Living in Peterborough

Peterborough is a thriving city with a diverse culture. You'll soon find your favourite places to hang out and explore.

Four people walking by the river in Peterborough. There are swans in the river and buildings in the background.

Peterborough highlights

Historic Peterborough is often described as the Gateway to the Fens. Its highlights include:

Check out six reasons to love Peterborough for more suggestions, or take a look at Discover Peterborough.

Art, culture and history

Peterborough's theatres offer plays, comedy shows, music and pantomimes. The Embankment and Peterborough Arena provide open-air events throughout the year. These include music performances, trade shows, and annual events like the CAMRA Beer Festival and the Sausage and Cider Fest.

The iconic Cathedral dates from Norman times, and is more than 900 years old. It's linked with many historical characters, including Katharine of Aragon. Every year there's a commemorative service and a series of events to celebrate her life.

A short drive or train journey away is the market town of Stamford. Here you'll find the stunning Elizabethan manor Burghley House, which hosts events throughout the year.

Nightlife

Eager to explore Peterborough’s nightlife? There's something to suit everyone.

Live music venues such as The Met Lounge, and clubs like Flares and Red Room, are popular spots. There's also Glo-Golf, a space-themed indoor crazy golf course hosting live DJ events and offering a range of cocktails.

If you’re looking for somewhere to chill and have a drink, check out bars like Argo Lounge, Charters, The Stoneworks Bar and Blind Tiger.

Food and drink

For foodies, there’s a diverse selection of restaurants serving cuisine from around the world. These include well-known chain restaurants as well as independent eateries. You won't need to go far to find Italian, Turkish, sushi, Indian or even just some dessert...

There are also regular food and drink markets in Cathedral Square, with delicacies from all around the world for you to try and buy.

In surrounding villages you’ll find many quality country restaurants, and pubs with beer gardens and local ales.

Shopping

A short distance away from ARU Peterborough, Queensgate Shopping Centre is a great place to shop, with over 100 stores. Or, if you prefer independent stores, check out Westgate Arcade and Rivergate Shopping Centre.

If you’re planning a visit to the city centre, you really are spoilt for choice when it comes to shopping local. You can find many independent shops, cafes, bars, restaurants and more all within a short walking distance of Cathedral Square.

You can support your community at Peterborough City Market, where local traders sell clothing, haberdashery, flowers, fresh and local fruit and vegetables, confectionery, home decorating materials and much more.

Travel 5-10 minutes out of the city centre and you’ll come across other shopping centres such as Serpentine Green and Brotherhood Retail Park. These host a range of well-known shops and brands.

Sport and fitness

Sports and fitness enthusiasts will enjoy what Peterborough has to offer.

Just a short walk from campus, you’ll find Peterborough United Football Club - known locally as The Posh. 

For those looking to improve their fitness, there are many gyms around Peterborough, most offering fitness clubs and classes.

If you prefer the outdoors, Peterborough and Nene Valley Athletics Club and track is next to our campus. This is a great place to train for the annual Great Eastern Run half marathon.

There are also a variety of swimming pools including The Lido, an open-air pool for the summer months. This is also located next to ARU Peterborough.

Just outside of the city centre there are two notable facilities. The first is Peterborough Ice Rink. It's open to the public and is also home to Peterborough Phantoms, who play in the National Ice Hockey League. The second is Peterborough Rowing Club and Lake, which welcomes new members.

Natural Peterborough

There are plenty of parks and green spaces to escape to and explore in Peterborough. Ferry Meadows is one of the most popular, and is perfect for long walks and bike rides. We also have Crown Lakes, Itter Park, and Central Park, which is just a 15-20 minute walk from ARU Peterborough.

For the green-fingered, there's a community project called The Green Backyard. Their aim is to help transform derelict urban spaces into vibrant and sustainable green spaces. Volunteers are always welcome.

Peterborough is part of Cambridgeshire, which has 12 designated nature reserves – including much of its famous fenland. Peterborough's Green Wheel is a network of routes in and around the city created as part of a millennium project. 

Visit us

Interested in discovering Peterborough for yourself? Come and explore. We’d love to welcome you to campus.