Camping
Enjoy a relaxing night under canvas on the peaceful shores of Gunwade Lake in Peterborough. Our two family-friendly campsites, The Glade and Lakeview, offer the choice of cosy bell tent stays or pitch-only camping.
Find out more
Ferry Meadows
A place to meet, explore and grow!
Ferry Meadows is the perfect spot for a fun-filled family day out and one of the largest country parks in the region. Just under three miles from Peterborough city centre, right in the heart of Nene Park, it offers a beautiful mix of landscapes that attract thousands of visitors all year round. Whether you fancy a leisurely walk, a bike ride, a splash on the water, a relaxing cup of tea in one of the cafés or simply exploring the meadows, lakes and woodlands, Ferry Meadows has something for everyone to enjoy.
Car park entry times
The Park is open to pedestrians and cyclists at all times. Vehicle access to the car parks is available during the times below:
Summer 30 March – 27 September: 06:30 – 21:00
Autumn 28 September – 25 October: 06:30 – 19:00
Winter 26 October – 28 March: 06:30 – 18:30
See our Ferry Meadows FAQs for information about parking, accessibility and more.
Visitor Centre
Play Area
Watersports
Cycle Hire
Boat Trips
Cafe
Car Park
Toilets
Changing Places
Walks / Trails
Camping
Sailing
Events
Room Hire
Holiday Club
Mobility Scooter Hire
Fishing
Miniature Railway
Dog Agility
Heritage
Lakes
Visitor Centre
Our friendly Visitor Centre team is here to help you get the very best from Ferry Meadows and the wider Nene Park.
Need ideas for walks, wildlife spotting tips, or inspiration for things to do? Just ask, we love helping you plan a brilliant day out.
Whether you’re after friendly advice, hiring a scooter or enjoying a relaxed browse in our shop, you’ll always find a warm welcome. Every purchase supports the care of Nene Park, helping to protect the beautiful greenspaces we all love.
Nene Outdoors Watersports & Activity Centre
Get ready for adventure at Nene Outdoors!
From exciting watersports and land activities to action-packed holiday clubs and team building experiences, there’s something for everyone. Open from March to October, Nene Outdoors is the perfect destination for outdoor fun.
More than just a day out!
Ferry Meadows is a year-round destination full of discovery and adventure
With a packed events calendar and education programme, there’s always an opportunity to learn something new and explore this incredible Park. Perfect for friends, families and school groups, Ferry Meadows is also ideal for hosting events, enjoying a team day with colleagues or giving back as a volunteer. Open 365 days a year and easily accessible, Ferry Meadows is ready to make your next day out truly unforgettable.
FAQs
Address:
Ferry Meadows, Ham Lane, Peterborough PE2 5AE
By road:
Ferry Meadows lies three miles west of Peterborough and just two miles east of the A1. On all major routes into the city, look for and follow the brown tourist attraction signs for NENE PARK or the country park symbol. Ferry Meadows is signed on Oundle Road (A605). Please be aware there is a 2.1 metre height barrier at the entrance to Ferry Meadows. Please read the relevant information in the parking section regarding access and permitted and non-permitted vehicles. Parking charges apply.
By public transport:
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 Ferry Meadows Visitor Centre. For up to date public transport information please visit the Traveline website.
By Nene Railway:
Nene Valley Railway runs between Wansford and Peterborough, with two stations in Nene Park at Ferry Meadows and Orton Mere. To see timetables and to find out more visit www.nvr.org.uk.
By boat:
River cruisers can enter Ferry Meadows from the River Nene into Overton Lake where there are free overnight (24 hour) moorings (sorry, no pumping out facilities available). For information on the River Nene and navigation please visit the Government website.
By bike:
Ferry Meadows is well connected to both the city and the wider Nene Park via traffic-free cycle routes, including National Cycle Route number 63. Maps are available from the Ferry Meadows Visitor Centre.
On foot:
Ferry Meadows is linked to the city centre, the surrounding area and other areas of Nene Park via a network of footpaths. Maps are available from the Ferry Meadows Visitor Centre.
Charges apply to all vehicles all day, every day. The parking system in place uses Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and has entry and exit barriers. The system is managed by Saba UK.
Please be aware there is a 2.1 metre height barrier at the entrance to Ferry Meadows. Please read the relevant section below regarding permitted and non-permitted vehicles.
Ferry Meadows is accessible to pedestrians and cyclists at all times but the car park opens and closes for entry at different times in summer and winter. Please see these times below.
Car park earliest and latest entry times 2026:
Summer 30 March – 27 September: 06:30 – 21:00
Autumn 28 September – 25 October: 06:30 – 19:00
Winter 26 October – 28 March: 06:30 – 18:30
Please note you can exit the car park at any time. The times above are the earliest and latest entry times to the car park.
How does the parking system work?
Cameras record your vehicle registration number when you enter the Park. No tickets are issued. You don’t need to do anything until you are ready to leave.
When you are ready to leave, go to one of the payment machines in the main car parks (or pay online from your phone – here).
Enter your full registration number into the payment machine – or on the online payment system.
Pay the amount shown on the screen. Where there are two payment machines located next to each other, one will accept cards and coins (with change given) and also have the facility for contactless payment; the other machine will be card only.
Your payment is complete. You have an additional 30 minutes to return to your vehicle and exit the Park.
When you approach the exit barrier, the camera will recognise your registration number, know that you have paid and the barrier will rise automatically.
Remember you can choose to pay for your parking online at the end of your visit instead of going to a payment machine. Just go to: www.nenepark.org.uk/paymyparking
What happens if there’s a problem with the pay machine or I can’t get out of the car park?
There is an intercom system on each payment machine and on the exit barriers which connects to a customer service advisor at all times. If you encounter a problem while you are in the Park, use this service. For general queries contact parking@neneparktrust.org.uk.
You can also pay for your parking online. Click here to go to the online payment system.
Charges apply to all vehicles, all day, every day. The car park is monitored by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), managed by Saba UK.
Up to 1 hour – £2.60
Up to 2 hours – £3.60
Up to 3 hours – £5.20
Up to 4 hours – £6.40
Up to 8 hours – £7.40
Over 8 hours – £7.80
There is a 20 minute grace period.
The standard charges apply to Blue Badge holders. All main car parks have designated Blue Badge spaces. Please ensure your badge is displayed at all times. After paying, all visitors have an additional 30 minutes to exit the Park. For details of the general accessibility of Nene Park visit the accessibility section on this website.
The parking stations are located:
- Welcome Area (near the Visitor Centre)
- Coach car park
- Lakeside car park
- Overflow car park
Parking Membership
Annual membership is available at Ferry Meadows for £110 a year. Members are automatically recognised by the system and do not need to enter details into the payment machines.
For just £110 per year (or £55 for members of Peterborough and District Angling Association) you’ll receive…
- A year of parking that equates to just under £2 per week
- 10% discount on retail purchases from the Visitor Centre
- 10% discount on retail purchases from Nene Outdoors
- 10% discount on Pay and Play activities at Nene Outdoors
- Convenience – parking machine not required at the end of your stay
Income generated from parking membership contributes to future plans to develop the Park and provide great facilities for our visitors to enjoy.
We also offer two other Parking Memberships:
- Ferry Meadows PLUS – this includes parking at Thorpe Meadows and Orton Mere as well as Ferry Meadows
- Thorpe Meadows / Orton Mere only
To find out more and to apply for either of these annual parking memberships please visit our Parking Membership page.
The maximum height for vehicles is 2.1 metres, an industry standard measurement. It is the responsibility of the driver to know the height of the vehicle and if there is any doubt assistance should be sought.
The following over-height vehicles are permitted access:
- Cars with cycles or roof boxes on top
- Horseboxes
- Legitimate deliveries to concessionaires until 10am each day
- Cars towing or carrying water sports equipment for use at Lakeside
- Coaches and minibuses – Please be aware that large vehicles such as coaches may be refused entry during busier times due to the limited space in our car parks
- Vehicles displaying a current disabled pass
- People connected to authorised events held with the Trust’s knowledge
Please call the Duty Ranger on 07860 308081 when you arrive at the height barrier and allow time for a member of staff to reach you, they may be some distance away. Your patience is appreciated.
The following vehicles are not permitted access:
- Any other vehicles including cars towing caravans
- Motor homes
- Mobile homes
- Commercial vehicles not on official business
There is parking available for these vehicles at Orton Mere which is approximately 2km / 1.3m from Ferry Meadows.
Key information / access highlights:
- Accessible parking
- Many firm, surfaced paths
- Mobility scooter and Mountain Trike hire
- Accessible toilets and Changing Places facility
- Induction loop at all counters
- Staff available on site
- RNIB Map for All coming soon next to the Visitor Centre
Full accessibility guide coming soon.
Ferry Meadows has two onsite cafes – Ferry Meadows Cafe, overlooking Overton Lake and next to the Visitor Centre, and Lakeside Kitchen & Bar, next to Nene Outdoors and overlooking Gunwade Lake. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful surroundings and choose from a range of hot meals, snacks and drinks.
Public toilets are located adjacent to the main car park by the Visitor Centre and by the car park at Lakeside. These are open daily during daylight hours throughout the year.
Changing Places Toilet facility
A Changing Places Toilet facility is situated next to the toilet block at the main car park at Ferry Meadows. This is open during the day for those who need to use it. If there are any issues with accessing this facility, please call the duty ranger on 07860 308081. For more information on what is included in a Changing Places Toilet, please go to www.changingplaces.org.uk
Accessible Toilets and changing facility
Accessible toilets are located within both toilet blocks and in the cafes. An accessible changing facility, including a height adjustable changing bench, a hoist system and shower is available at Nene Outdoors during the centre’s opening hours. Users are required to provide their own slings. For more information on using this facility, please get in touch with the Nene Outdoors team on 01733 234193.
We have three play areas in Ferry Meadows with a range of play equipment suitable for all ages. For more information visit our Play Areas page.
Visitors are welcome to bring their own BBQs to Ferry Meadows, although please note that disposable BBQs or gas BBQs are not permitted.
There are a number of permanent BBQ stands around the Park available on a first-come, first-served basis.
All BBQs brought to the Park must be raised off the ground and never placed on picnic tables or benches.
All litter must be taken away or placed in the bins provided, and hot ash must be sufficiently cooled with water before disposal.
Please see our BBQ code for more information.
Dogs are very welcome to explore the Park but must be kept in sight and under control at all times. On the central paths in Ferry Meadows we ask that dogs be kept on leads for the safety of all visitors and our Park wildlife. For more information, please visit our walking your dog page.
We offer a wide range of volunteering opportunities and can also tailor roles if you have a special skill or talent that you think could benefit the Park. For more information on current roles please visit our volunteer pages. If you would like to speak to a member of the team about volunteering, please call us on 01733 234193 or email volunteer@neneparktrust.org.uk.
Camping at Nene Outdoors
Enjoy a night under canvas on the peaceful banks of Gunwade Lake. Our two campsites, The Glade and Lakeview, are ideal for families and offer visitors the choice of a pitch-only booking or bell tent hire. Find out more here.
Ferry Meadows Club Campsite
Ferry Meadows is one of the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s most popular sites. Open all year round, the site is located just off Ham Lane and only a few minutes’ walk from the Visitor Centre.
For more details or to book visit the Caravan Club’s website.
Hotels nearby…
In addition to the two cafes in Ferry Meadows, the following pubs and restaurants are also located close by:
Blind Tiger Taproom & Kitchen, Orton Meadows
Things To Do
From walking and cycling trails to watersports and adventure – with plenty of wildlife, history, art and seasonal nature in between, there’s always so much to explore across our Parks and spaces!
Holiday Clubs
Get ready for action-packed adventures at Ferry Meadows during the school breaks with our multi-activity holiday clubs! For children age 5-13, our clubs are full of hands-on nature activities and outdoor fun.
Find out more
Corporate Experiences
Nene Park Trust loves working with corporate groups and organisations, offering everything from flexible meeting spaces and fun team-building adventures to hands-on conservation activities.
Find out more
