Drolma Centre

The Drolma Centre sits just outside Peterborough and isn't what you'd expect when you hear 'church'. This is a Tibetan Buddhist centre, all red-painted walls and gold detailing, completely at odds with the Cambridgeshire landscape around it. Inside, the main temple is genuinely striking - high ceilings, intricate artwork, and an atmosphere of real stillness that catches you off guard.

It's not a museum or tourist attraction in the conventional sense. You're entering an active place of worship, so there's an expectation of quiet respect. Most visitors spend between 45 minutes and two hours here, depending on whether you chat with anyone or just sit and take it in. The garden areas are peaceful, though nothing fancy.

This works best for anyone with genuine curiosity about Buddhism or those after something completely different from the usual Norfolk Broads routine. It won't keep young children entertained for long, and it's not somewhere to dash round ticking boxes. If you're staying at Ferry Meadows or Nene Outdoors - both within a few miles - it makes a good half-day outing if you're interested in the spiritual rather than the recreational.

Bring an open mind more than a camera. Call ahead to check opening hours and whether there are any ceremonies on, as those do affect when you can visit. Admission appears free, but donations are clearly welcome.