Why this beautiful medieval village near Peterborough with its own castle is the first place I’m visiting this summer

We’re now just two weeks away from the start of meteorological summer, but we all know that means very little in terms of guaranteed sunshine and warm weather.

Summers here in the UK tend to be a mix of roasting hot sunshine, torrential downpours and autumn-like temperatures, meaning it can be hard to plan outdoor activities.

It’s important to make the most of those beautiful summer’s days when they do arrive, and thankfully there are plenty of places surrounding Peterborough where you can escape to and enjoy the sun.

There are plenty of reasons to love Peterborough, but it’s fair to say that the city can become a bit hot and bothered on scorching days over the summer.

For this very reason it’s worth planning a means of escape for when the temperature dial ticks over 25C or so.

Thankfully, the luscious countryside surrounding Peterborough provides a much fresher climate on red-hot days.

There are literally dozens of picture-postcard villages within a 20-mile radius of Peterborough, and many of them don’t get anywhere near the attention they deserve.

With their cosy pubs, beautiful scenery and crooked cottages, spending a day in one of our local villages is well worth the effort this summer.

Why Barnwell is the first place I’m visiting during summer 2026

There aren’t many idyllic villages located next to A-roads, but Barnwell is an exception to the rule.

Passed by thousands of drivers each day, the tiny village is directly accessible from the busy A605 just south of Oundle.

If you’re reading this and recognise the village’s name from road signs but have never stopped for a visit, you’re certainly not alone.

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.

Old enough to be named in the Domesday Book of 1086, Barnwell boasts a rich history, perhaps best evidenced by its 12th century castle ruins.

To the north of the village are the ruins of Barnwell Castle, built in 1132 to form part of a strongly fortified manorial residence by the noble Berengar le Moyne.

Sadly, the castle sits on private land and is not accessible to the public.

The rest of the village, however, can easily be explored on foot in a morning or afternoon, making it a perfect place to visit this summer.