What Makes Peterborough Special to You?

I’ve often been asked by people visiting Peterborough why our city has such a bad reputation. What’s always struck me is that they genuinely can’t understand it, writes Cllr Jade Seager

They see a city full of history, beautiful places and things to do, while those of us who live here can sometimes be quicker to point out its faults than appreciate what’s right on our doorstep.

Of course, Peterborough isn’t perfect, and our city centre isn’t what it once was. We’ve lost familiar shops, and the growing number of takeaways, vape shops and barbers can make it feel as though the variety we once enjoyed is disappearing. These are genuine concerns, and we shouldn’t pretend otherwise.

But there’s still so much to enjoy. Cathedral Square regularly comes alive with markets, celebrations and community events. Our magnificent Cathedral hosts concerts, exhibitions and activities throughout the year, while Peterborough Museum brings our history to life. Beyond the city centre, we have the remarkable Flag Fen and beautiful countryside surrounding villages such as Helpston, home to the poet John Clare.

Beyond these well-known places, every ward and community has something special of its own. A local green space, a favourite walking route, a park or somewhere that holds a lifetime of memories. Places that might seem ordinary to others but mean everything to those who know them.

For me, one of those places is Drysides in Stanground.

I spent much of my childhood in Stanground with my grandparents, and some of my most treasured memories are of walking through Drysides with my grandad. I can still picture myself skipping along beside him as he whistled the Skippy the Bush Kangaroo theme tune, looking out for the mysterious “big bird” and seeing which of us could spot Peterborough Cathedral first in the distance.

My grandad has since passed away, but those memories will always stay with me. When I think of Drysides, I don’t just think of its beautiful views, wildlife and peaceful surroundings. I think of him, of being a little girl without a care in the world, and of moments I would give anything to relive just once more.

I know that across Peterborough, people will have their own equivalent of Drysides. Somewhere that holds memories of loved ones, childhood adventures or simply time spent enjoying the world around them.

As conversations continue about the future of places like Drysides, I hope we remember how important these spaces are, not just for their natural beauty and wildlife, but for the generations of memories they hold.

Peterborough isn’t perfect, and there’s plenty we should be working to improve. But perhaps we also need to spend a little less time talking about everything our city lacks and a little more time appreciating what makes it special.

Because sometimes the most beautiful things about the place we call home are the very things we’ve started to take for granted.