Some of Peterborough’s best days out are the ones people don’t mention first.

Railworld Wildlife Haven, on Oundle Road, is a strong contender for the title of local attraction that’s better than expected.

 It isn’t just a model railway, and it isn’t just a wildlife garden.

It’s a volunteer-run charity that turned a former coal yard into a green space filled with railway history, ponds, gardens and environmental displays.

And yes, there’s a hovertrain.

The RTV 31 hovertrain is one of the site’s more unusual exhibits, alongside model railways, railway artefacts and Globe Hall.

Visitors can also follow quiet paths through the gardens and around the ponds, with the River Nene close by.

That mix is the reason Railworld works for more than one kind of visitor: a railway enthusiast may head straight for the trains, while someone else might simply want a gentle wander somewhere different.

It’s at Oundle Road, Peterborough, PE2 9NR, close to Peterborough Nene Valley Railway station.

Discover Peterborough also lists access from Ferry Meadow car park

 Admission charges apply, and the money supports the charity.

Visitor days, prices, access arrangements and which exhibits are available can change, so check Railworld’s own visitor information before setting off.

That last point is worth taking seriously.

This is not a large commercial attraction with the same timetable every day.

It is a volunteer-led site, so planning ahead is part of the bargain.

“The reward is a day out that feels rather different from the usual formula.

Railworld isn’t the only place that deserves a second look.

Flag Fen Archaeology Park, at The Droveway on Northey Road, offers a 3,500-year-old Bronze Age landscape, a timber causeway and wildlife interest.

 It is the sort of place that can sound niche until you’re standing beside something built thousands of years ago.

In the city centre, Peterborough Cathedral is another easy option to overlook if you think of it only as a place for services.

It offers visitor access at the Minster Precincts, with entry by donation and opening times that can change around events or access restrictions.

None of these is a universal winner.

 A family looking for space to explore may prefer Flag Fen.

A railway fan may choose Railworld. Someone after history, architecture or a calm city-centre visit may head to the cathedral.

So which Peterborough attraction has surprised you?

Tell us the place, what made it worth the trip and one practical detail another visitor should know such as parking, timings, age suitability or what to see first.

We’ll use the strongest local nominations to build a follow-up.