Ferry Meadows Country Park
Peterborough, CambridgeshireAbout Ferry Meadows Country Park
Just three miles from Peterborough’s city centre, Ferry Meadows Country Park is the perfect place for adventure, nature, and family fun. Nestled in the heart of Nene Park, this expansive parkland offers a brilliant mix of exciting activities and peaceful green spaces, ideal for a fun-filled day out or a relaxing escape into nature.
With miles of scenic walking and cycling trails, visitors can explore at their own pace, whether taking a gentle stroll through wildflower meadows, enjoying a lakeside walk or pedalling along the park’s well-maintained paths. Don’t have a bike? No problem, cycle hire is available on-site, so everyone can enjoy the freedom of two wheels.
Water lovers can take to the lakes for paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing and pedalos, or sign up for one of the many sailing courses available at Nene Outdoors for both adults and children. Boat trips also offer a more leisurely way to enjoy the tranquil waters and surrounding beauty.
Young explorers will love the three fantastic adventure play areas, each offering something different for a variety of ages. The miniature railway is always a hit with families and provides a charming way to see part of the Park. Bring a picnic and relax on the meadows, or stop by one of our two welcoming cafés for drinks, snacks and homemade treats.
For those wanting to extend their stay, lakeside camping is available, perfect for a night or two under the stars and even more time to discover everything the Park has to offer. Visitors can choose to hire a spacious bell tent for a hassle-free experience, or pitch their own tent and enjoy a more traditional camping adventure.
Ferry Meadows also boasts a packed events calendar all year round, with something for everyone, from outdoor cinema evenings and live theatre performances to hands-on craft workshops and exciting outdoor activities like archery, bushcraft, and climbing. During school holidays, families can look forward to a host of extra activities, including holiday clubs for children aged 5–13, filled with outdoor adventures and unforgettable experiences.
A standout moment in the calendar is the Peterborough Celebrates Festival, held each May, a joyful weekend of free, family-friendly entertainment that brings together communities from across the city to celebrate with music, food, performances and fun for all ages. As winter approaches, the Park is transformed into a magical festive woodland, with seasonal activities and enchanting experiences that create a truly special atmosphere for visitors of all ages.
Ferry Meadows is also a haven for wildlife lovers. The Park is teeming with birds, insects and mammals, with habitats ranging from open meadows and woodlands to lakes and wetlands. Children and families are encouraged to become nature detectives, borrow a set of binoculars from the Visitor Centre and visit one of our dedicated bird hides, where you may spot kingfishers, herons, swans and even the occasional otter. Interpretation panels and spotting guides help spark curiosity in younger visitors, making birdwatching both fun and educational. Regular wildlife walks and nature-themed workshops are held throughout the year, especially during school holidays, offering even more opportunities for children to connect with nature.
Don’t forget to stop by the Visitor Centre, your one-stop hub for everything you need to make the most of your visit. Here you’ll find trails, maps, wildlife guides and up-to-date information on events, activities and seasonal highlights across the Park. Mobility scooters are also available to hire, making it easy for everyone to enjoy exploring Ferry Meadows.
Inside, you can browse a lovely selection of souvenirs, nature-inspired gifts, toys and books, perfect for all ages. If you’re feeling peckish, the Visitor Centre stocks a tempting range of ice creams, drinks and locally sourced food items, ideal for a treat during your visit or to take home and enjoy later.
Whether you’re visiting for just an hour or staying for the whole weekend, your next outdoor adventure begins at Ferry Meadows!
Outdoor Adventures for all the Family
At Nene Outdoors Watersports & Activity Centre in Ferry Meadows, families can enjoy a variety of exciting activities, making it the perfect destination for outdoor fun. Book a boat trip or hire dragon or swan pedalos, kayaks, canoes, rowboats, or stand-up paddleboards for some family fun on the water. For those seeking more adventure, archery and climbing wall sessions are available on selected dates during the school holidays, and youth sailing courses offer a chance to learn something new.
Elsewhere in the Park, explore Ferry Meadows’ year-round calendar of family-friendly events, from wildlife workshops, trails and challenges to outdoor cinema nights, festivals, craft workshops and more.
With adventures for all ages, Ferry Meadows promises a memorable, action-packed day for all the family!
Action-Packed School Holiday Clubs
Get set for action-packed adventures at Ferry Meadows during the school breaks with our multi-activity holiday clubs!
Acorn Explorers - For children age 5-8
Based at Lynch Farm in Ferry Meadows, our Acorn Explorers holiday club is the perfect way for younger children to explore the great outdoors. Packed full of nature-based activities and creative outdoor fun, from den making and campfire cooking to scavenger hunts and wildlife trails.
Oak Adventurers - For children age 8-13
Based at Nene Outdoors Watersports & Activity Centre, Oak Adventurers offers a fantastic opportunity for kids to learn new skills and experience a variety of water and land-based activities. From kayaking and paddleboarding to climbing and bushcraft, there’s something for every young adventurer to enjoy.
Open during the Easter, May and Summer holidays, book a day of adventure or choose a full week of fun and save 20%!
Lakeside Family Camping
Extend your visit to Ferry Meadows with a night or two under the stars at Nene Outdoors! Nestled on the edge of Gunwade Lake, our two family-friendly campsites offer a peaceful retreat with stunning lake views, away from the bustle of the Park.
Lakeview Bell Tent Campsite – Enjoy hassle-free camping in one of eight pre-pitched bell tents set on wooden decking. Each tent sleeps up to six and includes power outlets for charging devices, floor matting and LED lighting for a cosy stay.
The Glade Pitch-Your-Own Campsite – A traditional camping experience in a scenic lakeside setting, with space for up to 12 medium-sized tents. Enjoy breathtaking views and stunning sunsets as you embrace the great outdoors.
Both campsites feature fixed BBQ stands, shelters, benches, a wash area, toilet and shower facilities, and easy access to Nene Outdoors watersports and activities. They can also be exclusively hired for family group bookings, making them the perfect base for your outdoor adventure!
Facilities
Toilets
Gift Shop
Changing Rooms
Onsite Parking
Accessible Toilets
Baby Changing
Food Available
Wheelchair Friendly
Dog Friendly
Pushchair Friendly
Card Payments Accepted
Wheelchair Hire
Opening Times
- Monday, Open 24 hours
- Tuesday, Open 24 hours
- Wednesday, Open 24 hours
- Thursday, Open 24 hours
- Friday, Open 24 hours
- Saturday, Open 24 hours
- Sunday, Open 24 hours
Entry times for the car parks at Ferry Meadows are:
Summer: 27 March to 29 September: 06:30 - 21:00
Autumn: 30 September to 27 October: 06:30 - 19:00
Winter: 28 October to 26 March: 06:30 - 18:30
Ferry Meadows is accessible to pedestrians and cyclists at all times.
Pricing & Tickets
- Child (4-17) : Free
- Adult (17-18+) : Free
Ferry Meadows Country Park is free for all the family to explore. Parking charges do apply and our events and activities prices vary, please visit our website to find out more.
Book in advance for cheapest tickets
Find other attractions similar to Ferry Meadows Country Park by visiting our attraction tickets section.
Plan Your Visit
Typical visit time 3 - 4 hours
Suitable for Kids and Adults too
Food & Drink Options
Enjoy a variety of food and drinks at our two cafes, from sweet treats and sandwiches to hearty seasonal meals. Prices vary and dietry requirements are catered for.
FAQs
Parking
Toilets
Family Friendly Options
Food & Drink
Accessibility Information
Tickets & Bookings
Private Hire & Birthday Parties
Public Transport
Contact Details
Ferry Meadows Country Park
Ham Lane
Orton Waterville
Peterborough
Cambridgeshire
PE2 5UU
England
Tel: 01733234193
Visit WebsiteTransport Information
There are bus stops within walking distance of Ferry Meadows on Oundle Road and on Wistow Way in Orton Wistow. Both are a 15 to 20-minute walk from the Visitor Centre.
Peterborough Train Station is 3 miles away from Ferry Meadows by car.
Verification & Last Updated
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Last Updated: 12:20 16/07/2025
Ferry Meadows Country Park Reviews
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