Ferry Meadows (Nene Park)

Ferry Meadows is the heart of Nene Park in Peterborough, and it’s a total gem for anyone who loves getting outdoors. Whether you’re on two feet, two wheels, or in a saddle, the layout is fantastic because it caters to everyone from casual strollers to serious cyclists.

The Routes

• Distance & Layout: There are miles of trails to explore. You can stick to a short 2-mile loop around Gunwade Lake or head further out on the 6-mile “Park to City” route. Most routes are circular, meaning you won’t have to backtrack.
• Surface: The main paths are broad and hard-surfaced, making them perfect for road bikes, wheelchairs, and prams even in damp weather. If you want to get your tires muddy, there are plenty of off-road woodland tracks and grassy trails branching off.
• Riding: There are dedicated bridleways for horse riders that weave through the quieter, more rural stretches of the park, offering a peaceful escape from the busier lakeside areas.

What to Expect

The park is essentially a massive playground of lakes, meadows, and woodland. You can watch the sailors and kayakers on the water, spot kingfishers in the quieter marshes, or let the kids loose on the multiple massive play areas.

Average Stay: Most people spend 3 to 4 hours here, though if you’re cycling the full extent of the park, you could easily make a full day of it.

Who is it for?

• Families: It’s a paradise for kids aged 2–12. The play areas are split by age group, so the little ones don’t get knocked over by the big kids.
• Cyclists: Great for beginners or families because it’s flat.
• Teenagers: Often a tough crowd, but they usually enjoy the Pay & Play watersports (pedalos and kayaks) or the climbing wall. If they just want to hang out, the sheer amount of space means they can find a spot away from the “family” buzz.

Best Time to Visit

To beat the crowds, early mornings are glorious, especially when the mist is coming off the lake. It gets very busy on sunny Sunday afternoons. If you’re looking for a quieter experience, head to the western end of the park (towards Castor Flood Meadows), which stays peaceful even when the main hub is buzzing.

Budget & Value

The best part? Entry to the park is free. You only pay for parking.

• Annual Memberships: If you visit more than once a month, getting a Parking Membership is a massive money-saver.
• Discounts: Keep an eye out for off-peak rates on watersports during term-time. While there aren’t many “vouchers” floating around, the fact that the “attraction” itself costs nothing makes it one of the most cost-effective days out in the region.

Top Tips for Visitors

• Clothing: Even if the sun is out, it can get breezy by the lakes, so bring a windbreaker. If you’re heading off the main paths, sturdy trainers or boots are a must.
• Food: There are two great on-site cafés (the Lakeside Kitchen and the Meadow Brown Café) serving hot meals and ice cream. However, there are loads of picnic benches and BBQ stands, so bringing your own food is a popular way to keep costs down.
• Parking: Use the main car parks, but be aware they use Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), so you pay as you leave.

Nearby Enhancements

If you have some energy left, the Nene Valley Railway has a station right at the park entrance—you can catch a vintage steam train for a trip into Peterborough or out to Yarwell. For a more “grown-up” refreshment stop, the villages of Castor and Ailsworth are just a short cycle away and have some lovely traditional country pubs.