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Peterborough is an ancient town, situated by the River Nene on the East of England's low-lying Fens region. A cathedral city, rich in heritage, Peterborough makes for a lively and fascinating short break or holiday and balances modern entertainment and nightlife with sites of historical interest with ease.

Of Peterborough's cathedral itself you may find particular interest. Peterborough's original Anglo-Saxan title was Medeshamsted, which was the site of an ancient monastery, founded by the city's first abbot, Sexwulf in the 7th century. The monastery grew to become Peterborough Abbey, later Cathedral. Its equally imposing and impressive style of classic Norman architecture, dating from the 12th century, positions it as one of the country's most significant buildings of that period. Needless to say, the cathedral is of real interest for locals and tourists alike.

You could enjoy a tour of the Cathedral, taking in the grave of Catherine of Aragon, first wife of Henry VIII and Queen of England for 24 years. Mary Queen of Scots was also briefly buried at the cathedral, before her remains her interred at Westminster Abbey by her son, James I. The Hedda Stone, a late Norman period carving, is also on display at the cathedral – quite a site for historically inquisitive minds.

Prior to Peterborough's cathedral being built, this flat, low-lying part of England was a significant Bronze Age site and settlement. Flag Fen, a preserved settlement to the east of Peterborough's city center, pays tribute to the hard work and living that Bronze Age Britain's endured. You can enjoy a tour of an excavated traditional roundhouse as well as marvel at original tools and implements, used by Peterborough residents of times gone by.

Echoing Flag Fen's preservation of Peterborough's social, economic and natural history is the city central Museum and Art Gallery. Here, you can enjoy permanent displays of over 227,000 objects from Stone Age artefacts, to Archaeological finds, Natural History displays as well as art and paintings by renowned artists such as Turner, Van Huysum and Sickert. The Museum itself, with its early 19th century architecture, makes for an ideal family day out and is close to city center restaurants, shops and cafés too, should you want a change of scene.

Elsewhere in bustling Peterborough you'll find one of England's last surviving open-air Lido swimming pools. Opened in 1936, the traditional art deco style Lido is well worth a dip.

Peterborough possesses such a dynamic and rich history that it's hard to ignore. In fact, the city center boasts the particular spectacular 17th century Guildhall, which is popular with picnic lunchers during the day.

If you fancy a break from ancient civic history though, Peterborough has much to offer by way of modern amenities, including several cinemas, theaters and music venues, not to mention numerous restaurants, bars and nightclubs. If you're planning to make a break of a trip to Peterborough, you could stay in one of the many comfortable Peterborough hotels on offer. With great rail links to and from the north and south, you could enjoy a short break in Peterborough in no time and discover its history for yourself.

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Source by Andrew Regan