Sitting proudly on a fertile plain of Fenland countryside, Wisbech is a Georgian town of elegance. The town looks back on a past of immense mercantile wealth, bolstered by its port, which exported produce from the surrounding agricultural land. Its origins, however, were unpromising. Situated in an almost impenetrable vastness of marshland, the area owes its charmed appearance to one man – John Morton.
Morton supported the Lancastrians in the War of the Roses and spent some of his life as a refugee in the Netherlands. Here he discovered how sluggish rivers could be drained, releasing the land from flooding.
When he returned to England in 1485, he was made Bishop of Ely and kick-started the draining of the surrounding Fens. Various attempts were made over successive years. However, it was the 1830s that spelt the final triumph, when steam pumps meant the area’s potential could be fully realised.
Wisbech became the centre of this new highly fertile landscape and a link was established with the coast. The wealth this brought the town is ever present in its fine 18th century buildings. Though the affluence of this period is no more, building conservation and time-old traditions – such as the presence of Elgood’s Brewery (est. 1795) – means the town continues to be an attraction for any Georgian enthusiast.
Things to do in Wisbech
- Wisbech
- Octavia Hill’s Birthplace House
- Elgood’s Brewery
- North Brink & South Brink
- Clarkson Memorial
- Wisbech Crescent
- Wisbech Castle
- Wisbech Museum
- St Peter & St Paul Church
- Wisbech Park
- Wisbech Luxe Cinema
- Wisbech Theatre
- Museum of Technology
- Fenland & West Norfolk Aviation Museum
- All Saints Church
Things to do in Wisbech
1. Peckover House
Wisbech’s North Brink Mansions are perhaps the most iconic feature of this country town. To experience what life was like when rich merchant families occupied these homes, pay a trip to Peckover House. This Georgian home is one of the finest in the town and was occupied by two prominent local families – the Southwells and the Peckovers. The house retains many period features and has a garden featuring many varieties of roses. It’s certainly one of the best things to do in Wisbech.
Admission: Free for National Trust Members
2. Octavia Hill’s Birthplace House
Across the road from the National Trust owned Peckover House, is the former home of Octavia Hill – one of the founders of the National Trust itself. The museum which now occupies the address tells the story of one of Victorian England’s most fascinating characters. Octavia was born to a local corn merchant and former banker and was a pioneer of social reform. The museum is an asset to the town and also has a cafe – Octavia View.
Admission: Free
3. Elgood’s Brewery
Though Wisbech’s glory days as a port extraordinaire may be gone, one enduring feature of the town is the operation of Elgood’s Brewery. Occupying a handsome premises at the end of Wisbech’s North Brink, Elgood’s Brewery is a local family-run business that has served the town since 1795. The brewery runs tours on certain dates in the year and also has a shop and gardens – described as Wisbech’s ‘best kept secret’. With a history stretching back over 200 years, it’s certainly one of the best things to do in Wisbech.
*Image is of Wisbech’s South Brink
Admission: £7.50 for adults
4. North Brink & South Brink
No visit to Wisbech is complete without a proper inspection of the North Brink and South Brink. The two streets face each other and form two of the finest Georgian streets in England. There are far too many beautiful houses to list completely but expect fine Georgian bays, pediments, pilasters and a lot of grandeur. Though most of the homes are in private ownership, a few are owned by commercial or charitable enterprises and are therefore open to the public to gaze within.
Admission: Free
5. Clarkson Memorial
Another feature that makes Wisbech special among country towns is the Clarkson Memorial.
The memorial is dedicated to one of history’s forgotten heroes – Thomas Clarkson, a Wisbech local who became one of the chief architects of the anti-slavery movement. The memorial celebrates the victory of Clarkson and his contemporaries and was designed by George Gilbert Scott (architect of St Pancras railway station). More history on Clarkson and his campaign techniques can be found in the museum.
Admission: Free
6. Wisbech Crescent
What makes Wisbech unique among country towns is its Georigan circus (usually confined to wealthy cities such as Bath or London). The circus, formed by three streets – The Crescent, Union Place and Ely Place – was the master plan of local builder Joseph Medworth. He bought the plot (formerly occupied by a castle) in 1792 and set about transforming the site. The area remains pretty much just as it did on completion and forms a circle round Wisbech Castle – one of the lesser known things to do in Wisbech.
Admission: Free
7. Wisbech Castle
Wisbech Castle occupies the site of a Norman Castle and is in fact a Regency Villa. The site has been occupied by a number of prominent homes, including a bishop’s palace, where the current structure dates to 1816. The castle was purchased by the Town Council in 2018 and is currently leased to a community group who seek to bring the building back into public use. A number of events are held each year to rally support, including garden concerts and sleepovers.
Admission: Free
8. Wisbech Museum
After strolling around Wisbech’s Crescent, you journey through Museum Square before reaching the parish church. Though the gardens beyond may look tempting, one cannot help but gaze up at the lofty Georgian Mansion occupied by the town’s museum. The building is special, being among the first buildings in the country designed as a museum. Inside you’ll find artefacts that document the natural and cultural heritage of Wisbech and the surrounding Fens. With free admission and a host of attractions, it should be top of your list of things to do in Wisbech.
Admission: Free
9. St Peter & St Paul Church
St Peter & St Paul Church lies in the centre of Wisbech and forms a prominent landmark over the town. The current church was built in the 12th century and is most remembered for its perpendicular tower. Inside the most discerning feature is the presence of two naves – one Norman and the other being a mixture of Perpendicular and Decorated Gothic. The building overall is charming, though a bit haphazard and is circled by glorious gardens, full of flowers in summertime.
Admission: Free
10. Wisbech Park
Once you’ve tired of all Wisbech’s architectural delights, a perfect spot to relax and escape the crowds is Wisbech Park. Located somewhat unfortunately just outside the town centre, across Churchill Road, this Victorian park has been welcoming visitors since 1869. Encompassing 11 acres, the park offers large open grass fields and mature wooded areas, with an apple orchard and winter gardens.
Admission: Free
11. Luxe Cinema
In the evening, when your legs are tired from exploring Wisbech’s attractions, there is no better place to relax than the town’s independent cinema. Small, independent cinemas are part of what makes small towns like Wisbech such nice places to visit. Luxe Cinema opened in 2009 and is housed in a former Women’s Institute hall. The interior offers a perfect place to cosy up and relax on a sofa to watch films in utmost comfort. With a licensed bar and lounge, it’s also a lovely place for a tipple.
Admission: £5 for adults
12. Angles Theatre
Like many Georgian Towns in England, Wisbech has a Georgian playhouse. Angles Theatre is believed to have been built in 1790 and consists of the original 18th century playhouse and a former ‘infant’ school (built in 1837 by Octavia Hill’s Parents). The theatre has a sense of small provincial elegance and hosts many amateur dramatic performances and concerts throughout the year. Located on the same street as Luxe Cinema, it’s another great option for an evening’s entertainment.
Admission: Prices Vary
13. Museum of Technology
Though Wisbech is primarily a town for Georgian history, journey 8 miles west along Leverington Common, and you’ll chance upon the Museum of Technology, The History of Gadgets and Gizmos. This little treasure of a museum is run entirely by volunteers and charts the small period of history when technology took over the world – 1950-1980. Offering you a chance to step back in time, the museum also has a cafe serving teas and coffees. It’s one of the lesser known things to do in Wisbech and a real treasure.
*Image is of Wisbech’s South Brink
Admission: £5 for adults
14. Fenland & West Norfolk Aviation Museum
Another countryside museum near Wisbech, this time located north-west of the town, is the Fenland & West Norfolk Aviation Museum. This small museum – again run entirely by a team of volunteers – contains a range of aircraft memorabilia, including life size models and small artifacts recovered from wreckages. The museum is a great find for any engineer enthusiast with lots to peruse over before heading to Walsoken Church.
Admission: £3 for adults
15. All Saints Church
Lying in what is now a village-suburb of Wisbech, All Saints Church, Walsoken is another ecclesiastical beauty in this fenland town. The church is noted in England’s Thousand Best Churches – a book that commends the church’s substantial Norman interiors. Also of note is the striking pair of painted figures facing each other at opposite ends of the nave. An angel roof and medieval bench ends complete the picture, making the church ‘the grandest Norman Parish Church in Norfolk’ (Pevsner: 1999). Though it’s a bit further out, it’s certainly one of the best things to do in Wisbech.
Adults: Free
20 Best Georgian Towns in England
As you can see from the above pictures, Wisbech is deliciously Georgian. Discover more Georgian beauties in my post on the 20 Best Georgian Towns in England. Enjoy!