Longthorpe Tower
Longthorpe Tower is one of Peterborough’s hidden historic treasures.
This stone tower, built around 1290–1300, is the only surviving part of a 14th-century fortified manor house that you can explore today. What makes it truly remarkable are the stunning wall paintings in the main first-floor room, added around 1330, some of the finest examples of medieval domestic art in northern Europe. Our friendly volunteer guides are passionate about the Tower and its extraordinary paintings, and they can’t wait to share the stories behind every vibrant scene.
Longthorpe Tower is cared for by English Heritage and managed locally by Nene Park Trust.
Open times
The Tower is open for pre-booked, one-hour guided tours on most Saturdays and Sundays from 28 March to 1 November 2026, 10am – 4:30pm (last admission 3:30pm).
See our Longthorpe Tower FAQs for information about parking, accessibility and more.
Car Park
Events
Heritage
Toilets
Discover the Medieval Wall Paintings
Step inside Longthorpe Tower, and you’ll be transported back in time. The wall paintings offer a fascinating window into the medieval world, blending religious stories with everyday life. Discover iconic scenes like the Wheel of Life, the story of King David and the Nativity of Christ. The vibrant imagery brings to life a cast of characters, from kings and knights to saints, musicians and even animals, giving a glimpse into life nearly 700 years ago. For more information, check out the English Heritage website.
Book a Private Tour
Enjoy an exclusive private Tower Tour at Longthorpe Tower for a more personal and memorable experience. Pre-booked groups of up to 13 people can take part in a midweek guided tour led by one of our friendly and knowledgeable volunteer guides, who bring the history of the tower and its incredible medieval wall paintings to life. It’s a relaxed and intimate way to explore one of the city’s most fascinating historic sites, with plenty of time to ask questions and take it all in at your own pace.
Get in touch at visitor.services@neneparktrust.org.uk to arrange your visit, we’d love to welcome you.
Join our Tower Volunteers!
Are you passionate about local history? To open every weekend throughout the season, we need additional people to join our enthusiastic team of volunteers. There are two volunteer roles available – Guide Support and Guide Lead.
Volunteers can sign up for as little as one session a month, and are closely supported by the volunteer team at Nene Park Trust. You’ll meet new people with a shared passion, be gifted an English Heritage volunteer pass and free parking at Nene Park, plus discounts at the Ferry Meadows Visitor Centre, Nene Outdoors and Park cafés.
FAQs
Address:
Longthorpe Tower, Thorpe Road, Peterborough, PE3 6LU
Longthorpe Tower is located two miles west of Peterborough city centre, off the A1260 and A47 in Longthorpe.
Please click here to book your Tower Tour tickets.
Entry prices are as follows:
Adult – £5
Child (under 16) – £3
Concession (students, job seekers, over 65’s) – £4
English Heritage Member – Free (please still book your ticket to ensure availability)
There is free parking for approximately 20 cars, located 100 metres away from the Tower at St Botolph’s Church. Please note that these spaces are shared with the church.
There is also some on-street parking available close to Longthorpe Tower, as well as in Longthorpe Village.
Key information / access highlights
Please take care as Longthorpe Tower is a historic building. Access to is restricted due to narrow access points and staircases.
- The Tower is not accessible to wheelchairs, mobility scooters or pushchairs
- Trip hazards: There are some low doors and historic steps throughout the Tower
- Steep Stairs: There are a number of steep medieval steps leading up to the first floor.
Full accessibility guide coming soon.
Assistance dogs are welcome at Longthorpe Tower and a dog-drinking bowl is available. Non-assistance dogs are not permitted at Longthorpe Tower.
There is a small single unisex toilet in a wooden outbuilding with a raised threshold available in emergencies. There are no baby changing facilities.
There is a small selection of Longthorpe Tower and medieval themed gifts for visitors to purchase on site. The gift shop is located on the first floor and is currently cash only.
We’re afraid not, no food or drink is available at Longthorpe Tower.