Car hire in Peterborough
Car Hire in Peterborough
The city of Peterborough lies 75 miles north of London in Cambridgeshire. It was named as one of the UK’s fastest growing cities in 2014 with a population of around 186,000 people.
It is home to the gothic and grandiose Peterborough Cathedral, built in the 12th century, and the city sits at the end of the Neve Valley preserved railway.
The nearest commercial airports are Luton (LTN), an 80-minute drive south down the A1(M) and A421, and Stansted (STN), which is a 90-minute drive down the A14 and M11.
What I need to know
Those arriving in Peterborough are able to compare car hire options across a range of companies including Avis (which is rated very good with 8.1/10 on Holiday Autos) and Budget (7.9).
A Europcar outlet (7.7) is also fairly central in Peterborough and other car rental places include Thrifty (7.5) and Keddy (7.6) offices. Both are a short taxi ride away from the train station.
Where to pick up my car
You will able to collect your vehicle from the respective offices of each Peterborough car hire company, some are located close to the city’s train station.
It’s worth being aware that these hire outlets are open during standard working hours, with many open between 8am and 5pm, while some close on Sundays, so double check that you’ll be able to obtain your hire car when you arrive.
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Where to go
Hiring a car in Peterborough will allow you to enjoy the wealth of heritage dotted about the city. These include the 18th century Sacrewell watermill, the 16th century Burghley House, Peterborough Museum and the aforementioned cathedral. There’s also Nene Park - a country park that stretches for 10km along the picturesque valley of the River Nene.
Nearby Peterborough
There’s plenty to do if you take a short drive out of Peterborough into surrounding Cambridgeshire, such as the Imperial War Museum in Duxton and Ely’s Jubilee Gardens. Alternatively, head into Cambridge itself and take a leisurely stroll down the River Cam, visit the late Gothic King’s College Chapel or the free-to-visit Fitzwilliam Museum, which specialises in arts and antiques.
Longer drives
Peterborough is uniquely placed in that driving for two hours could take you to the hustle and bustle of London, Birmingham - England’s second city, or the Great British coast.
You could spend a week in the English capital and only scratch the surface of what it has to offer, so it’s worth having a clear idea of what you want to do before you head into London.
Meanwhile, two hours and 30 miles east of Peterborough brings you to the North Sea. For a taste of traditional English seaside town resorts, head to Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft, which promise great family days out. Before reaching the coast, you could stop off at the city of Norwich, which boasts a surprising variety of culture.
Eating and drinking
Peterborough’s eclectic dining scene means that there will be a few establishments that fit what you feel like. Be it fine dining, pub food, vegetarian dishes or a light snack to tide you over, you’re sure to find what you’re after in Peterborough.
Things to do
Ferry Meadows Country Park at the heart of Nene Park is another great Peterborough attraction. It’s ideal for a family day out with a huge lake, providing a great opportunity for leisurely strolls, cycling, walking the dog and feeding the ducks. There are bike hire facilities on site too so don’t worry if you don’t have your own bicycle. The lake itself is able to host watersports, kayak lessons and fishing. The area is clean and well-maintained with a mini-train, cafe and toilets.
Sightseeing
Peterborough Cathedral - completed in 1237 - is considered to be one of the most important 12th century buildings in the UK. It is dedicated to Saint Peter, Saint Paul and Saint Andrew. As such, it features statues of the three, each looking down from the high gables of the famous West Front.
Peterborough Museum is housed in one of the city’s most historic buildings in the city centre. It has a collection of around 227,000 items including Roman pottery and marine fossils from the Jurassic period.
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