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The richness of Peterborough history is encapsulated in its famous Norman Cathedral of St Peter which stands at the very heart of the city. The present church, built from 1118 to 1238 as a Benedictine Abbey, was made a Cathedral by Henry VIII. His first Queen, Katherine of Aragon, is buried here, as was Mary Queen of Scots for a while after her execution at Fotheringhay. Features to note are the huge arches of the West Front, the unique painted wooden ceiling (c. 1220) and the exquisite fan vaulting at the East End.

Peterborough features the award-winning Queensgate Centre with over 100 stores. Further shops can be found nestling among tree-lined boulevards, leading to the Cathedral Square where the "Guildhall" (or Butter Cross) prominently stands.

A minute's walk from the city centre stands the Museum and Art Gallery. Formerly a hospital, it portrays all aspects of the Peterborough story. A variety of exciting displays and visiting exhibitions are held throughout the year as well as larger special events and attractions.

Peterborough's prosperity has allowed its leisure industry to thrive and a full range of sporting activities are on offer. Watersports, boating, horse-riding, golf, fishing, nature walks and cycling are some of the leisure pursuits to be found at Nene Park. The park lies in 2,000 acres of meadows, lakes and woods and stretches six miles along the River Nene west if Peterborough. The Nene Valley Steam Railway is also featured with 7.5 miles of track and offers relaxing journeys along the banks of the River Nene.

Music, theatre and the arts also flourish in the City. Star names regularly appear at the Key Theatre, which is set in beautiful surroundings along the Embankment of the River Nene and the Cresset.

Peterborough also enjoys the benefits of first class spectator sport including professional football, ice-hockey and speedway.

A short journey from the city will bring you to Flag Fen, the site of Bronze Age excavations. It has been described as one of the world's most exciting finds and archaeologists can be seen at work as they uncover a large 3,000 year old timber platform. On the site are reconstructed prehistoric buildings and ancient animal breeds.

Peterborough's central location makes it an ideal base for touring. Within minutes you will find yourself in the heart of the countryside. Visit the picturesque towns of Stamford - home of Burghley House and highly acclaimed BBC production of George Eliot's Middlemarch - the fine stone buildings of Oundle or explore the mysteries of the Fens.

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