6 quirky and unusual landmarks near Peterborough to explore over the Early May bank holiday 2026

By Daniel DeFalco

Published 1st May 2026, 15:40 GMT

Step away from the beaten track this bank holiday by visiting one of these unusual landmarks

Finding ways to keep occupied over a bank holiday weekend can be tricky, particularly if you’ve got children to keep entertained.

Taking in a film at the cinema, trying your hand at a round of crazy golf and killing an hour in an amusement arcade are three of the typical ways to spend the long weekend, but sometimes it’s nice to mix things up by going somewhere new.

While there are several bank holiday events taking place in Peterborough this weekend, it’s worth remembering that dozens of fascinating sites and landmarks lie a short drive from the city.

A visit to one of these landmarks can often be incorporated into a long walk ending with a pub lunch or cafe stop, so you can easily make a day out of them.

From bizarre bridges to Iron Age forts, we’ve rounded up six quirky and unusual landmarks near Peterborough to explore over the Early May bank holiday 2026:

Just a stone’s throw from the church is the remains of Fotheringhay Castle - an 11th century Norman motte-and-bailey fortress of national significance. As well as being the birthplace of King Richard III, the castle was the location of Mary, Queen of Scots’ trial and execution in 1587. Today only a small section of the castle’s masonry remains intact, which visitors can find to the very east of the village.

1. Fotheringhay Castle

Just a stone’s throw from the church is the remains of Fotheringhay Castle - an 11th century Norman motte-and-bailey fortress of national significance. As well as being the birthplace of King Richard III, the castle was the location of Mary, Queen of Scots’ trial and execution in 1587. Today only a small section of the castle’s masonry remains intact, which visitors can find to the very east of the village. Photo: Forester 2009

The double bridge at Parson's Drove joins Cambridgeshire to Lincolnshire. At this point the North Level Main Drain splits into two. The structure, which acts as both a bridge and a sluice, was built in the 1830s for drainage purposes. It was listed by Historic England in 1983.

2. Clough's Cross double bridge

The double bridge at Parson's Drove joins Cambridgeshire to Lincolnshire. At this point the North Level Main Drain splits into two. The structure, which acts as both a bridge and a sluice, was built in the 1830s for drainage purposes. It was listed by Historic England in 1983. Photo: Richard Humphrey

Holme Fen Posts were erected in 1848 to record the peat shrinkage. The base of the post was embedded in the clay layer that underlies the peat and the top of the post was cut off level with the soil surface. Today approximately 4 metres of the post is showing above ground recording the ground subsidence since 1852.

3. Holme Fen Posts

Holme Fen Posts were erected in 1848 to record the peat shrinkage. The base of the post was embedded in the clay layer that underlies the peat and the top of the post was cut off level with the soil surface. Today approximately 4 metres of the post is showing above ground recording the ground subsidence since 1852. Photo: Roger Cornfoot

Built in 1750, the historic farm workers cottage is located just off the A47 at Thorney. The quaint thatched cottage, situated on Knarr Farm, was Grade II listed in 2019. The cottage is located on private land but still makes for an intriguing drive-by.

4. Canary Cottage

Built in 1750, the historic farm workers cottage is located just off the A47 at Thorney. The quaint thatched cottage, situated on Knarr Farm, was Grade II listed in 2019. The cottage is located on private land but still makes for an intriguing drive-by. Photo: Richard Humphrey