Advice re Stamford and Ferry Meadows please

As I recall, a bit further on from Rutland Water is Barnsdale, home for Gardeners World when presented by the great Geoff Hamilton. Well worth a visit too.

We belong to both N/T & EH too, but certainly get full value from our membership.

I would endorse what Nellie suggests about HHA. We have saved a fortune going round some of the places we had never been before, some are far more interesting than NT places as well. We are CADW members rather than EH. Bit of a long story, but I will relate it some other time....😁

Stamford is a nice site for peace & quiet. I wouldn't count the local roads as bike friendly but experienced cyclists should be OK. We didn't find much to do. Stamford is attractive but suffers from traffic and the buildings from pollution.

The Ferry Meadows site is big and busy. Located on the edge of the Nene Valley Park, a peaceful haven for wildlife with kingfishers for the eagle eyed and herons for the not so quick to spot. Cycling in Peterborough is easy although even though it is signposted, so is getting lost on the cycle ways - expect to stop to read a local cycle map.

Wicken Fen is worth a look. East of Peterborough or Stamford is what the locals call the flatlands - interesting to wander around the flatlands.The Cathedral often hosts events so despite living there for three years, I never managed to get inside! Patience and planning or luck will be the order of the day. The Nene valley railway is good for train fans but check operating times. I've been to Oundle, nice place but I wouldn't go again - glad I went though.

There is plenty to keep you occupied for a week in Peterborough and you can easily get around on foot.

If I wanted a restful site I'd go to Stamford, otherwise Ferry Meadows has so much to offer.

If you don't fancy getting to one of the sites without an overnight stop, think about the Cotswolds and then drive east cross country. But stopping enroute wil eat into your time.

WTG. I've changed my mind about suggesting you go to both sites! I think on balance and considering the two sites are very close and you've just a week to see the sights I'd probably plump for Ferry Meadows. It's quite a long run across from Pembrokeshire, we've used Bladon as a stopover from the SW. FM, although not as quiet does have the country park next door with a big variety of things to see including the nice stretches of open water. You'll have to let us know what you decide?! 

Similar to us WTG, you just have to take advantage of circumstances. FM area is quite a long haul for you, so five days way too short to do it justice. North Norfolk is another deal entirely. Stunning place, a month here wouldn’t see everything. 

We are committed to our long Summer break now, booked a much loved cottage on Dartmoor, but we have a lot to fit in before then, including Mid/North Wales.