IN PICTURES: Stunning Cathedral rooftop photos showcase the 'best views in Peterborough'

While Peterborough Cathedral is undoubtedly the city’s most iconic landmark, it’s fair to say many Peterborians remain unaware of everything this grand old lady has to offer.

The perfect antidote to this is a sojourn up to the Cathedral’s roof as, along with affording eventual access to sensational views, it also allows visitors to discover secretive nooks, crannies and vantage points that are, in many respects, equally sublime. With a knowledgeable guide showing the way, a circuitous route up to the 44-metre-high rooftop takes between 45 minutes and two hours, depending on how much history and insight visitors wish to absorb.

Starting at the North Transept – where a creaking door is opened to reveal a winding staircase leading up to the evocatively named ‘upper levels’ – vista-lovers make their way upwards to a series of mezzanine walkways offering jaw-dropping views of the Cathedral’s vaulted interior. Even those with only a passing interest in history and/or architecture will find themselves captivated by the sight of Masonic symbolism, ‘England’s oldest machine’ (a windlass) and Herculean timbers of German oak dating back to the Norman Conquest. When you finally reach the rooftop – which stands at the same height as 10 stacked double-decker buses – the vistas don’t disappoint.

On a clear day, it’s said you can even see Ely Cathedral, which is a good day 25 miles away as the crow flies. While there is no substitute for seeing these stunning vistas in person, we have done our best to put a gallery together that showcases all that this memorable ascent has to offer. Visit the Cathedral’s Tower Tour webpage to find out more.