The cathedral

There are activities in store for all ages at Peterborough Cathedral during October Half Term week.

For the adventurous over 10s and their families there are Roof Top Tours on Wednesday (25th), Saturday (28th) and Sunday (29th) . Follow the guide up the winding stone steps and emerge at the top of the tower to see spectacular views across the city. On the way back down see the cathedral from the inside and take a look at the 12th century windlass, which was used to lift heavy stones up from the ground when the building was constructed.

■ Children will love to get their hands on a copy of the new activity guide to the Cathedral, Monks, Mischief and Marauders, which was created by the children’s illustrator Emma Metcalfe.

It is packed full of amazing facts, challenges and jokes to guide you around the building, and is on sale for £2 per copy.

■ For the first time, from Thursday (26th), Explorer Backpacks will be launched. These child-sized backpacks are designed with children aged 7-and-under in mind, and include all the tools needed to explore the cathedral: a magnifying glass, a tape measure, a pair of binoculars etc. They are free to use, in exchange for a £5 refundable deposit paid at the Welcome Desk.

■ Becket’s Tea Room, just opposite the cathedral, is offering free cookiemaking from 2.00pm onwards, Monday to Friday during Half Term week, for children whose parents or carers drop in as customers. Stir your dough, shape your cookie, and wait for it to be baked ready to eat or take home.

■ Finally, there is a Drawing Tour on Saturday (28th), to which accompanied children over-11 are welcome. This is a great way for anyone who loves to draw to enjoy the Cathedral.

It is led by the artist and cathedral guide Lynne Collins, whose silk hangings inspired by the nave ceiling are currently on show in the cathedral visitor centre. The exhibition, Exquisite Heritage, includes work by Faye Gagel-Panchal and Liz Hunt and is on show until October 30.