The Best Hotels in Peterborough

Peterborough Hotels

Set in the rolling, green landscape of rural Cambridgeshire, Peterborough is a town very much at the crossroads of England, straddling the north-south divide and providing easy access to major cities, including London and Cambridge to the south and Birmingham to the west. But this charming cathedral city is not just somewhere to pass through – with magnificent Norman architecture, buildings of great historical significance and a lively collection of markets and art galleries you will be kept happy here for days.

Things to see

The crowning glory of Peterborough’s medieval city centre is Peterborough Cathedral. With an impressive Gothic façade and a cloistered, Romanesque interior, this is one of the finest surviving Norman buildings in Europe. It is also the burial place of 2 ill-fated British queens; Catherine of Aragon and Mary Queen of Scots. A short drive from Peterborough is another building with a famous Tudor connection: Oliver Cromwell’s House, located in the town of Ely. The house has been preserved as a museum, giving a real sense of what it was like when the most infamous man in British history lived there. In the opposite direction, but close to Peterborough, lie the ruins of Fotheringhay Castle. There isn’t much left of the castle, but the earthy motte still rises from the landscape, offering a real-life Norman history lesson. You’ll also be tracing the past of Mary Queen of Scots, who was executed here.

Hotels in Peterborough

Peterborough hotels are, in the main, unique character properties you won’t find anywhere else. You could choose to stay in an old schoolhouse, a farm cottage or in an old mansion where the walls are supported by heavy wooden beams. Most are mid-range in price and quality, but the individuality and atmosphere of each hotel makes them good value for money. Some of the luxury hotels offer 4-poster beds and a real sense of grandeur, while most offer cosy, traditionally-furnished rooms. Complimentary cooked breakfasts and onsite will keep you well-fed and content, while WiFi access and parking are usually free.

Where to stay

For a varied choice of accommodation, from characterful guesthouses to more modern hotels, central Peterborough is the best option. You’ll be within walking distance of the cathedral, markets and shopping streets, so you won’t have to go far to explore the local attractions and amenities. Other historic sites, such as Fotheringhay Castle, are within easy reach. For a more tranquil setting, stay in one of the hotels in the surrounding countryside – a farmstay is available at Fotheringhay and numerous B&Bs are dotted around. If you would prefer to be steeped in Tudor history, Ely is the perfect place to stay.

How to get to Peterborough

Peterborough is within easy reach of several international airports: Birmingham, Stansted and Luton are all located just over an hour away from the city, so you can take your pick. There are direct trains serving Peterborough from all airports, which can be the most convenient option, as well as frequent bus services and several car hire options. Airport shuttle services direct to your hotel can also be arranged. There are also direct trains and buses to Ely from Stansted. Access to and from central London is even quicker and easier – it takes just 50 minutes to reach King’s Cross station.