Peterborough in Cambridgeshire
Having visited Birmingham for a short break in February 2024, we decided to find another city to stay near in February 2025 – Peterborough!
February 2025 | 8 minutes read time
We’d wanted to stay at the Ferry Meadows Club Campsite, on the outskirts of Peterborough for a few years but somehow never managed to visit. This was the perfect opportunity – it’s only 90 minutes from us, with several easy travelling routes to choose from and we didn’t need to set off until 11.00am!
On site at Ferry Meadows
After an uneventful journey, we arrived on site to an efficient and friendly welcome. It was clear how busy this site gets by the large queuing area, but at this time we were the only arrivals.
We had booked a serviced pitch (including electricity, water and drainage) and drove round to the serviced pitch area. There were lots of pitches free and we set about working out which pitches had good phone and wifi reception. Got to keep Harrison happy!
We settled on pitch 36 which had a mysterious dark patch on its hardstanding stones. Initially we thought it was water but as it never disappeared during our stay, Spencer concluded it was oil. As a lifelong Doctor Who fan, I joked that it might be the Vashta Nerada, but seeing as I wasn’t eaten by invisible flesh-eating aliens when standing near it, I eventually agreed with Spencer.
We then realised the local steam railway was just the other side of the fence from our pitch. Right on cue, our first steam train of many went past and we had a great view from our caravan.
Later in our stay we were able to watch the legendary Flying Scotsman passing every 30 minutes or so. We visited Overton Station, where the platform (along with the nearby level crossing and footpath) was crowded with train enthusiasts and curious onlookers. In the world of steam engines this one is an A-lister!
A more haunting exhibit on site was a burnt out camper van. This brand new van had caught fire as a result of its electrical cable being wound up and overheating – a sombre warning to everyone.
There are plenty of supermarkets nearby, the closest of which is a Tesco Express, with a large M&S also nearby. Vivienne Fish & Chips the closest chippy – with excellent food and incredibly efficient ordering!
We also had delicious Indian food from Maharanis – a neighbourhood restaurant in one of the multitude of housing estates surrounding Peterborough.
Out and about nearby
Ferry Meadows
Keen to explore the surroundings, I cycled to the nearby Ferry Meadows Country Park – a couple of minutes ride away. This is the real highlight of the site’s location – three lakes with plenty of walks, picnic areas, a bar, cafe, visitor centre and watersports hire. It was created as a leisure area for Peterborough’s increasing population, and was opened in 1978 by broadcaster and environmental campaigner David Bellamy. I bet he was in his element as there is so much wildlife in the park!
Careful cycling is allowed and so I meandered sedately around the lakes. In fact I was so slow that three young children decided to race me (on foot) and thought it hilarious when they easily beat me!
I revisited with Harrison who wanted to get a Bubblegum ice cream (his favourite flavour!) as bribery for coming for a walk. The lakes proved to be popular with us, as well as the rest of Peterborough! It was great to see so many people enjoying the fresh air and nature in February.
Some people do love the cold though! The park provides barbecues and we saw a man using one whilst wearing shorts, a gilet and not much else. I can never understand how some people just don’t feel the cold – I wear a woolly hat and gloves for much of the year. A previous neighbour of ours used to wear shorts and flip flops all year round – even in the snow! Gilet man wasn’t in that league (his feet were enclosed in boots) but his bare arms and legs did make me inwardly shiver.
Peterborough
We’d seen mixed reviews about Peterborough itself but wanted to visit the cathedral and have a general wander round. A word of advice – don’t look at Tripadvisor on this one! A neighbour on site also hated Peterborough although he never explained why… Anyway we decided to take our chances!
Our number one priority was Peterborough Cathedral – one of the finest Norman cathedrals in Europe. As we passed through the entrance archway from Cathedral Square, even Harrison exclaimed “Wow!” and started taking pictures. The cathedral took 120 years to build and was consecrated in 1238. There is so much detail on the frontage alone that we spent ages just looking at the carvings, windows and arches.
We finally went inside and took in the impressive interior. I’d been reading Islamesque by Diana Darke, which described how the spectacular ceiling had been built by Islamic craftsmen. It was incredible to see and I couldn’t help glancing upwards every few minutes just to take it in from different angles.
The cathedral has many noteworthy features. Its the burial place of Katharine of Aragon (first wife of Henry VIII), Mary Queen of Scots was interred here before being buried at Westminster Abbey, the ceiling is the only one of its kind in Britain and the unstable central tower has been repaired and rebuilt many times.
At the time we went, the cathedral was absolutely freezing inside – not helped by the antiquated central heating. This seemed to be provided by large cast iron contraptions which were burning fiercely inside but which somehow emitted virtually no heat! I hope the regular congregation wrap up warm!
Peterborough Museum & Art Gallery was next on our list and covers the history of Peterborough from Jurassic times onwards. We started with an (unrelated to Peterbroough) exhibition of Ladybird book artists. I excitedly pointed out all the books I remembered from childhood (even Ned the Lonely Donkey was there!), Meanwhile Spencer and Harrison sat and looked at their phones. At the time of writing, the next visiting exhibition is of Doctor Who props – I might need to make a special visit just for that!
We then worked our way through the art gallery and historical exhibits. Harrison liked the creepy garrison, complete with eerie sound effects. My favourite was the Victorian operating theatre – complete with a blood spattered sheet and rusty blades. A winch in the ceiling outside the theatre, was used to haul patients up the middle of the staircase on stretchers! Presumably some patients passed out with fright before they reached the terrifying ordeal of the operating table!
Finally we finished off with a spot of shopping in the Queensgate Shopping Centre. This had a good selection of shops to suit all budgets and tastes. Harrison found a shop to help him accessorise his man cave and we browsed the usual chain store suspects as well as a few more unusual independent offerings.
Stamford
Stamford is a pretty town which feels like it should be in the Cotswolds. Beautiful golden stone buildings, lots of independent shops, little alleyways and lots of churches. We were greeted with a glass of Prosecco at the Sophie Allport shop – it worked because we spent far longer and more cash than intended in there! There was a great selection of shops, cafes and places to wander round and many of the churches were open to view.
We had lunch at The Blonde Beet – a plant based, sustainable restaurant. Spencer was nervous about the menu but agreed to give it a go! He settled on a delicious croissant with spinach and cheese, whilst I had a gorgeous seasonal salad. We shared garlicky homemade humous and fluffy focaccia – after which we were totally full! Very much recommended – by Spencer as well!
Parting thoughts
We had a fantastic time at Ferry Meadows and will definitely be back next year – although a little later as there were some attractions we want to visit which were not yet open. It’s still worth a visit in winter though – there was plenty to do nearby and walking around Ferry Meadows was a great way to relax and exercise!
Our ratings
Site: Well-maintained and great location.
Things to do nearby: Plenty to do all year round.
How we started out
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Claire's Caravan 