Cathedral Quarter
The historic heart of Peterborough, where the city’s story began — and where history meets modern commerce.
The Cathedral Quarter is the spiritual and civic anchor of Peterborough, centred on the magnificent Peterborough Cathedral — one of England’s finest Norman buildings. This is where medieval lanes meet Georgian frontages, where centuries-old markets still take place, and where the city’s story is told in stone.
Alongside these heritage treasures sits Queensgate Shopping Centre, a major retail destination built on the site of Peterborough’s historic core. Its position adjacent to Cathedral Square makes it not just a shopping hub, but also a key gateway between the city’s past and present.
Priestgate, one of the city’s oldest streets, is home to the Peterborough Museum & Art Gallery, housed in a Georgian mansion that was once a hospital. The museum’s collections span archaeology, natural history, fine art, and the city’s social story, making it an essential stop on any visit.
From Cathedral Square to the Guildhall, Cowgate to the Bishop’s Road boundary, the Quarter’s streets host civic celebrations, seasonal festivals, and heritage trails — all within sight of the Cathedral’s iconic West Front.
Geographical Layout:
- Cathedral Precincts and Square
- Guildhall and Market Place
- Cowgate, Bridge Street, and surrounding historic streets
- Queensgate Shopping Centre
- Priestgate & Peterborough Museum & Art Gallery
- Bishop’s Road boundary to the east
Cultural Anchors & Symbols:
- Peterborough Cathedral
- Queensgate Shopping Centre
- Peterborough Museum & Art Gallery
- Guildhall
- St John’s Church
- Heritage street markets
- Civic parades and festivals
Peterborough Cathedral
Peterborough Cathedral, formally known as the Cathedral Church of St Peter, St Paul and St Andrew, is one...
St John the Baptist Church
Standing proudly in the heart of Cathedral Square, St John the Baptist Church is one of Peterborough’s...
Peterborough Museum & Art Gallery
Peterborough Museum & Art Gallery is a world where stories of science, art, history, and local life unfold across centuries.
Peterborough Guildhall
Standing proudly in the heart of Cathedral Square, the Peterborough Guildhall is a striking...
Peterborough Town Hall
A striking 1930s Neo-Georgian landmark and the ceremonial heart of the city
Peterborough Blue Plaque Trail
A self-guided walking route revealing the city’s historic people and places