Mayor Celebrates Local and Heritage and Tourism at Flag Fen

Mayor Celebrates Local and Heritage and Tourism at Flag Fen

Paul Bristow, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough visited Flag Fen Archaeology Park in Peterborough to highlight the vital role heritage and culture has on the region’s identity and how tourism is a driver of future growth.

Flag Fen is renowned for being the only place in the UK to offer the opportunity to explore how Bronze Age villagers lived over three thousand years ago. During his visit, the mayor was able to tour the site, speaking to staff about the history and having a go at surveying the soil.

Heritage-led tourism is essential to boosting local economy, creating jobs and showcasing the region as a destination rich in history, culture and natural beauty. With attractions such as Flag Fen, our historical cathedrals, vibrant market squares and riverside trails, the Mayor is backing a Cambridgeshire and Peterborough-wide approach to bringing in more visitors.

Paul Bristow said:

“Heritage sites like Flag Fen are not only essential for understanding our past, but they also inspire pride, attract visitors and support our local economy. Tourism rooted in heritage strengthens our communities and ensures these remarkable places are preserved for generations to come.”

The Mayor’s visit comes as part of a wider push to boost the visitor economy in the whole of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. Peterborough is a well-connected city with a wealth of attractions, from the 900-year-old Cathedral and Ferry Meadows to the Nene Valley Railway and vibrant city centre, offering real potential as a tourist destination.

The Mayor has met with Visit England and is driving the establishment of a Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, which he will chair. The initiative will bring together local authorities, tourism bodies and businesses to work collaboratively across boundaries, linking directly into Visit England’s national and international promotional efforts.

A regional Destination Management Plan is also being developed by the Combined Authority which would position places like Flag Fen with its hands-on experiences, family activities and rare insights into prehistoric life, as part of a joined-up offering attracting local, national and international visitors.