Free Days Out in Peterborough

Having 3 children, I know how expensive school holidays can be. I am really fortunate that we do get invited to review attractions and days out. However, I have been in the position where I have felt all the guilts for not having the money to do anything exciting. Something I am rather passionate about is being able to enjoy life, spend time with the kids and not have to spend loads of money. So I thought I would share some free and low cost (under £5) days out/places to visit in Peterborough.

Ferry Meadows – It is free to enter although there is car parking fees. However many people park on Ham Lane in the layby to avoid paying. Pack a picnic, a sun hat, plenty of drinks and don’t forget the suncream! If you want something a little more structured to do then the holiday trail which runs every year is only £1 per child and they can choose a small token gift at the end.
Bretton Water Park – Free to enter and free to park. It can get really busy at times and there is zero shade. So make sure to bring suncream and sun hat. What would work even better is bringing your own sun shelter. There is Bretton playpark nearby if you wanted to make it a full day and you can always bring a picnic too. There are also toilets available, although cleanliness can be somewhat touch and go.
Town Park/Central Park – Free to enter and there is so much to do that you could easily spend an entire day here, I often do over the holidays. Parking is restricted around the edges of the park, however, after 11 I believe it is unrestricted. There is a paddling pool with an onsite attendant, a huge sandpit, and plenty of playparks to suit a range of abilities. There is also so much green space! Bring a ball, rounders, cricket even.
Peterborough Museum – Peterborough Museum is free to enter however there are charges when there are events running. The events are pretty fab and take you around the entire museum. I have spent a couple of hours in the museum. We then head off too
Peterborough Cathedral – We are incredibly lucky to have such an amazing building in our city. Children can hire Explorer Backpacks (£5 deposit needed, however, it is given back) and it takes you on a journey around the cathedral. You explore parts of the Cathedral you didn’t know existed, like the donkey on the nave ceiling.
Green BackYard – When Open (check opening times) you are able to come and have a look around the green space in the city centre. Help to take care of the plants, maybe if you are lucky you can also harvest some too! Depending on when you go, there is a pizza oven where you can make your own pizza too!
Van Hage Peterborough – If you head straight outside of Van Hage there is now a small animal area with pigs, guinea pigs and sheep. There is also a sandpit which has a few toys in too. If you have young children then there is also a small soft play area which is free to access.
Holme Fen Woods -10 minutes from Yaxley is Holme Fen Woods. Download the trail before you set off and explore. With it being off the beaten track it can get really muddy and there can be exposed tree roots too. There isn’t any specific parking either although there are laybys nearby you can park.
Crown Lakes, Farcet – is a lovely well-maintained country park. There isn’t a playground as such rather than plenty of green space. There is a small free carpark, but no other facilities, so no toilets. Perfect to hunt for painted rocks!
The Green Wheel – We are so fortunate in Peterborough to have 45 miles of cycle route in and around the city. Visit Sustrans to find a route! and enjoy sightseeing what the city has to offer.
BroadWalks and Thorpe Meadows (parking charges apply) – With 3 nature trails, around the meadows, through the Broadwalk and alongside the River Nene this is plenty to do. Along the trails, there are ten rubbing plate designs, so if you bring paper and crayons you can make your own prints. Keep an eye out for Grass Snakes, Common Toads and Frogs as well as smooth Newts.
Cuckoos Hollow, Werrington – There isn’t a dedicated carpark however, there is parking nearby in Werrington Centre. Cuckoo’s Hollow is a haven for birds who have taken to nesting on the island in the middle of the lake. Perfect to hunt for painted rocks!

Just outside of Peterborough – A little drive is needed

Barnwell Country Park (under 30 minute drive)- Just a little drive outside of Peterborough is Barnwell Country Park. Similar to Ferry Meadows, it is free to enter with car parking charges (£4 all day). There is a pretty awesome play area with sand and water part, as well as a nature trail available for £1. There are some great walks around the lakes, duck feed (25p a bag) and did I mention the play area?
Fineshade Woods – Just under 25minutes away in the car is free to enter with £4 all day car parking charge. There are a couple of trails you can do (Gruffalo etc), however, you would need to purchase the activity trail. It is something you can do though without if you just fancied a stroll in the deep dark woods :). There is a cafe, toilets and play area as well as a bicycle hire place.
Stanwick Lakes – (under 45minutes) – Free to enter with a carpark charge. There is a huge natural adventure playground with sand and water section. You could easily spend hours here playing without spending a penny!