Peterborough, a city of approximately 225,000 people, offers an affordable alternative for Londoners seeking cheaper living, with average house prices at £251,916—more than £400,000 below the London average of £652,242, according to Rightmove. The city is reachable in as little as 45 minutes on an LNER service from London King’s Cross Station.
A City of History and Notable Residents
Peterborough has been home to famous faces, including former England footballer David Bentley and actress Jodie Turner-Smith. Visitors are encouraged to explore Peterborough Cathedral, a 900-year-old Norman masterpiece renowned for its Gothic architecture and as the burial place of Henry VIII’s first wife, Katharine of Aragon.
The city also boasts modern historical milestones, such as the world’s first mini roundabout, installed in 1969. Additionally, it is the resting place of Jimmy the Donkey, a WWI hero posthumously awarded the Dickin Medal for bravery. Jimmy was born on the battlefield, helped supply ammunition to British soldiers in the Somme, and carried away the wounded before being retired by the RSPCA to Peterborough.
Nature and Attractions in and Around Peterborough
Flag Fen Archaeology Park, open from 10am to 4pm Wednesday to Sunday, features a 1km, 3,500-year-old Bronze Age causeway thought to have been a route through a marsh. The city also offers Ferry Meadows and Nene Park, described as ‘huge country parks and waterways’ with activities including sailing, boating, walking, fishing, and paddleboarding on the River Nene.
John Clare Country, a protected landscape between the Nene and Welland valleys west of Peterborough, offers nature-rich scenery. Railworld Wildlife Haven combines railway heritage with wildlife gardens, featuring model railways run by volunteers.
Local Leaders on Why Peterborough Welcomes Londoners
Mayor Cllr Chris Harper, born and raised in Peterborough and a resident for 63 years, highlighted the city’s ‘excellent connectivity’ to London, Cambridge, and the Midlands. He pointed to the Cathedral as ‘one of the great medieval buildings’ with ‘royal connections’ and recommended Flag Fen as a ‘Bronze Age settlement and archaeological site.’
“Food and cultural diversity is a big thing for Peterborough; we're a very diverse city with lots of food offerings, cultural exhibitions, major festivals, music, and community events,” Harper said. He added, “With our connectivity to London, there's no excuse - come for a great day out or come to live here.”
Mayor Harper also emphasized the city’s friendliness: “It's a very friendly place. It's got all the different cultures. Some people like to be among their own, which I accept as a comfort thing, no different to British people going abroad to seek out other British people. But generally, if you say hello in the street, people will say hello; people are very kind. Most people in Peterborough will be very nice, kind to you, and want to hear what you've got to say. I don't see any problem with Londoners at all; I think they're great.”
Affordability and Quality of Life Attract Londoners
Councillor Roger Antunes, a resident since 1989, noted that Peterborough was established as a market town and has retained that character alongside city facilities. He spoke highly of the ‘historic town centre, phenomenal shopping centre’ and the Cathedral, adding that ‘we see quite a number of Londoners being attracted to Peterborough.’
Antunes attributed this to ‘quality of life, such as good schools’ and ‘value for money,’ noting that for the price of a two-bed in London, one can get a four or five-bed detached home in Peterborough.
