Located on a kink in the River Nene, Wisbech is a historic market town and port in Cambridgeshire. It is renowned for its Georgian architecture and home to a circus-framed castle, as well as one of the United Kingdom’s oldest museums.
Things to do in Wisbech
Take a step back in time at the Wisbech & Fenland Museum, which was one of the first purpose-built museums in the United Kingdom. It was founded in 1835 in a Grade II-listed building designed by George Buckler. Highlights of the collection include an original manuscript of Charles Dickens's “Great Expectations” and a chest belonging to abolitionist Thomas Clarkson containing African textiles and leatherwork.
Just across the River Nene is Peckover House and Garden, a National Trust-run property that dates back to 1722. It encompasses a stately Georgian townhouse elegantly decorated with carved fireplace mantels and plaster moulds. Join a guided tour to explore the opulent interior and stroll through the Victorian walled garden planted with rare trees and roses. Also of note is the 17th-century reed thatched barn used as a theatre during World War II.
A short drive north-east of Wisbech is the Fenland and West Norfolk Aviation Museum, which houses an impressive collection of aircraft and aviation artefacts dating from World War I to the jet age. See the remains of wrecked aircraft uncovered in the Fens and exhibits of vintage uniforms and gas masks, with the displays accompanied by music from each era.
Getting around Wisbech
Wisbech is around 30 minutes’ drive from Peterborough and two hours from Birmingham Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. London is 2.5 hours away. Buses travel to Wisbech and the town is compact enough to explore on foot.