Here at the Peterborough Telegraph the majority of our work focuses on events in the city itself, but we also enjoy shining a light on the towns and villages located just a short drive away.
Peterborough’s close proximity to Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Northamptonshire and Lincolnshire makes it an ideal base to explore the charming villages located in these historic counties.
The north Northamptonshire countryside, for example, boasts literally dozens of chocolate box villages just waiting to be explored.
Villages such as Fotheringhay, Apethorpe and Southwick, to name but three, are well worth visiting on a spare day.
But its worth remembering that villages in the Fenland District, just east of the city, can be equally as picturesque.
Made up of around 500 square miles of farmland and, well, fens, the district also contains four towns.
You’d be forgiven for thinking that the flat, barren Fens probably aren’t worth exploring, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
With the Summer bank holiday just around the corner, we’ve picked out six charming Fenland villages that you shoul consider visiting.
Discover them below:
1. Friday Bridge
Yet another Fenland village with an intriguing name, Friday Bridge is located just south of Wisbech. The name Friday Bridge comes from an old bridge that once crossed a local waterway, likely dating back to medieval times when it was recorded as the Old English Fridayesbrugg. The small villages includes a pub and a chip shop, so visitors certainly won't go hungry or thirsty! Photo: Geograph
2. 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. Like many Fenland villages, once you’re in Benwick, you’re there. 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. Photo: Richard Humphrey
3. Gorefield
Gorefield is a small Fenland village, near Wisbech. Its name dates back to 1190, while the village developed mainly during the 19th and 20th centuries. The Grade II-listed St Paul’s Church, built in 1870, is its principal historic building. Gorefield is well suited to walking and cycling, featuring a pub and small shop. Photo: JThomas
4. Guyhirn
Situated next to the busy A47, Guyhirn is one of those places you've probably driven past hundreds of times but never taken the time to visit. Visitors can enjoy quiet countryside walks and cycling, explore the historic churches, or visit nearby attractions in Wisbech and the surrounding Fens. After a brisk walk, take time to relax in the Oliver Twist Country Inn and Restaurant while enjoying views of the River Nene. Photo: Ian Macaulay