve caught the history buzz, travel less than half an hour along the A1 to the Georgian town of Stamford. Here you can explore the splendor of the 16th-century Burghley House.
The stately manor is a masterpiece of well-preserved drawing, dining and bedrooms with lavish ornamentation. Get caught up in the Elizabethan period as you imagine the grand balls and events that must have taken place here.
The gardens alone are a hidden gem – there’s even a sculpture park among the house’s several acres of land. Walk through the forests, alongside glistening lakes, and into grassy plains to admire the striking sculptural artwork. If you’re lucky, you may even catch sight of a herd of deer bounding across the fields.
Explore all of this and much more with Hertz car rental in Peterborough.