6 beautiful villages near Peterborough where you can see fiery autumn colours this September

By Daniel DeFalco

Published 12th Sep 2026, 05:00 GMT

These stunning villages are just a short drive from the city

With September now well underway, we’re all starting to notice the first hallmarks of autumn.

Shorter days, intricate spider webs and chiller mornings are all signs that summer has been and gone.

Regardless of whether you’re a fan of autumn or not, there’s no debating that the changing of the seasons produces some sensational colours.

Best-viewed on a crisp and sunny morning, the dazzling colours of autumn are expected to come earlier this year due to the abnormally hot summer.

Needless to say, choosing the best places to experience these beautiful colours is of paramount importance.

Within Peterborough itself there are dozens of parks and other open spaces where the beauty of autumn comes to the fore.

But it’s those quaint villages surrounding the city, with their cosy cottages and historic pubs, that provide the perfect backdrop to some breathtaking autumn scenes.

We’ve picked out six underrated villages within a short drive of Peterborough where you can experience the autumn of 2026 in all its glory.

Discover them below:

Below are 6 beautiful villages near Peterborough where you can see fiery autumn colours this September

1. 6 beautiful villages near Peterborough where you can see fiery autumn colours this September

Below are 6 beautiful villages near Peterborough where you can see fiery autumn colours this September Photo: Matt Cardy

Fotheringhay sits beside the River Nene, with the river meadows and surrounding farmland giving the landscape a wonderfully open character. A this time of years, the trees along the river and lanes add flashes of gold, amber, copper and russet to the green-and-brown landscape. A visit to the village wouldn't be complete without admiring the grandeur of the St Mary and All Saints Church. Seeing the pale medieval stone framed by autumn foliage makes for an especially atmospheric scene.

2. Fotheringhay

Fotheringhay sits beside the River Nene, with the river meadows and surrounding farmland giving the landscape a wonderfully open character. A this time of years, the trees along the river and lanes add flashes of gold, amber, copper and russet to the green-and-brown landscape. A visit to the village wouldn't be complete without admiring the grandeur of the St Mary and All Saints Church. Seeing the pale medieval stone framed by autumn foliage makes for an especially atmospheric scene. Photo: Mat Fascione

Polebrook, just east of Oundle, is a lovely choice for an autumn outing. The village sits within a landscape of rolling farmland and old woodland, and its surroundings have a particularly attractive mix of mature oaks and hedgerows. Oak, ash, birch, hazel, holly and hawthorn are among the trees recorded in the local woodland landscape, giving you a mixture of yellows, golds and browns.

3. Polebrook

Polebrook, just east of Oundle, is a lovely choice for an autumn outing. The village sits within a landscape of rolling farmland and old woodland, and its surroundings have a particularly attractive mix of mature oaks and hedgerows. Oak, ash, birch, hazel, holly and hawthorn are among the trees recorded in the local woodland landscape, giving you a mixture of yellows, golds and browns. Photo: Michael Trolove

Located on the edge of Rockingham Forest, King's Cliffe is surrounded by ancient woodland, open countryside and quiet village lanes .The Fineshade Wood area of Rockingham Forest is particularly beautiful in autumn, when the woodland changes from summer green to a rich mixture of seasonal colours.

4. King's Cliffe

Located on the edge of Rockingham Forest, King's Cliffe is surrounded by ancient woodland, open countryside and quiet village lanes .The Fineshade Wood area of Rockingham Forest is particularly beautiful in autumn, when the woodland changes from summer green to a rich mixture of seasonal colours. Photo: Billy Wilson