The Spring bank holiday is almost upon us, and current forecasts suggest that it could be a scorcher here in Peterborough.
With temperatures expected to hit 29C over the next few days, we really couldn’t have asked for better weather for the late-May bank holiday.
As we all know, hot and sunny bank holidays here in England don’t come around all that often, so making the most of them is key.
There are plenty of ways to cool-off here in Peterborough, such as going for a dip in the Lido or finding a patch of shade in Central Park, but it’s worth remembering that the city is surrounded by some of the most beautiful countryside in the UK.
These miles upon miles of rolling fields are home to dozens of quaint villages that you probably haven’t thought about visiting before.
With their cricket greens, thatched cottages and historic pubs, a trip to one of these beautiful villages is a great way to spend the Spring bank holiday.
There are literally dozens of villages to choose from, but we’ve hand-picked eight of the best ones near Peterborough that you should consider visiting:
5. Barnwell
Let us start by saying that Barnwell has a stream running through the centre of the village. If that's not a reason to visit on a beautiful spring day, we're not sure what is. Passed by thousands of drivers each day, the tiny village is directly accessible from the busy A605 just south of Oundle. 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. Photo: Jonathan Thacker
6. Fotheringhay
Situated west of Peterborough on the banks of the River Nene, Fotheringhay is best known for its church, All Saints, which stands dominant above the flat landscape. The impressive building was rebuilt between 1411 and the 1430s as a college of priests. The remains of Fotheringhay Castle - founded around 1100 - can still be found in the village. Photo: Michael Garlick
7. Glatton
Easily accessible just off the A1, the picture-postcard village of Glatton more than deserves its place on this list. With thatched cottages, a pub and leafy walking routes, you could easily spend a whole day exploring Glatton. Photo: Michael Trolove
8. Winwick
Like many beauty spots on this list, Winwick is yet another example of a quintessential English village. The majority of the village comprises of farmland, but there are several stunning walking routes that are ideal for exploring on a sunny day. Photo: Roger Kidd