March was once an island surrounded by marshes. As the land was drained and became more fertile the town grew and prospered. Today March is a busy market town on the course of the old River Nene which winds its way through the town centre, past the park and pretty riverside gardens.
The river is often busy with colourful narrow boats cruising the Fenland Waterways. This stretch of river is part of the Nene – Ouse Navigation Link which joins the River Nene at Peterborough with the River Great Ouse at Denver. March is a popular stopping off point for boaters with free moorings in the town centre close to the shops and places to eat.
The town centre has an unusual Broad street lined with shops and headed by an elaborate ‘fountain’ which was erected to commemorate the coronation of King George V. Just south of the river the March Museum housed in an old school has displays showing Fenland life over the past 100 years or so.
Further south the medieval Church of St Wendreda has a stunning double hammerbeam roof with120 carved angels which is said to be 'worth cycling 40 miles in a head wind' to see. March has a good variety of shops from well known high street names to small independent stores that have graced the streets of March for decades. There is also a great choice of places to eat from hotels and restaurants serving English, Chinese and Indian food to public houses offering traditional pub grub.
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Did you know?
Benjamin Gimbert, a London and North Eastern Railway driver from March, was awarded the George Cross for bravery after an ammunition train caught fire shortly before D-Day. Despite knowing the risk of explosion, he and his fireman separated the affected carriage. The carriage blew up but Gimbert's actions saved the entire train blowing up close to a heavily populated area, saving many lives. Gimbert was injured in the explosion and his colleague killed.
Further information
Wisbech Tourist Information Centre
2-3 Bridge Street
Wisbech
Cambridgeshire
PE13 1AF
Tel: 01945 583263
Fax: 01945 427199
email: tourism@fenland.gov.uk
to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
