The natural beauty of the countryside surrounding Peterborough is well-documented, but it’s fair to say that we don’t want everyone to know.
Within 10 minutes of the city you can find yourself immersed in nature, away from the hustle and bustle of Cathedral Square or Bourges Boulevard.
However, it’s no secret that popular walking spots such as Ferry Meadows and Holme Fen can get pretty crowded at this time of year, particularly on a sunny day.
The good news is that there are plenty of alternative beauty spots within a short drive of the city - the key is finding them.
Below we’ve hand-picked 7 off-the-beaten track beauty spots near Peterborough to go for a walk during summer 2026:
5. Glapthorn Cow Pasture
This beauty spot is so off-the-beaten-track that it doesn't have a single Google review. This Site of Special Scientific Interest, near Oundle, features different habitats that provide homes for a mix of wildlife. In summer, the black hairstreak butterfly perches on flowering brambles weaving from plant to plant. Photo: Dudley Miles
6. Collyweston Quarries
An old quarry now transformed into a wildflower haven, Collyweston Quarries is located just off the A47 near Duddington. The 151-acre reserve is the largest Northamptonshire remnant of the ancient Purlieu coppices of Rockingham Forest. Photo: Tim Heaton
7. Bedford Purlieus Nature Reserve
You wouldn't think that this stunning 211-hectare nature reserve is located adjacent to the busy A47. Managed by the Forestry Commission, it features rich, varied flora due to diverse soil types, ranging from calcareous limestone to acidic sands. You could easily spend all day exploring the woodland's many paths. Photo: Natural England