Top 5 Fun and Unusual Things to Do in Peterborough

Apart from the regular tourist attractions and activities, there are many offbeat but fun things to do in Peterborough. Here are 5 such activities that might interest you.

The Stilton Cheese Rolling Festival, one of Peterborough’s most quirky and beloved traditions, is held annually in the nearby village of Stilton. Originating in the mid-20th century, this event combines the area’s rich dairy heritage with a spirited competition where participants chase a large wheel of Stilton cheese down a hill. The modern-day competition uses 12-inch sections of an old wooden pole painted to look like the cheese to prevent wastage. 

The festival, which started as a way to generate income for the village, now includes team races, fairground rides, craft stalls, and live music. It celebrates both the king of cheeses, Stilton, and the community spirit. The Stilton Bar Inn and The Bell Inn Hotel are good places to chill and relax after the event.

Stilton cheese rolling in 2024 was held after a break of seven years with great success and is scheduled to return next year in the month of May.

If a slice of the outdoors is what you are looking for, then Nene Park is the place for you. This majestic green oasis offers a variety of outdoor things to do in Peterborough for adults and children. It boasts well-maintained cycling paths, picnic areas, opportunities for wildlife spotting, play areas for children, and a miniature railway, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and families. 

Ferry Meadows is a must-visit spot in Nene Park, offering serene lakeside walks and the opportunity to enjoy watersports such as paddleboarding and kayaking. The Ferry Meadows Campsite, on the edge of Gunwade Lake, offers overnight camping facilities with on-site BBQ stands and the option of private hire. 

The Nene Park Winter Festival, held from 1st to 24th December at the ferry meadows, transforms the woodland into an illuminated enchanted forest. It features theatrical performances, movie screenings, food stalls, and a Christmas pop-up shop. 

With so many activities, Nene Park is one of Peterborough’s most enjoyable and underrated destinations.

A delightful activity on Peterborough’s things-to-do list is visiting the Exotic Pet Refuge. An animal rescue and rehabilitation sanctuary specialising in exotic animals, it houses over 300 animals, including monkeys, meerkats, raccoons, wolves, lynx, owls, foxes, reptiles, snakes, and an alligator. Its mission is to provide a safe haven and work towards the rehabilitation and release of native species back into the wild.

The refuge also offers educational experiences through guided tours and special events to raise awareness about exotic animal conservation and the challenges of keeping them as pets. If you are a passionate animal lover, a visit to the Exotic Pet Refuge is a must. But make sure to check the dates, as it is only open to the public for six days a year.

Sacrewell Farm, located in the picturesque Cambridgeshire countryside near Peterborough, offers a perfect blend of adventure, education, and relaxation for visitors of all ages. You can explore the 18th-century working watermill, which showcases the milling process using local raw materials. For animal lovers, there are a variety of farm animals and exotic species like alpacas to see. Children can enjoy both indoor and outdoor play areas and participate in tractor rides. 

Sacrewell Farm camping site has 27 pitches equipped with electrical hook-ups and 48 spacious grass pitches. It is ideal for both traditional campers and those seeking modern conveniences while enjoying camping. An on-site cafe serves locally sourced food, and the farm shop offers unique local products. 

Additionally, Sacrewell offers seasonal events, craft workshops, educational programs, and facilities to arrange birthday parties, making it one of the best places to visit near Peterborough.

Built-in 1936, Peterborough Lido is a historic outdoor swimming pool that offers a refreshing escape during the warmer months. Renowned for its hacienda-style design, the Lido has three heated pools, sunbathing terraces, and beautifully maintained gardens. It is a fantastic spot for swimming, lounging, and enjoying a leisurely picnic.

Open from late May to early September, the site has amenities such as changing rooms, secure lockers, modern showers, accessibility features for disabled visitors and a cafe serving a variety of refreshments. The Peterborough Lido prices start as low as £5 for adults and £3.5 for kids, making it an affordable destination for both relaxation and recreation. 

After indulging in these unique activities, it’s time to wind up the day with an exceptional meal. As a tourist, finding and getting reservations at a good restaurant might be tricky, especially for a large group of people.

What’s more? The rush of tourist season might result in average service and a lack of variety. Even though Peterborough is one of the fastest-growing cities in the UK, its culinary scene is still playing catchup with most restaurants serving regular British fare.

Hiring a private chef to cook a personalised meal in the comforts of your venue will give you the satisfaction you seek. Whether you are craving Japanese Sashimi or longing for an exquisite African feast, chefs from platforms like yhangry can ensure a tailored experience right in the comfort of your accommodation. 

By connecting private chefs to customers in the UK, yhangry has made it possible to provide bespoke, high-quality meals that cater to diverse culinary tastes wherever you are travelling.