Midlands
IN AND AROUND PETERBOROUGH
The Guildhall in Cathedral Square
Peterborough is set on the edge of the fens and is ideal for visitors with limited mobility because of the flat terrain. It is a historic city with many fine buildings and the city centre has pedestrianised areas with a continental feel. Bridge street is wide with an avenue of trees, underneath which is lots of outdoor seating. There are plenty of places to eat in the city and a lot have outside tables. Our researchers enjoyed lunch at Harriets adjacent to the Guildhall in Cathedral Square and the staff were friendly and helpful. There is level access to the ground floor dining area at the rear of the restaurant and a good sized accessible toilet.There are also plenty of car parks within easy wheeling distance of the centre all with designated parking spaces.
The Bishops Gardens
Historic Peterborough tours run every Saturday afternoon at 2pm starting from outside the Museum. They last approximately 90 minutes and help to explain the city's long and extremely interesting history. The gardens above feature on the tour and the memorial shown is dedicated to two local soldiers who died in Northern Ireland.
Fossil Remains at the Museum
Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery is in Priestgate a short walk from the main square. The Museum has a changing array of exhibits and houses one of the best collections of marine dinosaurs in the world. It has good access with a lift to all floors and two disabled toilets. The Museum building is said to be haunted by at least nine ghosts. Please note the Museum is closed until 2012 whilst undergoing refurbishment.
Peterborough Cathedral
Peterborough Cathedral
Peterborough Cathedral is dedicated to St Peter, St Paul and St Andrew who are depicted as three figures on the West front. There was originally an Abbey on the site founded in 655 AD by Peada a Mercian nobleman. This was destroyed in 870 AD by the Danes and a later reconstruction was burnt down in 1116. The present cathedral was started in 1118 AD and took a 120 years to complete.
Katherine of Aragons tomb and memorial
General access around the cathedral is good and the interior is magnificent especially the ceilings. It contains Katherine of Aragon's tomb and at one time Mary Queen of Scot's was also buried here.
For more detailed accessibility information about the Cathedral and a link to their website please click here
Flag Fen Archaeological Park & Bronze Age Centre
An Iron Age Round House at Flag Fen
Flag Fen Bronze Age Centre is about 15 minutes from the city centre by car. There is free parking on site, a shop, a cafe and a designated toilet. The site contains reconstructions of Iron Age and Bronze Age houses, a museum and a preservation hall that shows the original Bronze Age timbers that were sunk into the fen.
A reconstruction of a Roman garden
The site is mainly flat but as this is an archaeological park some of the path surfaces are uneven and there are two arched bridges to cross, so visitors with limited mobility may be advised to take advantage of one of the motorised scooters available to loan on site.
For more detailed accessibility information about Flag fen and a link to their website please click here.
Nene Valley Railway
Boarding Nene Valley Railway
The Nene Valley Railway runs between Peterborough and Wansford and passes through the beautiful countryside of Nene Park. Pre booking of trains is not necessary as there is always space for wheelchairs. The friendly staff are on hand to offer assistance and the carriage our researchers travelled in contained the bar.
Wansford Station
It is easier to start your journey from Wansford where the access is better. There is a shop at the station, a small designated toilet and free disabled parking.
For more detailed accessibility information about the Railway and a link to their own website please click here.
Ferry Meadows Country Park
Ferry Meadows
Ferry Meadows Country Park is the focal point of Nene Park which stretches six miles along the valley of the river Nene. Within the country park are lakes meadows and woodlands.
The River Nene passes through the park
There is a visitor centre and cafe, also the watersports centre and a cafe, both have good access. There are disabled toilets and platforms for disabled anglers. The park can be reached by taking the A605 Oundle road or by The Nene Valley Railway or wheeling along the cycle track from Peterborough.
For more detailed accessibility information about Ferry Meadows and a link to their own website please click here.
Overton Lake Trail
There are plenty of good surfaced paths and cycle ways that are suitable for wheelchairs. Our researcher followed a circular trail around Overton Lake.
For more detailed accessibility information about the trail please click here.
Sacrewell Farm and Country Centre
The Old Bakery at Sacrewell Farm
Sacrewell Farm is situated on the A47 West of Peterborough close to the junction with the A1. There is free disabled parking, a restaurant, shop and disabled toilet. The pathway down to the watermill inclines for a long way and you may need assistance to get back to the entrance.
One of two resident donkeys
There is limited access in the watermill and Millers house but a good proportion of the site is accessible.
For more detailed accessibility information about Sacrewell and a link to their own website please click here.
For suggestions other places to visit whilst in the area, it is well worth checking out the Rutland page on our website as all the attractions featured on it are within easy driving distance of Peterborough.
PLACES TO STAY
Nene Valley Cottages
Nene Valley Cottages are three self catering holiday cottages located within Hall Farm in Northamptonshire. They have been created from traditional farm buildings and christened Alice, Graham and Len.
Nene Valley Exterior
'Alice' which sleeps two has been specially designed to provide accommodation suitable for all guests including independent wheelchair users. It can be combined with 'Len' to provide accommodation for up to 6 people.
Nene Valley Bedroom
For more detailed accessibility information about the cottages and a link to their own website please click here.
Peterborough is a good base to explore this part of the East of England and there is a wide range of places to see and things to do.