Peterborough Cathedral
Peterborough Cathedral
Peterborough Cathedral
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
About
Peterborough Cathedral is in the heart of the historic city of Peterborough, England. There has been a place of worship and prayer on the site for 1350 years, the present building approaching its 900th anniversary. With superb Gothic West Front and beautiful hand-painted wooden nave ceiling. Peterborough Cathedral is also the resting place of Henry VIII's first wife, Katherine of Aragon. The Cathedral was also once the resting place of Mary Queen of Scots until her body was moved to Westminster Abbey in 1612. Today it continues to be the focus for a vibrant community. It is the principle church for the Church of England diocese of Peterborough, which serves Northamptonshire, Rutland and the Soke of Peterborough. The origins of the cathedral can be traced back to King Peada of the Middle Angles who founded the first monastery on the site in 655AD.
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See what travellers are saying
- emma27025Ferndown, United Kingdom82 contributionsStunningAbsolutely stunning, the volunteers were so lovely. It's free to enter but they do have donation boxes. The ceilings are out of this world. They have 2 disabled parking spaces on the grounds but couldn't find how to get in but we did park in the disabled bays that were a 3 min walk. Would definitely go again if I'm in the area.Visited March 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 March 2023
- SL Y657 contributionsBeautiful cathedralImpressive cathedral. Very large space. Impressive brickwork, arches, ceiling and tower. Didn't realise Petersborough had such an impressive monument. Church where Katherine of Aragon is entombed, and well as original burial site of Mary Queen of Scots. Magnificent ceiling. Very high arches. Impressive old heaters inside heating up the inside of the cathedralVisited April 2023Travelled soloWritten 7 April 2023
- tams74Peterborough, United Kingdom46 contributionsAmazing tour!Took my dad for the upper levels and tower tour as a Father’s Day present and I can’t recommend this tour enough! Our guide Gareth was so friendly and knowledgeable, we learnt so much about our beautiful cathedral. Loved it!Visited June 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 24 June 2023
- JohnnyUttahIlkeston, United Kingdom41 contributionsFabulousMy wife and I visited this wonderful Cathedral today for the first time. We had a fantastic time all thanks to our guide, Brian. Brian gave us a superb guided tour and although it should have only lasted one hour he stayed with us for one and a half hours at our request. His knowledge was impressive and he relayed it in a manner that had us hooked to the end.Visited July 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 8 July 2023
- Thomas MOffenbach, Germany6,657 contributionsImpressive, Important Medieval Cathedral, Lots to See (Normally, i.e.)Peterborough Cathedral (or, as it's officially named, the Cathedral Church of St Peter, St Paul and St Andrew) is the seat of the Anglican bishop of Peterborough and one of the most imposing medieval churches in England, its present building dating back to the 12th century, while the West facade is an impressive example of Early English Gothic. It features many busts, stone tables and church insignia; alas, during my visit less than half of the building was accessible, because a Star Wars-y show occupied most of the Eastern part of the church which I did not want to see. John Williams-type music was playing in the church constantly. This was actually my second visit to Peterborough Cathedral, but my first extended stay in the city. Entry is "free", but you're supposed to donate some money before you enter the nave proper. It's certainly worth parting with a few quid. The church grounds are also worth seeing, though the monastery garden wasn't accessible this time either. Entry is through the gate on the West side, which opens to Cathedral Square, the prettiest part of Peterborough.Visited August 2023Travelled soloWritten 31 August 2023
- John ActorMatlock, United Kingdom24 contributionsWonderful cathedral - superb tourTook an afternoon tour of Peterborough cathedral yesterday (start time: 2.30pm; cost: fiver): it was as excellent as the cathedral itself was marvellous. Guide Barrie Cull did a very, very fine job. Not only extremely knowledgable but highly personable with it. We had a delightful time.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 September 2023
- John HoodExeter, United Kingdom9 contributionsStar Wars adventures in Unofficial GalaxiesDuring a much-needed summer break, we got to see the Unofficial Galaxies Star Wars exhibition at Peterborough Cathedral. This was the first Star Wars-related event I've attended since Star Wars Celebration Europe 2016. Dad wielding a lightsaber was a highlight. Special thanks to the volunteers who made us feel so welcome and part of an amazing community of fans.Visited August 2023Travelled with familyWritten 21 September 2023
- JoG2212Kettering, United Kingdom41 contributionsGreat experienceToday I went with my granddaughter, who really loves her history, to Peterborough Cathedral to do the upper level and roof tour, and it was absolutely amazing, Gareth and Mark were ours tour guides and they were so knowledgeable and informative. Some areas are quite narrow, and there are spiral stairs to go up and down, but the building is so beautiful from up there, and the views from the roof, amazing. My granddaughter loved it.Visited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten 23 September 2023
- LouEastbourneLondon, United Kingdom82 contributionsA great cathedral and tourI recommend a visit to Peterborough Cathedral. The cathedral is around a ten minute walk from the train station and easy to find. It is a large cathedral and can be explored alone but I definitely recommend booking a guided tour. I was able to book online beforehand at £5. My guide was Barry who gave an excellent and very informative tour. Barry gave many facts and stories which I would have overlooked/not known if I had not booked the tour. It is well worth the tour. There is a small gift shop where you can buy a guidebook amongst other items. I highly recommend a visit especially for people with a Tudor interest as it houses Katharine of Aragon’s tomb.Visited October 2023Travelled soloWritten 20 October 2023
- Ernie HCardiff, United Kingdom1,828 contributionsImposingOutside only review as not open after a working day. First impressions are awe as it is imposing from the front aspect after passing through the Norman arch. Walk around the whole building and it is obvious at to what has been lost over the years, There are information boards dotted around to explain those.Visited October 2023Travelled soloWritten 21 October 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
2,190 reviews
Excellent
1,626
Very good
471
Average
65
Poor
15
Terrible
13
Margaret J
3 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
Beautiful cathedral, definitely worth a visit. Lots outside too of historical interest. Great to see where the 1980s series Barchester Chronicles was filmed.!!The Cathedral tour was very good. We also went on the Tower Tour. I thoroughly recommend it as very interesting and also lots of spiral staircases to climb and lots of views inside the cathedral and of course outside. You also do not retrace your steps for the ascent which was more interesting. I’m not keen on heights so a bit nervous. However, absolutely fine as pillars to hide behind (!)when looking down into the cathedral.
Written 16 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
39MKS
Street, England, United Kingdom4 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
A stunning sight, beautiful and historical, with much to see. I liked the information boards around the cathedral, and the brief guides given as you enter.
Written 14 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sightseer246484
1 contribution
Feb 2024 • Family
We had a guided tour around with Sue. She was extremely
passionate & knowledgeable about all era's of the Cathedral building. We were
quite taken with all the different forms of architecture & of course the Catherine of Aragon story.
passionate & knowledgeable about all era's of the Cathedral building. We were
quite taken with all the different forms of architecture & of course the Catherine of Aragon story.
Written 13 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angel R
2 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Definitely need to be seen, part of Uk history. Beautiful, well planned trip around. Nice welcoming team. Highly recommend
Written 3 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your lovely review. Our volunteers are the best!
Written 11 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
David S
1 contribution
Feb 2024 • Family
Beautifully calming. I visited because my nephew’s son had a picture in the Art Exhibition. There are some very talented artists in Peterborough
Written 29 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The building and it's surrounds have that calming effect on many people. We are glad that you the enjoyed the exhibition - we have many more events coming up this year!
Written 11 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rod P
Wellingborough, UK5 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Our guides Gareth and Paul had a genuine interest in, and a lot of knowledge about the cathedral. It was very informative and enjoyable and excellent value, thank you.
Written 21 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Our guides and volunteers are simply the best!
Written 11 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Richard G
3 contributions
Feb 2024 • Friends
Fantastic tour of the Upper tower.
Paul and Rod were great guides, giving us the whole story of the 900 years the cathedral has been built.
Paul and Rod were great guides, giving us the whole story of the 900 years the cathedral has been built.
Written 15 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
felix n
1 contribution
Feb 2024 • Couples
Very nice ancient Cathedral 👌🏿 with lots of historic scenery 😀. Loved it. I highly recommend this place for everyone to visit.
Written 14 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are so glad that you enjoyed your visit!
Written 11 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
dwvane
Heswall, UK15 contributions
Feb 2024 • Friends
I led a group of 16 over-60s to Peterborough Cathedral. We pre-arranged a guided tour with Luke and our guides were Sue and Stephen, due to the size of our group. The cathedral is very impressive and deserves to be recognised as on a par with the better-known cathedrals like Salisbury, Canterbury and Durham.
Architecturally it is unusual with pre-gothic roman arches, gothic elements, an amazing original painted wooden ceiling and a most beautiful fan-vaulted roof section. Historically it is very interesting. Catherine of Aragon is buried there and Mary Queen of Scots was buried there for a few years, but the history dates back to Saxon times.
Our guides were very professional, covering architectural elements and the historical connections with royalty and others of note. They described some of the intriguing mysteries that remain; they would make great Dan Brown novels. They fully engaged the groups. Although I had been there before I gained a much better appreciation of the magnificence of the architecture and the changing role of the cathedral in English history.
All in all a very professionally managed tour with top-notch guides.
Tips: for a larger group, meet in advance in Beckett's Tea Rooms and have lunch in Turtle Bay restaurant. The two recommended long-stay car parks were full by 11 am but there is another car park at Meadow Fields just over the bridge with plenty of spaces.
Architecturally it is unusual with pre-gothic roman arches, gothic elements, an amazing original painted wooden ceiling and a most beautiful fan-vaulted roof section. Historically it is very interesting. Catherine of Aragon is buried there and Mary Queen of Scots was buried there for a few years, but the history dates back to Saxon times.
Our guides were very professional, covering architectural elements and the historical connections with royalty and others of note. They described some of the intriguing mysteries that remain; they would make great Dan Brown novels. They fully engaged the groups. Although I had been there before I gained a much better appreciation of the magnificence of the architecture and the changing role of the cathedral in English history.
All in all a very professionally managed tour with top-notch guides.
Tips: for a larger group, meet in advance in Beckett's Tea Rooms and have lunch in Turtle Bay restaurant. The two recommended long-stay car parks were full by 11 am but there is another car park at Meadow Fields just over the bridge with plenty of spaces.
Written 8 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your excellent feedback on your visit and your tour. I will pass on your kind comments to our volunteers
Written 11 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Fearless18858075410
Haverhill, UK3 contributions
Feb 2024 • Friends
Haverhill U3A City Walkers group visited the vibrant City of Peterborough on 7 February 24 for its monthly outing. Highlight of the day was a guided tour of the Cathedral . Well worth a visit to this magnificent 12th Century building. Our guide, Stephen Dodding, conducted an interesting tour of the building pointing out the architectural aspects, the local social history and it's importance in National History. A City centre location. A visit is strongly recommended.
Written 8 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are so glad that enjoyed your tour of our ancient Cathedral - Stephen has just starred on Mastermind too!
Written 11 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
A small group of Guides from St Albans Abbey are thinking of visiting in the next month or so. Are there guided tours available please? We are keen to see the Aragon tomb and other items of interest to those with historical and architectural leanings? Any recommendations welcome please.
Diane W
Peterborough, UK55 contributions
There's a one hour highlights tour which runs twice daily Mon to Sat for £5pp (may be cheaper for a group of U16s). These are run by local historians who are very knowledgeable, happy to answer questions and cover all the main sights and facts (inc Katherine of Aragon) - Recommended. They also do occasional tower tours which are great - check website for details.
G7259IUjanew
Peterborough, UK
Do you still do a tower tour ?
victorias369
London, UK158 contributions
Not sure as I didn’t know you could do one
Hi,do you still do a Saturday guided tour and what is the charge for this please regards Marcelle :)
Peterborough Cathedral
Peterborough, UK
Hi Marcelle, yes we do, usually at 2.00pm. All the details are on our website or phone the Visitor Information Centre on 01733 452336.
Heaton_fam
Leicestershire, UK1 contribution
Where is the best place to park if we have elderly and less mobile passengers with us to visit the cathedral? Is it difficult to find space at around 1pm on Fridays?
Peterborough Cathedral
Peterborough, UK
Thanks for getting in touch.
If you have a blue badge, you can bring your car into the Precincts via the Wheel Yard entrance and park in one of the two designated blue badge spaces. You will find details on the Accessibility page on our website.
If you do not have a blue badge, it would be best to drive into the Precincts, drop off your passengers, but then leave to park your car in one of the city car parks, returning later to pick them up. We can provide you with the exit barrier code. City parking details are on our website.
Fridays leading up to Christmas tend to be busy, but will be quieter in the New Year. Do you have a specific date in mind?
Do ask if you have further questions.
Heaton_fam
Leicestershire, UK1 contribution
Where is the best place to park if we have elderly and less mobile passengers with us to visit the cathedral? Is it difficult to find space at around 1pm on Fridays?
lesley h
Peterborough, UK57 contributions
The Car Haven is the nearest although you only get 3 hours as as it's short stay car park. Walk out of the car park turn right along the back of the town hall, left along the arcade at the end and then turn right. The Norman Gate entrance to the Cathedral is on your right. There is a disabled car space at the front of the Cathedral for Blue Badge holders. The welcomers on the desk in the Cathedral will give you the barrier code to get out.
Lupusmagnus
United Kingdom7 contributions
Are there tours available?
Peterborough Cathedral
Peterborough, UK
Yes, guided tours usually take place at 2pm on Monday to Friday, at 11.30am on Saturdays. The cost is £7 (£5 concessions). Sometimes this schedule changes due to events, so it is wise to check before you come by calling 01733 355300. Group tours can be arranged at other times.
Tower tours take place on selected dates between April and October and dates are advertised on our website nearer the time.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Peterborough Cathedral
- Hotels near Peterborough Cathedral:
- (0.11 mi) The Bull Hotel, Sure Hotel Collection By Best Western
- (0.22 mi) Travelodge Peterborough Central
- (0.23 mi) Park Inn by Radisson Peterborough Hotel
- (0.39 mi) The Pearl Hotel
- (0.20 mi) Bright Apartments
- Restaurants near Peterborough Cathedral:
- (0.02 mi) Chopstix
- (0.03 mi) Caffe Nero
- (0.04 mi) Becket’s Traditional Tea Rooms
- (0.11 mi) Côte Peterborough
- (0.09 mi) Tap & Tandoor Peterborough