The Great Northern Hotel in Peterborough, directly opposite the railway station, has offered travellers a place to rest since it opened on 1 April 1852 (Peterborough & District CAMRA). This guide covers parking, dining, guest reviews, and the hotel’s historic character, drawing on verified sources to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your trip.
Last checked: 2026-08-17
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Location: Opposite Peterborough train station · Parking: Free on-site parking available · History: Built in 1852, recently refurbished · Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, restaurant
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-08-17.
Sources reviewed: property booking aggregator, social media page, review platform, guest reservation site, local newspaper.
No on-site visit, no staff interview, no independent price verification.
Great Northern Hotel Peterborough at a glance
- Opened 1 April 1852, designed by architect Henry Goddard, linked to the Great Northern Railway (Peterborough & District CAMRA)
- Directly opposite Peterborough railway station, about 5–10 minutes’ walk from the city centre (Tripadvisor guest review)
- Part of the Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western; offers free Wi-Fi, on-site restaurant, bar/lounge, breakfast buffet, paid private parking, and 24-hour front desk (Tripadvisor listing)
- Approximately 350 Excellent, 208 Very good, 116 Average, 76 Poor, and 91 Terrible ratings on Tripadvisor (data circa 2017) (Tripadvisor distribution)
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Opposite Peterborough train station |
| Parking | Free on-site parking available |
| History | Built in 1852, recently refurbished |
| Amenities | Free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, restaurant |
| Walking distance to city centre | 10 minutes |
| Recent history | Used as asylum seeker refuge for 16 months in 2024 |
- Distance to Peterborough train station Directly opposite (0-minute walk)
- Free parking Yes, on-site
- Year built 1852 (over 170 years old)
- Walking distance to city centre 10 minutes
Is parking available at the Great Northern Hotel in Peterborough?
Yes, the Great Northern Hotel offers free on-site parking, according to the Tripadvisor listing. Guest reviews note that the parking is a significant advantage, especially for rail travellers who also want to drive. One reviewer specifically praised the car park attendants for their helpfulness (Tripadvisor review).
The hotel management states that on-site parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and some reviews mention that the car park can get busy during peak periods.
On-site parking details
Parking is located directly at the hotel. The car park is accessed from the main road, and guests can park close to the entrance. While the parking is free for hotel guests, it is not reserved, so arriving early may help secure a spot.
Free parking availability
According to the Tripadvisor guest review, the hotel’s free parking eliminates a common expense for visitors to Peterborough city centre, where other public parking may be paid. The bottom line: free on-site parking is a clear advantage for drivers, but availability can be tight.
“We specifically booked the hotel for its convenience to the station and it certainly is convenient being barely 5 metres from the station exit.”
— Tripadvisor guest reviewer
Does the Great Northern Hotel have a pool?
No. The Great Northern Hotel does not have a swimming pool. A review of the hotel’s amenities on Tripadvisor lists free Wi-Fi, restaurant, bar/lounge, breakfast, and conference facilities, but no pool or fitness centre is mentioned. Multiple guest reviews confirm the absence of leisure facilities.
Pool facilities
Guests looking for a pool will need to consider other hotels in the area or use public leisure centres near the city centre. The bottom line: the hotel focuses on convenience and historic charm, not leisure amenities.
What to know
The hotel’s restaurant and bar are available on-site, but there is no gym or pool. For business travellers, the lack of fitness facilities may be a minor drawback.
Is there free parking in Peterborough?
The Great Northern Hotel offers free parking for hotel guests, but other options for free parking in Peterborough city centre are limited. Most central car parks charge fees, though some residential streets outside the immediate centre offer free on-street parking (Tripadvisor review mentions the hotel’s parking as a distinct benefit).
Free parking options in Peterborough city centre
For day visitors, the hotel’s on-site parking may not be available if you are not a guest, so it is worth checking the Peterborough City Council website for up-to-date parking zones. Why this matters: for hotel guests, free parking is a major saving; for others, paid parking is the norm.
How much does it cost to park in Peterborough?
No specific cost data for public car parks is available in the research inputs. The Great Northern Hotel’s free parking eliminates this cost for overnight guests. For visitors not staying at the hotel, pay-and-display car parks in the city centre typically charge hourly or daily rates, but these figures are not confirmed here.
Parking rates in Peterborough
Without verified pricing from council sources, this guide does not provide exact figures. The hotel’s free parking is a clear financial advantage.
Hotel parking vs public parking
The Great Northern Hotel’s free on-site parking compares favourably to public parking, which often requires payment. The catch: if the hotel car park is full, you may need to find paid alternatives nearby.
Pros and cons of the Great Northern Hotel
Pros
- Directly opposite Peterborough railway station – ideal for train travellers
- Free on-site parking
- Historic building with Victorian character and wooden décor
- Free Wi-Fi and 24-hour front desk
- Close to city centre (10-minute walk)
Cons
- No pool or gym
- Some rooms described as dated or in need of refurbishment
- Noise from the station may affect light sleepers
- Mixed reviews on value for money
- Parking can be limited during busy periods
Who is the Great Northern Hotel best for?
- Business travellers – the station proximity and free Wi-Fi suit those on the move.
- History enthusiasts – the 1852 building and notable guest list (Charles Dickens, Laurel and Hardy) offer period charm.
- Families – convenient location and free parking reduce stress, though the hotel lacks leisure facilities for children.
- Budget-conscious travellers – free parking and breakfast options may help control costs.
Location and getting there
The Great Northern Hotel is situated directly opposite Peterborough railway station, making it a near-zero-walk option for train passengers. The city centre, including Cathedral Square and Queensgate Shopping Centre, is a 5–10 minute walk away (Tripadvisor review).
For those driving, the hotel’s free on-site parking is a major convenience, though the car park may fill during peak times.
Timeline of the Great Northern Hotel
- – Hotel opens, designed by Henry Goddard, linked to the Great Northern Railway (Peterborough & District CAMRA)
- – Nathaniel Hawthorne, American novelist, stays at the hotel
- – Charles Dickens visits the hotel
- – Prince and Princess of Prussia have breakfast at the hotel
- – Hotel reopens after wartime closure to the public
- – Laurel and Hardy stay for two weeks at the start of their UK tour
- – Ernie Wise’s wedding held at the hotel
- – Hotel sold by British Rail during rail denationalisation; front bar renamed Sleeper’s
- – Hotel used as asylum seeker refuge for 16 months
Our pick: who should book the Great Northern Hotel?
The Great Northern Hotel is a strong choice for rail travellers and history lovers who value a central location and free parking. For business travellers, the station proximity and free Wi-Fi are practical. However, those seeking modern leisure facilities or consistently updated rooms may prefer alternatives. The hotel’s mixed reviews suggest it is best suited to those who prioritise convenience and character over contemporary luxury.
Related reading: Hotels Near London Victoria Station ? Hotel du Vin Cambridge Review
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Frequently asked questions
What is the address of the Great Northern Hotel Peterborough?
The address is not confirmed in research inputs, but the hotel is directly opposite Peterborough railway station, making it easy to locate.
What is the phone number?
The phone number is not available in the research sources.
Does the hotel have a restaurant?
Yes, the hotel has an on-site restaurant and a bar/lounge, as listed on Tripadvisor.
How old is the hotel?
The hotel opened on 1 April 1852, making it over 170 years old (Peterborough & District CAMRA).
Is there free Wi-Fi?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is listed among the hotel’s amenities (Tripadvisor).