The Katherine of Aragon Festival takes place during the last weekend of January every year in Peterborough, UK. I’ve been lucky enough to attend the festival in person four times: 2014, 2017, 2018, and 2023. Katherine of Aragon is my favorite person in history, and someone I admire with all my heart – she’s my girl. This is such a unique event and one that is so meaningful to me. Here’s everything you need to know about the Katherine of Aragon Festival in Peterborough!

This is an updated rewrite of an article originally written in February 2017.

Who is Katherine of Aragon?

Katherine of Aragon was the first wife of King Henry VIII, and the mother of Queen Mary I. She was born a Spanish princess (known as Catalina), one of the children of Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon. She came to England to marry Henry VIII’s older brother and then-heir to the throne, Arthur. Arthur unfortunately died at age 15 after less than a year of marriage.

Katherine married Henry VIII in 1509, and despite many pregnancies, only one child survived childhood: Mary, who went on to become queen in 1553. Katherine was steadfast in her loyalty to Henry to her dying day, even after he cast her aside and eventually divorced her to marry Anne Boleyn. She was a respected and beloved queen, a loving mother, and a spirited and intelligent international diplomat. She is my favorite person in history: strong, tenacious, determined, loyal, resilient. I could go on, as I did write a 47-page essay on her in my final year of university – but I’ll leave it at that for now!

Where Does the Katherine of Aragon Festival Take Place?

The Katherine of Aragon Festival takes place in the city of Peterborough every year, during the last weekend of January. Katherine died on 7 January 1536, and was buried at Peterborough Cathedral (then Peterborough Abbey) on 29 January. Most of the events take place at the magnificent Peterborough Cathedral, her final resting place.

Peterborough Cathedral is simply spectacular. It’s one of the finest Norman cathedrals in the country, and a sight to behold. The three pointed arches of the West Front are without architectural precedent; the fan vaulting is some of the most beautiful in the country (in line with Westminster Abbey, King’s College in Cambridge, and Gloucester Cathedral); the Norman nave and painted ceiling will make your jaw drop; and the cloisters are quiet and full of history.

Peterborough Cathedral did have a Visitor Center in the cathedral precincts with a permanent exhibition at one point – I visited in 2017. However, I don’t believe it’s still open. There was a lovely cafe in the Becket Chapel that I visited in 2018, which closed at some point in the past few years. I believe a new cafe opened in July 2023, Becket’s Tearooms!

Over the years, I have also attended events for the Katherine of Aragon Festival at Peterborough Museum and Peterborough Library in town. Both are within walking distance of the cathedral.

What to Expect at the Katherine of Aragon Festival

The program of events for the Katherine of Aragon Festival changes every year. I highly recommend checking the Peterborough Cathedral website, which will have all the up-to-date information for events. Note that some events may need to be booked in advance. There is always a Commemoration Service, tours, and at least one lecture/talk every year. Some events are aimed for kids, some for adults. But all of the events serve to showcase Katherine and the Tudor era.

Commemoration Service

I have attended the Commemoration Service for all the Katherine of Aragon Festivals I’ve been to. This is a real highlight of the festival – a special service at the cathedral, to honor this amazing woman. Many local school groups come for the service, to learn about this special queen. The event is always attended by civic dignitaries, including a representative of the Spanish Ambassador to the United Kingdom. In 2023, the Spanish Ambassador himself attended! Centuries later, it represents the strong connection Katherine formed between the two countries.

Katherine’s poignant last letter to Henry VIII is usually read at the end of the service. In the letter, she forgives him for everything, writes that she still loves him – and signs it, defiantly, Katherine, the Queen. During the service, wreaths are laid at Katherine’s tomb. Some people bring pomegranates, which were her symbol. I buy the cheapest flowers (always orange-red color) from Tesco down the street to lay at her grave every year – I’m sure she appreciates the sentiment nonetheless.

Historian/Author Lecture

This is one of the cornerstone events of the Katherine of Aragon Festival. Of course, the speaker and theme of their talk changes every year. But it obviously focuses on Katherine and the Tudor era. Two of my favorite speakers at the festival have been Suzannah Lipscomb (2017) and Alison Weir (2018). Both gave fantastic talks, diving deep into different aspects of Katherine’s life and legacy. They are actually two of my favorite historians, and I just loved hearing them talk about my favorite person!

Cathedral Tour/Walk

Peterborough Cathedral holds regular tours during the festival, which may incorporate a walk around the cathedral grounds or even the town. I highly recommend joining one if you can. Some years, they are led by Old Scarlett, a gravedigger who lived to be 98 (and buried two queens). I have been several times, and learned so much about the history and architecture of the cathedral! It was great to hear from a guide about the buildings in the cloisters, too. I had no idea about the history of what’s left standing.

Tower Tours

This is actually something I have never done – can you believe it?! After all of my visits to Peterborough to see the Cathedral, and I’ve never been up the tower! Hopefully I can make it up on a Tower Tour at some point in the future. The cathedral offers tower tours at certain events throughout the year, and sometimes during the festival.

Exhibition/Events at Peterborough Museum

Peterborough Museum is a wonderful museum in the city center, housed in an old Victorian hospital. Over the years, they have often had a special Tudor-era exhibition on in conjunction with the Katherine of Aragon Festival. While the museum is typically free, there’s sometimes a small charge for special exhibitions or events. Two of the permanent exhibitions I’ve enjoyed are Norman Cross, about a Napoleonic prison camp in the area, and Peterborough and its People, a history of modern life in Peterborough.

Vespers Service

Peterborough Cathedral usually holds a Vespers service, a service in the evening that was traditional during Katherine’s time. It’s sung by the Cathedral Choir. I’ve attended several times, and found it so atmospheric – especially being in such a stunning building after hours.

Meet the Tudors

Typically, there is some kind of event with costumed reenactors. They almost always are wearing realistic, historically accurate, clothing – which I love learning about! This is sometimes kid-focused, with activities for children, but sometimes they’re around during the main (adult) events of the festival.

In the past, there has been some sort of meal or event with reenactors and music. For example, one year it was a Pottage and Ale Supper. If it’s on, this will be a ticketed event, so be sure to book in advance if you want to go..

Where to Stay in Peterborough

There are a number of chain hotels in Peterborough, particularly close to the A1 highway. If you’re visiting Peterborough for the Katherine of Aragon Festival, I recommend staying somewhere central, preferably within walking distance of the cathedral. Be sure to check if parking is available if you’re planning to drive.

Park Inn by Radisson – I stayed here when I attended the festival in 2018, rooms are clean and comfortable, and it’s a good location

Bull Hotel (by Best Western) –a four-star hotel in a Grade II-listed property (formerly a 17th-century coaching inn) in the center of town

Pearl Hotel – a more budget-friendly option, but with lovely rooms and all the amenities you need

Other Places to Visit for Katherine of Aragon

Maybe not everyone will travel around the continent for Katherine of Aragon… but I have! Peterborough Cathedral, where she is buried, is the obvious place to visit to pay your respects. But if you want to visit other sites with a special connection to Katherine of Aragon, here are a few places to go!

Kimbolton Castle

Kimbolton Castle, where Katherine died in 1536, is still standing today. It is now a private school, so visiting is not allowed. However, Kimbolton School has open days with guided tours usually once or twice a year – tickets must be booked in advance. I have never been here, but I really hope to go soon!

Buckden Palace (Buckden Towers)

About half an hour from Peterborough Cathedral, Buckden Palace was the site of Katherine’s standoff with Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk, in 1533. She refused to accept the title of Princess Dowager (based on her first marriage to Henry’s brother, Prince Arthur), adamantly asserted that she was still the Queen, and locked herself in her room until Brandon gave up and left. The complex is now known as Buckden Towers, and is a conference and retreat center operated by Christian missionaries. It’s open to the public – it’s best to contact them in advance, though.

The Blackfriar in London

This pub was the scene of my favorite moment in history: 21 June 1529, the epic showdown during the divorce trial of Henry and Katherine. When Katherine was called to speak, she knelt down on her knees before Henry, said she had been a good wife to him, that she had been a virgin when she married him, and that she was taking her case to the Pope. And then she got up, and walked out of the court. WHAT A WOMAN! The best screen adaption of this moment (I’ve seen them all, so trust me I’m qualified to judge) is in the HBO series the Tudors. It’s Season 1, Episode 8, and about 40 minutes in – watch it on YouTube here. Dating back to 1875, the unique Art Nouveau pub stands on the site of Blackfriars Abbey, where this moment took place. It’s a great pub – I’ve been several times during my trips to London!

Alcalá de Henares, Spain

In May 2014, I arrived in the town of Alcalá de Henares at 7:15am after an overnight bus from Barcelona to Madrid. I walked out of the bus station with no map and no sense of direction (this was long before I had a smartphone with Google Maps), and was running on very little sleep. My feet found their way to the Archbishop’s Palace, where Katherine was born on 16 December 1485. There is a beautiful statue of her outside, commemorating her birthplace. I spent 17 out of 24 hours on buses to spend 10 minutes at this statue, and it meant everything to me.

Other Tudor Places to Visit Near Peterborough

If you’re wanting to experience more Tudor history around Peterborough, there are a number of historic sites to visit in the surrounding area!

Fotheringhay

This is a picturesque and charming little village in Northamptonshire. The parish church is the burial place of Richard Plantagenet, the 3rd Duke of York (father of King Edward IV) and has a glorious pre-Reformation pulpit. Make sure to visit the remains of Fotheringhay Castle – it’s really just a castle mound and one bit of wall. But this was where Richard III was born, and where Mary Queen of Scots was executed.

Burghley House

This magnificent stately home in Lincolnshire is just outside the pretty town of Stamford. Burghley House was the home of William Cecil, Lord Burghley, who was Queen Elizabeth I’s most trusted advisor. The house and gardens are open seasonally (closed during the winter) – I’ve only seen the outside from the parkland, but would love to visit the house and gardens someday!

Crowland Abbey

This is a pretty church, located in a quiet village in Lincolnshire. While there aren’t any known connections to notable Tudor figures, it’s likely that the Croyland Chronicle was from here. This is an important source of English medieval history, particularly the late 15th century, written by monks. I used this source many times during my research for my senior paper on Katherine of Aragon. Crowland Abbey is a beautiful place to visit – be sure to stroll through the ruins outside the church.

Ely

Ely is home to its own striking cathedral, which I’ve been lucky enough to visit twice. If you visit, be sure to look up at the colorful Octagon Tower! Ely was also the birthplace of Oliver Cromwell. While he lived a few generations after the Tudors, as the primary leader of the English Civil War he’s an important historic figure.

Leicester

Slightly further away from Peterborough is the city of Leicester. Prior to 2012, there would have been little reason for Tudor enthusiasts to visit. That all changed when the bones of King Richard III were discovered in a car park in Leicester. There is now an impressive King Richard III Visitor Center (I need to go!), all about the notorious royal. Leicester Cathedral is now the final resting place of this much-maligned king.

Katherine of Aragon and Me

I have admired this woman for most of my life, since I first started reading about the Tudors as a kid. She’s remembered in history as Henry VIII’s first wife (“divorced” in the common divorced, beheaded, survived, divorced, beheaded, survived rhyme of Henry’s six wives), the one who was cast aside. All too often, she is portrayed as a passive victim. But she was so much more than that. She was a skilled and savvy diplomat (she was actually the first female ambassador in Europe!), a brilliant leader who won and kept the love of the people for decades, and a caring mother and fierce advocate for her daughter.

At the Katherine of Aragon Festival in 2023, I was actually interviewed for a piece by the Associated Press! It was a spontaneous interview, I hadn’t prepared anything – but I was so honored to get to speak about this incredible woman. You can watch the interview below.

At the end of 2010, I was planning my first ever trip to the UK, with my best friend after my high school graduation. I printed out a picture of Peterborough Cathedral and stuck it in my wallet, in an effort to motivate myself and not spend money unnecessarily. I visited Katherine’s grave at Peterborough for the first time in July 2011, and took a photo with that same picture I’d kept in my wallet all those months.

When I had the chance to study abroad in Nottingham for the year, I simply had to attend the Katherine of Aragon Festival. And so I did – it was such a magical experience, to witness the historical figure you admire most be commemorated by so many others. After I moved to the UK permanently in 2016, the Katherine of Aragon Festival was my number one for UK travel plans. I attended the festival in both 2017 and 2018, getting to meet two of my favorite historians (one for the second time) and honor all things Katherine. In 2021, no public events were held for the festival due to the pandemic – but there was an online lecture over Zoom that I joined from my living room.

Attending the 2023 festival was especially meaningful to me. I have always loved this woman. But after everything I’ve been through in the last few years, I have never felt more connected to her. In my darkest hours, I felt that she was watching over me.

Like Katherine, I also moved to England for a guy and it didn’t work out. I was also betrayed, humiliated, and abandoned. I also found myself on my own in a foreign country, without the man who promised he would always support me. But, like Katherine, I am also a badass – and I survived, just like she did.

My love for Katherine of Aragon is something that will be with me for the rest of my life. After spending so much of my last year of university studying and writing about her, it’s an honor to remember her – and see her remembered by others – at the festival every year.

Whether you are interested in Tudor history or hoping to learn more about this incredible woman, the Katherine of Aragon Festival is a wonderful way to visit her final resting place and commemorate this incredible woman. I hope this guide helps in planning your visit to the Katherine of Aragon Festival at Peterborough Cathedral!

A huge thank you to everyone involved at Peterborough Cathedral for welcoming me over the years, and for making this wonderful festival happen each year!

Have you attended the Katherine of Aragon Festival or visited Peterborough before?

You might also like my posts:

9 Reasons to Visit Peterborough Cathedral

10 Tudor Places to Visit in London

How to Spend a Weekend in Lincoln and Lincolnshire

The Ultimate Yorkshire Guide: 99 Incredible Places to Visit in Yorkshire

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