The Rural Estate is accessible at all times to pedestrians.

Download our Rural Estate map 

Found to the west of Ferry Meadows, the Rural Estate is a large agricultural landscape steeped in history. Why not join the Nene Way which runs alongside the River Nene, to explore this area further, including the unspoilt villages of Castor, Ailsworth and Sutton.

Pubs and cafes can be found in Castor, Ailsworth and Alwalton.

This area is steeped in Roman history and it is still possible to see the mound, which is the remains of Ermine Street, the Roman road from London (Londinium) to York (Eboracum) and you can walk on it.

How to find the Rural Estate

Click here for parking information.

The Visitor Centre at Ferry Meadows stocks a handy pocket sized OS map priced at £2.99. Ideal for exploring this beautiful area of the Park or download our Rural Estate map with footpaths and key locations marked on. 

For the perfect day out, walk all the way to Wansford and then climb aboard a heritage steam or diesel train at the Nene Valley Railway Station and travel back in time on your return journey to Ferry Meadows.

The Backwaters at Ailsworth are very good for fishing. Please visit the Peterborough and District Angling Association website for details on purchasing day and season fishing tickets. 

We are currently restoring Station Master's Garden in Castor as part of the wider Nenescape project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. When complete, this will be a lovely place to sit and enjoy a quiet picnic and survey the landscape. Take a look at what we are doing there on our project page. 

We have installed new maps, signs, finger posts and waymarker discs across the Rural Estate as part of a visitor improvement scheme funded by LEADER. Find out more about what we have done on our project page. 

To ensure that all visitors can enjoy their visit please be aware of our Rural Estate Park Code. This is also available as a text only version.