Longthorpe Tower Peterborough
Discover 14th-century medieval life through stunning, rare wall paintings at Longthorpe Tower, guided by passionate experts.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Tours are available
Longthorpe Tower Peterborough
Best Time
Tours are available
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover 14th-century medieval life through stunning, rare wall paintings at Longthorpe Tower, guided by passionate experts.
"Possibly the finest medieval wall paintings in Europe in a non-religious building!"
🎯 Book Weekend Tours Online
Secure your spot for a 1-hour guided tour; volunteer availability is key!
🗣️ Engage with Volunteers
They are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, bringing the paintings to life!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
14th-Century Wall Paintings
Remarkable medieval murals depicting biblical, secular, and moral themes, some of the finest in Northern Europe.
+1
Wheel of the Five Senses
An early and fascinating depiction of the senses, including the earliest known English spider's web.
Labours of the Months
Scenes illustrating seasonal agricultural work and daily life, offering insight into medieval routines.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Understand the Art's Significance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Weekend Tours Online
Secure your spot for a 1-hour guided tour; volunteer availability is key!
🗣️ Engage with Volunteers
They are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, bringing the paintings to life!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be standing and listening during the tour, so comfort is important.
🧐 Appreciate the Details
The paintings are intricate; take your time to absorb the stories they tell.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Weekend Tours Online
Secure your spot for a 1-hour guided tour; volunteer availability is key!
🗣️ Engage with Volunteers
They are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, bringing the paintings to life!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be standing and listening during the tour, so comfort is important.
🧐 Appreciate the Details
The paintings are intricate; take your time to absorb the stories they tell.
📸 Photography is Allowed
Capture the stunning medieval art, but be mindful of others on the tour.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Longthorpe Tower for its stunning and remarkably well-preserved 14th-century wall paintings, often described as among the finest in Europe for a non-religious building. The knowledgeable and passionate volunteers who lead the guided tours are frequently highlighted for bringing the history and art to life, making the experience highly engaging and educational. While the tower itself is relatively small and the visit is focused on the paintings, the quality of the artwork and the guided insights make it a highly recommended historical gem.
"Good for family day out. Excellent tour guides by Nene Park trust."
Edvin P
"Highly recommended for people who wish to experience some very ancient English history.
Longthorpe Tower is a 14th-century three-storey tower in the Longthorpe area of Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, England. It is famous for its well-preserved set of medieval murals.
The volunteers are sparking with their knowledge. Jane is passionate about Longthorpe Tower and has a wicked sense of humour.
The paintings show religious, secular and moral themes and the quality is comparatively good for a provincial work.The paintings were whitewashed over around the time of the Reformation and remained hidden until their rediscovery in the 1940s.
Historian Clive Rouse considers that "no comparable scheme...of such completeness and of such early date exists in England"
Mel Davison
"The tower itself you can only explore the inside of, and it's only two levels, so won't take you a lot of time, but the ground floor wall paintings are worth the visit alone. The volunteers give you a very detailed description into the meaning and history of the walls and their paintings. It's really really impressive to see art from 1320-1340 up close like this."
Jarrod Hunt
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Longthorpe Tower is located in the Longthorpe area of Peterborough. It's accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Public transport options might require a walk from the nearest bus stop.
While it's a 'hidden gem' behind trees, following signs for Nene Park or using GPS will guide you.
Information on specific bus routes is limited, but it's advisable to check local transport schedules for services that stop near the Longthorpe area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry is often free for English Heritage members. For others, booking a guided tour is required, and pricing details can be found on the Nene Park Trust website.
Yes, booking online for the 1-hour guided tours is highly recommended to secure your place.
Tours are typically available on Saturdays and Sundays between 10 am and 4:30 pm, but it closes for the winter season and reopens in spring. Always check the official website for current hours.
Absolutely! Knowledgeable volunteers lead 1-hour tours, bringing the medieval wall paintings to life with their expertise.
Access to the tower is generally through guided tours only, as this allows volunteers to share the rich history and context of the paintings.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the incredibly well-preserved 14th-century wall paintings covering religious, secular, and moral themes.
The guided tour itself is about an hour long. You might spend a little extra time before or after absorbing the atmosphere.
Yes, it can be a good family day out, especially if children are interested in history and art. The volunteers often make the stories engaging.
Photography is generally permitted, allowing you to capture the stunning medieval art.
It houses one of the most complete and earliest surviving schemes of medieval domestic wall paintings in England, offering unparalleled insight into the period.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no food facilities directly at Longthorpe Tower. However, the surrounding Nene Park and Peterborough city centre offer various dining options.
You can find cafes and restaurants in the nearby Nene Park or head into Peterborough city centre for a wider selection, including local favorites like Chicken Palace.
📸 📸 Photography
The wall paintings themselves are the primary focus for photography, offering incredible detail and historical context.
While general photography is usually allowed, it's always best to check with the volunteers on-site regarding flash usage to protect the delicate artwork.
Be mindful of other visitors and the tour guides. Avoid obstructing views or disrupting the experience for others.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage kids to spot different animals or characters in the paintings, and let the enthusiastic volunteers share their stories. It's a great way to introduce children to medieval history in an engaging, non-traditional setting. Remember to book tours in advance and consider the 1-hour duration for younger attention spans.
🏛️ History Buffs & Art Enthusiasts
Take advantage of the guided tours to gain in-depth knowledge from passionate volunteers. The 'Wheel of the Five Senses' and the 'Labours of the Months' are particularly noteworthy for their detail and historical commentary. This site provides a unique opportunity to see some of the finest surviving examples of medieval domestic mural painting in Europe.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Marvel of Medieval Wall Paintings
The paintings cover a wide range of subjects, from biblical narratives and religious figures like St. Anthony and King David, to secular scenes depicting the 'Seven Ages of Man' and the 'Labours of the Months'. They also feature fascinating moral allegories, such as the 'Wheel of the Five Senses', and even mythical creatures like the bonnacon, known for its unique defensive capabilities.
+3These artworks are not just visually stunning but also historically significant, providing invaluable insights into the worldview, daily routines, and artistic conventions of the period. The quality and completeness of the scheme led historian Clive Rouse to state that "no comparable scheme...of such completeness and of such early date exists in England."
The Role of Volunteers and Guided Tours
During the 1-hour tours, volunteers bring the medieval art to life, explaining the intricate details, historical context, and the detective work involved in dating and interpreting the murals. Their enthusiasm and expertise transform the visit from a simple viewing into an engaging historical narrative.
Booking a tour is essential, as it's the primary way to access and understand the tower's treasures. The volunteers' insights are crucial for appreciating the nuances of the artwork, making the experience both educational and memorable.
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