Peterborough & Burghley House

Peterborough might not be the first place you might think of visiting on a day trip from London but it’s only 45 minutes by train from Kings Cross and on this tour I’d meet you just outside Peterborough Station and walk a few minutes to the historic centre of the city.

In the middle of the large city square is the wonderful old Guildhall. Built originally in 1671 it has served as both a market and a townhall. A farmers market is still held here regularly along with many over events in the square.

A short stroll away is the really rather wonderful Peterborough Cathedral which we shall explore inside.

Though the site of Peterborough Cathedral was originally Roman, in the 7th century it became a monastic community though that was all but destroyed by the Great Heathen army under the splendidly named Ivar the Boneless. The current Peterborough Cathedral was built after the Norman conquest and seen of activity since then and two queens were buried here including Katherine of Aragon whose tomb we will visit.

Then it is just a 15 minute drive indeed to Burghley House, known around the world for its Horsetrials and depicted in all sorts of big TV and cinema shows. Home to the Cecil family for 16 generations, it is not to be missed.

Burghley is one of the largest and grandest surviving houses of the sixteenth century and amongst the very finest examples of the great Elizabethan houses. It was conceived by William Cecil, Lord High Treasurer to Queen Elizabeth I and built between 1555 and 1587. When you visit you can only imagine the power and ambition of the most powerful courtier of the Elizabethan era.

We will explore all over the house, see the Downstairs where those in Service worked as you may have seen in Downton Abbey. Then upstairs for all the magnificent rooms and corridors all richly decorated with fabulous works of art.

At the end of the tour I will make sure you get back to your hotel or railway station.

Meeting Time: 10am AM

Location: Peterborough (and Burghley House)
Duration of Tour: 2 hours or so at Peterborough and 2 hours approximately at Burghley

Meeting Point: Peterborough Railway Station for those arriving from London (about 40 minutes to Peterborough) or elsewhere. Otherwise we can meet you at your hotel in Stamford, Oakham or mutually convenient location.