Summers here in England are notoriously temperamental, but after three heatwaves so far it’s fair to say that the summer of 2026 has been an exception to the rule.
With a fourth spell of scorching temperatures expected this week, it’s key to make the most of the gorgeous weather while it's here.
It’s no secret that the urban nature of Peterborough means that the city can get pretty toasty hot summer days, which is why you should be plotting your escape.
Thankfully, the beautiful countryside surrounding the city provides a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.
With clean air, rolling fields and cracking pub beer gardens, these picture-postcard villages have something for everyone.
You don’t have to travel far, either.
Within a 30-minute drive of Peterborough are some of the most beautiful and historic villages in the East of England.
Enjoy them, but don’t let everyone know!
Here are 7 of the best that you should consider visiting this summer:
1. Wadenhoe
Located a mile or so to the west of the A605 near Thrapston, Wadenhoe is roughly a 30-minute drive from Peterborough city centre, making it easily accessible for a day out. Comprising just a few streets, the quaint village is home to just over 200 people and surrounded by rich countryside. Wadenhoe is packed with stunning stone buildings akin to those found in the Cotswolds, providing plenty of inspiration for amateur photographers. To the south-west of the village are the remains of the former Wadenhoe Castle, thought to date back to the Saxon period. Mounds depicting a rough outline of the castle can be seen to this day, with these best viewed from the Church Street end of the village. Photo: Richard Croft
2. Woodnewton
Located a few miles west of Peterborough, Woodnewton is home to just a few hundred residents and consists of just a handful of roads. Packed with stunning stone cottages, it’s easy to see why Woodnewton’s architecture has drawn comparisons to the Cotswolds. A visit to Woodnewton would not be complete without a pit-stop at the village pub, The White Swan. Housed within a beautiful 18th century stone building, The White Swan is your typical country pub offering refreshing drinks and tasty traditional grub. Running parallel to the village is Willow Brook, a tributary of the River Nene starting in Corby and ending in Elton. Photo: Mike Bardill
3. Barnwell
Passed by thousands of drivers each day, Barnwell is directly accessible from the busy A605 just south of Oundle. Home to just a few hundred people, Barnwell is one of those places you’re unlikely to ever visit unless you have a reason to do so, but the village actually has so much to offer. Packed with stunning stone cottages, it’s easy to see why Barnwell’s architecture has drawn comparisons to the Cotswolds and provides plenty of inspiration for amateur photographers. Running through the village is Barnwell Brook, a tributary of the River Nene that flanks Main Street with dozens of willow trees either side. The centrepiece of the village is the Montagu Arms, a 16th century stone-built pub serving where visitors can stop for a drink and bite to eat after exploring the neighbouring countryside. Photo: Will Lovell
4. Benwick
The village of Benwick may only be 14 miles east of Peterborough, but its isolated location deep in the Fenland district means it’s rarely explored by visitors. Located on the banks of the River Nene, the village is home to just over 1,000 people and surrounded by dozens of acres of farmland. Besides a primary school, village shop and pub, there isn’t a great deal more to Benwick, but that only adds to its charm. The village’s riverside location makes it an ideal stopover for those hiring boats to explore the River Nene. Some day-trippers choose to moor their boat before discovering the village and surrounding countryside on foot. The village pub, The Five All’s, is ideal for a refreshing pint after working up a sweat on a warm spring day. Photo: Richard Humphrey