Peterborough Cathedral
Peterborough Cathedral
Peterborough Cathedral
4.5
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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- Andrew B6 contributionsWow! Two excellent tours at the cathedral yesterday.Definitely worth a visit. There are some very interesting features and treasures to learn about. Also had a bit of a workout going up and down small spiral staircases and standing o the top of the roof with a 360 degree view. Fabulous. We stayed on for evensong. The children in the choir sang beautifully. We were made to feel most welcome. Thanks to the staff and volunteers for making our day special.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 24 January 2024
- Chantel W2 contributionsCathedral ExhibitionMe and my Mum visited the Cathedral today for the exhibition and we were taken aback by the history there. We joined the tour, taken by Steve, and couldn't have had a better tour guide. He was very informative, approachable and made us appreciate the history there even more.What lovely feedback. We will be sure to pass it on to our volunteersWritten 11 March 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 27 January 2024
- Jim L3 contributionsPeterborough Cathedral. The burial place of two queens!We were 16 members of Haverhill U3A on an organized visit and, on arrival, were met by 2 guides, both of whom were excellent. 8 of us went with Stephen, whose depth of knowledge of the cathedral and its history was remarkable and he told its story with enthusiasm and obvious love of the place. This is a remarkable building with a remarkable history and is well worth a visit, if only for the stories of Mary, Queen of Scots and Catherine of Aragon, whose remains were buried there, but much, much more!Visited February 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 8 February 2024
- Fearless18858075410Haverhill, United Kingdom3 contributionsPeterborough Cathedral TourHaverhill 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.We are so glad that enjoyed your tour of our ancient Cathedral - Stephen has just starred on Mastermind too!Written 11 March 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited February 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 8 February 2024
- Margaret J3 contributionsTower TourBeautiful 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.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 16 March 2024
- Paul H25 contributionsFantastic!Fantastic! Went twice over the weekend and had a guided tour this morning by a lady named Sue. She was so lovely and incredibly knowledgeable. We learned so much from her! Thank you to Sue for making our visit so memorable! There is so much to see at the cathedral and so much history entwined within it's story. A visit (and tour) is highly recommended!Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 1 April 2024
- bernadette wGreat Missenden, United Kingdom17 contributionsHighlights tour.We booked a highlights tour of the cathedral which made the visit much more interesting. Our guide James was so knowledgeable and we found out so many interesting facts about the cathedral and the people connected to it over the years. I would highly recommend doing this.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 5 April 2024
- Traveller57England68 contributionsAn architectural wonderWe were welcomed warmly the moment we stepped in to Peterborough Cathedral. After a short time wandering by ourselves, we joined a guided tour. Sue is an excellent guide. She is very knowledgeable and her passion for the architecture of the cathedral shone through. She shared some fascinating theories about parts of the building and opened our eyes. The tour was meant to last an hour, but Sue had so much to share that it ran to about an hour and a half. The Tower Tour was equally as impressive and worth the effort. Do be mindful of narrow, ancient stairs, and being incredibly high up. It gives you an opportunity to see the painted ceilings and the stained glass up close. It also affords great views of the inside of the cathedral and the external environs. Rod and Richard were a font of knowledge and pointed out even more details. The Windlass was a highlight. We left Peterborough with an amazing appreciation of the cathedral's construction. Thank you to all volunteers and staff.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 20 April 2024
- chris gLondon, United Kingdom442 contributionsA worthy tourA visit to Peterborough cathedral which on itself was a must visit . However on that day there was a tour of the three floors of the cathedral ending up on the highest point outside . The tour lasted approximately 2 hours 180 steps there about going up and about and about the same coming down the steps led us through narrow staircases walk ways with a big drop but adequately protected by hand rails You have to be reasonably fit and not be to afraid of heights . We eventually ended up with a great panoramic view of Peterborough and far reaching views . There were two guides Keith and Rod who were great ,friendly ,informative Guides we thank you . Cost £15 per person but definitely worth it !Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 10 May 2024
- Catharine J4 contributionsUpper levels tour recommended.It goes without saying that it is a building of huge interest and architectural importance as well as beauty. The welcome from volunteers was warm and the upper-levels tour was superb - two knowledgeable guides who really went the extra mile (well, it's not quite that far) to ensure that we didn't miss any points of interest. Thank you!Visited May 2024Travelled soloWritten 26 May 2024
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4.5
2,228 reviews
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67
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13
Gary S
4 contributions
Jan 2020
We really felt welcome here - from the Beckett restaurant where we enjoyed a light lunch, to the enjoyable, informative conducted tour and later on at Evensong with its glorious singing and organ accompaniment, where we were privileged to sit in the Choir.
We felt especially fortunate in our guide, Brian. As there were only the two of us taking the tour, he made us feel really special providing us with lots of detail where it mattered. Brian had to cope with some competition as there was a remembrance ceremony going on at the Catherine of Aragon tomb, where some local school children were laying wreaths - all handled flawlessly - in this impressive working cathedral.
We would highly recommend a visit to Peterborough cathedral and especially urge visitors to take advantage of the excellent conducted tours, which are not to be missed!
We felt especially fortunate in our guide, Brian. As there were only the two of us taking the tour, he made us feel really special providing us with lots of detail where it mattered. Brian had to cope with some competition as there was a remembrance ceremony going on at the Catherine of Aragon tomb, where some local school children were laying wreaths - all handled flawlessly - in this impressive working cathedral.
We would highly recommend a visit to Peterborough cathedral and especially urge visitors to take advantage of the excellent conducted tours, which are not to be missed!
Written 1 February 2020
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.
AnnaBananaPole
Essex, UK222 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
The first thing that I can say about this stunning piece of architecture is... wow.
I came here with my boyfriend and unfortunately this was just before the quarantine of COVID so it was a little on edge with not touching things and staying away from people etc but they were still very happy for us to come in and view the cathedral. However, this also meant that there were a few things not open so we only saw the cathedral. However, that shouldn't take away how absolutely stunningly beautiful this place is. The stain glass works are breathtaking and each one of them are different and tells a story. For those history buffs out there, here is where Catherine of Aragon was buried. So here is a good place for us history nerds.
In any case, I would recommend people visiting Peterborough to make the cathedral one of there spots for visiting.
I came here with my boyfriend and unfortunately this was just before the quarantine of COVID so it was a little on edge with not touching things and staying away from people etc but they were still very happy for us to come in and view the cathedral. However, this also meant that there were a few things not open so we only saw the cathedral. However, that shouldn't take away how absolutely stunningly beautiful this place is. The stain glass works are breathtaking and each one of them are different and tells a story. For those history buffs out there, here is where Catherine of Aragon was buried. So here is a good place for us history nerds.
In any case, I would recommend people visiting Peterborough to make the cathedral one of there spots for visiting.
Written 20 April 2020
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.
Katie S
8 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
I did the Moon with a View walk and loved it. Gives you a snapshot into the walls and rafters of the spectacular building and a great view of the moon floor. There are railings all the way round the walk but you do need some level of fitness as the steps are quite steep and narrow. Also great views of the city from the top. Barry was our guide and was very knowledgeable on the history of the building and regularly checked we were all ok with the heights😀Would highly recommend this or the full tour which is 1.5 hours long.
Written 15 August 2021
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.
Diane W
Peterborough, UK50 contributions
Feb 2020
I've lived in Peterborough for many years and have visited this fabulous cathedral many times but this was the first time I've been on a highlights tour (prompted by having visitors over from the USA). Our tour guide, Steve, had loads of interesting stories to tell us as we walked round the cathedral, and was able to answer all our questions too - a very knowledgeable local historian.
These tours run daily Monday to Saturday at 11am and 2pm (check website), £5pp, take about an hour and you don't need to book in advance.
There are also occasional tower tours and you need to book in advance - but well worth it. (We went on one of these a few years ago).
These tours run daily Monday to Saturday at 11am and 2pm (check website), £5pp, take about an hour and you don't need to book in advance.
There are also occasional tower tours and you need to book in advance - but well worth it. (We went on one of these a few years ago).
Written 25 February 2020
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.
Swedishtomcat
Diss, UK4,620 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
Unfortunately, a downpour of biblical proportions a couple of days earlier meant our tour of the tower had to be cancelled. Instead, we strolled around inside admiring the C12th cathedral from the nave and side aisles instead. Entry was free but we were politely asked if we’d like to donate.
Written 19 July 2021
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.
Paul Joseph
Buxhall, UK3 contributions
Jul 2020
The cathedral is stunning, we went there yesterday as we were staying nearby for
the weekend. My grandaughter Ella (13) is very keen on Tudor history, so when I told
her about Katherine of Arragon`s tomb, she was very keen to visit.
Because of Covid, we followed the route marked out, and after we had seen the whole building, we went over to the gift shop. The shop was unattended, but there
were volunteers chatting over by the main doors. There were signs asking you to
seek assistance if you wanted to buy, Ella being excited, picked up a bookmark, at
which point a lady volunteer arrived, being annoyed at us touching the item. Since
the counter was unattended, and we had no idea who was supposed to be attending, the snotty attitude of this lady was not appreciated. She took the item off us, and all the time I was paying, she kept sarcastically mumbling about needing bigger signs, as we were clearly unable to have seen them.
Since she handled the item without first cleaning her hands, I thought their system
needed to be changed, she must have served others before us, and so we would have been safer by us taking the item, and then all she had to do was keep stock
numbers at the till, after all, there was a very limited stock, this would have been
a simpler procedure. This spoiled our visit, it seems wearing a high viz jacket gives
even little old ladies too much of a sense of power.
the weekend. My grandaughter Ella (13) is very keen on Tudor history, so when I told
her about Katherine of Arragon`s tomb, she was very keen to visit.
Because of Covid, we followed the route marked out, and after we had seen the whole building, we went over to the gift shop. The shop was unattended, but there
were volunteers chatting over by the main doors. There were signs asking you to
seek assistance if you wanted to buy, Ella being excited, picked up a bookmark, at
which point a lady volunteer arrived, being annoyed at us touching the item. Since
the counter was unattended, and we had no idea who was supposed to be attending, the snotty attitude of this lady was not appreciated. She took the item off us, and all the time I was paying, she kept sarcastically mumbling about needing bigger signs, as we were clearly unable to have seen them.
Since she handled the item without first cleaning her hands, I thought their system
needed to be changed, she must have served others before us, and so we would have been safer by us taking the item, and then all she had to do was keep stock
numbers at the till, after all, there was a very limited stock, this would have been
a simpler procedure. This spoiled our visit, it seems wearing a high viz jacket gives
even little old ladies too much of a sense of power.
Written 21 July 2020
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.
David P
1 contribution
Jun 2022 • Solo
What a stunning cathedral; having lived in Peterborough for most of my life it’s the first time I’ve been on the Tower tour. What an amazing tour, the knowledge of the tour guide volunteers, Paul and Phil, was top class, so informative and delivered as though they were chatting to you as friends in an easy to understand style. The tour lasted 90 minutes and was worth every penny, if when visiting Peterborough you only have time for 1 tour then this is a must. Thank you.
Written 8 June 2022
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.
cliveUK
Ely, UK200 contributions
Sept 2021 • Couples
The excellent views inside (and from the tower if you are lucky), are amazing. The guided tour is fascinating and the whole cathedral interior walk round gets you places you cannot see on you own. Narrow paths and twisty stairs are not for the feint-hearted though. With so much great information to impart it was a bit disappointing that our guide had half a dozen places where he “didn’t know why that was” or “wasn’t sure about something” - I would have thought that after 10 yrs of doing it that he might well have found out the answers to these (surely) frequently asked questions. The other annoyance was that the second guide kept chatting to one of the elderly tour visitors and it made it hard to hear what the primary guide was saying especially in the areas we were all cramped in one space or spread out in a thin line. Other than that, good value and very enjoyable couple of hours.
Written 23 September 2021
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.
Sarah Ellen
Kilmarnock, UK16 contributions
Sept 2021
First of all I have got to mention Peterborough Railway station, without their passenger assistance scheme and exceptional accessibility I couldn't have possibly visited and although the assistance at my point of departure was very good Peterborough is worthy of the highest praise both for accessible platforms and willing staff.
The Cathedral is beautiful, we each had a different part we wanted to visit. My daughter wanted to find Edith Cavell's grave. I was seeking Mary of Scotland's original resting place before her son James 6th of Scotland/1st of England removed her to Westminster. Our friend was looking for Catherine of Aragon's resting place, a simple marker with tributes of candles and pomegranates it was sad but sweet. It's nice to see active Cathedrals such as Norwich and Peterborough holding events of interest out with religion but sadly the 'Moonwalk floor' event made my visit uncomfortable having to walk back against the directed flow of people as well because my mobility aid couldn't traverse the surface and it left only one side of the cathedral accessible to me. However my companions loved the experience. It's just sad that the Cathedral couldn't have had a layout which left both side aisles accessible to wheelchair/walker users.
The Cathedral and its grounds are vast and once again there wasn't enough time to take in everything so I hope for another opportunity to visit in the future.
The Cathedral is beautiful, we each had a different part we wanted to visit. My daughter wanted to find Edith Cavell's grave. I was seeking Mary of Scotland's original resting place before her son James 6th of Scotland/1st of England removed her to Westminster. Our friend was looking for Catherine of Aragon's resting place, a simple marker with tributes of candles and pomegranates it was sad but sweet. It's nice to see active Cathedrals such as Norwich and Peterborough holding events of interest out with religion but sadly the 'Moonwalk floor' event made my visit uncomfortable having to walk back against the directed flow of people as well because my mobility aid couldn't traverse the surface and it left only one side of the cathedral accessible to me. However my companions loved the experience. It's just sad that the Cathedral couldn't have had a layout which left both side aisles accessible to wheelchair/walker users.
The Cathedral and its grounds are vast and once again there wasn't enough time to take in everything so I hope for another opportunity to visit in the future.
Written 27 September 2021
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.
Owly50
Bedford, UK97 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
Just a quick visit. All friendly greaters and no insistance on paying to get in. All in all a relaxing 20mins with some nice architecture and surroundings - one plaque was to a vineyard owner near the city in the 1800s so not just a recent thing!
Written 6 February 2020
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.
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.
Written 28 February 2020
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.
Written 1 March 2020
Not sure as I didn’t know you could do one
Written 27 September 2018
Hi,do you still do a Saturday guided tour and what is the charge for this please regards Marcelle :)
Written 8 June 2016
Peterborough Cathedral
Peterborough, United Kingdom
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.
Written 9 June 2016
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?
Written 7 December 2015
Peterborough Cathedral
Peterborough, United Kingdom
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.
Written 15 December 2015
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?
Written 7 December 2015
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.
Written 26 July 2018
Peterborough Cathedral
Peterborough, United Kingdom
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.
Written 6 January 2015
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