This busy market town is defined by attractive Georgian architecture, which serves as a reminder of its prosperous past.
Nicknamed the “Capital of the Fens,” Wisbech originally flourished as a port town during medieval times and later became a successful agricultural center after the Fens were drained. Stroll along the Brinks, the Crescent or Museum Square and you’ll see some of the finest and most well-preserved Georgian street architecture in the country.
Explore Peckover House, a Georgian merchant’s town house dating back to the early 18th century. Home to the Peckover family for more than 100 years, the house’s elegant interior reflects the success of the Peckover’s private bank as well as the simple lifestyle required by the religious beliefs of Quakers. Stroll around the house’s 2-acre (0.8-hectare) garden, which encompasses a rose garden that is home to more than 60 different species.
Look inside the Wisbech & Fenland Museum, one of the oldest museums in the United Kingdom. Originally established as a museum of natural sciences in the 19th century, the museum is now dedicated to the heritage of Wisbech and the surrounding region. Don’t miss the original manuscript of Charles Dickens’ novel, Great Expectations.
Take a tour of historic Elgood's Brewery, which was among the first classic Georgian breweries to be built outside of London. Learn about traditional brewing methods and sample some of the brewery’s award-winning ales. Take some time to walk through the 4-acre (1.6-hectare) garden, found behind the brewery along the River Nene. See golden and ghost carp swimming in the lake and look for the garden’s beautiful centuries-old Ginkgo biloba tree.
Other noteworthy attractions in Wisbech include the historic Angles Theatre as well as Octavia Hill's Birthplace House, the former home of English social reformer Octavia Hill. Try to visit the town on a Thursday or Saturday, which are its main market days. On these days, the town’s atmosphere is particularly lively.
Travel between Wisbech and Cambridgeshire’s other major cities by bus. The nearest rail station is 14 miles (22 kilometers) away in King’s Lynn. If you visit during the summer, be sure to see the town’s delightful annual Rose Fair in July.
