Mayor Paul Bristow launched the 2026 Mayor’s Day Out programme on February 11, 2026, to provide more than 4,000 young people across Peterborough and the wider Cambridgeshire region with free access to educational trips and activities.
The Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority is using £100,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to cover the full cost of travel and entry fees for 158 class groups. This funding is designed to remove financial barriers for schools and families, ensuring children can visit regional heritage and nature sites regardless of their background.
As of February 2026, 73 schools have already joined the scheme to visit 21 different destinations across the region. The project is managed by Cambridgeshire County Council, which handles the daily operations and coordinates with local venues and schools.
Young people participating in these trips can also earn digital badges through the Region of Learning initiative. These credentials provide a record of the skills and knowledge students gain while visiting attractions like the Museum of Zoology in Cambridge.
According to the Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce, the programme also helps the local economy by bringing more visitors to regional leisure and historical sites. The initiative aims to build local pride while supporting businesses in the visitor sector.
